Why You Should Add Interests To Your Resume
When it comes to the subject of hobbies, there are many different answers. Some companies may view hobbies and other interests as liabilities because they may distract from work. But it is important to remember that your job does not depend on hobbies, work, or even interests. In this article, share how to list interests and hobbies on your current resume, what kinds of hobbies and interest work best, and what you shouldn’t include in your resume.
The fact is, hobbies can make a difference in the right circumstances. If you have a compatible job description, it will make your chances of getting hired higher. For example, if you like working with woodworking, consider adding hobbies such as painting or wood finishing to your job description. A woodworker will have more opportunities to get hired for jobs than a person who only paints his rooms.
Another advantage to listing your hobbies on your resume is that it saves time. Most people do not spend time researching their potential employers. If your dream is to work in an accounting office, you will have to research the accounting industry and fill out dozens of questionnaires. You will also have to arrange interviews with accountants and other personnel. So if you add a hobby on your resume–even something as simple as playing with wood toys–you will be able to spare a little more time for your research.
But even though hobbies can be beneficial, keep in mind that it will only show properly if you use it as part of your description. For example, if you are applying for a position as a sales manager, a sample resume should contain your educational background, work experience, skills, awards and accomplishments, etc., but don’t mention your hobby or other interests. For example, if you’re favorite pastime is collecting comic books, a sample resume should state that you enjoy reading comic books and keeping them organized. You should avoid mentioning other interests, such as basketball, football, or a vocation. Also, don’t list your hobbies if you don’t have any–it will look like you are only interested in your job!
One last thing to keep in mind is that hobbies can be seen as a negative in the work culture. Some companies believe that hobbies show laziness or are just a sign of a lack of responsibility. So if you are applying for a job that requires a great deal of attention to detail, you might want to consider taking a break from your hobbies for a while. This doesn’t mean that you must give up all of your interests, but remember that a professional resume should represent who you are and not just who you do.
You can save time by finding hobbies that interest you. Even if you think that you would enjoy doing something else, it could be that you simply do not enjoy what you are doing right now. If this is the case, consider taking up a hobby that does not require a lot of time and energy. Reading books is an excellent hobby that can help you to learn new things and to keep up with current events. The bookstores in your area or online are excellent resources for finding a variety of different books on nearly every topic.
Finally, remember that while your interests might not always be appropriate for the job you are applying for, they can be perfect for other parts of your job. For instance, some people might not think of dancing as an interest, but many of us identify with the fact that we have fun with music. And even if your work culture has no room for dancing, it is perfectly acceptable to dabble in a little bit of ballroom dancing in your spare time. Your job may not require much more than a song or two and a good dance number at the end of a meeting, but you will feel much better about yourself if you take a break from your job’s demands and find time to do something you enjoy.
So what are your hobbies? Have you considered including them on your job application or your resume? Whether you are looking for a fun, creative way to list your interests or you simply want to list your best hobbies, consider making these additions to your document.