Should I include my hobbies in my CV?

Jobseekers may use existing CV templates to highlight their work experiences and soft skills, but it is not always a one-size fit all. Your CV serves as a window into your capabilities, achievements, and potential contributions to a company. Amidst all the details, where do your hobbies and interests fit in? Your hobbies and interests are the extracurricular activities you engage in during your free time. But how relevant are they to your job application?

The Impact of Hobbies

1. Transferable Skills: Consider hobbies that showcase transferable skills. For instance:
   • Writing a novel reveals copywriting or proofreading abilities.
   • Theatre involvement reflects successful public speaking skills.
   • Hobby painters might have an inclination toward graphic design.
      
2. Employer’s Perspective: Remember, potential employers seek reasons to hire you. Tailor your CV to their needs. Specify how your relevant extracurricular experiences can benefit the company.

In summary, thoughtful inclusion of hobbies can make your CV stand out and provide valuable insights into your character and abilities.

The Advantage of Including Your Hobbies in your CV

• Humanising Factor for Your CV:

Adding hobbies to your CV allows you to showcase your personality beyond your professional achievements. It humanises you and provides a glimpse into your life outside of work. For instance, if you earned a computer science degree but aspire to shift into a marketing career, consider highlighting creative skills such as photography, design, travel experience, and community involvement. Demonstrating these abilities can showcase your readiness for a creative role.

• Conversation Starter in Interviews:

Hobbies can serve as excellent icebreakers during interviews. Interviewers often appreciate relaxed conversation points that allow them to get to know you better. Hobbies can be valuable conversation starters during interviews, helping you connect with interviewers on a personal level.

• Adding Depth to Your Profile:

When you include hobbies on your CV or professional profiles, you create a more holistic picture of yourself. Employers and recruiters gain insights into your character, values, and how you spend your time outside of work. For instance, your hobbies may showcase your values and character which may align with the organisation’s goals. For instance, volunteering for a cause reflects your commitment to social responsibility which may be sought-after in non-profit organisations.

Where to Include Hobbies on a CV

If you’ve got the space and transferable skills, by all means feel free to include hobbies and interest section. The structure of your CV should look something like this:

What to Consider When Including Hobbies in CV?

Remember that while hobbies can showcase your personality, they’re just one aspect of who you are. Recruiters prioritise transferable skills. If your interests don’t contribute relevant skills or if you have limited hobbies, consider focusing on other achievements in your CV. Keep it concise and impactful. Here are some reasons you might not want to include hobbies in your CV:

• Relevance of Hobbies to job skills

When including hobbies in your CV, it’s essential to consider their relevance to the position you’re applying for. Ask yourself whether your hobbies demonstrate skills or qualities that align with the job requirements. Research emphasise the importance of aligning hobbies with job-related skills. For instance, if you’re applying for a project management role, hobbies that demonstrate organisational skills or teamwork are more relevant.

• Your CV is length and conciseness

While it’s essential to provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, a CV that is too lengthy can be overwhelming for recruiters. They often have limited time to review each application. External research highlights the need for concise CVs. Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds scanning each CV. Avoid unnecessary fluff, especially in the hobbies section.

• Quality over Quantity in Hobbies

If your hobbies are limited, focus on other sections of your CV, such as education, work experience, or certifications. Highlight achievements that directly relate to the job and demonstrate your qualifications. A study emphasise that a well-curated list of hobbies can be more impactful than an exhaustive one. Focus on hobbies that showcase transferable skills relevant to the job.

What are some good examples on listing hobbies in my CV?

When crafting your CV to impress potential employers, consider highlighting hobbies that reflect transferable skills. For instance:

• Problem-solving Abilities: Intellectual pastimes such as participating in chess clubs or book discussions can illustrate your knack for solving challenges. Similarly, engaging in interactive activities like cooking workshops or escape rooms also showcases your ability to navigate complex situations.
   
• Communication Proficiency: Activities that involve substantial interaction with others, such as volunteering with community organizations or participating in theatrical productions, can highlight your communication skills. Coaching a sports team or learning a new language also demands effective communication.
   
• Project Management Expertise: Engaging in creative or organizational hobbies, like writing a blog, painting, planning social events, or coaching a sports team, can demonstrate your capacity for managing projects and leading teams.
   
• Teamwork Capabilities: Illustrate your collaborative spirit by mentioning involvement in group activities, whether it’s playing on a local sports team, joining a theatre troupe, or taking part in group art classes.
   
• Creativity: Showcase your imaginative side through your involvement in the arts, whether you’re an artist, a writer, a musician, or a performer. Discussing your own creative projects or collaborations within your community can serve as a testament to your innovative skills.