When it comes to crafting a compelling CV, most of us tend to focus on the technical skills, professional experience, and education sections. However, one often overlooked area that can make a difference in landing the job is the hobbies and interests section. Including your personal interests not only adds character to your CV but can also set you apart from other candidates by showcasing skills or attributes that aren’t always evident in your professional background. But how do you go about it correctly?
I will guide you through the process of how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples) in a way that resonates with hiring managers and aligns with best practices for presenting yourself.
Why Include Hobbies and Interests on a CV?
You might wonder why including hobbies and interests on a CV is even necessary. I understand the hesitation. After all, aren’t employers more interested in your qualifications and professional experience? Yes, that’s true, but hobbies and interests can provide a unique insight into your personality, work ethic, and cultural fit within a company.
For instance, if you’re applying for a creative role, hobbies like photography or writing can highlight your artistic sensibility. Similarly, interests in team sports can reflect your teamwork and leadership abilities, which are invaluable in collaborative work environments. Knowing how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples) effectively can give you that edge when an employer is comparing candidates with similar technical qualifications.
When to Include Hobbies and Interests
Not every CV needs a hobbies and interests section. When deciding whether or not to include this part, I like to ask myself, “Will these hobbies and interests help me stand out?” If you’re applying for a job where cultural fit is essential or where the company emphasizes work-life balance, this section can provide an additional layer of personal insight that helps the hiring manager gauge how well you would fit into their team.
On the other hand, if the job is highly technical and formal let’s say, a research role in a laboratory the hobbies and interests section may not carry much weight unless it’s directly relevant. If you decide to include this section, make sure it doesn’t overwhelm your qualifications but complements them.
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How to List Hobbies and Interests on a CV (With Examples)
1. Relevance to the Job Role
First, I focus on the job I’m applying for and consider whether my hobbies and interests align with the role. Let’s say you’re applying for a job as a software developer, and you enjoy solving puzzles or playing strategy games in your spare time. These hobbies demonstrate problem-solving skills and logical thinking, which are directly relevant to the job. Here’s an example of how you might include this in your CV:
Example:
- Solving puzzles and playing chess, which helps to develop strategic thinking and enhance problem-solving abilities.
2. Highlighting Transferable Skills
When listing hobbies and interests, I always try to emphasize transferable skills. Whether it’s communication, leadership, or creativity, your hobbies can reflect these abilities in a way that’s easy for the employer to see. For instance, if you enjoy public speaking, you could write:
Example:
- Active member of a public speaking club, enhancing communication and presentation skills.
By connecting the dots between your interests and the transferable skills they develop, you’re showing the employer how your extracurricular activities make you a stronger candidate for the role. Knowing how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples) means doing more than just naming them; it means explaining why they matter.
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3. Showcasing Soft Skills
Employers are increasingly valuing soft skills like emotional intelligence, teamwork, and adaptability. Your hobbies and interests are a great way to subtly showcase these qualities. If you volunteer in your community or participate in a group activity like a book club, it demonstrates teamwork, empathy, and a desire to contribute to something bigger than yourself. Here’s how I might word this on a CV:
Example:
- Volunteer at a local charity organization, contributing to team efforts and developing leadership qualities through community service.
4. Avoiding Controversial or Irrelevant Hobbies
Not all hobbies are created equal, and not every interest is appropriate to list on a CV. I always steer clear of hobbies that may be controversial, overly political, or irrelevant to the job. For example, it’s generally not a good idea to list activities like gambling or hunting unless they are directly related to the industry you’re applying to.
If you’re uncertain whether a hobby is appropriate, I recommend asking yourself whether it adds value to your application. Will it help the employer understand you better as a candidate? If the answer is no, leave it out. Understanding how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples) includes knowing when not to list certain activities.
5. Keeping It Short and Relevant
While I aim to make my CV as comprehensive as possible, I also know the importance of brevity. The hobbies and interests section should typically be just a few lines, usually no more than 4–6 points. Each hobby or interest should add value, either by highlighting a relevant skill or giving the employer insight into my personality. Here’s a succinct way to list hobbies and interests:
Example:
- Avid runner, participating in marathons to maintain discipline and goal-setting abilities.
- Amateur photographer, enhancing creativity and attention to detail through nature photography.
Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Include on a CV
Now that we’ve covered the importance and strategy of how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples), let’s look at some specific examples of hobbies you could include, depending on the job you’re applying for.
- Creative roles:
- Painting, drawing, or photography: highlights creativity and attention to detail.
- Writing: demonstrates communication skills and creativity.
- Acting or drama: showcases public speaking and teamwork.
- Technical roles:
- Coding in your spare time: shows a passion for your field.
- Solving puzzles: highlights problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Building DIY electronics: demonstrates a hands-on approach and technical knowledge.
- Leadership or management roles:
- Coaching a sports team: showcases leadership, teamwork, and the ability to motivate others.
- Organizing community events: reflects organizational and leadership skills.
- Participating in group sports: indicates teamwork, discipline, and time management.
- Customer-facing roles:
- Volunteering: highlights empathy, teamwork, and communication.
- Traveling: reflects adaptability and cultural awareness.
- Cooking or baking: indicates attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
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Tailoring Your Hobbies to the Job Description
When I’m applying for a new job, one thing I always do is revisit the job description to see how I can tailor my hobbies and interests to align with the company’s values. For example, if the job ad mentions that they value creativity and innovation, I will highlight hobbies that demonstrate those qualities, such as photography or writing. If the role emphasizes teamwork and leadership, I might mention my experience coaching a local sports team or organizing community events.
Understanding how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples) involves looking beyond the surface and thinking strategically about how each hobby or interest aligns with the job.
Dos and Don’ts for Listing Hobbies and Interests
Here are some quick dos and don’ts that I follow when listing hobbies and interests on a CV:
- Do: Keep it relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor this section just as you would your professional experience.
- Do: Emphasize hobbies that highlight transferable skills like communication, leadership, or creativity.
- Do: Keep it brief and concise.
- Do: Use hobbies to showcase your soft skills, such as teamwork or emotional intelligence.
- Don’t: List hobbies that are too personal or irrelevant to the job. Avoid controversial activities.
- Don’t: Include hobbies that could be misinterpreted by the employer, such as excessive gaming or risky behaviors.
- Don’t: Make this section the focus of your CV. It’s supplementary, not central.
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Conclusion
Learning how to list hobbies and interests on a CV (with examples) is an art. While it may seem like a minor section of your CV, it can play a crucial role in giving employers a well-rounded view of who you are as a person and how you would fit into their company culture. By choosing hobbies that reflect your skills and personality, you can create a more compelling CV that stands out among the competition.
Remember, the key is to keep it relevant, concise, and aligned with the job you’re applying for. Whether you’re highlighting problem-solving skills through puzzles or showcasing leadership through team sports, the right hobbies and interests can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.