Hobbies and Interests: How can I make them work for me?

The interests and hobbies section of a CV is often overlooked, but it can be an important part for several reasons, especially when used strategically. Here’s why:

1. Showcasing Personal Traits

Your hobbies and interests can highlight personal qualities that are relevant to the job, such as teamwork, leadership, creativity, or dedication. For example, playing a team sport demonstrates teamwork and collaboration, while solo hobbies like painting or writing reflect creativity and independence.

2. Cultural Fit

Employers often look for candidates who will fit in well with the company’s culture. Including hobbies gives hiring managers a glimpse into your personality and whether you share common values or interests with the team or organization.

3. Demonstrating Soft Skills

Interests can also show off your soft skills (e.g., communication, time management, problem-solving) in a way that isn’t explicitly covered in the experience or education sections. For instance, volunteer work can reflect empathy and commitment, or playing chess may indicate strategic thinking.

4. Unique Differentiator

In competitive job markets, where many candidates have similar qualifications, listing unique or unusual hobbies can make you stand out. A recruiter may remember you for your interesting hobby, leading to a more memorable and personalised conversation during the interview.

5. Conversation Starter

Including hobbies that are interesting or relevant can serve as icebreakers during an interview, helping to create a more relaxed and engaging dialogue between you and the recruiter. It can also offer an opportunity for you to connect with the interviewer on a personal level.

6. Evidence of a Well-Rounded Personality

Employers appreciate individuals who have a balanced life and pursue interests outside of work. This suggests that you are well-rounded, passionate, and engaged in continuous learning or self-development.

7. Relevance to the Job

Some hobbies and interests may have a direct link to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job in graphic design, listing photography or art as hobbies could reinforce your genuine passion and skill in the field.

How to match your interests with the job you are applying for:

There are thousands of hobbies and interests that people include in their CVs. Selecting the correct hobbies to include will depend on a number of factors, including the company sector and the job role/specifications.

Check out the job specification and look for clues

For example, if the job holder must have “excellent people skills”, you could mention your volunteering, team sports or socialising activities – all of which develop your communication, interpersonal and people skills. Don’t mention playing chess or jogging as that would be irrelevant.

If, on the other hand, the job specification states that the person must possess “outstanding technical skills”, you would mention playing chess, building computers and upgrading computer networks – things that indicate that you are technically competent and analytical-minded. Don’t mention socialising events because that would be less relevant.

Researching the company’s culture

Many companies have a ‘culture’ in the way they operate and how employees of that organisation behave. Google, for instance, is now famously known for allowing employees to play games, take a walk or do sports in order to relieve stress or become more productive during working hours. When applying for a job at a company like Google, there is no harm in showing a little bit of your fun, playful and human side because that fits in nicely with their company culture.

Make a list of your skills and abilities

It is always a good idea to write down the list of skills and abilities that you possess and see which of these would add value if you include it in your CV. Skills and abilities are closely related to your hobbies and interest; therefore, you may include them in this section too.

Remember – Be prepared to discuss whatever you put in your CV!