Include hobbies and interests area on your application form and you’ll give more compelling reasons to think that you’re a good fit for an employer. So, lets look at a few good and bad examples. Yoga. If you’re into it, then it’s definitely worth including on your application. However, if you’re an accountant or a solicitor, you may be better off to look elsewhere.
Fishing. Again, if you’re into it, include it, but maybe it’s best just not on the CV. Many CVs have hobbies and interests listed separately and some employers won’t go for the idea if they see your particular interest is fishing for bass, for example. You could try listing it under fishing for one of the more mainstream types of fish – these include salmon, trout, halibut etc. Some companies do include this as an element of the CV, though.
Gardening. If you’ve grown a large garden or built a wall or a fence yourself, include it on the CV. It will show that your are enthusiastic about the job and may even open up positions to be held by those who enjoy gardening as well as other skills. This is another good reason for including your hobbies on the CV.
Swimming. If you swim regularly or at least once a week, it shows that you have an interest in exercise and leisure time, which employers like. A swimming related hobby or interest may open up further opportunities in the job description.
Gardening. This is another good one. If you grew a large garden or built a fence or wall yourself, it will open up further opportunities for those skills. Again, those with hobbies relating to gardening could include this on their CV. This is a double boost for those with gardening hobbies as it shows potential employers that not only do you have the gardening ability, but you also take pride in it.
Horse riding or fly-fishing. Again, if you grew a large garden or built a wall or fence yourself, it will open up opportunities for you. Many people also link horse riding or fly-fishing up with relaxing thoughts and it can show potential employers that you enjoy being out in the fresh air and enjoying nature. For those with no hobbies relating to farming, some employers will overlook this, but again, for those with a hobby you mention on your CV, it shows that you have a passion for the work or sport. For those without any hobbies, they will see the CV as a list of jobs they cannot do.
There are so many great reasons why hobbies should be highlighted on a CV, rather than just something that has to be included. However, it is important that you do not overdo it. You don’t want to come across as a pushy employer that has too many hobbies that don’t relate to work culture at all. You should aim to be honest and avoid using humour as a selling tool. Remember that your potential employers may be doing other jobs as well and including hobbies will make your job seem a little more interesting.
In conclusion, there are many people who are aware of what their hobbies are on their CV’s but they don’t put them on their profile, which can leave them vulnerable to many people who only pretend to like the things they like. The key is to be honest and do not lie about your hobbies on your CV – if you do, you may end up being passed over for a position in a company where you have the skills they are after. If you have a hobby that relates to a particular area of work, use it on your CV, showing potential employers that not only do you have interest, but you can get involved in the work you choose.