When writing your job CV, be sure to include a list of your passions and hobbies so that hiring managers can learn a bit more about you. It helps you stand out from other candidates. Below are some things that HR professionals love to see to make sure you’re the best person for the job.
Make sure that any hobbies or interests that you include on your CV are relevant to the job…otherwise, leave them off.
Hobbies and Interests are just a way to help you differentiate yourself from other candidates. Your CV, make sure that they are relevant and easy to connect to the job. Most importantly though, make sure that the information is positive.
Why Put a List of Hobbies and Interests on a CV?
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies are things you enjoy and are interested in that are not part of your job. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, selling is your hobby. If you want to be a nurse, caring for others is your hobby.
It’s important to demonstrate that you are qualified for the job and have skills that will make a difference in the workplace. One way to do this is by giving reasons behind your hobbies.
What are your interests?
An interest is something that you are interested in, but don’t necessarily devote all of your time to. You probably have between 2-3 interests. If you don’t have a personal site or blog, consider writing a list of your interests and posting them on a blog or website.
The reason for putting hobbies and interests is actually a simple one: because they help to illustrate your personality and personal skills.
It is important to stress that not all jobs require this information, but many do.
Top 10 Reasons to put a list of Hobbies and Interests on your CV:
A CV is a memorable document. Recruiters like it when they can see what kind of person you are, rather than just reading about how much experience you have in certain areas.
People who can express their personality well and show they are fun, interesting people that a company would enjoy employing will always get a place over more qualified candidates.
It is so important to communicate your personality in your CV, as many companies don’t like employees who don’t fit in with the corporate culture.
Variety
You should include as many hobbies and interests as you can see relevant, and that you have enough information about to make it worth including.
Include some that show you have an active lifestyle such as sports, and some that show you are creative such as writing or painting.
Your personality should be coming across in your CV, and indeed it is important for it to come across. This is a way of showing who you are without having to say it explicitly.
Of course, if you have a lot of hobbies and interests that show you are a workaholic or someone who is so focused on one particular thing that they neglect other aspects of their life, then it may not be the best thing to include them. The point is to show your personality, not to advertise it.
What Your Hobbies and Interests Say About You?
Your hobbies and interests are a way for people to view your personality. Your hobbies and interests can also show your creativity and how you spend your free time.
They can even show how much time you have to devote to certain activities.
For a great example of this, take a look at what your hobbies say about you and the way your academic studies have been going:
- If you have no interest outside of academia, it says that you are probably spending too much time studying. Don’t worry, we’re all guilty of this, but it is important to have other interests that help you to unwind.
- If you are involved in many activities outside of your studies it says that you are a very active person. This can be a plus for some employers as employees who have a wide variety of interests tend to be very well rounded and can bring these things into the workplace.
- If you have a lot of interest but only participate in one or two, then it is often a sign that you are not ready to commit to something just yet. It may also show that you are trying to find your niche and that you need more time before choosing what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life.
g TV. This is not networking, but it is still a good way of spending your time on your own.
Everyone has their own interests and hobbies, and this is how you show that you are an individual with a unique personality. Sometimes professions require extra qualifications, but the fact that you have the drive and initiative to pursue your own interests shows that you can also apply them to your work.
Also, hobbies often reflect something in your personal life too (e.g. you may enjoy playing with dolls if you are a mother or father). In many ways, it is another way of showing your personality.
Check our free CV examples for your reference.
What Kinds of Hobbies and Interests There Are?
- Interest in painting, sculpture, music, photography etc.
- Social – Interests in being with others in a social environment such as going to the cinema or watching TV. This is not networking, but it is still a good way of spending your time on your own.
- Interests in being with others in a social environment such as going to the cinema or watchin TV. This is not networking, but it is still a good way of spending your time on your own. Sports – Interest in playing any sport such as football, tennis, hockey, golf
- Interest in playing any sport such as football, tennis, hockey, golf Hobbies and Interests to Put on a CV – Make the most of this section in your CV template: list out all the hobbies and interests you have that could make a difference to a job or career.
- Make the most of this section in your CV: list out all the hobbies and interests you have that could make a difference to a job or career.
- Interests in sports such as golf, tennis, swimming, guitar playing, etc. Languages – Interests in languages such as Spanish or French.
- Interests in languages such as Spanish or French. Hobbies and Interests to Put on a CV – Make the most of this section in your CV: list out all the hobbies and interests you have that could make a difference to a job or career.
Top 20 best hobbies and personal interests to put on a CV:
- Reading Books:
Reading is an excellent way of relaxing and forgetting about the daily stresses of life. It can also be quite useful for getting ideas, and seeing other people’s perspective. - Writing:
Writing is an excellent way to express yourself and it will often be a healthy release of emotions. It will also show that you have above average writing skills so it would be an excellent addition to any CV . - Sports:
Sports (especially Team Sports) show that you are an active person who likes to spend time with others. It also shows that you have ambition and desire. - Traveling:
Traveling is a good way of increasing your social life and showing your ability to adapt to new situations and environments. - Photography:
Photography is a good way of expressing your creativity and it can have many applications in the job market. - Blogging:
Blogging helps you to express yourself and it is surprisingly easy to make a profit from blogging. It is also beneficial for the CV as it shows that you are able to (and enjoy) communicating online. - Volunteering:
Volunteering shows that you have a strong sense of social responsibility and that you are willing to make sacrifices (even if only for a few hours) for the sake of others. This shows that you are considerate of others which can be important in any job or career. - Dance:
Dancing is a great way of showing your ability to have fun and be expressive. It shows that you enjoy creating art and are not afraid to show it to others. - Languages:
Languages are essential in the job market and the more languages you speak, the more options you will have. Languages also show that you are considerate towards other cultures which can help in any job or career. - Podcasting:
Podcasting allows you to express yourself in an interesting way (think of it as poetry on steroids!). It is also quite good for marketing yourself as a person. - Drawing:
Drawing is another good way of expressing yourself and showing your creativity. It is easy to do and shows that you have above average artistic ability. - Singing:
Singing can be useful in acting as a distraction, but it can also be quite a useful tool to help you relax or unwind. - Yoga:
Yoga is an excellent way of exploring the mind and the body. It is also a great stress buster and has many health benefits. - Mixing Music:
Mixing music allows you to express yourself by creating your own unique style. It can also be used as a marketing tool for yourself as it shows that you have taste and are creative which would be beneficial in any job or career. - Climbing:
Climbing can be a very challenging and fun hobby, especially when you are outside. It is also a good way of testing your limits and learning new skills. - Woodworking :
Woodworking is a great hobby for those who like to be creative and it also shows that you are handy with tools, which can be beneficial for some jobs or careers. - Playing Games:
Playing games can be an excellent way of relaxing and escapism, especially if it is only occasional. It is also good for testing your skills and showing that you have above average abilities – e.g. playing computer games such as chess or poker . - Singing:
Singing is an interesting hobby to have as it helps you to express yourself and can help you relax. It can also be used effectively in acting as a distraction, but it can also be quite a useful tool to help you relax and unwind. - Chess:
Chess is a fun game that will test your strategic abilities along with your mental stamina. It is also a great way of improving your chess skills. - Model Making:
Model Making is an easy hobby to have and it benefits the CV as it shows that you have above average artistic ability.
Getting interested check out our examples of a good CV and free CV builder.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common question asked on a CV is probably “What are your hobbies and interests?” This is a great question to ask because it allows the employer to get to know you on a more personal level. It also allows them to see if you have any hobbies or interests that relate to the job you are applying for.
This is another common question that employers will ask about your hobbies and interests. They want to know if you have any hobbies or interests that relate to the job you are applying for. This can show them that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests.
This question allows the employer to get to know you on a more personal level. It also allows them to see if you have any hobbies or interests that relate to the job you are applying for.
This is a great question to ask because it allows the employer to get to know you on a more personal level. It also allows them to see if you have any hobbies or interests that relate to the job you are applying for.
This is another great question to ask because it allows the employer to get to know you on a more personal level. It also allows them to see if you have any hobbies or interests that relate to the job you are applying for.
This question allows the employer to see what you have accomplished through your hobbies and interests. This can show them that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests.
This is a great question to ask because it allows the employer to see what skills you have developed through your hobbies and interests. This can show them that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests.
This is another great question to ask because it allows the employer to see how your hobbies and interests have helped you grow as a person. This can show them that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests.
This is a great question to ask because it allows the employer to see what you hope to gain from pursuing your hobbies and interests. This can show them that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests.
Key Takeaways:
- Hobbies are a great way to showcase non-academic interests and skills
- Think about what you enjoy doing and how it can demonstrate your strengths, skills, or personality traits
- Be mindful of the difference between an activity and a hobby; focus on interests that are relevant or interesting to the job you are applying for
- A CV can be made more effective by adding a list of hobbies and interests to attract the attention of a recruiter
- Choose your hobbies wisely! The chances are that you know what will work best for your job application via personal experience.
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