When you're on the hunt for a job, the most essential thing to do is perfect and tailor your CV to your skills and experience. Without an attractive CV that showcases this must-have feature in perfect harmony, you can forget it.
Down the bin it will go and your chance of being called in for an interview. We know that you don’t want that happening so we are here to help at every step of the CV writing process.
There is one area that we get asked a lot about and that is, “should I include a ‘hobbies and interests’ section in my CV?” Truth be told, as a professional CV writing company we don’t tend to add this second unless the information is truly relevant to a role, or to pad out a CV. The main reason for this is that employers aren’t really interested. They just want to know if you are the best person for the job.
For the students out there…
However, for those students out there reading this, we understand that you would benefit from having this section placed on your CV. If you are lacking in work experience, this is an area that can help you stand out from the crowd and get ahead of your competition.
So, you might be wondering how including this can make a good impression on your reader. How does playing in your local football team or being involved in your students' union help you get closer to being called in for an interview? We'll tell you! These extra bits of expertise can exhibit more of your personality and demonstrate beneficial qualities and skills to potential employers that maybe your lack of work history and pending qualifications won't be able to.
Here are some examples of what you could include and what they tell employers about you.
Playing sports
Employers are usually impressed with sports or productive hobbies so are worth being included in your CV. Showcasing any achievements such as receiving awards and winning competitions is striking to the eye. Achieving any personal goals and improving your ability is also appealing. These areas highlight that you are a driven, motivated and proactive individual who possesses unique traits perfect for plenty of job roles.
Travelling
Travelling brings a whole new dynamic to a CV. A week in the Maldives or a trip to the Bahamas doesn't suffice though! When it comes to travelling, we're talking about a good few months away.
An employer will be drawn to this area of interest as it demonstrates that you are open-minded, independent and versatile. Definitely some excellent traits to have in the workplace.
University clubs and societies
You can demonstrate the clubs and societies you're a part of in your CV. This shows the potential employer that you are passionate, motivated and confident about what you are a part of. In addition, if you have a position of responsibility within the club or society, this will also work in your favour. Employers will see that you have organisational skills under your belt and leadership skills too.
Enhance your CV
To all of our students reading this, the examples mentioned are only a snippet of what interests and hobbies you could include. There are plenty of others out there that you could include in your CV. The most important thing is using relevant examples whereby the employer can envisage what traits they can see you having from your interests. If they are interchangeable to the role you are applying for, they should definitely be included in your marketing document.
If case you don't have anything you could include in this area, remember that it is never too late to take an interest in something. There's so much out there; the world is your oyster. Have fun whilst boosting your credibility and employability!