A Word on Hobbies & Interests.
Until it becomes fashionable again, listing the fact that you enjoy collecting antique teacups is no longer required. It used to be said that listing hobbies & interests gave a more rounded picture of who you were as a person. However, if anything, this can leave you open to the recruiter’s bias.
Don’t get me wrong, bias will always exist. It is the nature of Psychology and the way our brains have been designed. We can never get away from bias. We will always prefer people that are similar to us – it’s a psychological fact. We will always try to fill the gaps about someone when we want to like them – it’s a psychological fact. We will always be impressed (or not impressed) by what somebody is wearing – it’s a psychological fact. Recruiters are not any different to us. Just don’t let these things consume you. For your livelihood’s sake, it’s not worth it.
However, if you have a very unique hobby that will actually assist you in your tasks in your new role, show it off ! For eg: The young Human Resources Graduate who loves to play chess? She should mention her love of chess in her Resume because as a strategic business partner, she will need to be making very wise and strategic decisions – chess is ALL about strategy. She might not have experience on the job yet but she has a depth of practice and knowledge through her love of chess.
Another situation in which I recommend adding hobbies or interests, even if not unique like the above example, is when you have been out of the workforce for awhile. Eg: You have been a stay-at-home-mum and part of your activity was to help set up the local community hall for weekly play group.
(It fascinates me how we must stipulate the stay-at-home part. Why can’t she just be ‘mum’. Is ‘mum’ not good enough, no matter whether she works or stays at home or runs around all over the city from activity to activity. Anyhow, I digress…)
This would mean that you were using organisational skills, teamwork skills, decision-making skills. Therefore, I would not only list this voluntary work under Career History, but I would perhaps also add it under Hobbies & Interests as “Love organising and used this skill through local play group the last two years”.
If you’re looking for a way to maximise the way your Resume represents you, you’ve come to the right place. If at any time you need further help with this however, I welcome you to make contact with me direct. I would love to assist you further!
Lucid Resumes 