Jobs & employment blogs

1. Finding Transferable Skills: Seek hobbies that demonstrate relevant abilities. For instance:
   • Writing a book can showcase writing or editing skills.
   • Participating in theatre might display a strong ability in public speaking.
   • An interest in art might suggest skills in graphic designing.
2. Employer’s point of view: Companies look out for jobseekers who can contribute value. Tailoring your CV to showcase how your hobbies and related skills could benefit the company is crucial.

In summary, well-chosen hobbies can set your CV apart and reveal your personal qualities and skills.

• Personal Touch

Adding hobbies shows more than just work accomplishments. It shows your personality, giving a hint into what you enjoy outside of work. For example, a software developer applying for a marketing role might showcase creative hobbies like painting to highlight suitability for a website designer position.

• Icebreakers in Interviews

Hobbies can break the ice in interviews, creating a relaxed atmosphere and helping interviewers understand you better. They build personal connections and provide insight into your interests.

• Enriching Your Profile

Listing hobbies enriches your professional profile, offering a broader view of who you are. It helps employers understand your personal values and how you spend your free time, potentially aligning with company culture and goals. For instance, a commitment to volunteering can demonstrate a dedication to social responsibility, which many companies value.

Where does ‘Hobbies’ fit into your CV?

If there's space and your hobbies demonstrate relevant skills, think about adding a hobby and interests’ section to your CV. Ensure your CV format allows for this information to be presented clearly and effectively.

What to Consider When Including Hobbies in CV?

When deciding whether to include hobbies in your CV, remember they offer just a hint into your personality among other aspects. Recruiters prioritise transferable skills, so consider if your hobbies directly relate to the job. Keep your CV concise and impactful, focusing on relevant achievements. Here are reasons to reconsider adding hobbies:

• Relevance of Hobbies to job skills

External research highlights the importance of aligning hobbies with job-related capabilities. For instance, if you're aiming for a project management role, hobbies showcasing organisational and teamwork skills are relevant.

• The length and conciseness of your CV

Furthermore, maintaining a concise and focused CV is essential since recruiters typically spend only a brief amount of time reviewing each submission. Research by the Hiring Managers Association (2020) highlights that recruiter spend, on average, just six seconds on a CV, highlighting the significance of briefness. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid adding unnecessary details, especially in the hobbies section.

• Quality of Hobbies over Quantity

In cases where you have few or no hobbies, it's advantageous to emphasise other aspects of your CV, such as academic qualifications, professional experience, or certifications. Highlight achievements directly relevant to the job and emphasise your qualifications. A recent study suggests that a selective list of hobbies can be more impactful than a complete one, recommending a focus on hobbies reflecting skills relevant to the job.

What are some good examples on listing hobbies in my CV?

To create a good impression on future employers, aim to showcase activities that reflect valuable transferable skills:

• Problem-solving Skills: Participating in activities like chess or book clubs demonstrates your ability for problem-solving. Similarly, engaging in cooking classes or escape room challenges showcases your ability to tackle complex issues.
• Communication Skills: Hobbies that involve significant interaction with others, such as community service volunteering or involvement in drama productions, show your proficiency in communication. Coaching a sports team or learning a new language also requires effective communication skills.
• Project Management Skills: Taking part in creative or organisational hobbies, such as blogging, event planning, or sports team coaching, showcases your ability to manage projects and lead team
• Teamwork Skills: Mentioning participation in group activities such as sports teams, theatre groups, or art classes highlights your teamwork capabilities.
• Creativity: Engaging in artistic activities, whether you're an artist, writer, musician, or performer, highlights your creativity. Talking about your creative projects or community collaborations can showcase your innovative thinking.