Should You Include Hobbies and Interests on Your CV?

Crafting a compelling CV is a crucial step in any job search. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and personality to potential employers. But one common question often arises: should you include a hobbies and interests section? While there’s no definitive yes or no answer, understanding the nuances can significantly impact how your CV is perceived.

Student writing CV

A well-crafted hobbies and interests section can add depth to your application, highlighting valuable transferable skills and making you a more memorable candidate. However, a poorly considered one can clutter your CV and detract from your professional achievements. Check out the Adobe website for some CV examples UK job seekers can adapt and use as inspiration. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include hobbies and interests depends on several factors, including the specific job, the industry, and your overall CV strategy.

The Benefits of Including Hobbies and Interests

A well-chosen selection of hobbies and interests can add value to your CV in several ways:

  • Demonstrating Transferable Skills: Many hobbies cultivate skills that are highly valued in the workplace. For example, playing a team sport can demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Engaging in activities like coding or writing can showcase problem-solving abilities and creativity. Even seemingly simple hobbies like gardening and travelling can highlight dedication, patience, and attention to detail.
  • Highlighting Personality and Cultural Fit: Your hobbies and interests offer a glimpse into your personality and can help employers assess whether you’d be a good fit for their company culture. They can also provide conversation starters during interviews, helping you build rapport with the interviewer.
  • Filling Gaps in Experience: For those with limited work experience, such as recent graduates or career changers, a hobbies and interests section can help fill out the CV and demonstrate proactive engagement. This can be particularly useful for showcasing skills gained through volunteer work or personal projects.
  • Showing Passion and Drive: Passionate engagement in hobbies can indicate a proactive and driven individual, qualities that are highly sought after by employers. This can be particularly effective if your hobbies align with the company’s values or industry.

When to Leave Hobbies and Interests Off Your CV

While there are benefits to including hobbies and interests, there are also times when it’s best to omit them:

  • Limited Space: If your CV is already two pages long (the generally accepted maximum length in the UK), it’s best to prioritise work experience and skills. A lengthy hobbies and interests section can detract from more important information.
  • Irrelevant Hobbies: Avoid including hobbies that are irrelevant to the job or could be perceived negatively. For example, listing “watching TV” or “socialising” doesn’t add value and can appear unprofessional.
  • Controversial Activities: Steer clear of hobbies that might be considered controversial or could alienate potential employers. It’s best to keep the focus on your professional qualifications and avoid potentially sensitive topics.
  • Generic or Vague Hobbies: Listing generic hobbies like “reading” doesn’t offer much insight into your personality or skills. Be specific and highlight unique interests that can differentiate you.

Choosing the Right Hobbies and Interests to Include

If you decide to include a hobbies and interests section, choose activities that:

  • Align with the Job Requirements: Consider the skills and qualities required for the role and choose hobbies that demonstrate those attributes.
  • Showcase Unique Skills: Highlight hobbies that demonstrate skills not readily apparent in your work experience.
  • Reflect Your Personality: Choose activities that genuinely interest you and reflect your personality. This will make them easier to discuss during an interview.
  • Are Specific and Quantifiable: Instead of simply listing “photography,” mention specific genres or achievements, such as “landscape photography, exhibited in local gallery.”

How to Present Hobbies and Interests on Your CV

  • Keep it Concise: Use bullet points or short phrases to describe your hobbies and interests. Avoid lengthy descriptions.
  • Use Action Verbs: Start each point with an action verb to make your hobbies more impactful. For example, instead of “Member of a book club,” write “Actively participate in a monthly book club, discussing contemporary literature.”
  • Tailor to the Job: Adjust your hobbies and interests section to match each job application, highlighting those most relevant to the specific role.
  • Placement on the CV: Typically, the hobbies and interests section is placed at the end of your CV, after your work experience and education.

By carefully considering the points outlined in this article, you can strategically use the hobbies and interests section to enhance your CV, showcase your personality, and increase your chances of securing your dream job. Remember to be selective, specific, and always tailor this section to the specific job you are applying for.