I am often asked for my opinion on whether or not to list hobbies or interests on a resume. As a people person, I enjoy reading about people’s interests outside of work and I always say “hey, if you’re comfortable listing them and have the room, go ahead and do it.” I think we are more than just what we do at work and it’s always interesting to understand what people like to do in their spare time. I like to see folks who have interests – so long as they are real. Other career coaches may not agree about listing your interests but “that’s what makes the world go round” as they say.
Me? I don’t list my interests on my resume (or rather when I still used a resume) because I really and truly don’t have any interests that are all that exciting (I better correct that no?). I haven’t climbed Mt. Everest (but have seen many folks who climb big mountains). I haven’t camped out on the ice near the North Pole (again, I know a few people who have trekked up that way). I haven’t heli-skied (I barely get off the green runs). I haven’t built homes in Nicaragua (but my niece sure has). Well, you get my point. It just might be that one of your interests if very interesting to the interviewer or something you and she share that make the interview that much more interesting and relaxed.
But the reason for my post is that I came across a resume just today that was very, very interesting in terms of hobbies. What were they?
Interests: Reading about Behavioural Economics/Psychology, International Relations, watching Suits and House of Cards, training for the 10km Sun Run, converting biochemical energy to gravitational potential energy (weight lifting)
What does this tell me about this person? Well, the behavioural economics/ psychology and international relations might be interesting if I were interested in the same. It might be something we could discuss. I love Suits and House of Cards and this means we already have something in common and it might make a nice icebreaker when we meet (if I decide to interview him). He’s training for a run (I’m not a runner) but maybe his interviewer is. But the best is the ‘converting biochemical energy to gravitational potential energy’ or, in other words, weight lifting.
What does this tell me? He probably has a good sense of humour. He’s probably smart. He could have said ‘weight lifting’ but chose to be more creative without being cocky. I already feel like he’d be a good person to have a coffee with (or a beer but that’s for the final interview).
What are your thoughts/experiences with hobbies/interests on a resume? I’m not saying listing them is for everyone and many folks will tell you not to. But if you are a people person, are proud of your hobbies and interests and have the room, I say go for it!
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