Job seekers often wonder if they should include hobbies and interests on their resumes. Some people say these details help break the ice at an interview and make the job seeker stand out. However, in most cases, people screening resumes see these points as mere filler. If you’re an experienced job seeker, leave out your hobbies and instead include more details about your proven experience and results.
Drop the hobbies and include experience
Most recruiters and hiring managers spend 30 seconds reviewing a resume before they decide whether to put the person in the “yes” or “no” pile. So maximize every second by including details relevant to the job you want. Instead of padding your resume with details about scuba, travel and chess, use that space for awards, special accomplishments, money you saved your company or higher revenues that resulted from your work.
Boost a weak resume with relevant details
If you’re a student, recent grad or new to the workforce, you may not have many details to round out your resume. In these cases, it’s okay to list a few interests. However, try to choose describe your pursuits so they translate to job skills. For example:
- Varsity soccer athlete with proven team working skills and competitive flair
- Red Cross volunteer with experience using interpersonal skills in high stress medical environments
- Serious chess player with an analytical mindset
Remember, every point on your resume should help support you in targeting the job you want. For more information on resumes, see the following articles.
