Should You List Interests on Your Resume? A Comprehensive Guide

Deciding whether to list interests on your resume can be a tale of two perspectives. On one hand, featuring personal hobbies or interests can provide valuable insights into your personality and cultural fit for the company. On the other hand, a resume is a highly professional business document, and it may not be the ideal place for such personal content. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of including an interests section on your resume, and guide you on how to make an informed decision.

Pros of Including Interests on Your Resume

1. Personal Branding and Cultural Fit: Interests can demonstrate qualities that make you a better fit for the company's culture. For instance, if the job requires teamwork or leadership, including hobbies like sports or volunteer work can showcase these traits.

2. Relatability and Conversation Starters: Unique and interesting interests can start conversations and build rapport with interviewers. If you’re applying for a job related to your hobby, such as an amateur silversmith in a metal fabricator role, your interests can play a significant role in your application.

Cons of Including Interests on Your Resume

1. Professionalism and Clarity: A resume should focus on professional achievements and qualifications. Including generic or irrelevant interests can detract from the more important details of your career history.

2. Limited Space: Resumes are typically limited to one or two pages. Details like hobbies or interests should be concise and directly relevant to the job you are applying for.

When to Include Interests on Your Resume

1. Direct Relevance to the Job: If your interests are directly related to the job, they can enhance your application. For example, if you are applying for a role that involves community engagement, mentioning your involvement in local clubs or volunteering can be beneficial.

2. Unique and Memorable Interests: If your interests are unique, such as being an Eagle Scout or a school alumnus, they can add a unique flavor to your profile. However, use these as a supplement to your professional achievements.

Example Scenarios

Metal Fabricator with Amateur Silversmith Hobby: This combination can be a strong point. If you're applying for a job that requires both skills, including your volunteering experience or hobbies can make a compelling case for your suitability.

IT Position with a Passion for Cycling: Highlighting your cycling achievements, for example, endurance events or local cycling clubs, can showcase your determination and teamwork, which are valuable traits in the tech industry.

UK Perspective: No, Unless Relevant

In the UK, the general consensus is that you shouldn’t have an “Interests” section on a CV. However, if there are aspects of your interests that are relevant to your work, you can include them in the “Additional Information” section or another appropriate place.

Best Practices for Including Interests on Your Resume

1. Relevance: Ensure that your interests are relevant to the job you are applying for. Generic interests may not add value.

2. Conciseness: Keep your interests brief and to the point. A single sentence or two is usually sufficient.

3. Personalization: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Customize your interests to fit the job description.

Conclusion

The decision to include interests on your resume is a balancing act between personal branding and professional presentation. While some interests can enhance your application, others may distract from your professional qualifications. Always consider the relevance and space constraints when deciding whether to include your interests on your resume.

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