Should I List Hobbies In My CV?

Should I List Hobbies In My CV?
This is a follow up on the article we did on things to leave off in your CV .You can get the earlier article by clicking here. In the article we mentioned the need to have proper hobbies. This tabia of Kenyans listing socializing, making friends, watching movies and the likes just doesn’t work. We proposed you indicate ‘mature’ hobbies.

A reader wrote asking whether hobbies are really important. I mean, what’s the value addition for me to know that fishing is one of your cherished hobbies?

The bottom line is that an hobbies section is optional. An employer’s focus will always be on the core skills in the CV. If an employer has already been unimpressed by the time they get to the Hobbies and Interests section, the information that you include at the end of your CV will not persuade them to change their mind about offering you an interview.

But this doesn’t mean the information included here is not important. A few brief words could catch the employer’s eye and persuade them to take a second look through your skills and experience.

The purpose of a CV hobbies section is to give employers a broader view of you. No need to list down everything that you have done since school – maximum of three is the clear rule. BUT People employ People and they really want to confirm that you do have a life outside work and are socially connected to the human race.

Your interests should if included say positive things about you. They can provide further evidence of soft skills, such as teamwork, e.g: if you belong to a sports team. They can also add to hard skills – the fact you are not yet a manger in work, but manage a church choir group would be an additional relevant hard skill.

For example, when applying an NGO job with lets say World Vision Kenya ( Christian Organisation) mentioning church related activities and participation will earn you an extra mark.

Employers will look for a balance of interests. Try to include both quieter / individual pursuits and active / group activities. However, do think about how your interests might be perceived by other people. A list of solitary activities will not make you look like a good team player.

Avoid bland, general statements -nowadays, I read too many “Reading, watching television and going out with my friends” statements: everyone does that, surprise! It is hence doesn’t make you stand out.

Your hobbies and interests will be a reflection of your personality and will show to employers what actually motivates you. Hobbies that involve teams will reflect that you work well with people and may fit in easily into the workplace. Look at the job requirements and the type of candidates the employer is looking for and then see if your hobbies and interests actually reflect these traits.

Employers usually like a diversity of employees and will be looking at someone who can bring something different into the workplace. If your hobby makes an interesting talking point at the interview then the employer may see you as an interesting person all round.

And finally,

Don’t go over the top when describing your hobbies. A few white lies are fine but there is no point saying you have golfing skills when you have never seen a golf course. These sorts of lies can come back to haunt you in the long run especially if the boss is looking for a golfing partner. Also avoid saying that your hobbies and interests are a big part of you life; your potential employer may think that your hobbies will take priority over your work life.

Good Luck!