Hobbies and interests: should I include them in the curriculum or not?

Should personal interests be included in the CV? How? And above all where? Here is everything you need to know to fill out your CV in the best possible way and earn a call for a job interview.

Why should you include your hobbies on your CV?

Sometimes it may seem that the information related to one’s interests in the curriculum does not add value to the profile and instead takes away space from the area dedicated to past work experiences, especially when these are many. However, the paragraph in which what you do in your spare time is reported can give a lot of understanding of your personality, which is why many recruiters consider it with particular attention. Not to mention that in recent years we have learned to give great importance to soft skills and transversal skills, those interpersonal and behavioral skills that appear fundamental within a work context and which also result from the hobbies we practice or from the interests with which we enrich our lives.

Furthermore, a hobby may be able to make the profile even more interesting, to intrigue the examiner. But what we must not forget is that what is included in the curriculum can become an element of dialogue during the possible interview, so it should be really a practiced hobby, an interest in which you have concrete skills.

Where to put hobbies in a resume

Having clarified that inserting a hobby is not a mistake, the question that arises is where to place it in a resume without appearing a filler void, an addition to end “with a flourish”. Much depends on the format you have chosen to process it. In some cases the appropriate space at the bottom of the curriculum is indicated after the various professional experiences, in others it is placed sideways.

Not to mention that based on the job for which you want to reach the interview, it can really be an added value and therefore that particular interest can also be emphasized. Finally, it is better to avoid summarizing your hobbies by placing them with bulleted lists unless the curriculum is particularly sparse. It is preferable, instead, to specify, to put some details, to bring out the main characteristics or elements of this passion.

What hobbies not to include in a resume

There are no a priori foreclosures on hobbies, but you should avoid reporting any activities that show specific political interests. We assume that there are no activities that should not be included in any case: even the highly popular “reading” can be fine, as long as you make it more interesting by specifying which types of books you are passionate about. So be more specific, reporting the genre or authors that interest you most, but be careful not to lie.

Perhaps it would be better to avoid specifying interests that can cause misunderstandings, for example indicating as a hobby the breeding of snakes, spiders or dangerous animals may not be appreciated by the examiner, just as the love of hunting does not necessarily play in your favor in your job search.

Hobbies to write in a resume

Here are some hobbies that can show the examiner those personality traits that may not always emerge from work experience.

• Sport: a sporting activity can demonstrate that you are active and determined people. Extreme sports such as skydiving, kitesurfing or free diving can make your employer realize that you know how to take risks and that you are willing to push your limits, but also take responsibility or take command when necessary. Team sports show that you are able to work as a team, while endurance sports – such as marathons, cycling and climbing – make it clear that you are tenacious and persevering people. Participating in sporting activities characterized by physical sacrifice and endurance such as marathons or cycling provide an important signal about a person’s resilient disposition and as such are well appreciated by examiners. A special mention goes to yoga, a sport that can convey the idea that you are balanced and resistant to stress. If you also take on the role of captain within a team, you also add an attitude to leadership that doesn’t hurt.
• Cinema: As with books, even in this case it is necessary to go into specifics to appear more interesting. If you are a fan of films, then, indicate which is your favorite genre or director. It would be better, however, to avoid mentioning this passion if it is not really supported by a serious knowledge of the subject or if the interest is aimed at films whose quality can generate misunderstandings.
• Photography and video: These two hobbies demonstrate particular creativity and can be considered particularly interesting if you are applying for a position that requires this skill, for example in the marketing sector. More generally, they are activities that add attention to detail, the ability to concentrate and narrate to the profile.
• Music: If you have been playing a musical instrument or singing for years, we suggest you specify how long you have been carrying on this passion. It will show the recruiters your perseverance, your ability to face a challenge with discipline and method.
• Theater: Do you like acting on stage in your spare time? This shows that you are comfortable speaking in front of an audience, which is very useful if you want to land a job that requires good speaking skills.
• Volunteering activity: implies interest in others and empathy, very useful skills to fit well in a work environment. Not to mention that many companies are showing their social sensitivity and therefore welcome those who share certain values ​​with much more interest.
• Travel: Interest in travel can be a positive point on your resume. Seeing the world, discovering new cultures and lifestyles is certainly a sign of great curiosity. Please, do not trivialize this interest by writing only “travel”, but enter the best destinations you have been to: surely the more exotic they will be, the more they will attract attention.
• Writing: If you like to write short stories or books or if you have a blog, mention it in your CV. This passion is a sign of creativity, resourcefulness and good communication skills. But it is advisable to report it only if it is up-to-date, free of mistakes and if the issues do not disagree with the company you are interviewing for.