Hobbies and Interests on a Resume
The biggest mistake people make on their resumes is including information that is not related to their professional experience. Facts pertaining to your volunteer positions, community work, hobbies and interests on your resume that disclose your race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or any personal descriptors do not directly impact your professional performance and that is why they must be excluded from your resume.
Any time you are composing a resume, it is important to keep in mind your career objective. You want to present yourself in a best possible light to your potential employer. Thus, the information on your resume has to answer one question: Why are you the best candidate for the job?
The functional resume does not require you to list names or organizations you have worked or volunteered for; thus, you can list the experience you have acquired there without potentially disclosing any demographic information. Additionally, don’t create a separate section for hobbies and interests on a resume. This is typically seen as amateur, and gives your resume less credibility. Listing hobbies and interests on a resume as they apply to the position you are applying for should be done under specific functional sections. For example, if you are seeking a position in graphic design, and have samples of work that you have done as a hobby, indicate this fact on your resume or in your cover letter. If your hobbies are related to the type of work you are seeking utilize them to your advantage. If you have read books or completed seminars at the community center that are applicable to your job, make a mention of them. Any employer will welcome the opportunity to have you demonstrate the qualifications that make you a perfect candidate for the job.
As a final step, have a friend review your resume, or if you are a college student, seek assistance from a career center at your school. Having another person review your resume will help uncover any items that may raise questions about your experience or education, as well as address if the inclusion of hobbies and interests on your resume works to support your career objective. Perfecting your resume will assure that you show your potential employer that you are the best candidate for the job. |
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