If it helps, mention hobbies

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Question: Recently, a resume customer approached me to ask about my opinion on including a ‘hobbies and interests’ section in her resume.

She is a senior client services representative who was applying for a manager position. According to her resume, she has more than 10 years of clients services experience, a bachelor’s degree in business and a fondness for painting and sculpturing. She felt it was important to let the employer know about her outside interests and being passionate about her art.

Answer: In my opinion, additional sections at the end of your resume can be very useful and even play a strategic part in your application.

They can strengthen your resume, leave a good last impression and give your resume a personal human touch.

The important thing is not whether the additional resume information is playing sports, sculpting or painting, but whether it is relevant to the position.

For example, I created a resume for a pre-school teacher entering the field. At the end of her resume, I included a hobbies section that indicated she enjoys teaching kids dance. Not only was this her true passion and pastime, but it personalized her resume while demonstrating to the employer she truly loves teaching young children.

So, while you may have fantastic interests and hobbies ask yourself: Does the employer need to know this? The key is to include hobbies and interests only if they are relevant and related to the job requirements and strengthen your application.

Some other suggested skills to list could include (if job relevant):

- Fluency in other languages;
- Professional associations and groups;
- Publications;
- Public speaking events;
- Awards, achievements and recognition;
- Volunteer work.

Ones that can be seen as discriminatory should be omitted unless they are a job requirement such as height, weight, health, marital status and religion.

Also, many clients include volunteering with religious organizations only to get worried and then second guests the decision for fear of discrimination due to religion. I ask, ‘Why include this informationif you are not sure and it makes you less confident in the interview?’

Again, unless it pertains to the job requirement don’t include it. For example, if you were applying for a job as a fitness instructor, adding a section in your resume to indicate your religious volunteering might be seen differently if you were applying for a job as a bookkeeper.

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