Advice required on writing your hobbies/interests on cv

tommytynan123

There is no answer really - only guidelines.
1..Agreeing with the above - if your pastime is remotely ''out of the box'' like Blackjack, Strip clubs, boy racing through the old folks home garden, hacking phones etc then NO.
2. If you have a hobby or 'out of working hours' or something you enjoy doing that is remotely linked with the skills required for the job then put it down. eg (true example from me for a CV I sent 2 days ago). I was applying for a p/t post that was mainly driving and one of my 'interests' is actually driving. I do really enjoy driving. SO - down it went. The same post discussed communication skills with all types of people. I am the Hon Sec of a cricket club which involves meeting and talking to all sorts of people - SO down it went !
3. One word of caution though. Don't lie - well not big time. Imagine you putting down a hobby of 'Feng Sho dancing' which is a real dance routine rarely seen outside the Patagonian Canal by Cape Horn. Smart you think because they can't check and you can !!!!!!!!.

''Welcome to the interview John for the post of Projects co-ordinator. We have seen your CV which is very interesting particularly the hobby of 'Feng Sho dancing' I'm sure when my colleague sat next to me has his chance to ask you a few Qs he will enjoy discussing 'Feng Sho dancing' because he is the Chairman of the UK 'Feng Sho dancing' association.

Gulp !!!

Emmzi

I only look at hobbies for school leavers as it may be a general way of working out their skills and preferences.

If you are determined to have hobbies the rule of thumb is
- one that shows you are a team player eg a team sport
- one that shows youy use your brain like reading or going to the theatre. Not puzzle books!

Nothing poltical, quirky, or that would enable anyone reading it to discriminate against you because they think you are odd.

tigeress289

On a personal note I would like to see someones hobbies/interests on a CV. However, I do not think I would like to see a Gambler?
So, the answer is NO, leave it off. It will not help at all.

sunday_girl

Could you not just put the more generic 'card games' down instead? Can't see that being an issue.

InsideInsurance

Applying for jobs is all about impression and being noticed (for the right reasons).

Many people don't read the hobbies section of CVs for anyone beyond their first job. That said, there is frequently more than one person in the world that is able to do a job and so the interviewer has to decide who to give the job to on more than simply technical ability and one element of that is frequently a "can I work with this person". You could be a gifted expert in your field but if you make me feel that I want to bash your head against the floor every time you open your mouth it really isnt going to work in the long term. This is one area where hobbies can come in a little to give a flavour of the person.


On the topic of putting gambling down..... as you can probably guess I work within the insurance industry and have done for many years, the Exec Chairman of my last client did actually used to say he worked for a gambling company rather than an insurer because he got better responses from people (and this was pre credit crunch).

If the sort of job you're going for is wanting safe, low risk people then it wouldn't be sensible to put it down. If your potentially more sales focused or something where calculated risk is not only accepted but expected then I wouldn't automatically say no to putting it down but only if I was able to tick ever other box of what they are looking for.

Everynamestaken

The obvious answer is "don't mention it".

I'm surprised (I was close to using the word worried") as to why you would think that telling a potential employer you play Blackjack would be a good idea.

EconomicsGirl

I don't put any hobbies down and haven't for many years as 1 interviewer once took execption to having hobbies down - think you were expected to live at that company. Wouldn't mention it.

Slinky

Certainly wouldn't put down gambling, nor anything like rock climbing, extreme mountain biking etc where you look like you'll break bits of yourself and be off work a lot.

Don't really think hobbies are needed on most CVs - nor the completely useless line 'References available on request' - everybody know's you'll provide references if they want them.

Sambucus_Nigra

Everynamestaken wrote: »

The obvious answer is "don't mention it".

I'm surprised (I was close to using the word worried") as to why you would think that telling a potential employer you play Blackjack would be a good idea.

Or...that they would need to ask people on an internet forum whether it WAS a good idea or not...surely it's obvious?

vax2002

Look if they have a team... and put that down and get learning.