Advice required on writing your hobbies/interests on cv

jahudson72

Depends how far along you are in your career. If you are at a managerial level then I don't think it's important, if however you are trying to get up the ladder then you should put down hobbies. I recruit people for junior roles and I always look at the hobbies section because it gives an insight into who the person is. Fitting into a team of people is half the battle with employing people. You can hire someone with fifteen letters after their names but if they have no people skills in an environment where it's needed then fireworks lie ahead.

For me, I like rock climbing and mountaineering, but as someone posted can be seen as dangerous. So I adapted it to enjoys holidays in the mountains of the UK and Worldwide - it always, always sparked a conversation at the end of an interview which allowed me to show my personality.

However, gambling is no good. You need to think of something sporty, team orientated but also something that will make you stand out from read, cooks, socialises as I find them responses dull.

ultrarunner

A little unrelated to the OP but in terms of 'fitting into the team'... before my last interview I found out somehow that the guy interviewing me liked sailing. I chucked in the phrase 'steering the rudder' when talking about my project management skills - it seemed to work.

Gargatron

I'd also leave off the hobbies unless you are really struggling to fill up space on your CV. Be prepared to answer the question at an interview though. I don't have any hobbies and was asked this at an interview. Unprepared I said being a dad was my hobby.

I didn't get the job.

annasoper

There was a program on ITV the other day where this question was discussed. Best to leave it out or actually say something meaningful which demonstrates required skills : ex volunteering for charities etc. Don't put in something like 'I make pizzas and drink in the pub in my spare time'.

annasoper

http://player.stv.tv/programmes/tonight/2011-09-02-2000/

Here's the link if you wish to get some tips. Hope it helps