How can Hobbies Enhance your Resume?

In previous posts, we showed you the two main ways to build your resume. It may sound obvious, but your resume must be built according to your experience. Today's market is highly competitive, and we should aim to make our resume stand out. Now, I am not saying you should make your resume with neon colors and memes -believe me, I have seen my fair share-. It is the content of your resume which will make you stand out from the other -probably hundreds of- applicants to that same position. Maybe your past experiences can make your resume get the recruiter's attention, or the school you graduated from speaks before you. Nonetheless, if you are a recent graduate or are looking to shift industries, these two things can only get you so far. What role do hobbies play in your resume?

When are Hobbies Welcomed in your Resume?

We can not just start randomly making our resume fat because we want to. So when is a good time to communicate our hobbies and interests in our resume? Including them will give recruiters and companies an idea of what you do in your free time. As well as the skills you have developed, and are willing to develop, on a personal or professional level. This can give them some insight into how you would be a fit for the organization's culture.

Sometimes a traditional resume is enough for recruiters and hiring managers. This is of course if what really matters in the applications are considerable professional experience and skills related to the role. If you are including your hobbies and interests also consider how relevant are they to the role you are applying to. As well as the overall look they would give to your professional growth. I believe I can not stress this enough, but you must always tailor your resume according to each job you are applying for.

How do they add value?

There are many types and categories in which we can describe hobbies and interests. I will grossly address how some of these categories can benefit your job applications.

• Social Reponsibility or volunteering: These type of interest and involvement shows you have a strong initiative. It also provides some insight into your morals and leadership skills.
• Writing: showing interest in writing provides an image of your communication skills. Communication skills are highly valuable in any organization.
• Podcasting: this will help you show hiring managers and recruiters your effectiveness on conecting with people. As well as improve communication and marketing skills. Content planning for a podcast also gives an understanding of your overall organizational and research skills.
• Languages: there is a tight correlation between learning languages, memory skills, intelligence and problem-solving abilities. And all of these are extremely ideal when searching for new, qualified, competent and confident talent.
• Marketing: we have talked about how important social media has become in our modern world. Just like Podcasting interest, this gives a brief understanding on your social and communicative skills, making a good impression in prospect employers.
• Travel: flexibility and adaptability are a key element organizations are always looking for. If you have a passion for traveling this will show recruiters you are okay with being outside of your comfort zone. Being travel-driven also requires organization, courage and curiosity, all of which are valuable skills in the workplace.
• Art: either visual or auditory, interest in arts will provide an insight on your creativity skills. Art is beneficial in many levels as it helps you develop critical thinking, encourage your imagination and improves your mental performance.
• Reading: I have personally found reading to be beneficial in the development of all the hobbies and interests I just mentioned. Reading broadens your world on many levels as well as promotes cognitive health. Helps you improve your communication skills, grow your creativy and reduce stress. On a job application it would show commitment

Which Hobbies mustn't you add to your Resume?

Yeah, we said these contents are welcomed to your resume. But we need to be able to tell when to draw the line. When our hobbies and interest are adding value to our resume and when they are just taking up space. Before adding this section I advise you to ponder and reflect on what impact each of your hobbies will have on the reader. Which hobbies or interests I suggest you should keep off your resume? You should avoid adding those:

• That can be dangerous or illegal.
• Which can be considered violent.
• Which are related to Politics, Religion or Sex.
• That can be misinterpreted.
• That you do not actually take a part of.

Final Words

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