7+ Best Resume Interests: Examples & Tips

what should i put as interests on my resume

7+ Best Resume Interests: Examples & Tips

A resume’s “interests” section provides a glimpse into a candidate’s personality, passions, and how they spend their free time. This section can include activities like playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, engaging in creative pursuits like painting or writing, volunteering for charitable organizations, or pursuing specific hobbies like coding or astronomy. For instance, listing “competitive chess” showcases analytical skills and strategic thinking, while “volunteering at an animal shelter” highlights compassion and community involvement.

This seemingly small section can offer significant advantages. It can humanize the applicant, making them more memorable to potential employers. Shared interests can create a connection with the interviewer, leading to a more engaging conversation. Furthermore, listing relevant activities can demonstrate skills applicable to the job. Historically, this section was less common, focusing more on professional experience. However, in today’s competitive job market, showcasing a well-rounded personality and highlighting transferable skills through hobbies and interests has become increasingly valuable.

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9+ Resume Interests: Should You Include Them?

should you include interests on resume

9+ Resume Interests: Should You Include Them?

Adding personal interests to a curriculum vitae is a topic of ongoing debate. While a CV primarily focuses on professional qualifications and experience, a dedicated “Interests” section can, under certain circumstances, supplement the core information and provide a more holistic view of a candidate. For instance, listing memberships in professional organizations related to the target role or participation in activities demonstrating relevant skills, like project management or teamwork in a volunteer setting, can be valuable. However, generic hobbies unrelated to the job might not add value and could potentially detract from the overall impact.

The potential benefit of including relevant extracurricular activities lies in their ability to showcase personality traits, soft skills, and passions that might not be evident through work experience alone. Historically, resumes were concise documents focused solely on professional achievements. The increasing emphasis on cultural fit and well-rounded individuals has led to some flexibility in resume content. A thoughtfully curated “Interests” section can differentiate candidates, particularly in competitive fields or when experience levels are similar. It can also offer conversation starters during interviews and help build rapport with the hiring manager.

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8+ Resume Interests: Should You Include Them?

should interests be included on a resume

8+ Resume Interests: Should You Include Them?

The inclusion of personal interests on a curriculum vitae is a topic often debated among career advisors and job seekers. This section typically lists activities enjoyed outside of professional work, such as hobbies, sports, volunteer experiences, or creative pursuits. For example, listing interests like “photography, hiking, and volunteering at the local animal shelter” can provide a glimpse into a candidate’s personality.

Presenting relevant avocations can offer several advantages. They can showcase valuable soft skills, like teamwork in a sports team or creativity in a musical pursuit. A shared interest with the hiring manager can also create a connection, potentially leading to a more engaging conversation during an interview. Historically, resumes focused primarily on professional experience. However, as the emphasis on cultural fit and well-rounded individuals has grown, the inclusion of a concise and relevant “Interests” section has become more common, especially for entry-level or career-changing roles where professional experience might be limited.

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6+ Resume Skills & Interests: Guide for 2024

skills and interests on a resume

6+ Resume Skills & Interests: Guide for 2024

Typically, a resume presents two distinct yet related sections for showcasing an applicant’s abilities. One focuses on specific proficiencies developed through training or experience, often quantifiable and directly relevant to a target job. The other highlights activities pursued outside of formal employment, revealing personality, passions, and potential cultural fit within an organization. For example, proficiency in project management software demonstrates a tangible skill, while an interest in community volunteering suggests valuable soft skills like teamwork and empathy.

Including these sections provides a comprehensive picture of a candidate, differentiating individuals beyond basic qualifications. These personal insights can signal motivation, work ethic, and potential for growth. Historically, resumes primarily listed work history and education. However, the evolving job market increasingly values a well-rounded individual, leading to the inclusion of these sections to showcase diverse capabilities and personal attributes that enhance a candidate’s profile. They provide a more holistic view, allowing employers to assess suitability beyond technical competence.

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