ACCESSIBLE CAREER CHANGE COACHING
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ACCESSIBLE CAREER CHANGE COACHING
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When it comes to crafting an effective CV and preparing for a career change, many job seekers wonder whether it's necessary or beneficial to include a section dedicated to their hobbies and interests. While there isn't a definitive answer that applies to every situation, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to include this section on your CV. Let's explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
One of the key arguments in favour of including hobbies and interests on your CV is that they can provide valuable insights into your personality, character, and unique qualities. While the main focus of a CV is to highlight your professional skills and experiences, showcasing your personal interests can help employers and recruiters gain a more well-rounded understanding of you as an individual. By sharing your hobbies and interests, you demonstrate that you have a life outside of work and possess qualities that extend beyond your professional capabilities.
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The question of whether listing hobbies and interests on a resume is considered unprofessional is subjective and depends on various factors. In general, including a section dedicated to hobbies and interests is acceptable and can even be seen as a positive addition to your resume. However, it's important to exercise discretion and consider the relevance and appropriateness of the hobbies and interests you choose to include.
While some hiring managers appreciate getting to know candidates beyond their professional qualifications, others may view the inclusion of personal information as unnecessary or irrelevant. In certain industries or for specific job positions that prioritize strict professionalism, such as finance or law, the focus is primarily on your skills and experiences directly related to the role. In such cases, a hobbies and interests section may be considered less important or even unnecessary.
Deciding when to include a section dedicated to hobbies and interests on your resume depends on various factors and should be approached strategically. Here are a few instances where including this section can be beneficial:
Limited work experience: If you have limited professional experience, showcasing hobbies and interests can help enhance your resume by providing additional insights into your personality, skills, and commitment. This section can help compensate for a lack of extensive work history and demonstrate your potential value as a well-rounded candidate.
Relevant to the job: When your hobbies and interests align with the job position or industry, including them can be advantageous. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role and have a passion for creative writing or social media, showcasing these interests can demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm and relevant skills.
Demonstrating transferable skills: Hobbies and interests that highlight transferable skills can strengthen your candidacy. For instance, if you're involved in team sports, it showcases your ability to collaborate and work effectively within a group. Analytical hobbies like puzzle-solving or data analysis can demonstrate problem-solving abilities.
Cultural fit: Including hobbies and interests can help employers gauge your compatibility with their company culture. If the organization values community involvement or teamwork, showcasing relevant activities like volunteering or participation in group projects can demonstrate your alignment with their values.
In some cases, job applications or specific job postings may explicitly request that you include a section on your hobbies and interests. When you encounter such a requirement, it's crucial to follow the instructions and include this information in your resume.
When employers specifically ask for hobbies and interests, it indicates that they value getting to know candidates on a more personal level. They recognize that these aspects can provide insights into your character, passions, and potential cultural fit within their organization.
When crafting a CV, the primary focus is often on highlighting your professional qualifications, work experience, and educational background. However, there are compelling reasons to include a section dedicated to hobbies and interests on your CV. Let's explore why it can be beneficial to showcase these personal aspects of your life.
Providing a well-rounded view: While your professional qualifications are essential, including hobbies and interests can offer a more holistic view of who you are as a person. It allows employers and recruiters to gain insights into your personality, character, and unique qualities. By sharing your hobbies and interests, you demonstrate that you have a life outside of work and possess qualities that extend beyond your professional capabilities.
Supporting a resume with limited professional experience: If you have limited professional experience or are just starting your career, including hobbies and interests can help bolster your resume. This section allows you to showcase your dedication, commitment, and transferable skills that may not be immediately evident from your work history. For instance, involvement in community service or leadership roles within organizations can demonstrate your initiative, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Reflecting cultural fit: Employers not only seek candidates with the right qualifications but also those who will fit well within their company culture. Including hobbies and interests can provide insights into your compatibility with the organization's values, mission, and team dynamics. For example, if the company emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, highlighting hobbies like team sports or group projects showcases your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Showcasing transferable skills: Hobbies and interests can also serve as a platform to showcase transferable skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're involved in creative writing, it demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and think creatively. Similarly, participation in strategic gaming can showcase your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities.
Sparking conversation during interviews: Including hobbies and interests on your CV can provide conversation starters during interviews. Interviewers may inquire about your listed activities, allowing you to delve deeper into your experiences, skills gained, and lessons learned. It presents an opportunity to make a personal connection with the interviewer and demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion beyond the professional realm.
When you have limited professional experience, including a section on hobbies and interests can be a valuable strategy to support your resume. This section allows you to showcase your personal pursuits, activities, and accomplishments, providing additional insights into your character, skills, and commitment.
While your work experience section may be limited, highlighting relevant hobbies and interests can demonstrate qualities and abilities that translate to the workplace. For example, if you're involved in volunteer work, it showcases your dedication, empathy, and community engagement. If you have a hobby that requires creativity, such as photography or writing, it reflects your ability to think outside the box and communicate effectively.
If you find yourself in a situation with limited skills and work experience, including a section on hobbies and interests can be an effective way to enhance your resume. This section allows you to highlight activities and pursuits that demonstrate your dedication, initiative, and potential beyond your professional qualifications.
While your work experience may be limited, showcasing relevant hobbies and interests can provide insights into your transferable skills and personal qualities. For example, if you've participated in team sports, it demonstrates your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work effectively within a group. Engaging in creative hobbies like painting or writing showcases your imagination, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
One significant benefit of including a section on hobbies and interests in your resume is that it provides employers and recruiters with valuable insights into your potential fit within their company culture. Beyond evaluating your qualifications and experience, companies often seek candidates who align with their values, mission, and work environment. Here's how hobbies and interests can help demonstrate your cultural compatibility.
By sharing your hobbies and interests, you offer glimpses into your personality, passions, and values. It allows employers to assess whether your personal inclinations align with the company's culture and values. For instance, if the organization emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, showcasing hobbies like team sports or group projects highlights your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Hobbies typically refer to activities that you engage in during your leisure time for enjoyment or relaxation. They are activities that you are passionate about and pursue voluntarily. Hobbies often involve active participation and may require specialized skills or knowledge. Examples of hobbies include playing a musical instrument, painting, gardening, cooking, or practicing a sport.
On the other hand, interests encompass a broader range of topics that attract your attention or curiosity. Interests can be seen as areas of fascination or subjects that you are eager to learn more about. They may not necessarily involve active participation but can involve reading, researching, attending events, or following developments in a particular field. Interests can include topics like politics, technology, history, photography, or current affairs.
The key difference lies in the level of engagement and participation. Hobbies are typically hands-on activities that you actively participate in, while interests can be broader and encompass a wider range of subjects that captivate your attention. Hobbies often require a greater investment of time, effort, and skill development, while interests may be more passive in nature.
When including a section on hobbies and interests in your resume, it's important to tailor your list based on the specific job posting you're applying for. This customization allows you to present activities that are directly relevant to the desired position, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and highlight your potential value as a candidate. Here's how you can effectively tailor your list of interests:
Analyze the job requirements: Carefully review the job posting and identify the key skills, qualifications, and attributes the employer is seeking. Consider the specific industry, role, and responsibilities mentioned in the posting. This analysis will help you understand the core competencies and values that are important to the employer.
Identify relevant skills and qualities: Based on the job requirements, identify the skills, qualities, or experiences that are directly applicable to the position. Look for commonalities between the desired qualifications and your hobbies or interests. For example, if the job requires strong organizational skills, you could highlight hobbies like event planning or project management.
Highlight transferable skills: Even if your hobbies and interests don't directly align with the job requirements, look for transferable skills that can be valuable in the role. Transferable skills are those that can be applied across different industries or positions. For instance, if the job values teamwork, you could mention team sports or group activities that showcase your collaboration and communication skills.
Showcase industry-specific interests: If you have specific interests related to the industry or field of the job posting, be sure to include them. This demonstrates your genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the industry. It shows that you have a genuine interest in staying updated and involved in industry-related developments.
Prioritize the most relevant: While it's great to have a diverse range of hobbies and interests, be mindful of space limitations on your resume. Prioritize the most relevant activities that strongly align with the job requirements. Focus on quality over quantity to ensure your chosen interests have a significant impact.
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Including hobbies and interests on your resume not only provides insights into your personality and passions but can also showcase valuable soft and hard skills that you have developed through these activities. Here are some of the top skills related to hobbies and interests that can strengthen your resume:
Soft Skills:
Communication: Engaging in hobbies like public speaking, creative writing, or participating in debate clubs can enhance your communication skills. These activities demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas, express yourself effectively, and engage with others.
Leadership: Taking up leadership roles or organizing events within your hobbies or interests can develop your leadership skills. It showcases your ability to take initiative, make decisions, motivate others, and manage projects.
Teamwork: Participating in team sports, group projects, or collaborative hobbies fosters teamwork skills. It demonstrates your ability to work effectively in a group, coordinate with others, and contribute to collective goals.
Problem-solving: Hobbies that involve puzzles, strategy games, or creative problem-solving tasks can sharpen your problem-solving skills. These activities showcase your ability to think critically, analyze situations, and come up with innovative solutions.
Time management: Engaging in hobbies that require discipline, such as music practice, sports training, or organizing events, can develop your time management skills. It demonstrates your ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage your time effectively.
Hard Skills:
Technical skills: Some hobbies, like coding, graphic design, or video editing, can develop technical skills that are in high demand in many industries. These skills showcase your proficiency in specific software, tools, or programming languages.
Analytical skills: Hobbies involving data analysis, statistical modeling, or strategic gaming can strengthen your analytical skills. These activities demonstrate your ability to gather and interpret data, make informed decisions, and think critically.
Creativity: Engaging in artistic hobbies, such as painting, writing, or photography, develops your creative skills. It showcases your ability to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and express yourself through various mediums.
Attention to detail: Hobbies like woodworking, crafts, or cooking require attention to detail and precision. These activities demonstrate your ability to focus on the small aspects, follow instructions meticulously, and produce high-quality outcomes.
When including a hobbies and interests section in your CV, it's essential to select activities that are not only personally meaningful but also add value to your candidacy. Here are some of the best hobbies and interests to consider including:
Volunteer work and community involvement: Engaging in volunteer activities demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact. It showcases qualities such as empathy, social responsibility, and teamwork. Include volunteer work that aligns with the values and goals of the company you're applying to.
Leadership roles: Highlight hobbies where you have taken on leadership responsibilities, such as organizing events, leading a club, or managing a team. This showcases your ability to take initiative, make decisions, and effectively coordinate with others.
Team sports: Participating in team sports highlights your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work towards a common goal. It demonstrates your teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Creative pursuits: Hobbies like painting, writing, photography, or playing a musical instrument showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box. These activities demonstrate your capacity for innovation and expressiveness.
Language learning: If you have an interest in learning languages, include this on your CV. It showcases your dedication, cultural awareness, and adaptability. Multilingualism is highly valued in many industries and can set you apart from other candidates.
Professional networking: Involvement in professional organizations, industry conferences, or networking groups demonstrates your enthusiasm for continuous learning and building connections. It reflects your commitment to professional growth and staying updated with industry trends.
Technology-related interests: If you have hobbies that involve technology, such as coding, website development, or app design, these skills can be highly valuable in today's digital landscape. Highlighting these activities showcases your technical proficiency and adaptability in the ever-evolving technology industry.
Personal development activities: Include hobbies or interests related to personal growth and development, such as reading books on self-improvement, attending workshops or seminars, or engaging in mindfulness practices. These activities demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, and self-improvement.
Cultural immersion: If you have a passion for travel, include it on your CV. Traveling demonstrates your open-mindedness, adaptability, and cultural awareness. It reflects your ability to navigate diverse environments and appreciate different perspectives.
Industry-specific interests: Tailor your list of hobbies and interests to the industry or job you're applying for. Include activities that demonstrate your genuine interest and engagement in the field. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role, mention interests like social media marketing, content creation, or analyzing consumer trends.
Including the right hobbies and interests on your resume can make a significant impact and help you stand out from other candidates. Here are 12 top hobbies and interests that can enhance your resume:
Team sports: Participation in team sports demonstrates your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work towards a common goal. It highlights your teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Leadership roles: Highlighting leadership roles within organizations or projects showcases your ability to take charge, make decisions, and coordinate with others. It demonstrates your leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Volunteer work: Involvement in volunteer activities shows your commitment to making a positive impact in your community. It highlights your empathy, social responsibility, and ability to work selflessly towards a common cause.
Creative pursuits: Hobbies like painting, writing, photography, or playing a musical instrument showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box. These activities demonstrate your capacity for innovation and expressiveness.
Language learning: Proficiency in multiple languages indicates your adaptability, cultural awareness, and ability to communicate effectively across different cultures. It showcases your dedication to learning and broadening your horizons.
Professional networking: Engaging in professional organizations, industry conferences, or networking groups demonstrates your enthusiasm for continuous learning and building connections. It reflects your commitment to professional growth and staying updated with industry trends.
Technology-related interests: If you have hobbies that involve technology, such as coding, web development, or app design, these skills can be highly valuable in today's digital landscape. Highlighting these activities showcases your technical proficiency and adaptability.
Travel and cultural immersion: If you have a passion for exploring new cultures and traveling, it reflects your open-mindedness, adaptability, and cultural awareness. It demonstrates your ability to navigate diverse environments and appreciate different perspectives.
Public speaking and debating: Engaging in public speaking or debate clubs demonstrates your communication skills, confidence, and ability to present ideas effectively. It showcases your ability to engage with others and articulate your thoughts clearly.
Fitness and wellness: Participation in fitness activities, such as yoga, running, or weightlifting, demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It highlights your discipline, dedication, and ability to set and achieve goals.
Entrepreneurship and side projects: If you have started your own business, freelanced, or worked on side projects, it showcases your initiative, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset. It demonstrates your ability to take risks, manage projects, and be self-motivated.
Book clubs or reading groups: Involvement in book clubs or reading groups reflects your intellectual curiosity, love for learning, and critical thinking skills. It demonstrates your ability to analyze and discuss complex ideas.
Engaging in sports as a hobby not only promotes physical fitness but also develops valuable skills and qualities that can be advantageous in the professional world. Here are some sports interest and hobby examples to consider including on your resume:
Team sports: Participation in team sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball showcases your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work effectively with others towards a common goal. It highlights your teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Individual sports: Engaging in individual sports such as swimming, running, or martial arts demonstrates your self-discipline, perseverance, and ability to set and achieve personal goals. It showcases your resilience and determination.
Competitive sports: Involvement in competitive sports, whether at an amateur or professional level, indicates your drive for excellence, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure. It highlights your commitment, focus, and strategic thinking.
Outdoor activities: Hobbies like hiking, rock climbing, or skiing demonstrate your adventurous spirit, ability to navigate challenges, and resilience in outdoor environments. It showcases your ability to adapt to new situations and embrace physical challenges.
Sports coaching or refereeing: If you have experience coaching or refereeing sports, it demonstrates your leadership, communication, and ability to mentor and guide others. It highlights your organizational skills and ability to handle responsibility.
Engaging in hobbies that involve analytical thinking not only sharpens your cognitive skills but also demonstrates your ability to approach problems systematically. Here are some analytical thinking interest and hobby examples to consider including on your resume:
Puzzle solving: Hobbies like solving crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, or brain teasers showcase your ability to think critically, analyze patterns, and find solutions. It reflects your attention to detail, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Strategic board games: Engaging in strategic board games like chess, Risk, or Settlers of Catan demonstrates your ability to anticipate outcomes, devise tactics, and make strategic decisions. It showcases your analytical thinking, planning abilities, and capacity for long-term thinking.
Data analysis: If you have a hobby involving data analysis, such as statistical modeling or data visualization, it showcases your ability to work with complex data sets, draw meaningful insights, and communicate findings effectively. It highlights your quantitative skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Coding and programming: Hobbies related to coding and programming demonstrate your logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail. It showcases your ability to break down complex problems into manageable components and create efficient solutions.
Critical reading and research: Engaging in hobbies that involve critical reading, research, and analysis, such as studying philosophy or conducting scientific experiments, demonstrates your ability to think critically, evaluate information, and draw well-informed conclusions. It showcases your intellectual curiosity, analytical mindset, and research skills.
Engaging in the performing arts not only allows for self-expression but also develops important skills such as creativity, confidence, and communication. Here are some performing arts interest and hobby examples to consider including on your resume:
Theater: Participation in theater productions, whether as an actor, stage manager, or set designer, showcases your ability to collaborate, memorize and deliver lines, and perform under pressure. It demonstrates your creativity, confidence, and ability to work as part of a team.
Dance: Involvement in various dance styles, such as ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary dance, demonstrates your physical coordination, discipline, and ability to express emotions through movement. It showcases your creativity, dedication, and the ability to work on a performance as part of a group.
Music: Playing a musical instrument or participating in a choir or band demonstrates your musical talent, discipline, and ability to work in harmony with others. It highlights your creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to perform in front of an audience.
Improvisation: Engaging in improvisation workshops or performances showcases your quick thinking, adaptability, and ability to think creatively on the spot. It demonstrates your ability to think outside the box, collaborate with others, and make spontaneous decisions.
Public speaking: Participating in public speaking events or debate clubs demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, engage an audience, and convey your ideas with confidence. It highlights your poise, presentation skills, and the ability to think on your feet.
Engaging in strategic gaming hobbies not only provides entertainment but also develops skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. Here are some strategic gaming interest and hobby examples to consider including on your resume:
Chess: Participating in chess demonstrates your ability to think strategically, plan several moves ahead, and anticipate your opponent's actions. It showcases your critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to make calculated decisions.
Role-playing games (RPGs): Engaging in RPGs, whether tabletop or digital, involves strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. It demonstrates your ability to analyze complex situations, adapt to changing circumstances, and collaborate with others.
Strategic board games: Playing strategic board games like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Risk showcases your ability to devise tactics, anticipate outcomes, and make calculated decisions. It demonstrates your strategic thinking, planning abilities, and capacity for long-term decision-making.
Real-time strategy games: Participating in real-time strategy games, such as StarCraft or Age of Empires, demonstrates your ability to multitask, make quick decisions under pressure, and manage resources effectively. It highlights your strategic thinking, adaptability, and ability to handle complex situations in real-time.
Puzzle-solving video games: Engaging in puzzle-solving video games like Portal or The Witness requires logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think creatively. It showcases your ability to analyze patterns, deduce solutions, and think outside the box.
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When listing hobbies and interests on your resume, it's important to keep a few tips in mind to ensure that you present them effectively and strategically. Here are four key tips to consider:
Relevance: Select hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or industry you're applying for. Consider the skills and qualities desired by employers in that specific role and choose activities that align with those requirements.
Show impact and transferable skills: Instead of simply listing hobbies, highlight the impact you've made or the skills you've gained through those activities. Showcase the transferable skills that are applicable to the job, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, or creativity.
Quality over quantity: Rather than including an exhaustive list of hobbies, focus on quality and choose a few that have significant relevance and demonstrate valuable skills. This allows you to provide more depth and detail about each activity, making a stronger impression on employers.
Tailor for each application: Customize your list of hobbies and interests for each job application. Review the job description, research the company culture, and identify the skills and qualities they value. Then, select the most relevant hobbies that align with those criteria.
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Naomi is the founder of Tribe And Seek and an EMCC and CIPD accredited career coach specialising in career change.
Her career advice comes from her work alongside ex-olympic athletes supporting corporate clients like Kraft Heinz, and creating leadership courses at the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award.
She also left a previous career in international development consulting behind, where she led UK corporate fundraising at Habitat For Humanity.