Resume Tips: Take Care With Your "Hobbies and Interests" Section

Often filled out quickly and without much thought, the "Hobbies and Interests" section is generally neglected and relegated to the background. Yet, it provides information to the recruiter, allowing them to discover your personality and see if you are likely to fit into the company. So why not optimize this small part of your resume to highlight your strengths?

Research your interviewer:

Everyone has passions and interests. With all the tools available today, it becomes very easy in a few clicks to research the person you are going to meet, and take advantage of it, especially if you discover common interests. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this, as it can create connections with the recruiter, which could work in your favor later.

Set yourself apart:

Avoid vague descriptions such as reading, traveling... talk rather about what really interests you. If you play the piano, for example, don't just mention it; state your level, if you have participated in auditions, or accompanied a group... You should use this section to differentiate yourself from other candidates. However, avoid any topics that could be controversial such as religion or politics, as these are subjects on which your interviewer might disagree or even be offended by your position.

Don't overload:

Also be careful not to list too many extracurricular activities; this could mislead your interviewer about your availability. Because if your personal life is already very busy, how are you supposed to be available for your work?

Posted March 14, 2011

Article written by The ReKrute.com Team