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Should You Include Hobbies on your Resume?
The short answer is, "It Depends." And including hobbies on your resume depends on a variety of factors.
You SHOULD most likely include hobbies on your resume IF: Similar skills or tasks are required of the job you are applying for. (Example: Party Planning, Video editing, Web Design or Creation)You are lacking in certifications or education to include.Your hobby creates a great deal of leadership or delegation skills.It offers a window to your personality and could impress a potential employer. (Example: If you love skydiving, sailing, mountain climbing etc. and you're applying for a secretarial position at a corporate office for Dick's sporting goods or Gander Mountain, who knows, that alone might get you in the door for an interview)You're applying at a non-profit organization and have a passion for volunteering, even if it's not for the organization you are applying for.You can uniquely relate it to the position you are applying for b/c this would be a great way to stick out in the employers mind. (Example: If you're applying for an Administrative Assistant Job at a firm that makes or installs windows and your hobby is making stained glass it might not hurt to include that in your resume)
Reasons you should NOT include hobbies on your resume: If they take away from the rest of the resume. If you have some great work experience and a beefy education section don't waste time adding a bunch of hobbies. That may end up making you look unprofessional.If they really aren't relevant to anything. If you feel you have no skills or work experience that would even get you looked at maybe you should consider taking some online courses or find other ways to look like a better candidate. (Example: If you're applying for a job at a hospital or doctor's office they most likely will not care that you like to dog-sit or paint in your spare time)If it only adds length. It's not always taboo to have more than a one-page resume but if it's already a two-pager do NOT add any hobbies or interests unless they are extremely relevant and would impress the employer or hiring manager. If you're exaggerating or lying. Please don't do this! It would only create problems. An interviewer will really be turned off if you put volunteer work all over your resume and come in not knowing anything about the organizations you claim to have volunteered at and can't provide proof of volunteer hours if asked.
Pros & Cons of Hobbies on your Resume
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