Hobbies and Interests Section on a Resume? Well...

This is a fun topic that I talk with candidates about. At length, even. As a recruiter, I need to make sure that all of my candidate's resumes are great before submitting them. So, I go through it with them, as opposed to creating something new or editing without authorization. Every candidate, for the most part, comes in to meet with me prior to being submitted so that I can judge their interview skills, as well as go over the resume.

Well, the funniest part of this review is the Hobbies and Interests section...which I tell my candidates either to do or not. Usually I hear "That is unprofessional" or "Really? Who does that?" Well, the person who got the job :).

I don't have them all do it, and here are a couple of points why or why-not to put it on there:

Why to put it on there:

IT is where I recruit. So, think about it, what is a main topic of concern for a candidate apart from skill set? Culture, usually. Will this candidate fit in here? Let me ask this...what stereotypes come up with IT candidates? Well, let me get the name calling out of the way: Geek, Dweeb, Nerd, Dork...to name a few. Dungeon Programmers. Yeah, glasses...WoW...anime...introvert. Am I on point with what you were thinking? More than likely...unless you are an IT guy yourself. You can avoid all of these and change the initial impression you make by adding this section on your resume. Of course, keep it professional and personable. Mine says I am a Redskins fan and a Sigma Phi Epsilon member. Both of those got me my first job out of college. It even got me my second job 2 years later. Hiring managers typically want people who they can work well with, not people who will just come in and shut up. Innovation, inspiration, and overall design/project management comes from communication and team work. That being said, you need to have people who mirror that mind-set. If you give them that information before they even meet you, you are already ahead of other candidates.

Why NOT to put it on there:

If you are entry-level , low-level, or blue collar...that really is the only thing I can think of. Usually those roles are more mundane to the management, so they for the most part look for people who can do the job and get out of the way. Reception, customer service, kitchen staff, CNC Machinists, etc. Those type of roles are looking for people who can focus on the job, so their resumes need to be focused on the skills they have.

Keep in mind, this is more of a gray-area. Reason being is that it directly goes against the EEOC, on a macro level. Well, it is hitting on what people think off of first glance and what comes to mind first. If they go through a very technical resume, then hit a Hobby section, they see the person as having a life outside of work, a good personal balance, and a good solid ability to tell the difference.

Let me know your thoughts on this...bit of a touchy one when it comes to resume writing.

Comment by Martin H.Snyder on January 17, 2012 at 11:10am: A resume is a sales document, designed for two specific purposes; to secure the interview, and to provide a framework for the interviewer. As such, any information that differentiates the candidate in a positive way should be included.

Most experienced hiring authorities are seeking information about the character and lifestyle of the candidate; items not typically explicitly addressed on a resume. Avocations can be powerful motivators, thus descriptors of what people care about, how they pursue mastery, introversion v. extroversion, competitiveness, creativity, and other important attributes.

Beyond the descriptive value, the inclusion of this information may create direct rapport with individuals on the hiring side that may share the passion- when that occurs, it can be very powerful in creating "in-group" amity, which is vital in deciding to allow a new person into a tribe.

The word "hobby" implies a certain lack of seriousness and should not be used. "Outside Interests" or "Avocations" are much better. If a candidate does involve themselves seriously in an avocation, it should be included. The downside of including this information is so limited compared to the potential upside that it should be a no-brainer to include IF the avocation is serious or an important part of the candidate's life (e.g. sailing, golf, hunting/fishing, art, philanthropic activity, pumpkin chunking etc. are strong, but reading, going to the movies, etc. are weak).

This aspect of the sales-document should not be underrated.

Comment by Zachary Sines on January 17, 2012 at 11:16am: Darryl, I get better conversations when I say I am a Redskins fan. They suck. That is the point. It shows humility and loyalty in 1 word! As well as if they are a Cowboys fan, it is a traditional rivalry. Conversation started, and it has been over and over again.

James, some clients are like that. It is up to the Sales Manager to understand how the client hired, and to review the resume before it is sent. It is the job of the Recruiter to work with the candidates to be as relevant as possible. If they don't need to pre-close the candidate harder witht he client, then don't put that section on there.

Also, resume space is something to debate about. I have always been told 1 page, but I have gotten people positions with 15+ page resumes. It is all about what needs to be said to get you the interview. My rule of thumb is 1 page for every 4-5 years of experience. If the hobbies/interests section doesn't fit, well, it doesn't fit.

Comment by Zachary Sines on January 17, 2012 at 11:37am: Martin, Great points. Positivity is everything, but differentiation is also key. You need to be seen differently, and when that happens in a positive light, that is just the nail in the coffin.

Comment by Bill Schultz on January 17, 2012 at 12:48pm: One of my early placements was a new grad into Wells Fargo Credit Training (when banks still has credit training, it was considered an MBA in banking). The guy had good schooling and not much else. He put on his resume that he was a 13 handicap in golf. I was going to tell him to take that off but decided he needed some talking points. The hiring manager, who passed on everyone, calls me up and says " why the hell would someone be so proud of a 13 handicap?" I said "why don't you meet him and ask him?" so he did and yada yada yada...the kid is now a SR. VP.

Comment by Suresh on January 22, 2012 at 2:54pm: Some real achievement in hobbies are great to differentiate your resume. Anytime you put something out there, you are taking a risk of alienating some one, but if you believe in yourself strongly, go for it. After all it is who you are..

Comment by Valentino Martinez on January 22, 2012 at 5:10pm: I always look for extra curricular activities on a resume. And I highly recommend it to candidates I work with and in presentations I make to student and professional audiences on the subject of getting and keeping jobs. Besides the work experience, education and accomplishments, which are critical—I look for something EXTRA. And that is the mention of extracurricular activity on the resume.

Why? Well, the best jobs of the future will most likely be taken by people who bring something extra to the job interview, the job and the employer. Getting a better job or the next promotion can also be greatly influenced by your extra curricular activities, particularly if the word "volunteer" is prominent on your resume. Those who are familiar with the experience of volunteering with charitable organizations, for example, notice that they’re given all the work they can handle. And the work will demand and develop organizational skills, people management skills, project management skills and customer service sensitivity—all skills and experiences that translate and transfers well to any business, academic or not-for-profit work environment.

Delivering customer satisfaction, quality products and services for a profit, continues to be the forecast for employers throughout the world. Today's employee is expected to do what it took 2-3 employees to do 4 years ago; and 5-6 employees to do 15 years ago. New high-tech applications, employee empowerment and aggressive team participation are making this happen easier, but employers still must find the kind of employee who will actually "make it happen" for customers and stock holders.

As organizations become leaner, competition gets tougher and the customer becomes even more demanding--employers will become more and more dependent on the type of employee(s) who is willing to "do extra" and not necessarily for extra compensation. Management will gravitate to employees who see the bigger picture and take on an "ownership mentality" about the job at hand and the results required. It is this employee, working with the fervor of a true volunteer—who is willing to work extra hard to bring ever better results--who will become the company's most valuable asset and future leader.

Yes, many will argue that having balance matters--but so does positioning and career trajectory. Going beyond the call of duty always makes you standout--on your resume and in reality.

Comment by Caitlin Carruthers on January 22, 2012 at 10:16pm: I think it depends on the position the candidate is applying for. My first recruitment job was recruiting advertising salespeople, a role which typically calls for Type A, bubbly, chatty people. I know I'm stereotyping here, but if I saw 'World of Warcraft' on a resume, compared to, say, amateur drama society, I know which candidate my money would be on come interview time.

Interestingly, I once had a candidate who, under Interests, wrote 'Women'. I think we can all agree that this is not a good example of using the Interest section to your best advantage!

Comment by Shirish Morab on January 23, 2012 at 5:51pm: If it is a full time role that is the target, I would definitely put the "Hobbies and interests" section as it would give the manager a small insight to the kind of person I am which can build a positive impression, ofcourse I run the risk of mentioning the hobbies disliked by the manager's - still I whould as these hobbies make me.
At the same time, if the target is a contract/ consulting position, I would not put it there as no body would bother to read it or gauge my skills and experience based on my hobbies and intrests. I will keep my focus on my skills and how well I can fit the position.
So I too think it depends on the position the candidate is applying for.

Comment by Elise Reynolds on January 24, 2012 at 11:07am: The great thing about being a part of this group is that it has been a long time since I last pondered the Hobbies and Activities section of a resume. I think it is not the most important part of a resume but absolutely worth the considering more closely. It has the power to immediately turn off an employer as well as forge a good impression before they ever meet.

So thanks to everyone who has participated. I will consider that section of the resume much more closely going forward.

Comment by Tiffany Branch on October 8, 2012 at 10:31am: I would only add an hobbies or interest section if it is related to the job in some way shape or form. My current client is in the power sports industry, thus if someone is into motorcycles, ATVs, fisihing, boats, etc., it is a plus on the resume as they love to hire enthusiasts.