CV Writing Tips: 4 Ways Your Interests & Hobbies Stops You From Getting Your Ideal Job

By Jane Gakaria,

We all enjoy doing certain activities be it swimming, reading or playing sports in our free time. It is even highly encouraged to include such activities in your CV as it enables the employer to get a sense of who you are.

But what happens when your hobbies get in the way of getting a job?

I spoke to June Njoroge, a HR Officer with Corporate Staffing Services for more on this issue.

To begin with she says that people ought to be critical of the kind of hobbies you indicate on your CV. “If you like partaking is something considered controversial or generally frowned upon, it’s better not to mention it.”

Two, when stating hobbies and interests mention ones that are relatable to the job you’re applying for. “For example if you’re applying to be a writer, you could mention hobbies like blogging or reading. If you’re applying for a leadership position and you happen to be the coach of your local football team, then that’s doable.”

Three, take into consideration the organizations that you are applying to. “I once had a Christian based organization that I was recruiting an administrative post for. Some applicants would send me CVs with hobbies that included crazy things like partying or sleeping! Now, now, now what does sleeping or partying have to do with such an organization?” Hence such candidates were automatically eliminated.

So just how relevant are hobbies and interests anyway?

Well, she states, there have three main functions. One, it lets your employer get a feel of your character or personality. Two, it’s something that makes you stand out and three, hobbies are important for they reveal an extra skill that may be useful to your employer.

And should someone not know the right kind of hobbies to state, what can they do? Several things actually such as consulting recruitment agencies to help you in writing your CV. Some even have departments specifically for CV writing so go take a visit.

Two, use your professional or social networks. If you know certain people such as professors or experts in similar career backgrounds it wouldn’t hurt to ask them whether what you’re going to mention is or isn’t appropriate.

Three, make use of the internet. Everything and anything that you’d want to know is just a click away. So do some proper research and the visit the relevant trusted sites to get the right answers that you are seeking.

Her parting shot? If you’ve been ignoring your hobbies or stating the wrong ones, STOP right now. Realize that they too have their own purpose and could actually help you land the job.

In conclusion, as a job seeker you need to make use of every asset that you’ve got, and should that be your interests or hobbies so be it.

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