Do you have 'Interests / Hobbies' on your CV?

Throughout school, college and now even university the templates provided always include a section for hobbies or interests. I'm undecided on including this, if you have the experience and qualifications to be interviewed then surely including a list of what you like doing in your spare time is pointless?

I'm sure the employer can find this out at the interview if they wish, just seems strange it has always been included in templates that I've seen. I expect most of you to say it's not needed, but I think there may be some subtle differences with this type of thing between the US and the UK, so would be good to get opinions from both sides.

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Comments

networker050184

I have never seen a resume with hobbies listed in the US. I have been asked a few times at interviews, but I don't think listing it on your resume/CV is necessary or advised.

Might be different in the UK though.

Paul Boz

I used to for filler material but now there isn't room so I don't. It is a good idea if you are applying for a junior position or don't have much experience. Otherwise that stuff doesn't matter and at best will only come up in an interview as a way of gauging your personality.

dynamik

But I'm so good at whittling...

blargoe

Not anymore. Too many other more important things to highlight.

laidbackfreak

All depends if I'm applying directly to a company or through agency.
And how I'm feeling on the day....

HR peeps (least in the uk) like to see these things, supposedly lets them see how much of a rounded individual you are, now if I actually put some of my hobbies on there I dont think I'd get an interview !! lol

Paul Boz

dynamik wrote: »

But I'm so good at whittling...

I actually had "Video games" under the Hobbies and Interests category on my resume back when I was 18, applying for a tech support job. The guy that was hiring me asked what games I played and we wound up getting together on a unreal 2k3 server. I got the job

arwes

An idiot friend of mine applied for a truck driving job, and under Hobbies/Interests he put:

1) Beautiful women
2) Ice cream

I guess JB Hunt must have something against ice cream aficionados.

mikez

arwes wrote: »

An idiot friend of mine applied for a truck driving job, and under Hobbies/Interests he put:

1) Beautiful women
2) Ice cream

I guess JB Hunt must have something against ice cream aficionados.

HAHAHA that is great. But in all seriousness do not put on hobbies/interests. Your potential employer doesn't need to know what you like to do on the side. It really has no place on a resume.

rsutton

I could see listing hobbies on your resume if they pertain to the company/field you are applying for. For example, if you were applying to work for a video game company, listing that as a hobby could help you. I think the situations where it would be useful are few however.

mikedisd2

A quick tip from my former manager;
Don't list share trading/property investment etc as a hobby. A potential employee will assume that you'll be checking the stock market all day instead of working.