2 Ways Personal Interests on Your Résumé Can Help You

First, I am NOT suggesting you share anything that gives you even a little hesitation. I’m only speaking about fun interests you wouldn’t mind talking about with someone who you don't really know.

1. Your personal interests will give your résumé some personality and will let a hiring manager or HR professional know a little more about you before you even speak with him or her.

Q: Wait. Are they really interested in what I do outside of work?

A: It depends. Some won’t care. Some will. Your stated interests are for the ones who appreciate the glimpse into who you are outside of work.

2. These interests provide potential talking points during an interview that have nothing to do with your previous employment history or the company you’re interviewing with.

This is important because if you are speaking with your potential manager, these interests can be used to trigger some friendly dialogue.

And the reason THAT is important is because there's a big difference in the tone of a conversation when you’re answering formal questions versus when you’re answering questions about the best book you’ve ever read, ski trip you’ve ever been on, etc.

Remember, you only have about 30-45 minutes to form some kind of a connection during your interview and these interests can be the catalyst to get you there.

CAUTION: Keep it light. Things like cooking or baking new recipes, doing CrossFit, volunteering at a local animal shelter, reading mystery novels, and playing softball are great.

If you like to hunt or gamble or are into other polarizing hobbies, keep them to yourself. Don’t list personal interests that some people may not be comfortable with.

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Good managers want to hire people who they will enjoy working with so put a few fun activities at the bottom of your résumé to potentially trigger some friendly dialogue.

You never know what a particular hiring manager is looking for in their new employee and these side conversations could be the difference between you getting an offer over another candidate.

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Jeff Magnuson is an independent Career Consultant. Visit his website at jeffmagnusonconsulting.com.

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