Should you include hobbies and interests in your resume?

One question that gets asked frequently is whether you should still include hobbies and interests in your resume or curriculum vitae.  Well the answer is yes and no, depending on your circumstances. 

For the bulk of job seekers in Australia, you should NOT include personal data, including hobbies and interests, since the purpose of a resume is to screen candidates out, not in.  You see - personal information such as hobbies and interests, might pigeon hole you unnecessarily, resulting in your exclusion from being interviewed.

For example:

• If you listed family as one of your interests, it might be construed by some employers, that your family is more important, than working overtime to complete an urgent task. (Yes, I know family is more important, but don’t give employer’s an opportunity to exclude you on the basis of this information)
• If you listed motocross sports, or outdoor climbing, the employer might perceive you as someone with a high risk of ringing up Monday morning, with a broken collar bone and 4 weeks off work. 
• Likewise, if you listed knitting and arts and crafts, they might imagine you to be a boring stick in the mud and someone that would not fit in with a vibrant work culture.

I know it is unfair, but we all have prejudices and biases, including employer’s so it is better to play it on the safe side, and not include this information.

However, ignore this rule, if these personal attributes will enhance your application. 

• Include interests, if your interests and hobbies reinforce your passion or capacity to do the job.  For example, including hobbies relating to looking after wildlife, if applying for a conservation traineeship, or listing your sporting achievements and interests, if applying for a job in which high levels of fitness are a requirement.
• Include interests and hobbies if you are a student, or new graduate and you want to demonstrate enthusiasm.  Just be selective with what you put down and avoid the boring clichés, such as reading and movies.

In conclusion
On the whole, you should not include hobbies and interests otherwise you could give the employer a reason to exclude you.  If you have this section in your resume, you should consider removing this, unless you strongly believe the inclusion of this section, will enhance your application.

Relevant Articles and Resources

• The Great Australian Resume (E-Book by the author of the article - Carolyn Smith)
• Should you use a professional resume writer?
• Outline of a resume
• Sample resume objectives
• Resume formats
• Top resume myths
• Transform your resume - a quick lesson from a professional
• How to use action words to enhance your resume
• Key words for resumes
• Resumes for Australia
• Resume versus Curriculum Vitae
• The Top 10 Resume mistakes to avoid
• Free Resume examples for Australia
• Why you should blow up your current resume and start from scratch