Hobby vs. Relevant Experience: How to Decide What to Include on Your Resume

Hobby vs. Relevant Experience: How to Decide What to Include on Your Resume

When it comes to crafting a great resume, choosing what to include can be a daunting task. Among the most challenging aspects is deciding whether to list hobbies or relevant experience. While both can be valuable additions for different reasons, it’s important to know when each is appropriate and how to balance them to create a strong outline of your skills and qualifications.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of including hobbies on your resume and when they can be useful, along with how to highlight relevant experience and showcase your skills in the best possible way.

Hobbies vs. Relevant Experience

Hobbies can be an excellent way to demonstrate your personality and interests outside of work. They can also serve as conversation starters in interviews, demonstrating your ability to connect with others outside of a professional setting. However, listing hobbies on a resume doesn’t always make sense. Generally, you should only include them if they are relevant to the role you’re applying for or support a particular skill you possess.

On the other hand, relevant experience is the most important section of your resume. Your work experience demonstrates your skills and abilities in a professional setting and shows potential employers what you can achieve. You should always focus on relevant experience first and foremost, as this is what recruiters and hiring managers will scrutinize most closely.

When to Include Hobbies

If you have hobbies that are directly related to the position, you should include them. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, highlighting your experience in creating your own brand or designing flyers for a non-profit can be a great way to demonstrate your marketing skills. Similarly, if you’re applying for a position in a creative field, such as design or writing, including a section that showcases your personal creativity through hobbies can be a strong addition.

If you’re passionate about a hobby that doesn’t relate directly to the role you’re applying for, consider how you can use it to demonstrate a relevant skill. For example, if you’re a marathon runner, you could use this interest to show your perseverance and dedication – qualities that can be valuable in any role.

When to Prioritize Relevant Experience

In most cases, your work experience should be the primary focus of your resume. Ensure that you’re highlighting your achievements and relevant work experience, particularly if it aligns with the position you’re applying for. Be specific in detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments while avoiding unnecessary jargon.

To make your experience stand out, highlight any metrics or quantifiable data that demonstrate your success, such as increased sales or successful projects. This type of data can give potential employers an idea of your impact on previous roles.

Balancing Hobbies and Relevant Experience

When it comes to resumes, it’s all about balance. While including a few hobbies can spice up your application, overdoing it can make it seem like you’re trying too hard or not taking the process seriously. Aim to include no more than one or two hobbies or interests that directly relate to the position or that you can use to demonstrate valuable skills.

Takeaway

When creating a resume, it’s essential to be strategic in what you include. Hobbies can add a personal touch and create important points of connection with recruiters, but only if they are directly relevant. In contrast, relevant experience should always be the primary focus of your resume, showcasing your most impressive achievements and qualifications. Remember, a great resume tells a story about your skills and qualifications and should be tailored to each position you’re applying for.

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