Adding personal interests to a curriculum vitae is a topic of ongoing debate. While a CV primarily focuses on professional qualifications and experience, a dedicated “Interests” section can, under certain circumstances, supplement the core information and provide a more holistic view of a candidate. For instance, listing memberships in professional organizations related to the target role or participation in activities demonstrating relevant skills, like project management or teamwork in a volunteer setting, can be valuable. However, generic hobbies unrelated to the job might not add value and could potentially detract from the overall impact.
The potential benefit of including relevant extracurricular activities lies in their ability to showcase personality traits, soft skills, and passions that might not be evident through work experience alone. Historically, resumes were concise documents focused solely on professional achievements. The increasing emphasis on cultural fit and well-rounded individuals has led to some flexibility in resume content. A thoughtfully curated “Interests” section can differentiate candidates, particularly in competitive fields or when experience levels are similar. It can also offer conversation starters during interviews and help build rapport with the hiring manager.
