Top Tips for Listing Your Hobby and Performing Your Own Self-Directed Resume
A hobby is defined as a common activity that’s done just for fun, usually during one’s free time. Hobbies range from collecting stuffed animals, playing card games, and building model cars to playing musical instruments and developing computer skills. What’s interesting about a hobby is that you can do it with your family, friends, or the kids. You also don’t have to invest a lot of money into it. The only things needed are some hobbies, some space and time, and a bit of creativity.
A good way to start thinking about your hobbies and interests on your job application, is to think about what you love to do. It helps if you have a list of hobbies, but if you don’t, just write down activities that interest you, and make sure it relates to your work culture. For example, writing, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, sewing, music, and woodworking are all hobbies that show up positively in a work environment. So, those types of hobbies may show up on your resume.
But, it’s important to note that the type of occupation or career you’re seeking does not have to match the type of hobby or interests you list. For example, if you’re into stamp collecting and applying for a position requires a certain type of software programs, or you’re interested in woodworking, there’s no reason to list these interests on your resume. The point is to match your interests with the type of work you do-not the occupation. If you do that, you’ll be able to show prospective employers that you have a variety, which is a great quality in someone who’s going to work in a department with other hobbyists.
Reading books as a hobby is another excellent way to get started in your career. Consider taking a course on applied psychology, marketing, or business. These aren’t the only topics that will help you with your niche; there are numerous others that you can become an expert on after reading a few books. For example, don’t think you should only consider reading books about marketing if you want to sell insurance. The same goes for accounting, engineering, biology, or whatever field you’re considering.
If you list your hobbies in your resume, don’t stop there. Always have a separate resume for your personal interests, as well. For example, if you’re a collector of model airplanes, don’t list that information on your resume as being an avid model plane collector. The key is to list your hobbies and interests in a manner that shows a prospective employer that you can relate to them and enjoy working with them.
It’s also important to note that the typical hobbies include collecting donuts, drinking coffee, knitting, watching television, reading books, playing video games, cooking, gardening, sewing, golf, baseball, basketball, horseback riding, swimming, traveling, and other activities. Your potential employer may view your resume differently if you choose a few of these instead of just all of them. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your interests. Your prospective employer is sure to like the fact that you enjoy spending your free time in pursuit of your job.
