RE: Hobbies on a résumé (WAS: RE:New TECHWR-L Poll Question)

[kcronin -at- daleen -dot- com]

As somebody who screens resumes, interviews job applicants, and gets to
vote on hiring decisions, these are my thoughts on including a "Hobbies"
section on resumes:

First of all, it's unnecessary. I'm not looking for it. In screening a
resume, I would NEVER care if somebody failed to include a list of
hobbies, and probably would not even notice.

It could also possibly be detrimental. I agree with a previous post, where
it was pointed out that if the resume is a bit on the lightweight side,
the inclusion of hobbies looks like padding. Also, there is a chance that
your particular hobby might be a turnoff - not everybody likes hunting,
taxidermy, mime, etc.

On the upside, it could be a potential conversation starter. But ONLY if
you succeed in getting an interview.

I've read that "resumes don't get you jobs; resumes get you INTERVIEWS." I
think that's true. Your hobby will NOT get you an interview (at least not
if I'm the one doing the screening). But it won't PREVENT you from getting
an interview either, unless your hobby is something like axe-murdering or
kiddie porn.

Bottom line: If you feel you MUST use your resume to "express yourself" in
this way, go for it. But I think you should be able to do that once you're
actually at the interview.

And your efforts might be better spent on other aspects of your resume.
Since I often interview writers, I look with a critical eye for how
applicants describe themselves and their jobs in writing, how they lay out
and present information, and for maybe a slight touch of slickness that
most non-pro-writers lack. Whether they like white-water rafting really
doesn't concern me.

My 2 pence....



 - Keith Cronin

_____________________________________


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