Hobbies in Resume for Freshers
03 April 2023
Hobbies in fresher resumes
Including hobbies in a resume can be a good way for freshers to showcase their personal interests and skills. It's important to keep in mind that the hobbies you choose to include in your resume should reflect positively on you as a candidate and be relevant to the job you are applying for.
There was a software development company looking to hire a new software engineer. They received a lot of resumes from candidates with impressive qualifications, but one candidate stood out from the rest. This candidate, let's call her Sarah, had a hobby of building robots in her spare time, which she included on her resume under the "Hobbies and Interests" section. At first, the hiring manager was skeptical about the relevance of Sarah's hobby to the job. However, after reading through her resume and seeing the impressive projects she had built, he decided to bring her in for an interview. During the interview, Sarah was able to talk in detail about the robots she had built and the technical challenges she had overcome in the process. She was able to demonstrate her ability to think creatively and solve complex problems, which were important skills for the software engineer position. In the end, the hiring manager was impressed by Sarah's passion and skill set, and offered her the job. Sarah later found out that her hobby had been a major factor in her being hired, as it had set her apart from the other candidates and demonstrated her technical ability in a unique and memorable way. This story shows that including a relevant hobby on your resume can sometimes be a valuable asset when looking for a job, especially if it can demonstrate skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Idea in Brief
There are a few reasons why people might underestimate the value of hobbies on resumes: First reason could be hobbies are often seen as non-professional. Many people view hobbies as something that is done for personal enjoyment and not necessarily relevant to a person's professional qualifications. As a result, they may not consider them as important when evaluating a candidate's resume. Then, hobbies can be seen as frivolous - some hiring managers may view certain hobbies as frivolous or unimportant. For example, they might not see the value in someone listing "watching TV" as a hobby. This can lead to a dismissal of all hobbies, even those that are relevant to the position. Finally, it could be becaue there is so much focus on work experience and skills. When evaluating resumes, many hiring managers place a heavy emphasis on a candidate's work experience. This can sometimes lead them to overlook other important aspects of a candidate's profile, such as their hobbies. However, it's important to note that hobbies can be a valuable asset on a resume. They can demonstrate a candidate's skills, interests, and passions, all of which can be relevant to the position they are applying for. For example, a candidate who lists "photography" as a hobby could be demonstrating their attention to detail, creativity, and technical skills, which are all important qualities in certain jobs. While some people may underestimate the value of hobbies on resumes, it's important to consider them as a potential asset that can help a candidate stand out from the competition.
A story - how Sarah got hired because of her hobbies!
There was a software development company looking to hire a new software engineer. They received a lot of resumes from candidates with impressive qualifications, but one candidate stood out from the rest. This candidate, let's call her Sarah, had a hobby of building robots in her spare time, which she included on her resume under the "Hobbies and Interests" section.
At first, the hiring manager was skeptical about the relevance of Sarah's hobby to the job. However, after reading through her resume and seeing the impressive projects she had built, he decided to bring her in for an interview.
During the interview, Sarah was able to talk in detail about the robots she had built and the technical challenges she had overcome in the process. She was able to demonstrate her ability to think creatively and solve complex problems, which were important skills for the software engineer position. In the end, the hiring manager was impressed by Sarah's passion and skill set, and offered her the job. Sarah later found out that her hobby had been a major factor in her being hired, as it had set her apart from the other candidates and demonstrated her technical ability in a unique and memorable way. This story shows that including a relevant hobby on your resume can sometimes be a valuable asset when looking for a job, especially if it can demonstrate skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Including hobbies in a resume can be a good way for freshers to showcase their personal interests and skills. Here are three major types of hobbies that freshers can include in their resume along with three examples for each:
1. Creative Hobbies
Creative hobbies involve activities that allow a person to express themselves artistically. These hobbies can showcase skills like attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving. Some examples of creative hobbies include:
Photography: taking photos and editing them to create a unique visual story or capturing memorable moments. Painting/drawing: creating artwork using various mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, or pencil. Writing/blogging: expressing oneself through written communication, which may include writing blog posts, short stories, poetry, or other forms of creative writing.
Showing these skills as a hobby in a resume can help a candidate in several ways: Attention to detail: Photography requires an eye for detail, composition, and lighting. Including photographic skills as a hobby in a resume can indicate to the employer that the candidate is meticulous and pays attention to details. Creativity: Photography is a creative hobby that allows the person to express their artistic side. Including photographic skills in a resume can demonstrate the candidate's ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Technical skills: Photography involves using various equipment and software, such as cameras, lenses, and photo editing software. Including photographic skills as a hobby in a resume can indicate to the employer that the candidate has technical skills and is proficient in using technology. Versatility: Photography can be applied to many different fields, such as journalism, advertising, and art. Including photographic skills as a hobby in a resume can show the employer that the candidate has a versatile skill set that can be applied to various roles and industries. Personal brand: Including photographic skills in a resume can help to build the candidate's personal brand and distinguish them from other candidates. A well-curated photography portfolio can showcase the candidate's talent and personality, and make a positive impression on the employer.
2. Physical hobbies
Physical hobbies involve activities that require a person to move their body and can promote physical health and wellness. These hobbies can showcase skills such as discipline, perseverance, and commitment. Some examples of physical hobbies include:
Running/jogging: participating in races, marathons, or simply running for fun and exercise. Yoga/Pilates: engaging in various postures and exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Swimming: participating in swimming competitions or simply swimming for leisure and exercise.
Showing physical hobbies in a resume can help a fresh graduate candidate in the job search process in several ways: Demonstrates a well-rounded personality: Physical hobbies such as running, yoga, or swimming can show that the candidate has interests and passions beyond academics. This can help to demonstrate a well-rounded personality and make the candidate more relatable and memorable to potential employers. Highlights key skills: Physical hobbies can showcase skills such as discipline, perseverance, and commitment. These are all desirable traits for employers, and including physical hobbies in a resume can help to highlight these skills. Demonstrates a proactive attitude: Pursuing physical hobbies requires a proactive attitude and the willingness to take initiative. This can demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate is proactive, motivated, and takes ownership of their goals. Indicates a healthy lifestyle: Physical hobbies such as running, yoga, or swimming indicate that the candidate leads an active and healthy lifestyle. This can reflect positively on the candidate's overall well-being and can indicate that they may be a good fit for a job that requires physical activity or requires good health. Helps the candidate stand out: Including physical hobbies in a resume can help the candidate stand out from other candidates who may not have included such hobbies. This can help to make the candidate more memorable to potential employers and give them an edge in a competitive job market.
3. Team-oriented hobbies
Team-oriented hobbies involve activities that require a person to work collaboratively with others towards a common goal. These hobbies can showcase skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Some examples of team-oriented hobbies include: Playing team sports: participating in sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball that require working with others to achieve a common goal. Volunteering for group activities: joining organizations that promote group activities like community service or fundraising events. Participating in debate clubs or public speaking groups: engaging in activities that promote collaboration, leadership, and public speaking skills.