The
current job market is highly competitive, so your resume needs to go beyond
your qualifications. Think of it as a powerful tool for showcasing your
strengths and attributes.
Hard
and soft skills are both important here, but it’s equally crucial to share your
genuine interests so that recruiters get a three-dimensional view of who you
are.
In
this article, we explore the significance of incorporating diverse interests.
From volunteer work to personal pursuits, you’ll learn which interests to put
on a resume so you can present a holistic and compelling picture of yourself to
potential employers.
Hard skills vs. soft skills
Before
worrying about which interests to focus on, it’s essential that you understand
the distinction between hard vs.
soft skills.
- Hard skills are
tangible, teachable abilities that display competencies, such as computer
programming or data analysis.
- Soft skills refer to
interpersonal abilities and personality traits as opposed to skills gained
through training. Soft skills examples include leadership, communication and
the highly-coveted emotional intelligence (EI).
Genuine
interests bolster these skills. Even if your interests don't seem extremely
relevant, they show that you have hobbies outside of work—and, most of the
time, these interests are proof of additional transferable skills that bring
value to the role.
What are the top interests to put on your resume?
Hard
and soft skills for resumes are vital, but are oftentimes repeated across every
candidate’s application. As the job market becomes increasingly saturated with
talent, it’s never been more important to set yourself apart. Showing a
diversity in interests helps you do this effectively, allowing you to present
the unique blend of qualities you bring to the table.
More
and more organizations are now also prioritizing a diverse
talent pipeline because employees with diverse
backgrounds foster greater innovation and organizational success.
This
means including numerous interests on your resume is not just best practice,
but a strategic imperative that makes you desirable.
1. Volunteer work
Adding
volunteer work to your resume demonstrates a commitment to community and social
responsibility. By showing that you're willing to go above and beyond to make a
difference, it suggests to recruiters that you’ll bring the same energy to the
role you’re applying for.
Volunteer
work also substantiates interpersonal skills like teamwork and problem-solving,
which are highly valuable in the workplace.
2. Professional memberships
You
may not realize it, but professional memberships are one the most impactful
interests to put on a resume, indicating that you have ongoing engagement with
your industry.
Not
only do they show that you're interested in staying informed about the latest
trends and developments, they also lend credibility to your professional brand
and make your resume more competitive by showing that you’ve cultivated a
network of industry contacts.
3. Languages spoken
If
applicable, you should highlight proficiency in multiple languages because this
displays communication skills and cultural awareness. A proclivity for learning
new languages is especially helpful when applying to global companies or those
with diverse teams.
Multilingual
candidates are often sought after in today's globalized business landscape. In
fact, 61% of
hiring managers agree that knowing at least two
languages is becoming increasingly important this year, and it can even increase
your earnings by up to 20% per hour.
4. Fitness and wellness
Interests
in fitness and wellness expresses a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Employers value employees who take care of their physical and mental wellbeing
as they’re often more productive and engaged in their work.
Often
associated with discipline and energy, fitness and wellness also have strong
crossovers with the working world. Interestingly, statistics
show that exercise improves your ability to manage
stress by up to 46%, your aptitude for creative problem-solving by 20% and your
productivity levels by 13%.
Plus,
an interest in fitness and wellness gives you a good talking point during
interviews and helps build rapport with future colleagues. For more job
interview tips, read this
article.
5. Sustainability and environmental
initiatives
Showing
an interest in sustainability and environmental initiatives reflects a concern
for the environment and a sense of corporate social responsibility.
In
recent years, many companies are doubling down on their efforts to reduce their
carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Positioning yourself in alignment
with these values shows that you will actively share in that vision and be a
good culture fit for the company.
6. Mentoring or tutoring
Interests
in mentoring or tutoring shows that you’re dedicated to helping others and
sharing knowledge. Employers value people who are happy to help their
colleagues succeed and contribute to the collective success of the
organization.
Mentoring
or tutoring experience also demonstrates leadership skills and the ability to
communicate complex ideas effectively.
How can Hanover support you in learning what
interests to put on a resume?
In
the current job market, candidates have to fight for opportunities. In this
environment, a good resume doesn’t always cut it—sometimes, you need a helping
hand.
While
there are many talent agencies to choose from, Hanover has a variety of candidate
solutions that provide you with the tools
to secure your next role. Whether you're looking for resume writing services,
interview coaching or job search assistance, we have you covered.
Contact
us today to learn more about how we can
help you reach your career goals.
