How To Write a Resume – Interests
Generally towards the end of your resume there is a section where you can add “interests”. Again … you want to give some thought to what you add to this section.
As a general rule of thumb stick with passions/interests that can compliment the position your applying for. The mistake some people make here is their “interests” can actually COMPETE with the job they are applying for.
For example … lets say I am applying for the position of an Online Marketer. The job responsibilities would include traffic generation, SEO, PPC, Web 2.0, testing and tracking.
It would be a MISTAKE in my interests to talk about my own passion for internet marketing! Why!? Because anyone reading the resume (especially Human Resource) would IMMEDIATELY see a conflict of interest. In fact MOST employers have fairly lengthy “contracts” with their employees about what can and cannot be done and MOST even have a non-compete clause post employment.
Now … odds are most of your passions and interests are fairly benign and wouldnt ever compete with your job. Odds are they are probably totally unrelated … BUT … you DO want to review this section quickly to make sure yous passions/interests do not conflict with the job your applying for.
The OTHER mistake people make here is being too “cliche”. Although it may be true you want to STAND OUT in your resume. For most resumes this is one of the last sections so, if its read at all, it can leave a lasting impression.
Try to think of something novel you do that would really peak someones interest! For example:
Cliche Interest – Spending time with family
Unique Interest – Tandem Skydiving!
———–
Cliche Interest – Running
Unique Interest – Ultra-Marathoner (100+ Mile RACES)
———-
See the difference? Sometimes its not even WHAT you say but HOW you say it! Although the last interest was “running” the Unique Interest took it to another level.
Now its no BIG secret that nowadays future employers will look at everything they can when hiring. This INCLUDES social networks (i.e. facebook, myspace, etc).
You can find a TON of stories about people that LOST job opportunities because of the content employers found online.
Well … the reverse is ALSO true!
YOU can do your research on the company (and people within the company) to find out what THEIR interests/passions are!
For example … I recently applied for a job and found the person that would ultimately be reviewing my resume. From their profile I saw they were avid followers of the television show “The Office”.
I LOVE the show but never thought to “add” it to my resume as an “Interest” … BUT … since I wanted to connect with the person reviewing my resume I ADDED it!
Employers arent the ONLY ones who should be using the internet to learn EVERYTHING they can about a person. This is especially true if its a job you are really passionate to acquire!
