If you’re a job seeker in today’s market, did you know that recent studies show that corporate job openings attract an average of 250 applicants?
With that kind of competition, you need more than just school skills to stand above the rest of the crowd. That’s where your “other” activities can be so important. Hobbies can actually really help sway recruiters and HR professionals, providing insights into the value you can bring to the organization, and how well you’ll fit into the company culture.
So, if you’re worried about your experience (or lack of), here are some hobbies that will help your resume stand out from the crowd!
Volunteering
Detailing volunteer experience shows what causes you really care about, which can give an employer a better sense of your personality. Most importantly, it shows that you care about more than just making money. If you’re willing to commit to a cause you believe in, that’s a great sign you’re willing to commit to an employer you believe in. Think of it as a character reference, but without having to call your old boss.
Also, an interesting volunteer role on a resume can also be a conversation starter, which can help build connection with the interviewer.
Golfing
There is a certain level of dedication required to be great at golf. You not only need to be able to hit the ball well, you need to be able to do it accurately, and strategically to get the best score over 18 holes.
But beyond this did you know it is the game of choice for the movers and shakers in the corporate world with 43% of execs saying some of their biggest deals have been done on the golf course?!
Golfing is a game that teaches humility, respect, persistence, problem solving skills, focus, punctuality, graciousness, and lets not forget communication. There is a lot of talk that goes on when you spend hours with someone on the golf course.
Computer Programming
Programming can be an incredibly marketable hobby. It not only shows that you have experience writing code (a highly valuable commodity in this job market), it also shows that you have analytical skills and the desire to learn.
According to Andrew Mawer, CEO of Toronto programming school Bitmaker, “Over 2,000 of our graduates have found that learning programming skills has made them universally more employable across even non-technical fields, regardless of the role they want to pursue after completing one of our courses.”
Clearly, employers of all kinds value computer programming as a skill. So even if you do it as a hobby, it will look great on your resume!
In a competitive job market, it pays to be distinctive, and having hobbies on your resume is an easy way to stand out from the crowd. So don’t be afraid to mention that golf tournament that you placed third in last summer. While your friends and family may not care, your future boss might be trying to impress a client who loves to golf. Guess who they’re going to call?
Martial Arts
If you’ve ever done taekwondo or jiu-jitsu, you’ll know that martial arts are not about fighting. It’s all about the discipline and the humility that it takes to become a master of the art, which is something that not everyone can achieve.
If you’re an accomplished martial artist (or just starting out), mention it on your resume. A black belt may sound like it has nothing to do with work, but it has everything to do with who you are, your capabilities, and who you will be as an employee.
Music
Learning instruments like piano, guitar, etc., take dedication and preserverence and discipline. Often students will move up through the ranks with a series of examinations and live performances as well, so time management, setting goals and learning to perform in front of a crowd all factor in. These are all great transferrable skills when it comes to the workplace.
Bottom Line: Competition is tough, why not let the real you shine through with a mention of the things you love to do in your spare time? It may be just the ticket to getting that job you want.
Sources: Workopolis
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