Resumes with Heart: Ex-Google Recruiter Urges Candidates to Show Their Interests

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it’s crucial to find ways to stand out from the crowd. While a well-crafted resume with a strong work history and relevant skills is essential, there’s one element that can truly set you apart: showcasing your passions and interests. Former Google recruiter and CEO of talent marketplace Continuum, Nolan Church, advocates for an “interests” section on resumes, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating your unique personality and what drives you. In this article, we will explore the benefits of including resumes with heart and provide practical advice on how to effectively showcase your passions.

Why Include an Interests Section?

Church believes that hiring managers are not looking to hire robots; they want to hire people who are dynamic and capable of bringing their passions to their work. By including an interests section on your resume, you have the opportunity to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and a capacity to care deeply about the things you love. It can make you more relatable and memorable in the eyes of recruiters, ultimately increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Demonstrating Your Dynamic Personality

When reviewing resumes, Church looks for candidates who possess qualities beyond their technical abilities. Including an interests section allows you to present a more holistic picture of yourself, showcasing your personality and what makes you unique. For example, if you are passionate about sports, Church believes it can indicate qualities such as teamwork, dedication, and a competitive spirit. These qualities can be highly valuable in a professional setting and can differentiate you from other candidates with similar qualifications.

Reflecting Your Capacity to Care

Church believes that if you genuinely care about something outside of work, it demonstrates your potential to care about your job as well. When you express your passions and interests on your resume, it shows recruiters that you are not just focused on the nine-to-five routine, but rather, you have a zest for life and a drive to excel in all areas. This can be particularly impactful if you are on the fence about a candidate, as their interests can be the deciding factor that convinces you to give them a call.

How to Include an Interests Section

Now that we understand the importance of including an interests section on your resume, let’s delve into the practicalities of how to effectively showcase your passions. Church suggests adding a short interests section at the bottom of your resume, consisting of one line listing three to five things that you are passionate about. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling interests section:

1. Be Genuine

When selecting your interests, it’s crucial to choose activities or topics that genuinely resonate with you. Avoid listing generic hobbies or interests that you think would impress recruiters but do not reflect your true passions. Be authentic and select interests that truly inspire and energize you.

2. Resumes with Heart Highlight Uniqueness

Church encourages candidates to include interests that make them unique and showcase their individuality. Think about activities or hobbies that set you apart from others and provide a deeper understanding of who you are as a person. Whether it’s a love for a particular sport, a dedication to a hobby, or a passion for a cause, these unique interests can captivate recruiters’ attention.

3. Connect to Your Field

While it’s important to showcase your diverse interests, try to find connections between your passions and the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your interest in social media or content creation can demonstrate your proactive approach and relevant skills.

4. Use Concise Language

Since the interests section is just one line on your resume, it’s essential to use concise language to make the most impact. Use action verbs and descriptive words to convey your enthusiasm and passion. For example, instead of simply listing “reading,” you could say “avid reader with a passion for exploring different genres and expanding knowledge.”

5. Resumes with Heart Stay Professional

While it’s important to showcase your personality, remember that your resume is still a professional document. Avoid listing controversial or potentially polarizing interests that may not resonate well with potential employers. Focus on activities that reflect positively on your character and align with the values of the company you are applying to.

Examples of Resumes with Heart and Passionate Interests

To provide you with some inspiration, here are a few examples of passionate interests that can make your resume stand out:

1. Community Volunteering: Demonstrate your dedication to giving back to society by highlighting your involvement in community service projects or charity organizations.
2. Creative Writing: Showcase your storytelling skills and creativity by mentioning your passion for writing and any published work or personal projects.
3. Sustainable Living: If you are passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable practices, mention your involvement in initiatives such as recycling programs or organic gardening.
4. Foreign Languages: Highlight your fluency in multiple languages or your dedication to learning new ones, which can indicate your adaptability and cultural awareness.
5. Photography: If you have a keen eye for capturing moments, mention your passion for photography and any notable projects or exhibitions you have been a part of.

Remember, the key is to select interests that are genuine, unique, and relevant to your personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

In a competitive job market, it’s essential to find ways to set yourself apart from other candidates. Including an interests section on your resume allows you to showcase your passions, demonstrate your dynamic personality, and reflect your capacity to care deeply about your work. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a compelling interests section that captures the attention of hiring managers and increases your chances of securing your dream job. Remember, resumes with heart have the power to leave a lasting impression and open doors to exciting opportunities.

FAQs:

Q1: Should I include all my hobbies and interests on my resume?

A1: It’s important to be selective when including hobbies and interests on your resume. Choose activities that are relevant, unique, and genuinely reflect your passions. Avoid listing generic hobbies that may not add value or resonate with potential employers.

Q2: Can including an interests section help me get a job?

A2: Yes, including an interests section can help you stand out from other candidates and leave a lasting impression. It allows recruiters to see your personality, interests, and potential for growth beyond your professional qualifications. It can be the deciding factor that convinces a hiring manager to give you a call.

Q3: How should I format the interests section on my resume?

A3: The interests section should be concise, consisting of one line listing three to five things you are passionate about. Use action verbs and descriptive language to make an impact. Place the interests section at the bottom of your resume, following the work history, education, and skills sections.

Q4: Should I include controversial or polarizing interests on my resume?

A4: It’s best to avoid controversial or polarizing interests that may not resonate well with potential employers. Focus on activities that reflect positively on your character and align with the values of the company you are applying to.

Q5: Can I include interests that are not directly related to the job I am applying for?

A5: Yes, including interests that are not directly related to the job can still add value to your resume. These interests can showcase your diverse skill set, unique personality, and capacity for personal growth. However, try to find connections between your passions and the job you are applying for to demonstrate relevance and initiative.

First reported on CNBC

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