Imagine ... you are a hiring manager preparing for an interview. As you review the candidate’s CV, you notice an unusual interest listed under "Personal Interests": off-road racing. Curious, you make a note to ask about it. During the interview, the candidate speaks passionately about their love for the sport. Impressive? Not quite. You suddenly wonder—what if this high-risk hobby leads to frequent injuries? Who covers their absence? Is this a potential risk to the business?
This exact scenario happened to me in 1992. I was interviewing for a secretary role, proud to show off my adventurous streak. The recruiter, however, was less than thrilled. That one hobby, I realised, did more harm than good to my application.
So what exactly does the “Personal Interests” section reveal - and does it really matter?
The Purpose Behind Personal Interests
Some hiring managers skim past the hobbies section entirely. Others see it as a window into the applicant's character - perhaps even a crucial clue to cultural fit. At Google, for instance, recruiters once began with a candidate’s interests before even considering academic achievements. That says a lot.
But it comes with a warning: some candidates embellish or outright fabricate their interests to seem more engaging. This might work on paper, but at interview stage, it can backfire -especially if the recruiter happens to be an expert in that field. A false claim instantly raises questions about the candidate’s integrity. If they’re lying about their hobbies, what else might be untrue?
How to Interpret the Interests Section
1. A Long List of Hobbies
A CV packed with interests might suggest a multi-talented, well-rounded person - or it might raise concerns about their ability to focus and commit fully to a demanding role. Then again, such a person could bring mentorship potential, especially in a team-based or advisory role.
2. Fewer Hobbies, More Insight
When candidates list just a few hobbies but provide thoughtful detail, it often shows self-awareness, creativity, and the ability to market themselves effectively. These descriptions tend to be more authentic and credible.
Modern Passions That Add Value
Blogging
If a candidate maintains a blog - particularly on topics relevant to their field - it demonstrates strong written communication, subject-matter expertise, and digital literacy. A well-maintained blog can showcase thought leadership and initiative, making it especially valuable for roles in marketing, communications, tech, or consultancy.
Travelling
Frequent travellers often develop cultural awareness, adaptability, and language skills. Exposure to diverse environments fosters open-mindedness and problem-solving - traits beneficial in global companies or customer-facing roles. Candidates who reflect thoughtfully on their travel experiences stand out as curious, empathetic, and globally aware.
Artistic Pursuits
Painting, drawing, music, photography, or crafts suggest a creative mindset and a healthy outlet for stress. These hobbies often indicate innovation, attention to detail, and emotional balance. In roles that require creative thinking or mental agility, such activities can signal a valuable edge.
What Sport Says About a Candidate
Sporting interests offer valuable insights. Those who engage in team sports - like football, cricket, or hockey - may be more accustomed to collaboration and working towards shared goals. Employers highly value these qualities, particularly in roles requiring teamwork.
Those involved in individual sports - such as cycling, swimming, or golf - often demonstrate focus, resilience, and drive. These attributes are essential in high-performance environments like sales or consultancy.
However, some sports come with risk. Adventure sports, for example, might raise red flags, especially if the role requires consistent availability. My own experience with off-road racing taught me this the hard way.
Elite sports such as sailing or tennis may suggest affluence or social status - but also invite scrutiny. Does the candidate genuinely engage in the sport, or are they simply trying to impress?
Candidates who coach others in sport, meanwhile, show signs of leadership, motivation, and mentoring potential - traits valuable at managerial or executive levels.
Beyond the Playing Field: Intellectual & Social Interests
Interests such as drama or acting suggest confidence, creativity, and an ease with public speaking - excellent assets for roles involving presentations or media work. “Reading” is a common interest, but unless candidates specify genres or themes, it risks sounding bland or vague.
When it comes to games, not all are created equal. Chess, for instance, signals strategic thinking and analytical capability. Computer gaming might raise eyebrows - unless the candidate can tie it to transferable skills like organising events, managing online communities, or solving technical challenges.
Volunteering: A Clear Win
Community and charitable work never fails to impress. It portrays a candidate as caring, engaged, responsible, and proactive - qualities that align well with team culture and corporate values. Volunteering speaks volumes about someone’s motivations beyond the workplace.
A Final Word
Even if you're sceptical about the value of a candidate's hobbies, remember this: the “Personal Interests” section offers one invaluable insight - truthfulness. Whether the hobby adds direct value to the role or not, how honestly and confidently it’s presented can tell you more than you might expect.
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You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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