If you’re at the start of your career, your employment history probably doesn’t provide a rounded picture of you. A personal interests section at the end of your CV can be a great solution to this problem. Listing the right hobbies can help you get an interview or spark conversation when you’re there. But if you use this section thoughtlessly, it might ruin your chances as well. Here’s some useful guidelines to help you make the most of this section.

Be concise

The list of personal interests will tell potential employers something about yourself. But they’re not only looking at the content of this section – they will especially pay attention to the way you present it. Since personal interests are a lot less relevant than education and employment history, this section should never be used to pad out your CV. Don’t include more than five items, or you will come across as a waffler.

Don’t mention boring hobbies

Watching TV for at least two hours a day doesn’t mean you’re not suitable for the job of your dreams. It’s a perfectly sound way of relaxing. But mentioning it on your CV doesn’t make you look good. Neither do train spotting and philately, by the way. It’s irrelevant that you like to spend you spare time this way, but it does make you look uninspiring. If watching TV is all you do with your spare time, it’s best not to include a personal interests section at all.

Avoid dangerous hobbies

Okay, you’re not going to come across as boring if you mention that you’re an avid kickboxer, freestyle rock climber, member of honour at your local swingers club, and the proud owner of five Dobermans. You may think that it’s good to be honest and that these hobbies might spark conversation during the job interview. Truth is, you’re probably not going to make it to the interview. Potential employers will fear that, sooner or later, you will end up in hospital thanks to your dangerous hobbies.

Show that you’re a team player

If you’re applying for a position within a team, this section is a great opportunity to prove that you’re a good team player. Include hobbies such as playing a musical instrument in an orchestra, playing a team sport or cooking for friends. A list of solitary activities such as reading and cycling will give the opposite impression, unless you reword them. It doesn’t hurt to mention that you’re an active member of a book or cycling club.

Emphasize that you’re not a geek

If you’re applying for an IT job within a large company, it might work in your favour to show that you’re interested in a wide variety of subjects such as the arts, photography, music or that you volunteer for Scouts. The company might value well-roundedness.