Interpreting your Hobbies

What do employers really think of 'hobbies' or 'other interests' on your CV?

The CIPD reports on its website the recent findings of research undertaken by SHL.

According to the report the following assumptions are made by employers:


Good at sport = a good team player
Travelled the world = resourceful & organized

The study looked at the correlation between an undergraduates 'hobbies' and their personality traits. It was determined that sport players were likely to be good at “adapting and coping” but were not any better than average at “supporting and co-operating”.

Travellers were not more likely to be good at organisation or teamwork. Charity work came out in the assessment as the most beneficial activity, showing a strong correlation with leadership, teamwork and inter-personal skills.

The advice from SHL is to try and undertake some voluntary or charity work and include it within your CV - this will make you stand out.