The 'Interests' section of a CV

[JockTamsonsBairns]

Just been asked to submit a CV for a promotion within the company I currently work for - and am desperate to get.
I've completed the main body of it, but I'm struggling a bit with the 'interests' part. I work full time, over evenings and weekends, and have 3 Dc's so to be honest, I don't really have any interests as such. I mean, I can hardly put mumsnetting can I?

If I was one for jet-skiing off the South coast of France, or travel writing for eg, then of course I'd put that down. But that would be a complete lie, so obv I won't.

I can only think of fairly mundane stuff like reading, or cooking, but somehow that feels a bit dull - and not really the picture I want to create for myself.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[JockTamsonsBairns]

Just to add, in case it's at all relevant - there's been some fairly major restructuring within the company lately, and the recipients of my CV do not know me at all.

Not that I think that gives me carte blanche to lie at all oh no

[worldgonecrazy]

If you like cooking, is there anything specific you like cooking? Something like "cooking Italian food" is slightly more interesting than just "cooking". Although the "interests" bit is a bit boring and unnecessary, it can give you an opportunity to be memorable and that can be very important in the interview process.

[JockTamsonsBairns]

Hi, x-posted there - thanks for your reply. Hadn't even thought of it like that, would be more than happy to leave it off if that's deemed acceptable. Haven't done a proper CV for years, so I'm a bit unfamiliar with what employers are looking for.

[JockTamsonsBairns]

Hi World - was just smiling to myself there, as the 'cooking' reference was me scraping the barrel ever so slightly. Cooking the family tea, eg sausage & mash, cheese pasta, etc is pretty much the extent of my cooking activity. And I don't even particularly enjoy it, so hardly an interest! Thanks for your reply.

[Portofino]

Try to link an interest to what skills they are looking for in the job, so ie attention to detail (reading, cross stich), or team-working (some kind of sporty activity with others, with cooking you could say, experimenting with new recipes, which makes you sound creative etc.

[SarkyPants]

I wouldn't include interests.
Unless you are 15 :)

[Numberlock]

I definitely wouldn't advise on including interests in your CV. Also, I would strongly advise against making any reference to your private circumstances (ie marital status/children), especially as these people don't know you.

Good luck with the promotion!

[FireOverBabylon]

whatever interests you mention, make sure they're real. You wouldn't be the first person to be asked "oh, you say you like reading, what are you reading at the moment / I'm about to go on holiday, what would you recommend for me?" and come unstuck as they lied through their teeth.

I've also conducted an interview where one of the interviewers and the candidate had a mutual interest in rock climbing, and briefly chatted about it. You never know what the interview panel are interested in, so don't make something random up.

Do you take the kids out at weekends - watching live sports events, visiting places of interest etc?

[Numberlock]

Do you take the kids out at weekends - watching live sports events, visiting places of interest etc?

Do not mention kids on a CV, it's completely irrelevant.

CV format should be:

Personal Statement
A succinct summary of your achievements to date, any professional qualifications and details of your ability to carry out the job you're applying for.

Brief Personal Details
Name, address, contact email/phone number (no date of birth, no marital status, no kids)

Career History
Company, Position held, Dates and a brief description of duties, including any significant achievements

Qualifications
A Levels, Degrees, Post-Graduate, training specific to the role you're applying for

[JockTamsonsBairns]

Just caught up with thread - thanks to everyone for replying. It looks like the best thing is to leave out interests altogether, which saves all the angst about what to put down.

Thanks again for all the helpful advice

[GetOrf]

I agree with others - I never bother putting interests down, as I don't think people care really.

[Numberlock]

Let us know how it goes, Jock, and good luck!

[fedupwithdeployment]

I do put interests down, but keep it brief (cooking, skiing and wine). I don't feel they are that important, but I have "clicked" at interview with people on skiing, and perhaps that has helped me get the job. I did work as a ski guide at one stage, and have also done food and wine courses so I can talk about them.

I did see "knitting laptop covers" on a CV once. And binned it. Anything over a line or 2 would be regarded with deep suspician!!

[domesticslattern]

You are right not to put down interests or anything mentioning kids/ family circumstances. Don't do it at interview either!! The only exception I would make is if your interests were either exceptional (eg running marathons, black belt in martial arts) or pertinent (eg travel
in the country whose language you'd be speaking).

Just to point out the obvious, if the people receiving your cv won't know you, have you thought about asking for a coffee or lunch with one of them "so you can understand the job better?" Never underestimate the importance of putting yourself forward and informal networking like men do all the time.

[JockTamsonsBairns]

Thanks all for further comments - and at knitting laptop covers!

Domestic - I really like that idea, and thanks for that suggestion. I've been briefly introduced to the new management team during the restructuring consultation meeting - but it really was brief, and there would be no reason that I would stand out in any way.

If I'm being honest, my confidence has taken a bit of a hit. I was fairly successful in the field about ten years ago - pre Dc's - but, having taken time out to be a SAHM, I do acknowledge that the skills I've outlined on my CV could be perceived to be a bit dated. I think I know deep down I'm capable of doing this job, but I feel a bit nervous as I need to prove myself all over again iyswim. I have kept my foot in the door, so to speak, with a bit of low-level part time stuff over the past couple of years - with a view to keeping my career prospects alive and, whilst I'm glad I've done that, I now feel a bit middle aged and mumsy in comparison to the slick city-boy types who seem to be around nowadays.

Hence my reluctance to put reading or sewing or suchlike in my interests bit!

Anyway, all purely academic now - CV printed off, with no reference to interests whatsoever. Thanks again for everyone's input.

[NuclearStandoff]

Disagree with some of the posts on here. My ex boss always used to read the interests section of cvs first - and was looking for team sports as she reckoned that was a good sign in a prospective employee.

[amillionyears]

I am not an expert, except as in helping my kids to get jobs. And they are still relatively young[ish]
But I would have thought eg a team sport, something creative, and maybe a subscription to a relavent work related publication is useful and relevant.

[amillionyears]

oops. Now read Jacks post better from Monday.
Good luck with the job.

[PoppyAmex]

I was a consultant and then a headhunter in Banking for many years; had clients that definitely were interested in hobbies/interests and have seen a few people hired on the strength of their golf handicaps CVs.