Page 2 | Listing hobbies on job application forms

ducksinarow123 · 2025-04-15T15:59:29+00:00

What’s the point? Why do jobs applications application forms ask for you hobbies and interests outside work? They don’t add to my ability to do the job, plus it makes you feel like shit if you have few hobbies (full time job, house to run, kids to raise!) or awkward if you have really niche hobbies that you’d rather not declare for fear of being judged negatively. So pointless. urgh, that’s my mini rant. What do you all put on that section? oh: yabu: it’s really important to show there’s more to life than work and let that personality shine through yanbu: it’s pointless and intrusive and utterly irrelevant to the job application process

Jabberwok · 15/04/2025 17:25

ducksinarow123 · 15/04/2025 17:11

I LOVE swimming! But, 40 hour work week, 3 dc, house to run etc etc, then the PITA of dealing with chlorine hair…….. But that’s a whole other thread for the feminist board I reckon 😉

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I know, but it's embarrassing to ask someone about a hobby...that they don't actually do!

If you put socialising, eating out and reading I could ask about what food you like, what books you read.

I can honestly say men never put hobbies they don't do...but then again I learnt never to ask about golf, cycling or in one case bell ringing...so glad I don't interview these days.

Commonsense22 · 15/04/2025 17:23

It gives people with notable achievements the chance to mention. If someone was on the England Lacrosse team or volunteers as a scout leader or has played at Glastonbury I want to know as it demonstrates self-motivation, values and dedication. I am more likely to hire a well rounded individual.
If someone has no hobbies, it is a bit of a red flag as it is symptomatic of a lack of lust for life and curiosity.

Newname25 · 15/04/2025 17:19

ducksinarow123 · 15/04/2025 17:16

That’s really helpful thank you. I didn’t think of listing genre etc, but I guess that could be a good start for discussion. It’s interesting to see why employers ask, I never had them brought up in an Interview so just felt it was pointless

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From an interviewers point of view it's often to settle someone into an interview. People tend to light up when they are talking about their passions and interests. I think both times I was asked definitely helped me over the line!

Original poster

ducksinarow123 · 15/04/2025 17:16

Newname25 · 15/04/2025 17:12

Don't list what you don't want to discuss! If you put the usual generic stuff the likelihood is you won't be asked. If someone is going to list reading I would also suggest they put in what genre they like reading. Again another interesting conversation starter!

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That’s really helpful thank you. I didn’t think of listing genre etc, but I guess that could be a good start for discussion. It’s interesting to see why employers ask, I never had them brought up in an Interview so just felt it was pointless

OP posts:

Rebootnecessary · 15/04/2025 17:14

As an occasional interviewer I use the hobbies and interests as an opening question, just to allow everyone to settle. I wouldn't judge someone if they hadn't written anything though.

Newname25 · 15/04/2025 17:12

ducksinarow123 · 15/04/2025 17:09

Oh I don’t know how to put up a poll, I’m on the app (I never post in aibu).
my main hobbies include pokemon go, and to keep fit I do pole dancing/fitness. Not listing either of those to a bunch of strangers I want to think of me as a professional. So then I go to the dull basic - reading, cinema, meeting with friends etc.
I also HATE (with a passion) any form of ice breakers where you have to come up with a “fun fact” about yourself. ND introverts worst nightmare, and it’s probably linked to my hatred of the hobbies question

Don't list what you don't want to discuss! If you put the usual generic stuff the likelihood is you won't be asked. If someone is going to list reading I would also suggest they put in what genre they like reading. Again another interesting conversation starter!

ACynicalDad · 15/04/2025 17:12

I don't ask for them, but some people include them on their CVs, especially when they don't have much at the start of their careers. Sometimes, hobbies link to the business. I've never marked someone down for a hobby but it can be a plus. It's about 1% of my consideration at best.

Original poster

ducksinarow123 · 15/04/2025 17:11

Jabberwok · 15/04/2025 17:05

It's to give an idea of what the person is like and give a question opportunity which is outside of the basic work and may help if your interviewing someone a bit nervous or where you are struggling to illicit answers (particularly with younger applicants who may not have had many interviews). I've had people blossom.and relax when talking about their horse or their sport.

However, every woman seems to put swimming....and never goes.

I LOVE swimming! But, 40 hour work week, 3 dc, house to run etc etc, then the PITA of dealing with chlorine hair…….. But that’s a whole other thread for the feminist board I reckon 😉

OP posts:

Lavender14 · 15/04/2025 17:11

I think yabu. It shows transferable skills such as ability to work in a team, be dependable etc. Plus for younger people starting out who are going to have less work experience it's a great way to show the skills they do have.

Original poster

ducksinarow123 · 15/04/2025 17:09

Oh I don’t know how to put up a poll, I’m on the app (I never post in aibu).
my main hobbies include pokemon go, and to keep fit I do pole dancing/fitness. Not listing either of those to a bunch of strangers I want to think of me as a professional. So then I go to the dull basic - reading, cinema, meeting with friends etc.
I also HATE (with a passion) any form of ice breakers where you have to come up with a “fun fact” about yourself. ND introverts worst nightmare, and it’s probably linked to my hatred of the hobbies question

OP posts:

Jabberwok · 15/04/2025 17:05

It's to give an idea of what the person is like and give a question opportunity which is outside of the basic work and may help if your interviewing someone a bit nervous or where you are struggling to illicit answers (particularly with younger applicants who may not have had many interviews). I've had people blossom.and relax when talking about their horse or their sport.

However, every woman seems to put swimming....and never goes.

Newname25 · 15/04/2025 17:02

You haven't put a poll up!

I've been asked about hobbies I've listed twice in a job interview. It can help connect you to the interviewers and also de-stress a person in an interview. It is also an opportunity to showcase your interests or personality. Don't list any hobby you don't want to discuss then it isn't intrusive!

JandamiHash · 15/04/2025 17:01

I totally agree and I’m amazed places still ask. I find a lot of places want to employ people “who will fit in” - but this usually means people who are just like them, and you end up with a workplace that isn’t in the least bit diverse.

Also if like me you don’t have hobbies you struggle what to write and go between lying or the boring truth of “reading cycling and cooking”. I’d love to have hobbies but I’m utterly cack handed and would only do myself a mischief