Hobbies/interests on job application

[dimbles]

I've always been told to leave hobbies and interests off my CV/job applications unless they're relevant to the role, and as my hobbies (browsing the internet, watching TV, reading, cooking) are completely irrelevant to the vast majority of jobs I've applied for (invariably fairly boring admin jobs) I've always followed this advice and not even bothered mentioning any leisure interests on job applications.

I'm currently filling in a job application (for another boring admin job) that has a specific box for interests. Leaving it blank would look bad. Lying is wrong. Presumably all I can do is be honest and list my very irrelevant hobbies?!

If they've specifically asked, then list them. As long as it's not something as cliched as "socialising with my friends, holidays and going to the cinema".

I have recently heard the opposite! Reason being was that they might want to see who would be a good cultural fit.

Maybe be a bit more specific about your interests to give them a bit of human interest. Eg what's your favourite author / genre / country's cuisine?

When I interview I like having hobbies on a CV as it lets me start more informal chitchat. It's the chat, not the hobbies per se, that I'm interested in to get an idea of cultural fit.

Being specific makes it more interesting - "classic detective novels and visiting Roman ruins" is better than "reading and travelling". Obviously you can just list things you're interested in, it doesn't need to be an overwhelming passion.

Just make sure you can talk about a book you've read recently.

I was always taught it gave insight to the prospective employer on how you'd fit in culturally and also whether you were more of a loner or team worker.

As such I was always advised to include ones which showed I could work/completely a task happily independently AND ones which showed I was capable of social interaction and working within a team.

I'm actually not great at team activities or sports but certain hobbies gave the impression I was/could be.

yes to being specific/ including detail too, eg favourite authors and genres

Mine usually included:

Reading, theatre, cinema, swimming, badminton (doubles), guiding/scouting.

As an interviewer I agree it gives an opportunity for a "soft" opening to relax everyone (yes interviewers get nervous too especially if they're new to it), it also gives a general idea what a person is like which can help with whether they'll fit the role/organisation.

Some roles I was recruiting for also required a level of fitness and stamina so quite honesty seeing some kind of physical activity was good too.

Also gives insight into whether that person has a good attention span, attention to detail etc

I was once asked in an interview to briefly describe badminton and the rules. This was to see if I could think on my feet (very much required in the role), stay calm when thrown a curve ball, could communicate clearly a concept to someone unfamiliar with that concept (again key to the role).

Got the job.

Another time I was asked about being involved in guiding and what aspects I enjoyed most. Again I tailored my answer to the role and got the job.

It's an incredibly competitive marketplace right now for jobs, you have to sell yourself and mark yourself out as above the others applying.

And my own attention to detail clearly shit today! Please ignore typos and I hope it makes sense 🙄

I’d add one that maybe you’ve even done just a few times that might look better. Technically, not lying. Especially anything active like sports. Swimming or running?
Cooking is fine too if you can talk about reasons why it’s a hobby and not an every day chore. Can you show any talent or progress in it?