Should You Include Hobbies and Interests on Your CV?

General Advice The inclusion of hobbies and interests on a CV is a debated topic. While some hiring managers may say they like seeing them to understand the candidate better, including such details can often promote unconscious bias. If your hobbies are unrelated to the job, they can create preconceived opinions that may work against you.

The Risk of Unconscious Bias Hobbies like supporting a specific football team or engaging in a niche activity can lead to bias. For example, mentioning your support for West Ham could be harmless, but if an Arsenal-supporting recruiter reads that, they might subconsciously view you less favourably. Similarly, a hobby like Thai boxing, while admirable to some, might be seen as overly aggressive or not fitting certain professional stereotypes by others.

Examples of Potential Bias Consider someone listing trainspotting as a hobby—it may evoke a “nerdy” stereotype in the mind of some recruiters, even if unintentionally. These biases, although unfair, are a reality, and your CV should avoid inviting them unnecessarily.

When to Include Hobbies There are exceptions. If you have an extraordinary achievement, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and raising £10,000 for charity, this is worth including. Such experiences can demonstrate commitment, resilience, and community involvement—qualities that are valued by employers. However, general interests like “socialising” or “going to the cinema” are too common and irrelevant to make a positive impact.

Conclusion To avoid unconscious bias, it’s best to leave hobbies and interests off your CV unless they showcase a significant achievement that adds value to your professional story. Focus instead on qualifications, skills, and experiences that highlight why you’re the best fit for the role.