While skills and experience are the top selection criteria, 8 out of 10 employers say CV “other interests” influence their recruitment decisions, according to a survey of 900 recruiters by job site Reed.
Candidates are most likely to be excluded from shortlists if they write too much or in too much detail, according to nearly one in three recruiters. Yet writing too little can also be a problem.
Job-seekers who cite “drinking” as their “other interest” damage their chances (according to 27%) and those who leave the section blank also risk exclusion (12%). However those listing interests judged “weird” are only slightly more likely to be excluded (according to 7%) than those whose interests are thought to be “bland” (cited as worst by 6%).
Simply putting “socialising and reading” is seen as boring. Yet job-seekers who try too hard to be interesting with hobbies can find these backfire and risk losing credibility.
Half of the employers surveyed said they prefer a balanced mixture of interests within a few short bullet points. Voluntary work experience is particularly liked, according to 41% of recruiters, while activities involving organising others, recreational team sports or travelling abroad also impress.
