Forget about objectives and hobbies?
The question of whether or not to include objectives and hobbies on a resume was the most controversial among my professional hiring network. So do these two potentially superfluous sections put you at a disadvantage? I am attaching the back and forth that occurred on this topic -- and you can decide for yourself:
Mark Mauriello: No perspective employer wants to know about your hobbies; leave them off. Also, unless you are applying to a specific job...leave your objective off of your resume. If you do need to write and include one, make it very generic.
Erin O'Keefe: @Mark: I disagree. As a prospective employer, I like to know that people have a life outside of work. What gives them inspiration? And speaking of inspiration, without a career vision -- why have you taken the jobs you've taken? Show the narrative in your positions somehow -- what you want to create, fix, solve, deliver, etc. -- not just functions and responsibilities.
Sean Moffitt: Great comments by all and hate to tag team and pile on with Erin here, but the best companies don't hire robots -- putting interests and hobbies down create conversation points, points of intersection with the hirer, ability to display passion, and may even ladder to hirable skills and leadership. [It's] usually the first question I ask in interview setting -- surely more important than putting down what you did six jobs ago as a student painter.
Mark Mauriello: The mindset of HR and hiring managers sure does change when you leave the Northeast and Tri-State area, Sean. I agree with both of you, but it doesn't hold true as much here in the NYC area -- but [I] hope that it does change. It does help to know who people are, not just what they do.
Julia Knowlton: I am a headhunter based in NYC focused on global banking, and I always recommend people include interests on their CV if they have them. That said, don't list fishing if you don't own a fishing rod.
David Alexander: I am not sure the U.S. geography is an issue. I am currently a CHRO in Philly and was on the West Coast for over 10 years prior. It all depends on the company. Frankly, I like to see that people have multiple dimensions. Our corporate culture places high value on volunteering, and we look for others who do the same. I guess the lesson here is to know the culture of the company you are interviewing with and tailor your resume appropriately. A Swiss Army knife resume approach will not always work.
So, it really is your choice. But the best advice, I think, came from Julia: Don't brag about a hobby if you can't back it up.
