When a Résumé Should Take Risks

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A lifetime ago, when I was looking for my first 'real' job out of college, my resume naturally included prior summer jobs that were completely unrelated to my real career path. One of my first interviews came because the hiring manager saw some spark in this 'daring' young woman who had worked summer as a forklift driver.
Include the 'sparks' that make you unique!

Aelo of TX 5:10PM November 22, 2009

They'll usually ask in an interview, anyways.
As in, so what do you do for fun?
It's not illegal, and people can answer whatever they want, from "chasing my pet bunny around the house" to "volleyball."
Happens all the time. Add it when asked.

Employed in Illinois of IL 9:15PM October 30, 2009

I very much agree Michael, for two reasons. First the homogeneity of candidates now makes the early screening process ever more difficult, so a line or two that rounds you out from the other "link sausages being ground out of the machine" (quote from a partner in a large legal firm regarding the 1,200 CVs he had in front of him) can only be to your advantage.
Second, a goodly chunk of why we will hire you centres on whether we think you will fit in to the existing team and extra curricular activities quickly give us a sense of what kind of person you are.
All in all, it is well worth judiciously including a line or two about your life outside of work.

Rowan Manahan 8:25PM October 30, 2009

I have to agree that listing personal interests can be helpful - especially if the position may require the establishment of relationships - whether with customers or business partners.
The ability of the applicant to connect or relate to others on a level that complements the formal business relationship can be invaluable to the company.
Over the past 30 years as an interviewer, it has become an integral part of the interview for me to inquire about personal interests.

Jeff Kong, R.Ph. of HI 7:28PM October 30, 2009