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As someone who takes a bunch of interviews, I love looking at the “Interests” section and talking about it if there’s something interesting or even something in common with my own interests. I think the Interests section shows a little bit about you outside of work and adds value to your overall profile. FYI, I’m a corporate PE lawyer so not sure if it’s different in the litigation sector.
I'm a litigator who appreciates being able to start a conversation about a candidate's outside interests in an interview.
Mentor
I say no, but the last time there was a thread like this, I was highly out voted. Though it could be a conversation starter, it could also influence their first impression of you, and I don’t want anyone’s first impression of me being affected by anything other than my professional qualifications. (e.g. they don’t need to know I am in a death metal band - “hey you guys want to hire that guy?” “Who, the loser metal head?”)
Mentor
Hah, thanks for the words of encouragement - I was speaking hypothetically though and used one of my own hobbies so I didn’t insult anyone else’s hobbies. Just as disclosure of your hobbies can work to your advantage if an interviewer happens to share it, it may work to your disadvantage if it reveals to the interviewer how little you may have in common - even if subconsciously
Enthusiast
It’s a risk. But I think if it’s ONE line at the very bottom, it’s a small risk outweighed by potential benefit.
honestly, if you're a borderline candidate you have more incentive to take risks. by contrast if you're a shoo-in, there's no reason to take risks
100%. Whenever I’m interviewing someone, it’s one of the first things I look at while reviewing their resume. Edit: because it’s often one of the few things that sets you apart from other candidates.
While I don’t personally have hobbies on my resume (no room), I do like the additional insight they give when I’m the interviewer. For example, guitar signals to me that you’re creative; martial arts shows you care about your physical and mental well-being. Both showcase dedication/perseverance.
Community Builder
My rule with candidates is include it if its very unique or requires skill. Scrabble champion, long distance cross-country skiing, seasonal pie-baking, etc —> include New York Yankees, hiking, non-fiction —> don’t include
Enthusiast
Ha! So neat, thank you for sharing!🤗
Enthusiast
Yes! Hobbies! Super important! If I give you an interview it's because you have the professional stuff Im looking for in the position. Your hobbies let me know you have something other than the law to talk about and helps me figure out if you will fit in with the group.
Oh boy. This thread is a lot more divisive than I thought it would be.
Anyone have insight into formatting if I wish to do this? I was thinking a languages and interests section and one bullet for each. Like this. Languages: German (fluent); French (conversational)
Coach
If you do it, don’t be surprised if they put you on an interview with someone who speaks that language the entire time or switch mid-conversation.
When someone doesn’t have an interests section on their résumé, I assume they’re boring and have no hobbies and I don’t want to work with them. Jk. Actually I call them out on it and ask if they have any hobbies. And then I assume they’re boring if they stumble on answering 😂
If it’s something actually interesting then include it. Otherwise, don’t.
I lump “Skills, Interests, and Affiliations” as one section. This covers languages I speak, programs/platforms I navigate well, state bar organization memberships, and educational interests (niche history). It’s a nice way to keep interviews conversational. It gives the interviewer something to draw on & avoids having to navigate my way through a situational-styled interview.
I think it can be worthwhile to showcase your depth as a robust, well rounded professional. Clients don’t like robotic people so to the extent you can come off affably it’s worth your time.
Mentor
Hobbies: “Activities I will no longer have time for if you hire me.”
Enthusiast
Obviously yes.
Enthusiast
It’s needless.
Enthusiast
I have never seen hobbies in a lateral resume. To me, it’s weird. Is your recruiter insisting because they think this particular firm appreciates it? If yes, then sure go ahead and include. If not, i would not include.
I don’t think it’s a must but when I do interview junior associates it’s def a nice thing to chat casually about and to connect over.
I’ve lateraled a couple of times and have 1 sentence about hobbies and interests at the bottom of my resume. I get asked about it pretty often—especially by partners at major big law firms trying to show they have more of a laid-back culture.
Definitely include if interesting. Got 4 offers in-house in my recent application cycle, and many interviewers asked about several hobbies listed.
Can provide some pointers if you’d like. PM me.
Coach
Anyone who holds interest section against you is not drinking you wanna work with anyways. No harm including it but try to include something that will piqué interest