If you’re looking to give yourself the competitive edge, you may wonder what can set you apart from the crowd, and what you can do to help you secure your next job in an ever-competitive market.
The answer could be undertaking some new hobbies. In fact, according to research, 51.2% of employers use hobbies to select suitable candidates for a job. Why? Well, it’s thought that hobbies not only show employers your personality type, but also help demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded individual with a life outside of work.
If you’d like to give yourself the edge, then read on for 10 hobbies that’ll make hiring managers swoon over your resume.
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Learning a new language
As well as being handy for dealing with international clients, did you know that there are cognitive benefits of learning a language too? In fact, it’s thought that people who speak multiple languages not only are better at problem solving, but they also have more empathy and exhibit a global mindset.
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Volunteering
If you want to demonstrate that you care about others, why not dabble in volunteering? This could be especially relevant for people-based roles such as those within the care sector.
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Learn to code
No longer something for the select few, adults, children and everyone in between are being encouraged to learn how to code to advance in their careers. Whether you work in marketing, business or are simply interested in tech, coding is a sought-after skill that will skyrocket your earning potential.
To get started, all you need is a micro:bit. Designed to help get young people into tech, a micro:bit makes coding fun and accessible for all.
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Creative writing
If you’re more of a creative type, why not try your hand at storytelling? Writers not only have exemplary verbal and written skills, but they also tend to be good communicators – both of which are highly desirable skills.
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Team sports
If you like keeping fit, taking part in a team sport is highly beneficial for your CV (and not just the cardiovascular kind!). Not only will you demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team, but you’ll also improve your perseverance, resilience and self-confidence at the same time.
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Cultural activities
If you have an eye for art and design, why not spend time your free time soaking up some culture? Demonstrating intelligence and a good eye, by visiting art galleries and historical monuments, you’ll be able to wow potential employers with your cultural prowess.
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Play an instrument
If you’d like to impress your employer, you should consider learning how to play a musical instrument. As well as being an enjoyable pastime, playing a musical instrument increases memory capacity, refines your time management skills and enhances comprehension skills – all of which are incredibly important to a potential employer.
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Extreme sports
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then why not dabble in some extreme sports? As well as being fun (for some anyway!) extreme sports demonstrate that you can remain calm under pressure, are willing to take calculated risks and don’t mind pushing boundaries.
This will stand you in good stead for management or leadership positions.
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Drawing
Hobbies that require artistic flair help demonstrate that you are thoughtful, creative and experimental – all of which are skills that are well-regarded in many industries.
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Videography
All you need to start videography is a smart phone and a creative eye. Especially handy if you’re looking for a creative, hands-on job, learning how to shoot and capture events could land you an excellent job.
The bottom line…
Although it sometimes seems as though there is too much competition out there when it comes to job applications, taking up hobbies can do wonders for your CV. Whether you’re after a job in tech, marketing or management – why not see where your hobbies could take you?
You may be interested in: How to Turn Your Skills and Hobbies into a Business?