What should be put in the “interests” section of a CV?

The Importance of Interests in a Resume

The “Interests” section in a CV is often seen as a secondary or even optional section. However, it can play a determining role during the evaluation of a candidate by a recruiter. Although some may not consider this section to be very important, it is essential to understand that it can reveal your personality and provide insight into your passions outside of the professional context.

Choice of relevant interests

It is essential to choose interests that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a position in the creative field, it would be relevant to mention your hobbies related to art, design or writing. These elements can give the recruiter an idea of ​​your passion and commitment to these areas which could be directly related to your future employment.

Unique interests and personal accomplishments

It’s best to avoid generic interests like reading or travel. Instead, try to mention unique activities or personal accomplishments that may catch the recruiter’s attention. For example, participation in sports competitions or volunteer projects could indicate leadership or teamwork skills.

Highlighting your skills

As a general rule, choose interests that reflect your personal accomplishments and demonstrate your skills and commitment to your passions. Hobbies that highlight the qualities sought for the position in question, such as the spirit of initiative, creativity or rigor, are also to be preferred.

A concise section

It is important to note that the heading “Centres of interest” must be brief and concise. It is not necessary to detail all your hobbies nor to make an exhaustive list of your centers of interest. Just mention a few key activities that may interest the recruiter and give an idea of ​​your personality.

Professionalism and relevance

Finally, it is crucial to remember that a CV must above all be professional and adapted to the position for which you are applying. Therefore, if you have interests that could be considered controversial, it is best not to mention them. Your goal is to grab the recruiter’s attention, not distract them.

In conclusion

The “Interests” section in a CV can be an opportunity to stand out and bring out your personality. It’s important to choose areas of interest that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, highlight your accomplishments and skills, and stay professional in choosing which activities to mention.

Resume Writing: How to Stand Out

Understand the purpose of a CV

A resume, or curriculum vitae, is one of the key tools in your job search. It is a kind of summary that presents your professional experiences, your educational background, and your skills to potential recruiters. The goal is to land a job interview, to have the chance to explain in more detail why you are the ideal candidate for the position to be filled.

Choice of resume format

There are different types of CVs that you can use: the chronological CV, the functional CV, the combined CV, and the targeted CV. The choice depends on your professional background and what you want to highlight. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires specific work experience, the chronological resume would probably be the best choice.

Layout of your CV

The layout of your CV is essential to ensure its readability. The typography chosen, the chronological order, and the layout of the headings are elements to be carefully considered. Free resume templates can be useful to help structure your resume. Many sites offer templates, CV models to download, and examples to help you create an effective CV.

Resume content

The content of your CV must be adapted to each job offer for which you apply. The keywords used in the job posting can be useful in ensuring that your CV is well aligned with the position you are applying for. It is also recommended to include a CV hook at the beginning of your CV to attract the attention of recruiters.

Avoid common mistakes

It is essential to proofread your CV to avoid any spelling mistakes or formatting errors. A perfect CV is one that is well presented, readable, and without errors. If you have any doubts, you can hire a professional resume writer.

Writing a cover letter

In addition to your CV, you will generally need to write a cover letter. This letter is an opportunity to explain in detail why you are the ideal candidate for the position, and to express your interest in the company. There are many cover letter examples and templates available online to help you write an effective cover letter.

CV translation

If you are applying for a job abroad, you may need to translate your CV into another language. The CV translation must be accurate and faithful to your original CV. You can hire a professional service to help you, or use online resources to translate your CV to English, CV to Spanish, CV to German or any other language required.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing an effective resume takes time and attention. It is important to personalize your CV for each application, to choose the right format, to take care of the layout, to avoid errors and to write a relevant cover letter. Following these tips will increase your chances of landing an interview and hopefully your dream job.

The motivation letter

Beyond the CV, the cover letter plays a crucial role in your application. It completes your CV by offering the recruiter a glimpse of your personality and your motivation for the position. It is important to adapt it to each spontaneous application or response to a specific job offer. You can use the sample cover letters on the internet to help structure yours, but be sure to include personal and relevant information. Well-chosen catchphrases can help you stand out and grab the recruiter’s attention. In addition, just like your CV, it is essential to proofread your cover letter to avoid spelling mistakes.

Layout

Whether it’s for your CV or your cover letter, the layout is essential. You can use tools like Microsoft Word, Canva or Photoshop to create an original and professional layout. You can also opt for CV and cover letter templates available online, often in Word or PDF format, which you can download for free and complete. However, keep the layout simple and clear to make it easier to read. The typography used must be legible, and it is recommended to favor a single page for your CV and one for your cover letter.

Follow-up of your Application

Once you’ve submitted your resume and cover letter, the next step is to follow up on your application. It is generally recommended to wait one to two weeks before following up with the company if you have not received a response. This follow-up can be done by e-mail or by telephone, depending on the contact indicated in the job offer. This shows your motivation and can help move your application forward.

Interview Preparation

If your resume and cover letter have caught the recruiter’s attention, the next step is usually the job interview. It is essential to prepare well for this interview beforehand. For example, you can practice answering common questions, think of concrete examples to illustrate your skills, and proofread your CV and job description to be ready to answer specific questions. It is also important to prepare questions to ask your interviewer to show your interest in the position and the company.