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Additional Information in resume.

Resume
New answer on Dec 30, 2020
10 Answers
800 Views
Anonymous A asked on Dec 04, 2020

Hi everyone,

I would like to take your opinion on an element of my resume. I have been adivsed by some people to include my interests at the bottom of the page in the "Additional Information" section. Normally, I am uncomfortable with doing that. Just makes me feel like it doesn't really speak for the kind of person I am aiming to be. I think I am fairly fun face-to-face but I don't think such a professional document should include that.

What do you think?

I have also given some thought into what I would put in there. This is what the section would look like with the 2 points I chose:

  • Languages: English, Language 2, Language 3
  • It Skills
  • Self-taught guitarist. Grew mangoes in my Berlin apartment.

Overview of answers

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Best answer
Ken
Expert
replied on Dec 05, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

I agree with Clara - there are no rules and so it really comes down to you. Languages is a no brainer, IT skills - only if unique (e.g., programming language) and relevant to the role and then for hobbies I probably wouldn't include the two you have as they are quite random and don't really speak to a serious personal passion/achievement (obviously I may be making the wrong interpretation but it would be a way it would be interpreted). For hobbies, I would probably use your experience level/age as a guide too. For example, if you are applying for an undergrad internship then including some 'unique' personal info can be interesting for the reader vs. someone with 10 years of professional experiece which can come across a little immature.

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 05, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Definitely keep the interest section – it is probably the one that can help to more easily connect with the interviewer.

I would not recommend to just list the interests though (eg reading). Try to quantify them and show achievements related to them (eg avid reader – 50+ books per year). This will make you stand out and make it easier for the interviewer to ask questions on those points.

Best,
Francesco

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 05, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I also have mixed feelings about this part of the CV, and also belive that they are not clear DOES and DON´Ts, it´s quite personal.

I would leave the languages and IT, since I think is the insightful info for your employers.

Best of luck!

Cheers,

Clara

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 05, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there!

Honestly, it really doesn't matter much if you include your interests. It won't move the needle one way or the other.

That being said, it doesn't hurt to list some interests, as it helps with conversation - this is absolutely your choice.

Now, what you absolutely must include are languages and IT skills. These do substantially add to your resume and it would be crazy to leave them out!

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 05, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Definitely keep it as it allows people to see the other side of you. Be creative and authentic. Show them what they must know about you beyond education & work.

Some of the quirky ones I have see in CVs over the years:

  • A poem that trended on Twitter for many months
  • Books/Journals the candidate wrote
  • Link to their youtube video channel

I hope you get the point.

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 05, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

You can use this section on your CV and make the most out of it, instead of just listing your interests.
Think of something you can use to convince the interviewer that you are the right fit, keeping in mind that they want to see your personality, and how you interact with people.

These could be:

  1. Team sports
  2. Charity work
  3. Volunteering

If none of these works for you, then you could leave IT (maybe there is something that makes you special in it) and languages (try to specify)

Do you need any further help?

GB

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Henning
Expert
replied on Dec 05, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

I agree with Francesco. Keep the section as it often opens a route for some small talks and might paint a more round picture of you as a human. But generally, this is not a make or break section ;)

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Dec 05, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

There is nothing bad in adding them. Feel free to add and please don't overthink it. They will not reject you because of your interests

Best

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 30, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

I like including it too. It is a good hook for engaged interviewers to break the ice and make you more confortable

Best

Antonello

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Anonymous replied on Dec 24, 2020

Hi,

It really depends on what kind of image you want to shape with your resume.

Standard and "safe" option would be - language, volunteering, IT skill (i.e. coding/data analytics NOT operate microsoft office)

Best,
Iman

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