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CV Tips – Interests and Extras

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When it comes to writing a CV, there is so much advice it can become overwhelming! We all know that education and career history are two of the most important things (along with your contact details!) but what about the rest? Achievements, voluntary work, interests, hobbies, languages… it’s never ending! Here’s our top tips on how / what to include in your CV.

 

Interests:

When it comes to interests, there are a number of things that really help a potential employer get to know more about you. Whether its sport that demonstrates that your a team player or standing on stage in your local theatre group which demonstrates excellent presentation skills, these are all things that can benefit your CV.

The only thing to be mindful of is linking those skills back to the role you’re applying for. It’s always going to work best if you demonstrate how your skills are relevant (e.g. how your competitive nature could help you thrive in sales).

 

Voluntary Work:

Volunteering, fundraising or mentoring, are all great ways of highlight how you contribute to society.

Whether it’s by mentoring another student at your school, college or university, raising sponsorship to take part in a charitable event (e.g. The London Marathon), or volunteering at your local charity shop – you’ll be demonstrating your communication skills, resourcefulness, and willingness to help others.

 

Foreign Languages:

This may seem like an obvious one to include – speaking more than one language is an amazing skill and if you can, then you probably already have it on your CV.

It is also worth noting down any language that you may be learning or that you have some understanding of as the dedication and enthusiasm involved will undoubtedly stand out to recruiters.

And, with many organisations operating internationally – an ability to understand and translate communications from another country is extremely valuable.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities and Achievements:

This is the section that can really help you get that dream job. If your hobbies relate to your desired career (e.g media, IT etc) then the experience you have in your own time could translate to the skills that the recruiter is looking for.

Whether it’s a class your doing in the evenings, helping friends with broken laptops or writing a blog you’re demonstrating that you have skills that can be used in your next role.

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