The Relevance of Hobbies in the Resume
While hobbies are not a mandatory component of a resume, they can serve as a meaningful addition. They provide the employer with insights into the candidate’s interests and character traits. In the application for a training position (Ausbildungsplatz), hobbies that highlight skills like teamwork, perseverance, or creativity can leave a positive impression. However, they should only appear in the resume if they truly offer added value and align well with the intended vocational training (Ausbildung) profession.
Choosing Appropriate Hobbies
When selecting hobbies, applicants should be careful to mention activities that could be relevant to the training position (Ausbildungsplatz) or industry. Sporting activities like football, volleyball, or team sports emphasize teamwork and resilience. Creative hobbies such as painting, writing, or playing music can indicate strong creativity or perseverance. Hobbies involving manual skills could be perceived as advantageous in technical professions. Applicants should avoid mentioning hobbies that might be viewed negatively or have no relation to the vocational training (Ausbildung) position.
Using Hobbies to Showcase Soft Skills
Hobbies offer an excellent opportunity to highlight soft skills that could be important for the training position (Ausbildungsplatz). For example, engaging regularly in sports can point to discipline and determination. Group activities like team sports or volunteer work demonstrate teamwork and communication skills. Creative hobbies often signal problem-solving abilities and a willingness to innovate. It is advisable not only to mention hobbies but also to briefly explain which competencies they enhance.
Volunteer Work and Social Engagement
Volunteering should definitely be mentioned in the resume, as it underscores responsibility and social competence. Those who are active in a club during their free time, engage socially, or work as volunteers can particularly highlight this in the hobbies section. This shows the employer that the applicant demonstrates commitment beyond the professional context and takes on responsibility.
Examples of Suitable Hobbies
Suitable hobbies for a resume can include sporting activities, creative pursuits, musical interests, or craft hobbies. For instance, someone who practices martial arts can highlight perseverance and self-discipline. Creative hobbies such as playing a musical instrument or creating artworks can indicate artistic skills and patience. Craft hobbies like model building or DIY projects fit well with technical or craft vocational training professions (Ausbildungsberufe).
Hobbies to Avoid
There are also hobbies that are better left unmentioned in the resume. Activities considered extremely risky or potentially controversial should be avoided, as they could raise concerns with the employer. Similarly, one should refrain from mentioning hobbies that have no relation to the training position (Ausbildungsplatz) or are very general, such as “reading” or “listening to music.” These hobbies offer little insight into the candidate’s personality and abilities.
Properly Presenting Hobbies in the Resume
Hobbies should be presented briefly and concisely in the resume. A simple list is possible, but it can be useful to elaborate on some hobbies with brief additions. For example: “Football (team captain for 2 years)” or “Photography (focus on landscapes and portraits)”. This way, the employer not only gets an overview of leisure activities but also the associated skills and responsibilities.
Positioning Hobbies in the Resume
Hobbies should be placed at the end of the resume, after more relevant sections such as education (Ausbildung), work experience, and qualifications. They serve as a rounding off of the profile and should not dominate the resume. Applicants should ensure that the section remains brief and does not overshadow the essential information.
The Significance of Hobbies for Trainees Without Work Experience
For applicants who are applying for a training position (Ausbildungsplatz) and have little or no work experience, hobbies can play a more significant role. In such cases, where practical professional evidence is often lacking, hobbies can help to emphasize personality and relevant soft skills. Hobbies can serve as indicators of responsibility, teamwork, or problem-solving skills, showing employers that the applicant brings a suitable profile despite lacking work experience.