Including "personal interests" section on resume

Question

Wanted to get opinions from the community on whether or not it's worthwhile or recommended to include a one-liner related to "personal interests" at the bottom of the resume I'll be using in b-school apps. I've already applied to a couple schools without the section as it only occurred to me recently to include, but I still have a couple apps that are due in the coming weeks that I could include it with.

Thoughts? If worthwhile/appropriate, is it best to keep it somewhat generic/easily relatable interests (travel, fine dining, etc) or is it better to add some unique things in there that might pop to a reader's eye and spark further interest, conversation (if at interview stage), etc?

I just don't want to end up doing something too crazy and have it end up hurting me in the end.

kingfalcon · Answer

I included an "interests" line and was invited to interview by MIT and Columbia, but I seriously doubt that line made a difference one way or another. Honestly, I chose to include it for the reasons you mentioned (i.e., potential to spark a conversation) and will do so for my final three applications. As long as you use common sense and don't list anything that could reflect poorly on your judgement, I'm sure you'll be fine. That said, don't leave something important off because you feel like you need to have an "interests" line.

brosnan6 · Answer

Yeah, that's basically what I'm thinking as well. I have space for exactly one line at the bottom so I figured might as well make use of it. Thanks Well, it's one more nit to worry about :lol:

kingfalcon · Answer

Then yeah, I say go for it. The only thing I'd be wary of is including interests which are not socially acceptable in some professional circles (i.e., gambling, video games, getting tattoos). :-D

bigcountry · Answer

I would agree for sure. Three words in the "Personal" line of my resume led to my best interview thus far; you never know!!!

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Definitely add it. The personal section of my resume sparked a lot of discussion during my bschool interviews. Now that I'm in school it's also helping me with recruiting.

pike · Answer

A couple of lines to humanize your application in a completely acceptable and normal way... Why would you not do this?

Posted from my mobile device

thevenus · Answer

I found this link extremely helpful https://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/tuckcdo/a ... eGuide.pdf

Admissionado · Answer

Most people will skip over it when they read through it. But sometimes you hit a common point. "Oh, this guy is also a big fan of medieval Italian music??!! Wow! Let's call him for an interview!!"

It's can't hurt, and you can always squeeze in an extra line or two.

HinConsulting · Answer

I would keep the section in. When I was going through job interviews, my interest in baking desserts sparked a lot of conversations. A lot of people have a sweet tooth and you'd be amazed how many people fancy themselves amateur pasty chefs.

Including "personal interests" section on resume

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