How does this look on a resume?

Question

It's for a marketing job at a well-off insurance agency. Would this look good?:

Interests and Hobbies: Has been a dancer at a local private studio for thirteen years, loves technology, and prides herself by her research and people skills.

Answer 1

don't refer to yourself in the third person-under interests and hobbies put avid dancer (tap, ballet, etc.)-so they don't mistake this for clubbing!, technology and the internet or something like that.

SAve the research and people skills for a section on skills and abilities, not intereset and hobbies.

as far as experience, have you ever babysat? if you are young they wont expect any. fill out the resume with school and other accomplishments-grades, awards, etc.  

Answer 2

I wouldn't recommend including interests and hobbies unless they are relevant to your job search, and even then I wouldn't use the heading "Interests and Hobbies."  Instead, try something like "Special Skills."  There you can describe your technical knowledge and research skills.

If you include soft skills (skills you can't really prove) anywhere on your resume, and you may need to if you lack experience, you can use the dancing and other hobbies as a way to offer some proof.  Check out the following:

- Excellent work ethic.

- Excellent work ethic and determination: committed to 6-10 hours per week in practices and performances for 13 years as a ballet dancer at a local private studio.

The second option demonstrates how dancing has prepared you for the working world.  If you simply listed it under "Interests and Hobbies," however, then the employer wouldn't pay it nearly as much attention.

Hope that helps!

Michael Howard

Author of "Alternative Resumes" and "Alternative Resumes for Teens"

www.alternativeresumes.com