A precisely drafted resume highlighting major accomplishments is an advertising tool to secure a job. It speaks about your potential and what you would bring to the table. However, while preparing the selling tool, apart from the obligatory sections, you must consider writing area of interest in the resume. Job seekers often tend to neglect this part thinking it would be a complete waste.
As most companies are now deploying an applicant tracking system (ATS) for short-listing candidates, it becomes even more necessary to include this section in your selling tool. As the resume style evolves rapidly, it has now become more of a company-centric tool as contrast to the applicant's needs. As per a survey conducted by LinkedIn, it has been identified that around 41% of the recruiters or hiring managers read the area of interest section in resume to understand what type of character the candidate is. Thus, it clearly indicates that this section is as important as the work history part and can reveal a lot to an employer.
What is area of interest in resume?
As the competition in the job market grows fierce, it is tough to catch the attention of recruiters with a resume. So, whether you are a beginner or jumping ship, adding something different will always assist to stand out in a pool of candidates. With this section, you can surely catch the attention of a prospective employer and compel him to take interests in your candidacy.
While being familiar to the latest resume styles can prove beneficial in preparing an effective tool, utmost care must be taken to ensure right things are included in the interest section. It must be kept in mind that interests are not same as hobbies. You can add a sub-section for hobbies if they are relevant to the profile you are applying for, but it should not jumble up with your professional interests. In simple words, hobbies are something that you take an active pursuit, whereas interests can spawn a new dimension to your career. It is an indicative to you aspirations.
In simple terms, the area of interest section can be an opportunity to tell the employer what you are inclined to, or highlight tasks you excel at. For a fresher, it is a part where he or she can talk about what he/she wants to achieve in career, whereas for an experienced professional, it can be a statement about his proficiency in particular tasks.
Where to include?
Mentioning interests in your document can significantly enhance the value of the resume. So, it is always good to write this section in the bottom part of your document after listing your skills and work history. In this way, you reiterate your keenness in career, and also show a level of dedication.
How it helps?
If you are still wondering whether to include the area of interest in your marketing tool, know that doing so will give you an edge over others. It can demonstrate why you fit the company's requirements as well as reflect your personality. Moreover, it can be important in proving that you are culturally fit for the work environment. Furthermore, it could be a medium to break the ice as well. So, if the section is written appropriate and to the point, it can pique the interest of the prospective employer to direct the conversation in your favor and even make you feel confident in an interview before the hard-hitting questions get started.
Examples
When you present the resume to a recruiter, you are actually emphasizing why you are apt for the profile. While each section conveys a specific attributes, adding an interest section shows your clarity of mind and where you want to be in the career. So, irrespective of the industry you are employed in, mentioning an interest section in the resume can differentiate you from others.
For instance, if you are seeking an opportunity in the IT industry, mentioning special interest in technologies you want to learn or the kind of projects you are excited to work on can paint a clear picture in the recruiter's mind. Here is an example – let's assume a candidate wants to apply for a graphic designer profile. So, if the candidate mentions interests such as desire to work in virtual reality projects, actively participate in social media updates, and explore creativity, he/she will definitely will grab the attention of the recruiters.
If you want that a hiring manager must notice something unique in your document, consider including the area of interests over hobbies. Writing hobbies like traveling or love for food are things that other candidates are bound to mention while applying for a blogger profile. So, what you include in the resume must spark a conversation or at least establish a connection which makes the interviewer think about your candidacy. Hence, whether you are in manufacturing sector or retail industry, mentioning relevant interests can help in getting a bonus point during the interview.
Job seekers that are trying their luck are already aware of the situation in the market. A job opening usually attracts a hoard of resumes, which are further sorted using the ATS system. A lot of them fail to realize how including area of interests using the right keywords can make them get past the selection process.
So, even if the resume template has undergone significant changes in 2018, adding area of interests can prove useful in getting that job you have always hoped for. However, ensure that it is short and has no quirky words. For instance, if you're in accounting field and have a special interest in handling issues related to digital transactions, it would convey to the employer that you are an apt person to manage digital transactions. At the end, you are trying to sell yourself, and if you could relate your interest to the job, it will make recruiters see you as a potential candidate.
You can also refer "How Many Areas of Interest a Person Should Include in a Resume"