Asking about favorite pastime or hobby is one of the common questions seen in the job application form. Therefore, it is advised that you should include a section of hobby or favorite pastime activities in you CV or resume. Mentioning these details will differentiate your application from other candidates who have experience and qualifications similar to yours.

Mentioning right kind of hobby in your CV could be a great ice-breaker in the interview and you may find yourself discussing the river rafting or paragliding experience with the employer. It is fact that more unusual your hobby is, more will be its impact on the person reading your resume or taking your interview. Your different hobby will make others remember your application over others.

It is always suggested to list hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills appropriate for the profile your resume is being considered for. If you are applying for the job of a dance instructor, it is important that you mention dancing as your hobby. Along with this, you can also highlight some other areas related to same hobby like doing theatre.

You should be selective about the number of hobbies you mention in the resume. If you write too many activities in your resume, then the potential employer might reject you by thinking that you will not be able to do overtime work if required.

If you have mentioned a hobby that involves lot of traveling or long hours, then your employer can feel that you will be taking so many leaves for the activity. This may blur your potential of holding down a long term position in the company.

But remember, making up a hobby purely to get a job can get you into trouble. Mentioning chess playing as a hobby can even get you a game invitation from boss and make you get rumbled on the very first day of job.