How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Resume/CV Activities

Disciplines > Job-finding > Resume / CV > Resume/CV Activities

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Activities are those things which are not directly related to the jobs you have done, but which show certain abilities and personal characteristics which may help you get the job.

Activities may include:

• Participation in various sports, particularly team games and those done at higher levels.
• Voluntary work to help the community, such as coaching children.
• Helping charities, for example in fundraising.
• Activities in previous jobs that were outside the job description, such as organizing social events.
• Personal learning activities, such as attending webinars.
• Personal money-making initiatives such as making and selling jewelery.

List the organizations you have worked with, the activities you undertook and the positive results that you gained.

Example

Captain of local hockey team for five years. Runners up in last year's league.

Organized the company picnic last year with four-figure budget and team of ten. Rated the 'best yet' by my manager.

Spend Saturdays in local homeless shelter, counseling teenage runaways and addicts.

Write personal blog on environmental concerns. Gained over 5000 followers within two years.

Discussion

Not all resumes/CVs use 'Activities' sections and the details that might be found here are more likely to be put in the Personal section.

An Activities section is particularly useful if you have limited professional experience and want to portray yourself for example as a dynamic or caring person.

Voluntary activities that help others are particularly useful, especially if they show you using skills that are needed, such as project management, teamwork and leadership (remember to use such words).

Even though the items here may not be directly related to the job in question, it is still a chance to shine and show who you are. All parts of the CV should be treated with the same level of care and attention.

See also

Personal, Skills Summary