Interests: Fashion, etc.

I like Coach Purses, Mary Jane Shoes, Gucci Sunglasses, and Juicy Jewelry. I thought that after the employer was finished devouring my employment experience, extensive education, and professional development she might want some dessert. Thus, I added my interests that I am passionate about: Coach Purses, Mary Jane Shoes, Gucci Sunglasses, and Juicy Jewelry. I cogitated that it would be nice for the hiring manager to know something about me as a unique individual rather than simply learning about my dry employment related past. Whoops!


A couple of weeks went by with no contact from the hiring manager; so I called her to learn that she had filled the position. I set up a time with her to call back and receive some feedback. She asked how my interest in purses, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry were relevant to the marketing position for which I was applying. Um, hmm. I was stymied! She explained to me that she is not interested in what I fancy and that I ought to leave it off my professional document. After working for years in the career development field, I learned that many hiring managers do not care about your interests, they are concerned with their own—which at the time, is to hire the right candidate for the position. Had I been applying for a position with Holt Renfrew for a retail salesperson position, it may have been acceptable for me to add my interests to fill some white space; but, I was applying for a marketing position! Lesson learned: Keep the interests off, unless you have some white space to furnish and some relevant interests to satisfy that space. I’ll save the purses, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry conversation for my weekend expeditions with the ladies.
Happy job shopping!