PERSONAL INTERESTS

Advantages: Can indicate a skill or area or knowledge which is related to the goal, such as Photography for someone in public relations, Carpentry and Wood-working, for someone in Construction Management, or Sub-Saharan Pre-Paleolithic African Art, for someone in Nuclear Weapon Research or Bartending. Can show well-roundedness, good physical health, or knowledge of a subject related to the goal. Can create common ground or spark conversation in an interview.

Disadvantages: Are usually irrelevant to the job goal and resume purpose, and may be meaningless or an interview turn off ("TV and Reading", "Fund raising for the Hell's Angels").

You probably should not include a personal interests section. Your reason for including it is most likely that you want to tell them about you. But, as you know, this is an ad. If this section would powerfully move the employer to understand why you would be the best candidate, include it, otherwise, forget about it. May also be called "Interests and Hobbies", or just "Interests".

REFERENCES

You may put "References available upon request" at the end of your resume, if you wish. This is a standard close (centered at bottom in italics), but is not necessary - is usually assumed. Do not include actual names of references. A references list can be done as a separate sheet and brought to the interview to be given to the employer if requested.

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