Do you have a hobby that requires a pinch of madness? It might be worth bringing up in your next job interview. — ANDREAS DROUVE/dpa
JOB applicants often list hobbies such as reading, cooking or going to the theatre in their CVs, even if this is not a must.
Known as "mad skills," unusual hobbies and skills, such as learning Fon, a language spoken in Benin, or a passion for marathons can really make a difference when applying for a job.
"Mad skills are basically particularly rare soft skills," says Marlene Pöhlmann, managing director at a recruitment agency. "They can be anything that's been acquired through experience, as an entrepreneur, through volunteering or through hobbies and passions like travel and sports."
Going the extra mile
Hard skills like computer programming or data analysis are quantifiable, professional skills that are acquired through training, studies or continuing education, and can be proven with a certificate. Mad skills, on the other hand, are learnt on sports pitches and even on the sofa.
"Mad skills differ from soft skills in that they are less about personal character traits," says Gaby Wasensteiner, a career expert with LinkedIn. "They are essentially special skills that you can use to stand out from other applicants. You can bring something new to a team that no one else has."
Nowadays, mad skills are becoming more relevant in hiring processes, Pöhlmann says. "Until now, they have not been the main hiring criteria, but more and more companies are taking account of these skills in the selection procedure."
A person who can outline their experience of running or walking a marathon in an interview for a sales job is able to say, quite credibly: "I know what going the extra mile is like. Naturally, I am just as ambitious about my profession."
Training on stage
But that is not the only aspect, says Wasensteiner. Employers may be able to establish a "more diverse talent pool" by keeping an eye out for mad skills.
Such skills can indicate an applicant's potential for development. If someone has learned a complicated foreign language in their free time, that might indicate they are able to quickly adapt to new challenges at work too. "That is an important skill, especially for career changers," says Wasensteiner.
Given the choice between two equally qualified applicants, Pöhlmann says, mad skills can tip the scales in your favour, especially in professions where appearances matter."Naturally, technical skills are crucial for an IT department. Mad skills may not be in demand there. But a mad skill can be crucial for a performance-driven company that is reliant on sales."
But before you start listing all your hobbies and interests in your CV, ask yourself: "How do they benefit me and are they actually relevant to the job that I'm applying for?"The boundaries may not always be clear, the experts say. Only list hobbies in your CV or cover letter if you can actually relate them to the job for which you are applying.
A passion for theatre can be helpful when applying for a consulting job, Wasensteiner says. If you have learned to speak confidently in front of an audience, it makes sense to bring that up that in your cover letter and emphasise your presentation skills.If you work as a rescue diver in your free time, you may be a great person to have around in a crisis and be able to make decisions quickly. Many jobs require such a mindset.
If you are unsure whether your passion for beekeeping or playing the theremin (an electronic music instrument) should go into your CV, simply wait for an interview. You may not always need to boast exceptional skills. "Soft skills and hard skills remain decisive," says Pöhlmann.Mad skills are an add-on, or as Wasensteiner puts, it "the cherry on the cake". – dpa
