Courtney
Do companies care about extracurricular activities job candidates participated in in college?
I was just wondering how important college extracurricular activities are when companies are hiring. Some students only have time to participate in one or two activities, if even that many, but some participate in multiple activities. #college #resume #hiring #extracurriculars #job-interview #student-activities
11 answers
Margaret Piltz, MBA
Margaret’s Answer
Unless the activity is specific to your major or career field, it doesn't really matter.
However, I was in a sorority and it definitely helped me during my job search. Recruiters that were in the same sorority or even a different one would contact me before other candidates because of that connection.
Elizabeth Mangiafico
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Courtney,
I think the important thing is showing that you are doing something constructive with your time. It shows you can multitask and prioritize responsibilities. I don't think the types of activities are important, and if you don't have time for clubs because you need to have a job, or you are taking extra classes, or whatever it may be, I think the main thing is to point out how you were using your time and the skills that you gained from that. When I am interviewing or looking at candidates I like to see that they were able to handle their classes along with some other responsibilities and still keep their grades up.
Hope that helps!
Jordan Whitmer
Jordan’s Answer
I am a hiring manager for a sales team, and I absolutely care about extracurricular activities that my candidates participated in college. It helps me get an understanding of who they are and what they are passionate about. It also helps me to understand how they prioritize their day/schedule (ie. how are they able to contribute to all of these activities in a meaningful way).
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Courtney,
Although extracurricular activities may not be the leading factor in hiring decisions, the fact that you participated in those can help show that you are hard-working and dedicated, especially if you devoted substantial time to an activity or participated in a team sport or project where you had to collaborate with various people and develop team building skills. Also, sometimes interviewers may ask you what you do as a hobby just so they get to learn a bit about you as a person. The key here is to talk about your activities energetically and positively and to demonstrate that you are someone who works hard and works well with others.
Good luck!
Gina Cabrera
Gina’s Answer
1. Transferable skills: Participating in extracurricular activities can help you develop transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers and can be applicable to various job roles.
2. Well-roundedness: Engaging in extracurricular activities shows that you have a well-rounded personality and are involved in activities beyond academics. It can demonstrate your ability to balance multiple commitments and your willingness to take on challenges outside of your comfort zone.
3. Initiative and passion: Involvement in extracurricular activities can indicate your initiative and passion for specific interests or causes. It shows that you are proactive, motivated, and willing to go beyond the minimum requirements.
4. Networking opportunities: Extracurricular activities often provide opportunities to network with peers, faculty, and professionals in your field of interest. These connections can be valuable for future job opportunities, references, or mentorship.
5. Demonstrating commitment: Consistent participation and leadership roles in extracurricular activities can showcase your commitment and dedication. It demonstrates your ability to stick with long-term commitments and take on responsibilities.
While it's not necessary to participate in multiple activities, it's important to focus on quality over quantity. Choose activities that align with your interests, values, and career goals. Additionally, highlight the skills and accomplishments gained from these activities on your resume and during job interviews to showcase their relevance to the position you're applying for.
Remember, employers are interested in the whole person, and extracurricular activities can provide valuable insights into your character, skills, and potential as an employee.
Borislav Stoichkov
Borislav’s Answer
Hello Courtney
In my personal experience the topic of 'college extracurricular activities' has never come up at any point in the interviewing or hiring process. Hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Shawn .
Shawn’s Answer
Hope that this helps.
Alex Macksoud
Alex’s Answer
Nicole K
Nicole’s Answer
The TL;DR is "it depends." Say you are going into a specific industry like medicine or the nonprofit sector, having relevant extracurricular activities shows you are passionate and committed to pursuing that field and growing your skills beyond your college education. I don't think there's any such thing as a bad extracurricular, just ones which are irrelevant to your career aspirations. (i.e. a hospital probably wouldn't care that you were involved in a chess club, but it's still helpful for them to see where your passions lie and the fact that you are willing and eager to commit your free time to these interests.) I'd suggest pursuing anything which interests you, and if a future employer appreciates it, it's a cherry on top. Hope that helps! :)
Laura E. Lin
Laura E.’s Answer
I will echo previous respondents by saying I don't think the specific activities themselves can overly influence job application process, although if extracurricular activities link directly to your field of interest that can be an added benefit. Having any activities, be it a club, academic association, or a part-time job, can demonstrate your time management skills while also giving an interviewer more information about who you are as a person. Remember also that interviewers want to gain a sense of how you as a person would fit in their organization; what is on your resume provides a surface-level picture, but can also serve as talking points for your interview. In listing activities on your resume, I would also consider which you would be most comfortable or interested in discussing, because you will be more engaged in the conversation that way.
Nolan K.
Nolan’s Answer
Everything else equal, extra-curricular activities could tilt the scale to your favor. However, I wouldn't prioritize this over normal workload needed to get the degree.