Hobbies Not Allowed!!!

As a contractor, interviews are a part of the game. Many years of experience, many interviewers, different methods. I, however, went through a unique interviewing experience that was somewhat alarming. This might help some of you guys out there who are looking for jobs.

It used to be, that people with interests and hobbies, were considered to be healthier in attitude, more energetic and motivated in life and hence more enthusiastic and passionate at work, with less noodle-like tendencies. So it was decided that it was a good idea to list your hobbies at the end of your resume. Interests: biking, hiking, reading, writing, photography, drawing, yoga.

To set the scene for you, you need to know a bit of detail. As you see in my profile, I live in the beautiful village of Bobcaygeon. 2.5 hour drive to Toronto. I have lived here and worked in Toronto for at least 13 years now.

About a month ago I was invited to be interviewed by a reputable company in downtown Toronto. So I headed out and got to the place at 9:20 am, ten minutes ahead of the interview. The interview took place on time with a panel of two gentlemen. One quite seasoned.

After the initial pleasantries, they spoke of the role and asked about my background. All normal right? Then they asked about my hobbies and how I could manage my time with all those interests. Well the question seemed a bit odd, as even though I have these interests, hardly ever I carry them out one after the other every day. I may engage in one, this week and another one at another time. Just like any other normal person I assumed.

The hobbies normally have their own timetable in your life. So, the interview, I thought went well and I matched all the qualifications they were looking for. They asked about my daily commute, and I let them know that during work days I do not commute back and forth, but stay at a place ten minutes away from them.

"We will have to interview couple of more people. You were the first one. We will be in touch with you in two days." Was the response.

Two days later as they promised, the answer arrived in the email, that they had decided to pass on me because my many hobbies may present a conflict of interest. Wait.... What? Mmmmmmm! Really? Let's see: biking, hiking, reading, writing, photography, drawing, yoga.

I am in the business of Business Process Management, ITIL, and Organizational Change Management. How can my benign hobbies be standing in the way of my contract? I know for example that the seasoned gentleman as a hobby liked golfing. Should the company terminate his employment for that? Did his golfing interfere with his work duties? If I had golf as my hobby, would that make a difference?

Hmmmm!!! Oh wait.... Think deeper... That's it. I get it. If my hobby perhaps mentioned "driving" instead of “cycling”, that would have helped. Or maybe if I said: "my job is my hobby. I live to work. I have no life other than this". What do you think?

Then I thought, hey, they might be thinking: "she gets up Monday morning and "cycles" to work from Bobcaygeon. In between she might decide to stop at some areas and take a "hike" for an up close examination and "photography". She might even be so inspired to "draw" a picture and or do some internet search to "read" about it. Then still not satisfied, she might "write" about it on the scene, and so that she will not forget a moment of this experience, she will perform "yogic" meditation. By the time she gets to work in Toronto, it is almost the end of the week and now she has to head back and the same process repeats throughout the contract, so in reality, we will be paying her for her hobbies, so NO." or technically I would never be able to start the job.

How did I do this so many years going unnoticed? Can someone tell me if I am the only one seeing the humour in this? Been in business for over 35 years and never missed a day at my work duties due to my hobbies.

What is even more fascinating, is that the recruiter actually puts this in writing. LOL

I think at the beginning of such interviews they need to let you know your rights: "you have the right to remain silent. Any hobbies you have, may override your skills and be held against you!" Or even better yet, when you see someone with hobbies listed at the bottom of their CV, do not even attempt to waste their and your time to interview them.

Cheers!!!