Mentioning family research on a CV

[Mart 'n' Al]

It's too late for me, but I have been wondering about the pros and cons of mentioning family research on a CV.

Positive things:  Diligent, detailed, persistent, logical, affable, structured.

Negative things:  No time for the day job, obsessive, easily distracted, smells of musty papers, likes old churchyards.

Does anyone have any views, comments or experiences?  Would you recruit one?

Martin

[dawnsh]

If it's your hobby and you are encouraged to list hobbies then do so.

Would trainspotters or stamp collectors think twice?

[philipsearching]

It depends on the job.

Research skills, familiarity with IT, organisational skills can be a plus.  Perfect for office admin, not so relevant for a mechanic, salesman or scientist!

Philip

[JustinL]

Martin,

Your post did bring a smile to my face.

But, in all seriousness and leaving aside that lingering smell of musty papers, if the skills you have acquired through genealogy are relevant for the job, then shout about them.

Many university graduates seeking employment are really only marketing the discipline they have acquired in doing a 3 or 4 year degree, rather than the specifics of what they have learnt in that period.

Justin

[ThrelfallYorky]

I once received a c.v. that went on for half an A4 page about the applicant's "animal companions", ( in no way relevant to the job) and was very scant indeed about enthusiasm for the post, or relevant qualifications. Beware of what you put on c.v.!
Saying something like "A high level of I.T. expertise, and considereable experience in archive research developed partly whilst researching a family history project...." may be a better idea?

[groom]

I agree, it could well be worth mentioning on a CV as long as you stick to the disciplines and skills you have developed through genealogy and don't go into detail about your family tree!

[josey]

not so relevant for a mechanic, salesman or scientist!

IMO not true - I was a laboratory scientist and many attributes of a conscientious family history researcher are extremely relevant  for instance attention to detail, double or triple checking every fact, always including a reference...if I had been interviewing an applicant I would have been impressed to see this as a hobby.

Josey

[philipsearching]

not so relevant for a mechanic, salesman or scientist!

IMO not true - I was a laboratory scientist and many attributes of a conscientious family history researcher are extremely relevant  for instance attention to detail, double or triple checking every fact, always including a reference...if I had been interviewing an applicant I would have been impressed to see this as a hobby.

Josey

Fair point - I apologise.  Science is such a broad field

[Erato]

Agreed, speaking as a field scientist [as opposed to laboratory].  If you mention any hobbies, though, it will give them a chance to exercise their prejudices, whatever they are.  Genealogy?  Trivial old lady stuff.  Church choir?  God bothering stuff.  Shell collecting?  That's even sillier than stamps or bird watching.  It might be better to mention hobbies conversationally in the interview if an appropriate opportunity arises.