When you write a cover letter, you are essentially introducing yourself to your potential employer and showing them what makes you the best person for the job. But you also don’t want to share your whole life story. Cover letters should be no more than one page in length, longer only in certain circumstances.
So when it comes to including your favorite hobbies or personal interests… should you?
Yes and no.
There is no real black and white answer to this question.
But there are some general rules to follow. If the hobbies you have outside of work don’t apply to the job you’re applying for, it may not make much sense to include them. If you’re applying for a job as a marketing manager, your interest in building model cars won’t be too impressive. But if you’re applying for a marketing manager position at, say, Nintendo, the growing interest in video games you’ve had since you were 3 years old might be worth mentioning in your cover letter. If you’re applying for a mechanic position, your hobby of rebuilding classic cars is definitely worth mentioning.
In other words, if your hobbies or interests connect directly to the position you’re interested in, you should definitely include that in your cover letter. Share your passion for drawing cartoons by applying for a graphic design position at your local print shop. Tell them about your love of poetry and creative writing when you apply for a journalism position at your local newspaper. If your interests are relevant to the job itself, chances are it’s definitely worth talking to the hiring manager.
By doing so, you’re solidifying the idea that you really want to do what you love, and you love what you do!