It is not a bad idea to include some information about who you are in a portfolio, because it assists in establishing some sort of relationship with a potential colleague. I have a portfolio which I take to interviews. The first page is a picture of me rock climbing through a roof (it is a well known climbing route in western Victoria). In so far as describing the type of personality I am, that photo captures "me" very well. However I would not include photos of myself motor racing (unless I was applying for a job in motor racing again, in which case I would include nothing else about "me", because motor racing is a 14 day week). Remember. The purpose of the photo is to create an effect, it's a buy line, if they don't notice it, keep to the point. If they spend minutes asking about it, answer and put them back onto the point, (the job interview). But be careful, a party animal photo is not what I am talking about! Don't include information about religious beliefs, political persuasions, medical conditions, AGE, or memberships to "non-mainstream" associations that might trigger discomfort. Overt discrimination is prohibited, so it is now far more subtle. An example: I was helping a mate dig trenches recently. Another of his mates was there. This guy is a manager, an employer of people. When he found out I was a Freemason, he had a go at me for burning black children on stakes. He was also 'concerned' that I am a christian too. Of course those two facets of my life indicate I value honesty, integrity, people and being a better person more highly than power and position. But he is always impressed that Tim and I can rock climb, which (sic) is way beyond the comprehension of his tiny, little, mind. The rock climbing indicates I am probably a little bit mad, but it impresses people; go figure it. Being an active member of an industry association is an excellent piece of PR too. It enables the employer to believe that your life is your work. They like that stuff, gives them a warm and fuzzy feeling, related to making more money... HTH. Warren. -----Original Message----- From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kathy Menzel Sent: Wednesday, 2 July 2003 8:54 AM To: 'austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx' Subject: [austechwriter] Re: Resumes - should interests be included Hi Melanie I'd say a definite yes. It helps gives the employer a clearer picture of you before you get to interview. Interests can say a lot about who you are e.g motivated, social, team player, introverted etc. Some employers won't care, but its been my experience that the ones I'd like to work for look favourably upon resumes that clearly state the desired skills/experience as well as giving an insight into the type of person you are. They prefer to interview/hire candidates that lead an active and/or involved life outside of the office, over those who don't, even if some of your interests might be somewhat "on the edge". Cheers and good luck. Kathy -----Original Message----- From: Melanie Dixon [mailto:meldixon@xxxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Wednesday, 2 July 2003 8:03 To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [austechwriter] Resumes - should interests be included Morning all, My company sent the employees it retrenched on a three day job seeking course. The consultant running the course gave us a template with a layout and headings of things that were expected to be included in a resume. One of the headings was 'Interests'. I stopped putting this heading in my resume a few years ago. I've never felt any potential employer was interested. What do other people think? 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