The Guardian exclusively revealed last week that Britain's biggest spying agency, GCHQ, has a long list of clubs for staff to join, including a sailing club, a six-a-side football team, sports day and a ghost-hunting group.
This indicates how important hobbies and interests are for employers. In an increasingly competitive job market, having hobbies that help you stand out can be the difference between your CV ending up in the bin and being offered an interview.
So whether you're an avid mountain climber or a member of your local chess club, including it on your application can give prospective employers an insight into your personality, entertain recruiters as they flick through the massive pile of applications and even act as a conversation starter at interview.
Hobbies can also show you have essential skills that employers are looking for. Captaining your university's netball team or volunteering during a gap year, for example, can show leadership and initiative, among many other essential attributes.
Of course, there's a limit. Not all memorable pastimes should be included; Quentin Schultze, author of Resume 101, warns against adding "an odd obsession". He once interviewed a candidate whose passion was to convince Americans to eat dog meat. This candidate certainly stuck in his mind, but for the wrong reasons.
So if you're wondering how hobbies and interests could inform your career choice — or how to present them to potential employers — join our live chat on Thursday 15 August from 1pm to 3pm. We'll be discussing:
• What hobbies you should include on your CV
• How hobbies can inform your career decisions
• How to present and tailor them to employers
• What types of hobbies impress employers the most
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles and comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Kate Hodge who can post them on the Q&A.
Our panel
Hannah Morton-Hedges has 10 years' experience as a careers adviser and now runs Momentum Careers Advice. Previously, she was an in-house recruiter for major blue-chip companies, recruiting from graduate to senior executive level.
Clare Whitmell is a Guardian contributor and a qualified business communication trainer. Clare specialises in writing and presentation skills coaching. She also blogs about CV writing and job-hunting tips on JobMarketSuccess.com.
Simon North is a career expert and founder of Position Ignition, a leading career support specialist. Simon writes regularly for the FT, Forbes and Management Today, and presents regularly on a range of career topics. Simon also launched the Career Ignition Club - an online career development and support resource for career conscious professionals.
Mike Higgins is a career coach specialising in mid-career transitions, often as a result of redundancy. He is author of Pit Stop: A Career Workbook for Busy People and director of This Is My Path.
Elizabeth Bacchus is a career coach, change management consultant and founder of The Successful CV Company — a CV and cover letters provider.
Dr Tracy Johnson is a careers adviser at the University of Bristol, where she has been teaching professional development since 2001. She also runs a private practice, Brainbox Coaching, offering careers guidance as well life and confidence coaching to individuals and businesses.
Lizzie Usher is programme and quality manager at youth development charity The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. This gives all young people the chance to develop skills for work and life by taking part in a unique and personal programme of development, resulting in an achievement award which is recognised by employers across the globe.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Careers in association with the RAF. Produced by Guardian Professional to a brief agreed with the RAF. Paid for by the RAF. All editorial controlled and overseen by the Guardian.
