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I've just commented on another thread about the fact that I see the possession of an FAC as an indication of trust by the authorities - however I am also aware that some of the 'non-educated' public aren't sure.

My current boss, of 6 years, was a referee for my recent renewal - But I am soon to look for another career...so this is my question:

Is it a good idea to put shooting on a new job application as a hobbie?

I'd be interested in comment from both those who have a professional understanding...and those who just want to chuck their two-peneth in... :P

I have it on the bottom of my CV under "hobbies" as a one-liner. Only one prospective employer ever asked me about it, and they hired me. Not entirely sure if it made a difference or not but it was one more thing to talk about at the interview - you know, rounded personality, team player, etc etc.

I wouldn't mention FAC as that info combined with home address is more than I'd be prepared to give out willy-nilly.

Gaz wrote:I have it on the bottom of my CV under "hobbies" as a one-liner. Only one prospective employer ever asked me about it, and they hired me. Not entirely sure if it made a difference or not but it was one more thing to talk about at the interview - you know, rounded personality, team player, etc etc.

I wouldn't mention FAC as that info combined with home address is more than I'd be prepared to give out willy-nilly.

Two good points... Gaz :cheers:

I used my SGC as a form of id for one job I got and they were fine with that and in my current job FAC is listed as acceptable form of id for our mod security clearance application/official secrets act malarkey (which I have to go through every 3 years), I've not had any negative feedback on using it.

When I was younger and moved from General Insurance into Loss Adjusting, a condition of the job offer was that I give up a part time job and also surrender my FAC but keep my SGC.

Disclose it at your will but consider the consequences. I don't have any reference to shooting on my CV at present.

Somewhat to my surprise, FACs are accepted as both proof of identity and proof of address in a lot of modern administrative situations.

Perfectly reasonable of course, because they have your picture and your address and have been through PNC and the various other checks that can be run by officialdom without spending much money. I just found it odd that my solicitor, the banks and utility companies all recognised this in the process of buying and connecting up our new home.

Maybe there is hope in the reasonable behaviour of officials.

Or have I just been unreasonably lucky in my encounter with officials?

Iain

Dougan wrote:I've just commented on another thread about the fact that I see the possession of an FAC as an indication of trust by the authorities - however I am also aware that some of the 'non-educated' public aren't sure.

My current boss, of 6 years, was a referee for my recent renewal - But I am soon to look for another career...so this is my question:

Is it a good idea to put shooting on a new job application as a hobbie?

I'd be interested in comment from both those who have a professional understanding...and those who just want to chuck their two-peneth in... :P

My two-pennorth would be never give them information which will puzzle the potential employer or give them something to kick against.
How is it relevant to your ability to do the job in question?
Tell them why and how you match the person spec for the job. Leave all talk of hobbies 'til they ask at the end of the interview.

Hmmm...so plenty of negatives then...thank you for your comments :cheers:

And Tikka - you're right - the only job I was thinking of applying for that might consider it even a slight benefit is The British Antarctic Survey; as they like staff to have practical skills as well...but other than that I can't see why it would be a benefit to any others...

At the moment I'm thinking leave it off...but more opinion is welcome...

I put Clay Shooting and Game Fishing on my CV - I avoid references to other types. In one interview we ended up in a three way discussion about wild boar shooting in Portugal - the origins of the HR manager, and an agreement to have a trip out there. I was offered the job verbally but then there was a total freeze on recruitment and both job and hunting expedition disappeared!

Dougan wrote:Hmmm...so plenty of negatives then...thank you for your comments :cheers:

And Tikka - you're right -

I work in a jobcentre and spend a large part of my time advising young people how to apply for jobs and conduct themselves at interview. I get them to focus on thinking about what the employer needs to know about them re the job in question.

Dougan wrote:the only job I was thinking of applying for that might consider it even a slight benefit is The British Antarctic Survey; as they like staff to have practical skills as well...but other than that I can't see why it would be a benefit to any others...

1. In this instance I can envisage a sentence including "among my practical skills I also include...

2. There is an exception to every rule. It's a bit tenuous and long-winded but depending on the job and how the interview is going, there has to be some scope for "As I demonstration of my responsible nature and maturity you might be interested to note that I've been vetted by the Police as a reliable, trustworthy, careful and safe member of society".