Want to Impress a CEO? It's Not Just Your Work Wins They're Looking For...

"I want to find people who are passionate people."

This wasn't said by a life coach or motivational speaker. It was Rich Barton, founder and former CEO of Zillow, a business leader who has built $$$$$ in revenue and companies of thousands of employees.

In a recent interview with Tim Ferriss, Barton revealed that his favorite section of resumes isn't experience, education or skills. It's the "interests" section.

What CEOs (Like Rich) Are Really Looking For

Why would a CEO care so much about what you do outside of work? Because passion reveals something fundamental about who you are.

Barton doesn't just scan this section, he watches for how candidates light up when discussing their passions. He's not just reading words on a page; he's studying energy, enthusiasm, and authenticity.

"They'd better be able to light up on it," he explains.

Does this sound like a challenge? I think it's meant to! He's saying: this is table stakes.

However, we shouldn't be put off. It's actually incredibly helpful, because Rich is sharing how he's evaluating talent. He's looking beyond credentials to find that "spark" that indicates:

• Energy that sustains through challenges

• Confidence that comes from standing up and sharing

• Commitment that shows you can go deep on something

• Curiosity that drives continuous improvement

All qualities of high-performing leaders...

The Resume Section You're Probably Neglecting

If you've ever hastily added "reading, travel, and hiking" to your resume without giving it a second thought, you're not alone. I used to do the same! (Sometimes, I used to add a what-I-thought-was-humorous "eating cupcakes" line to see if I could get away with it - never worked...!)

We think these "interests" don't matter. We worry that we'll be judged for wanting "work life balance" which for some leaders (Reid Hastings (Netflix), looking at you, grrrr) is a "never hire" criteria (Reid finds it hard to accept that work-lifers would never DIE ON THE SWORD FOR their company...easy for him to say...)

So, if you're job-seeking right now, consider this a not-so gentle nudge. That little section at the bottom of your resume might be what sets you apart in a sea of similars.

Avoid the temptation to hide your passions. Instead, share them. Be specific. Instead of listing "cooking," mention "experimenting with North African spices" or "mastering the art of sourdough bread." Instead of "music," share that you've been teaching yourself jazz piano for three years. Or, if you are a spreadsheet geek, share your volunteering with the work committee that values your help in balancing the books.

Already Employed? This Still Matters!

For those building careers, Barton's POV carries equal weight. Cultivating your passions isn't just about personal fulfillment, we can actually consider it professional development.

When you invest time in what lights you up, you're developing transferable qualities: resilience, creativity, and the ability to push through plateaus. These are the same qualities that make you valuable at work.

If you're struggling to justify time for your passions because work demands are overwhelming, try reframing: your passions aren't competing with your career—they're enhancing it.

Here's How To Not Worry About It

Laura, you may say. Yeah yeah, this is all great, BUT, what if I share an unusual passion, and that disqualifies me? Turns them off? Implies something I can't convey in a resume?

I get it, no-one wants to be judged or misunderstood, especially when the stakes are high (job to get, bills to pay.)

Think of it this way: their response to your passion should – at the very baseline – be respectful, and any hiring leader worth their salt should at least fake a modicum of curiosity about it as part of an interview process or happy hour.

If they don't? That REALLY HELPFUL DATA for you to store away. Or a red flag, depending on the reaction.

You deserve to be respected and honored for ALL of you, not just your "Q4 earnings reports wins" or that time you "spearheaded a cross functional team from x to do y."

Your Turn

What passion would you proudly include on your resume? What activity makes you light up when you talk about it? The answer might be more valuable to your career than you realize.

Want to watch/hear Rich Barton's full interview with Tim Ferriss? Listen here.