Would you list something potentally divisive on your application?

[Blarelli]

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Recently, in a mock interview (not dental related) I mentioned some volunteer work that I've done for political candidates, and also had competitive shooting listed as a hobby. Long story short, I was told that things like that shouldn't be brought up because of the potential negative reaction by opponents of the candidate, or to guns in general.
Personally, I disagree with the interviewer. I think being politically active shows genuine concern for the community, and competitive shooting is a very good indicator of manual dexterity.
So what do you think? Would you think less of somebody if they were involved in something that you were strongly opposed to?

 

[blankguy]

Recently, in a mock interview (not dental related) I mentioned some volunteer work that I've done for political candidates, and also had competitive shooting listed as a hobby. Long story short, I was told that things like that shouldn't be brought up because of the potential negative reaction by opponents of the candidate, or to guns in general.
Personally, I disagree with the interviewer. I think being politically active shows genuine concern for the community, and competitive shooting is a very good indicator of manual dexterity.
So what do you think? Would you think less of somebody if they were involved in something that you were strongly opposed to?

There's nothing wrong with political activism and competitive shooting. However you do want to "sanitize" your political activism by not bringing up controversial issues like abortion. Don't get too political about it either. This is just to get to know you and what you like to do. Don't lead the interview into a very political discussion because it can get very heated and personal with the wrong individual. As to shooting say you like the competitive sport but don't lead them into things like gun ownership since that can be a very politically charged issue. What if the interviewer had a family member who was a victim of gun violence?

 

[tamkhan]

Recently, in a mock interview (not dental related) I mentioned some volunteer work that I've done for political candidates, and also had competitive shooting listed as a hobby. Long story short, I was told that things like that shouldn't be brought up because of the potential negative reaction by opponents of the candidate, or to guns in general.
Personally, I disagree with the interviewer. I think being politically active shows genuine concern for the community, and competitive shooting is a very good indicator of manual dexterity.
So what do you think? Would you think less of somebody if they were involved in something that you were strongly opposed to?

I would personally keep everything related to guns, bullets, planes, fire etc. out of the application. Why do you feel the need to tell them about it, anyway? Political interest if fine, as long as you don't go ahead and list whom you are supporting.

No one would think less of you, but listing such stuff might cause great concern.

 

[blankguy]

I would personally keep everything related to guns, bullets, planes, fire etc. out of the application. Why do you feel the need to tell them about it, anyway? Political interest if fine, as long as you don't go ahead and list whom you are supporting.

No one would think less of you, but listing such stuff might cause great concern.

If he kept the gun part strictly to a competitive sport instead of gun ownership then he should be fine. The ownership part is very controversial. There is nothing wrong with political activism as long as you don't pick controversial topics and/or make it very personal by coming across as being a strong supporter of one candidate. Not listing this activities could short change the applicant.

 

[Blarelli]

I would personally keep everything related to guns, bullets, planes, fire etc. out of the application. Why do you feel the need to tell them about it, anyway? Political interest if fine, as long as you don't go ahead and list whom you are supporting.

I wouldn't say I feel a need to mention it. They ask for extracurricular activities, and that is what comes to mind. It is just as valid as any other sport, and in most cases takes more skill, and demonstrates fine motor skills.

 

[tamkhan]

Well, yes, you both are right. But, for some reason, I just feel like it's safer to just forgo listing such stuff. 7 years a go, I wouldn't care about this stuff, but nowadays, it just seems that these things could raise a 'red flag' on your application in certain ways.

 

[Regmata]

Skeet shooting is a often depicted as a sport of the wealthy, upper class...List it, who cares? You might find a like minded prof in the interview room. Hunting might be a little more touchy...

Politics...you could certainly put in on there. Personally, I would be inclined to think that any political activist is someone who may stir up controversy...stereotypical I know, but that is just human nature.