Job applicants often list hobbies such as reading, cooking or going to the theatre in their CVs, even if this is not a must. Known as “mad skills,” unusual hobbies and skills, such as learning Fon, a language spoken in Benin, or a passion for marathons can really make a difference when applying for a job. “Mad skills are basically particularly rare soft skills,” says Marlene Pöhlmann, managing director at a recruitment agency. “They can be anything that’s been acquired through experience, as an entrepreneur, through volunteering or through hobbies and passions like travel and sports.” Going th…