Should you put hobbies on resumes? Explore our expert guide to find the perfect hobbies and interests to elevate your resume and learn the art of doing it like a pro.
You’ve probably heard these two conflicting opinions about putting hobbies and interests on a resume: "Add a list of hobbies to your resume so that recruiters know you're not boring," and "Don't add hobbies to your resume because no one cares, and you're wasting space."
Which one is right? I’ll show you. Just read on.
In this guide, you'll find out:
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Hobbies refer to activities or pastimes that you engage in for pleasure and personal satisfaction outside your professional life. These pursuits typically reflect your passions and recreational activities.
Meanwhile, interests encompass a broader range of topics, extending beyond leisure activities to include areas of curiosity, involvement, or engagement. Your interests may include professional and personal pursuits, showcasing your well-rounded nature.
While hobbies and interests are often used interchangeably, the key difference lies in the depth and scope of your engagement. Hobbies are what you do for fun, relaxation, or creative expression, whereas interests may include a mix of your personal and intellectual pursuits that you find both enjoyable and valuable. Both aspects contribute to presenting you as a well-rounded and multifaceted candidate on your resume.
Choosing the right hobbies and interests can help you solidify your personal brand and prove your resume skills. Adding a “hobbies” resume section can benefit some job-seekers, especially those making a resume with no experience or an entry-level resume.
Expert Hint: To ensure you have ample space to showcase hobbies and interests on a resume, choose one of the best one-page resume templates. Consider our two-column resume layouts, allowing you to fit the most information on a single page.
Now that you know when to (and not to) add hobbies and interests to your resume, I’ll show you how to go about it.
74% of employers hire for cultural fit. That’s why you should research the company culture before including hobbies and interests on your resume. Understand their values, mission, and work environment. This will allow you to narrow down the list of your potential resume passions and create a better targeted resume.
Select examples of hobbies and interests that align with the job you're applying for. Consider how these passions can contribute to your professional persona and whether they resonate with the skills and attributes sought by the employer. For instance, hobbies like team sports or collaborative projects would be fitting if the role emphasizes teamwork.
Leverage your hobbies on a resume to reinforce key skills and experiences. Align each hobby with specific qualities or competencies that the employer values. If applying for a role that requires leadership, mention leadership roles in hobby-related activities. Use examples of hobbies as evidence of your transferable skills, making them complementary to your professional achievements and qualifications.
Present your hobbies in a dedicated section on your resume, usually as the last part of the document. Be concise and specific in your descriptions, avoiding generic terms. For impact, include descriptors of your hobbies.
For example, let’s see how to use the resume interest section to showcase leadership, communication, creativity, and time management skills:
Hobbies & Interests
With a resume hobbies section as good as this one, you might pass the recruitment even if your work experience is still developing.
Now, let’s move on to the best examples of interests and hobbies you can include on a resume.
Expert Hint: Want to make your resume even better? Who doesn’t? See our articles on how to make a standout resume and what resume mistakes to watch out for.
Participation in team sports demonstrates teamwork, collaboration, and discipline. It highlights the ability to work harmoniously within a group, making it relevant for roles where interpersonal skills and cooperative efforts are crucial. This Swedish study even found a small correlation between listing exercise activities in job applications and an increase in call-back rates.
Photography showcases creativity, attention to detail, and an ability to capture and communicate visual narratives. This is particularly valuable in roles related to design, marketing, and any position where a keen visual perspective is highly sought after.
Engaging in blogging or writing activities indicates strong written communication skills, a capacity to articulate ideas, and a commitment to effective storytelling. These benefit roles in content creation, marketing, communications, or any position requiring impactful written communication.
Actively participating in community involvement demonstrates a commitment to social betterment and civic responsibility. It showcases your altruism and also often proves leadership skills. You can also showcase community involvement under a separate volunteering experience section. What’s important to note is that regular volunteers have a 27% higher chance of landing a job.
Engaging in coding or programming activities showcases technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to staying abreast of technological advancements. This is relevant for roles in IT, software development, or any position requiring technical expertise.
Learning a foreign language demonstrates personal and intellectual development, cross-cultural understanding, and effective communication. Such skills are invaluable in roles where multilingual capabilities are an asset, such as international business or diplomatic positions. If you know several languages, show them underneath separate resume language sections.
A strong engagement in art signifies a profound creative thinking aptitude, an appreciation for aesthetics, and the ability to express innovative and visually compelling ideas. Whether through painting, sculpture, or other artistic mediums, this hobby showcases your unique perspective and ability to think outside conventional boundaries, dedication to a task, and time management skills.
Participating in outdoor activities signals an active lifestyle, resilience, and an appreciation for challenges. It's relevant for roles emphasizing physical fitness, teamwork, or outdoor engagement.
Engaging in DIY projects showcases a hands-on approach to problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to initiate and complete tasks independently. Whether it involves woodworking, crafting, home improvement, or electronics, a DIY hobby underscores practical skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to take on challenges. A recent construction specialist shortage is one reason for the importance of DIY skills.
A public speaking hobby on a resume demonstrates proficiency in articulating ideas, effective communication skills, and the confidence to address and engage audiences. Whether through participation in Toastmasters, delivering presentations, or hosting events, this hobby showcases strong verbal communication, persuasion, and leadership abilities. Overcoming a fear of public speaking can also result in a raise or a promotion.
Expert Hint: You don’t need to stick to talking about your hobbies only in your resume. Learn how to write a great cover letter or a letter of motivation. Both are a great way to show your cultural fit and personal passions.
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I’ve shown you a list of some of the best hobbies you can include on a resume, but there are hundreds of others to pick from. See the expansive list below:
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When putting hobbies and interests on your resume, remember:
Do you have any questions on how to add a list of hobbies and interests for resumes? Not sure which activities or passions are relevant? Let’s chat below in the comments, and thanks for reading!
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Choose the most relevant hobbies and interests for your specific situation. Choose hobbies that demonstrate work skills and relevant experiences that match the job. For instance, if the role demands leadership skills, highlight hobbies where you led teams or organized events.
Hobbies provide a glimpse into your personality beyond professional skills. They humanize you and make you more relatable to employers. Certain hobbies can demonstrate valuable soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, creative thinking, and time management. Shared hobbies or interests with potential employers can also create a connection. It provides a conversation starter during interviews and helps form a more memorable impression.
Some of the best options for hobbies & interests to add to a student resume include:
Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.
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