When it comes to crafting a standout resume, most people focus solely on work experience, education, and technical skills. But there’s one often-overlooked section that can make a surprisingly big impact—your hobbies and interests. Choosing the right hobbies and interests can reflect positively on your application.
Including the right personal hobbies and interests on resume can do more than just fill space. It’s a smart way to highlight soft skills, showcase your personality, and create a deeper connection with potential employers. Listing hobbies can also help demonstrate specific skills relevant to the job.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right hobbies and interests to include on your resume. We’ll walk you through how to pick the ones that say something meaningful about you—things that show off your strengths and fit the job you want. You’ll also see how to talk about them in a way that gets noticed and sticks with the hiring manager, making it easier to catch their attention.
Why Include Hobbies and Interests on Resume?
Including hobbies and interests on your resume can bring you several important benefits that help your job application stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Here’s how incorporating the right hobbies and interests can enhance your resume and showcase your unique strengths:
Show Your Transferable Skills:
Your hobbies can reveal valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are important in almost every job and show that you know how to work well with others, take charge when needed, and think through challenges carefully. For example, playing team sports shows you can cooperate and communicate, while leading a club or group highlights your ability to guide and motivate others.
Fit the Company Culture:
Sharing hobbies that line up with the company’s values helps show that you’d fit in well with their team and work environment. When your personal interests match the company’s vibe, it signals that you’ll get along with coworkers and contribute to a positive and supportive workplace. This connection can make you a more attractive candidate because employers want people who will thrive in their culture.
Fill Gaps in Experience:
If you’re just starting out or don’t have much professional experience, adding a hobbies and interests section can fill valuable space on your resume. Job seekers, especially those new to the workforce, can benefit from including hobbies and interests to showcase their skills and enthusiasm. More importantly, it gives you a chance to highlight practical skills and qualities you’ve developed through activities outside of work. This shows your enthusiasm, dedication, and the skills you’ve learned from hobbies, which can help make up for a shorter job history.
Reveal Your Personality:
Your personal interests give hiring managers a glimpse of who you are beyond your work skills and qualifications. This helps build a connection and makes your resume more memorable. By sharing what you enjoy doing in your free time, you provide valuable insights into your character and work style. You show your values, passions, and how you might fit into the team on a personal level, which can set you apart from other candidates.
Show Both Soft and Hard Skills:
Including hobbies on your resume can highlight a mix of soft skills, like empathy and teamwork, and hard skills, such as technical abilities. The interests section can also be used to demonstrate skills that are relevant to the job, helping you showcase your abilities in a practical context. For example, volunteering can show your interpersonal skills and compassion, while hobbies like coding, graphic design, or playing a musical instrument demonstrate technical talents that might be useful for the job you want. This combination strengthens your overall profile and shows you’re well-rounded.
When to Add Hobbies and Interests on Resume
Including a hobbies and interests section is advantageous when applying for jobs valuing cultural fit or personal connection. In roles where interpersonal skills and teamwork are crucial, showcasing relevant hobbies and interests demonstrates your ability to thrive in such environments. You should mention hobbies on your resume when you are a recent graduate or have less professional experience, as this can help you stand out and demonstrate additional skills.
Mentioning hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills is beneficial, especially during a career transition. Key points include:
- When transitioning industries, hobbies highlighting relevant skills can be a strong asset, especially if they are directly related to the job requirements.
- Adding hobbies and interests is highly encouraged for those new to resume-making.
- Including hobbies helps showcase a broader skill set.
- Putting hobbies that demonstrate organizational skills can highlight your ability to manage tasks effectively.
- Including community involvement as a hobby reflects your commitment to teamwork and social responsibility.
However, there are times when it’s better to omit hobbies, such as when your resume is already lengthy or if you have substantial professional experience. In such cases, focusing on your extensive work history might be more impactful. Always ensure your resume stays within one page, and only include hobbies if they are directly related to the job requirements or demonstrate skills relevant to the position. Notable or exceptional hobbies that showcase unique skills or experiences can also resonate well with employers, making you stand out in a crowded job market.
100 Hobbies and Interests to Put on Your Resume, Categorized
To help you make the best impression, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 100 hobby examples and interests organized into categories. This list includes good hobbies and unique hobbies that can help your resume stand out. Whether you’re into creative pursuits, sports, intellectual activities, or community involvement, this guide will inspire you with ideas that highlight your strengths. Choosing hobbies that align with your career goals can further strengthen your application.
Creative Pursuits
- Writing
- Blogging
- Photography
- Painting
- Drawing
- Graphic design
- Playing musical instruments
- Singing
- Dancing
- Acting
- Theatre
- Filmmaking
- Video editing
- Creative writing
- Writing poetry
- Calligraphy
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Pottery
- Woodworking
- Model building
- Photography editing
- Writing book reviews
- Blogging about technology
- Blogging about finance
- Writing technical articles
- Blogging about professional development
Sports and Physical Activities
- Playing team sports (e.g., soccer, basketball)
- Running
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Hiking
- Weightlifting
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Martial arts
- Archery
- Playing badminton
- Playing tennis
- Playing golf
- Playing volleyball
- Playing rugby
- Surfing
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
- Scuba diving
- Rock climbing
- Participating in charity runs
Intellectual and Analytical Activities
- Playing chess
- Puzzle solving
- Strategic games
- Studying history
- Learning about consumer behavior
- Investing
- Stock trading
- Learning new software
- Participating in hackathons
- Online courses
- Attending workshops
- Podcast listening
- Reading
- Participating in book clubs
- Learning photography techniques
Social and Community Involvement
- Volunteering
- Community service
- Environmental activism
- Volunteering at animal shelters
- Fundraising
- Mentoring
- Coaching sports
- Networking
- Event planning
- Organizing community events
- Participating in professional organizations
- Attending conferences
- Practicing leadership roles in clubs
Cultural and Travel Interests
- Traveling
- International travel
- Traveling for cultural festivals
- Learning foreign cuisines
- Learning foreign languages
- Practicing mindfulness
Technical and Digital Skills
- Coding
- Web development
- App development
- Social media management
- Playing video games
- Podcasting
- Teaching
- Tutoring
Hobbies Related to Collecting and Other Interests
- Collecting (e.g., stamps, coins)
- Bird watching
- Writing book reviews
- Creative writing
- Calligraphy
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Pottery
- Woodworking
- Model building
Tips for Effectively Listing Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
To make the most impact with your hobbies and interests section, keep these five tips in mind. Following these guidelines will help you create a section that not only adds personality to your resume but also strengthens your overall candidacy:
Be Strategic and Relevant
Choose hobbies and interests on resume that closely align with the job description and company culture. When you list hobbies that are closely related to the position, you show employers how your interests listed are relevant and can enhance your fit for the role. This demonstrates to potential employers that your personal interests complement the role and work environment, increasing your chances of being seen as a good fit. Thoughtfully selected hobbies can also highlight your awareness of the company’s values and your enthusiasm for contributing positively to their team.
Keep It Concise
Limit your list to 1-3 or up to 5 strong and relevant hobbies or interests. Make sure the number of interests listed is concise so they work to your advantage and don’t overwhelm your resume. Place this section at the bottom of your resume to maintain a clean, organized, and professional appearance without overwhelming other important sections. A concise list ensures that your hobbies add value without distracting from your core qualifications.
Be Specific and Honest
Describe your hobbies with enough detail to make them memorable and authentic. Being genuinely interested in your hobbies can make your application more authentic and memorable to hiring managers. Avoid exaggeration or vague descriptions to ensure you come across as genuine and prepared to discuss your interests during interviews. Providing specific examples or accomplishments related to your hobbies can make your resume stand out and give hiring managers meaningful talking points.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Select hobbies that showcase valuable transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and empathy. These soft skills are highly sought after by employers and can help fill gaps in your professional experience. By linking your hobbies to these skills, you demonstrate how your personal interests translate into workplace strengths. Hobbies can also reveal additional skills that go beyond your professional qualifications, making your profile more well-rounded.
Avoid Controversial or Irrelevant Hobbies
Steer clear of hobbies that might be seen as polarizing, unprofessional, or unrelated to the job, such as political activities or risky pastimes. Choosing a good hobby that is relevant and positive can help you stand out from other applicants and make a stronger impression. Keeping your hobbies relevant and positive ensures your resume remains professional and focused. This approach helps maintain a strong, favorable impression with potential employers.
Here are some examples of hobbies to avoid on your resume:
- Hobbies that could be seen as violent or dangerous
- Personal hobbies that reveal sensitive information
- Hobbies that seem like jokes or could be misinterpreted
- Political affiliations
- Gambling
- Hunting
How Can Resume Writing Services Help?
If you want your resume to really shine, expert resume writing services can be a big help. These pros know how to pick and show your hobbies and skills in a way that makes you stand out. They help you highlight your professional qualifications and tailor your resume for a specific job, ensuring your application is relevant and targeted. They understand which hobbies show important qualities like communication, leadership, and problem-solving—things employers love to see.
Resume writers make sure your hobbies section fits well with your work experience without taking up too much space. They avoid listing hobbies that don’t add value or might hurt your chances. Since most jobs require a mix of technical and interpersonal skills, they can help you demonstrate these abilities through your hobbies. With their help, you can share personal interests that show you’re motivated, creative, and have a good balance between work and life—qualities that catch a hiring manager’s eye.
They also tailor your resume to match the job and company culture, boosting your chances of getting interviews. Plus, they keep up with the latest resume tips, including how to make your resume pass through computer systems that many employers use. This way, your hobbies and skills section supports your career goals and helps you come across as a strong, well-rounded candidate.
Showcase Your Qualifications with a Professionally Written Resume
Choosing the right resume writing service is important if you want to stand out to employers. A good service doesn’t just list your skills and experience—they tailor your resume to fit the job you want and the industry you’re aiming for. This includes smartly adding your hobbies and interests on resume to show off your transferable skills, personality, and how you’d fit into the company culture.
At Resume Professional Writers, we focus on creating resumes that highlight your strengths and unique qualities. Our team of resume writing professionals work with you to understand your career goals and craft a resume that makes a great impression on hiring managers. We ensure your interests work to support your job application by selecting and positioning them in ways that demonstrate relevant skills and help you connect with potential employers.
Work with us to get helpful advice and professional support that can boost your job application and bring you closer to landing your dream job.
