Listing Your Special Interests and Hobbies on Your Resume—Yes or No?

Should you list your interests and hobbies on your resume?

This is a question we ask ourselves when composing our resume for the first time or updating an existing one. But it’s a question that many find difficult to answer because conventional wisdom says this isn’t something that’s usually done.

However, it's crucial to understand that hobbies give a complete picture of your personality. Writing a great job application means more than listing your past jobs and education. 

Hobbies and interests for a resume are an overlooked but important element. They provide potential employers with a more holistic view of your personality. They also show how compatible you might be with the company's culture. Sharing them in your job application reveals your unique personality.

This can make you stand out from other candidates. To make sure you're successful, review this guide on how to showcase hobbies and interests on a resume.

• Why include hobbies and interests on your resume? 
• When to showcase interests and hobbies on your resume
• How to choose the right hobbies and interests 
• How to format hobbies and interests on your resume 
• Examples of hobbies and interests to include on your resume 
• Common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume 
• How to talk about your hobbies and interests in an interview 
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why include hobbies and interests on your resume? 

Making yourself stand out in a competitive job market is crucial. This is where hobbies and interests for a resume can play an influential role. 

Standing out from other candidates 

When you apply for a job, you can expect the other candidates to have a similar background to you. This is particularly true if the position is in demand. This is why your interests are worth showcasing – they're unique to you. They add a personal touch to your application and help you stand out from other applicants. 

Demonstrating your skills and personality 

Your hobbies and interests reflect your personality and skills. For example, suppose you're applying for a team leader position. If you're the captain of the local basketball team, that shows teamwork and leadership skills. Hiring managers study your hobbies to learn how well you might fit into their team and company culture.

Showcasing your passion and dedication 

Dedicating time to your hobbies demonstrates commitment, discipline, and patience. These are all traits that transfer well into a professional setting. Your hobbies don't just fill space – they present a full picture of who you are and why you're the perfect fit for the job.  

When to showcase interests and hobbies on your resume

When you are a fresh graduate or have little or no work experience

For recent graduates or those with minimal work experience, incorporating hobbies and interests can enhance your resume. However, it's crucial to include only relevant activities that align with the job role and the values of the company.

Also read: Want To Get Hired? Follow These Sample Resume Formats For Fresh Graduates

When you do not have a wide educational background

If your educational background is not extensive, your hobbies and interests can still provide valuable experiences. These experiences can align with the tasks and duties required for the position you are seeking.

Also read: How to Get a Job You’re Unqualified For in 10 Smart Ways

When the skills learned from your hobbies and interests will enhance your job performance

If your hobbies and interests have taught you skills that can boost your job performance, consider showcasing them. For instance, activities like chess highlight problem-solving abilities, while involvement in crafts demonstrates perseverance and attention to detail.

To show that your interests and hobbies align with company culture and values

To align your interests and hobbies with the company's culture and values, highlight relevant experiences. For example, if applying to a non-profit, mentioning your volunteer work for your church or organization would be fitting.

When the hiring manager specifically asks you to list your interests and hobbies

Providing your interests allows the hiring manager to understand your personality, ensuring a good fit with the company culture. It offers insights into potential contributions to the team dynamic.

When the job’s duties are related to your hobbies and interests

The skills you've gained could benefit the organization. For instance,  if you've applied to a pool construction and maintenance company, and your hobby involves swimming or surfing.

How to choose the right hobbies and interests 

Picking which hobbies and interests to include can be as important as choosing the right skills and work experiences. These are some things to consider: 

Consider the job you're applying for 

Before you begin listing your passions, consider the job you're applying for. What activities might a potential employer in that industry most resonate with? For example, if the role is creative, you could mention your interest in photography or painting. 

Think about what skills and personal qualities the employer is looking for. You can usually learn what the hiring manager wants by studying the job posting. Use this information to guide your selection process. For instance, suppose the job description emphasizes teamwork. In this case, including a group activity on your resume can help express that you work well with others. 

Choose hobbies and interests that align with the job requirements 

When deciding which hobbies or interests to include on your resume, only consider ones that align with the job requirements. Choose the ones that reflect the skills, knowledge, or qualities that are most relevant to the role you're applying for.

For example, you might share your passion for graphic design or painting if the job requires creativity and design. Both are appropriate choices since they directly relate to the job requirements. Avoid potentially divisive or controversial hobbies.

How to format hobbies and interests on your resume 

Once you know which hobbies you want to include, the next step is to present them effectively on your resume. 

Where to include hobbies and interests on your resume 

Usually, your hobbies and interests section is at the end of your resume after the sections on work experience and education. This is because your professional skills and qualifications are more important. 

While your hobbies don't take precedence, they can still be relevant to the position you're applying for. If this is the case, you can also highlight them in your professional summary or resume objective at the top of your resume. 

How to write a brief description of each hobby or interest 

Your resume section on hobbies and interests should be short. Keep your descriptions brief and to the point. Use action verbs, such as participating, volunteering, or achieving, when describing your involvement. Quantify your interests whenever possible.

These are some examples of how you can quantify your accomplishments or goals:

• An avid reader reading approximately 55 books per year.
• Adventurer with an appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences after traveling to over 20 countries in Asia and Europe. 
• An amateur chef who enjoys experimenting with traditional recipes and is working on publishing their first cookbook by the end of the year. 

Tips for formatting and organizing your resume 

Make sure your hobbies and interests section is easy to read and well organized. Here are some tips on how to format and organize the content: 

• Use bullet points: List hobbies as a separate bullet point. This makes it easier for the reader to quickly scan through the list. 
• Be consistent: Maintaining consistency in your formatting is key. If you use full sentences for one hobby, then use full sentences for the rest. Likewise, if you capitalize the first letter of one personal interest, do the same for all. 
• Avoid jargon: Avoid using jargon or language that's too technical. The goal is for everyone to understand your passions, not just those who share your interests. 

Examples of hobbies and interests to include on your resume 

Below you can find some example categories of hobbies and interests. Consider including these on your resume: 

Team sports and fitness activities 

Sports like boxing, tennis, or volleyball can show resilience, discipline, and commitment. You can also use them to show that you're competitive, energetic, and goal-oriented. These examples show how to include sports and fitness activities on your resume: 

• Tennis: Active member of a local tennis club, participating in weekly training and annual tournaments. 
• Marathon running: 10 years of training for and participating in half and full marathons. 
• Yoga: Practice yoga twice a day to improve my flexibility and maintain work–life balance. 

Creative pursuits 

Creative pursuits can include activities such as painting, writing, or music. These are especially beneficial for jobs in design or product management that rely on innovation. Including creative hobbies on your resume shows that you're imaginative, dedicated, and innovative. Examples include: 

• Painting: Award-winning artist with solo exhibitions in many cities across the country. 
• Creative writing: Writes short stories and poetry published by several online literature magazines. 
• Blogging: Two years of blogging about sustainable living, amassing over 500 subscribers.

Volunteer work and community involvement 

Volunteer work and community involvement can include any type of work you do for free, such as fundraising for a local animal shelter. On a resume, they show empathy, interpersonal skills, and social responsibility. This is beneficial because hiring managers want to know that you're a team player who can help make the organization better. Some examples of volunteer work and community involvement include: 

• Mentor: Five years of experience volunteering as a mentor for underprivileged children. 
• Community volunteer: Volunteer weekly at a local children's shelter, organizing arts and crafts activities. 
• Environmental activist: Organize monthly local beach cleanups and campaigns against plastic pollution.

Travel and cultural experiences 

Travel and cultural experiences are valuable if you want to work in multicultural workplaces or roles. This is especially true if they need interaction with international partners or clients. They make you more attractive to employers because they show your ability to adapt and open-mindedness. They might look like this on your resume: 

• Traveling: Traveled to over 15 countries and experienced diverse cultures and lifestyles. 
• Cultural exchange: Lived in Japan during a cultural exchange program, gaining proficiency in Japanese.
• Global volunteer: Volunteered in five countries through a global program to gain confidence in multicultural exchanges.

Professional development and continuing education 

Professional development and continuing education refers to the process you undertake when gaining new skills, knowledge, or insights. It's continuing because it goes beyond your formal education. This is beneficial because it improves your professional abilities. It also ensures that you're staying up to date with the latest advancements in your field. 

It's beneficial to list these interests on your resume. Including them shows hiring managers that you have a proactive mindset toward learning and personal growth. Here's how you can do it: 

• Certifications: Actively pursuing a certification in advanced data analysis. 
• Book club: Member of a professional book club that reads and discusses books on self-development and business. 
• Online courses: Frequently take part in online courses and webinars that teach digital marketing strategies and trends.

Personal projects and hobbies that demonstrate skills relevant to the job 

This refers to activities you do during your personal time that show skills that are directly applicable to the job you want. It might include starting a small business or building a website. Including this on your resume is good because it shows your ability to practically apply your skills outside of a formal work setting. Examples include: 

• Online course creation: Designed and published an online course on creative writing that has over 50 students. 
• Social media: Manage a popular social media account with over 5,000 followers. 
• Website development: Developed a personal website from scratch to promote affiliate marketing. 

Common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume 

To make your hobbies and interests section enhance instead of detract from your application, avoid these common mistakes: 

Including irrelevant or unimpressive hobbies and interests 

While it's good to show off your personality, the hiring manager won't find every hobby and interest relevant or impressive. For example, listening to music or watching TV are fun activities, but they're too generic to put on a resume. They also don't highlight any specific skills. Instead, aim to list hobbies that show your passion, commitment, and skill set. 

Being too vague or generic in your descriptions 

Listing reading or traveling on your resume isn't enough to get the reader's attention. Be specific – mention what it is you're reading or where you travel. For example, if you love reading, then you might share that you're part of a book club that meets every month to read self-development books. The goal is to show the employer why these activities make you the best candidate for the job.

Including controversial or potentially offensive hobbies and interests 

Steer clear of anything that might be controversial or offensive. This includes anything divisive or inappropriate, like hobbies that are overly religious, political, or contentious. It's important to be genuine, but your resume is still a professional document. The point isn't to start a debate but rather to present yourself as someone who's well-rounded and agreeable.

Overemphasizing hobbies and interests at the expense of your professional experience 

Remember that hobbies and interests are only a supplement to your resume. They should never take precedence over your technical skills or work experience. Instead, they should make up a small part of your application. The aim is to show off your personality and additional skills without overshadowing your professional qualifications.

How to talk about your hobbies and interests in an interview 

Talking about these during a job interview can give the employer a better understanding of your soft skills, passion, and character. Here's how to prepare for and approach this discussion:

How to prepare for questions about your hobbies and interests 

Before going to the job interview, take the time to review what you listed on your resume. Prepare to discuss your hobbies in greater detail. Consider what each activity says about your values, abilities, or character.

Practice explaining why and how you pursue them. Choosing something you genuinely enjoy helps your answers be more enthusiastic and sincere.

How to tie your hobbies and interests to the job requirements 

When you describe your interests, make connections between those activities and the requirements of the job. By aligning your passion to the job requirement, you show the interviewer why you're a good fit for the role.

For example, suppose you're passionate about photography. You're applying to a job that requires great attention to detail, such as editing or quality assurance testing. During your interview, you might talk about how taking the perfect photograph requires attention to detail. 

You can then create a connection by explaining how it sharpened your ability to notice small nuances and details. This shows your skill in finding errors or issues that others usually overlook – a valuable talent when working in editing or quality assurance. 

How to prove your passion and dedication 

Your hobbies section reflects your passions, so it's important to show your enthusiasm during the interview. Showing enthusiasm about your interests tells the employer that you're committed, driven, and able to set and achieve goals. 

Some of the ways you can show your passion and dedication include: 

• Discussing how you dedicate time to your hobbies and interests 
• Mentioning achievements or goals you've reached 
• Explaining what you have learned from these activities. 

Conclusion 

In a competitive job market, your resume must stand out. While your work experience and relevant skills are necessary for the job application, don't underestimate how powerful your hobbies and interests can be. If you use them wisely, you can add more personality to your resume and convince the hiring manager that you're the best candidate. 

So, take the time to reflect on your hobbies and how they align with your ambitions. You might find that they're more than just a simple list of personal activities – they're a significant part of your career path. 

Start crafting your interesting resume now and let employers know how well-rounded and versatile you are. Share your interests and hobbies using our resume templates to help you get your dream job!

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

1. Should I include hobbies and interests on my resume if they're not directly related to the job? 
   ⁠Yes, it's still beneficial to include them even if they don't directly relate to the role. They show transferable skills and qualities that might not be obvious from your work experience. For example, if you want to work in finance and your hobby is marathon running, you should still include this. Marathons require dedication, goal orientation, and discipline. These are all attractive qualities to a hiring manager.
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2. How many hobbies and interests should I include on my resume? 
   ⁠This section is about quality rather than quantity. Include just two or three relevant hobbies. Limiting the amount of information prevents you from overwhelming the reader. If you're a recent graduate or you have limited work experience, you can make the list longer. You can use these extra activities to better highlight your transferable skills.
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3. Can I include hobbies and interests that I don't actively take part in anymore? 
   ⁠Yes, you can list hobbies you don't take part in anymore. This is especially beneficial if they're relevant to the job or if they contributed to your personal development. Remember that you need to discuss them during your interview. Make sure you can speak about them authentically and confidently by brushing up on some of their key details. Generally, try to highlight the interests that are most recent and relevant to the job.
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4. Should I include hobbies and interests that are controversial or potentially offensive? 
   ⁠Avoid including activities on your resume that the reader might find inappropriate. This prevents you from alienating the hiring manager or creating an uncomfortable situation. Always maintain professionalism on your resume. If you're unsure whether you should include a particular hobby, it's usually safer to leave it out.
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5. How should I prioritize my hobbies and interests on my resume? 
   ⁠Keep in mind that the goal of including your hobbies is to provide a more thorough picture of yourself. Your resume section about your past work experiences might miss some of your qualities. So, you aim to highlight the attributes that aren't as obvious. Make sure that each one serves this purpose and adds value. To rank your hobbies and interests, consider the following factors: 
   • Relevance to the job: The ones that are most closely related to the job should be at the top of the list. For example, maybe you're applying to be a graphic designer and you have a personal blog for your designs. In this case, this blog should be at the top of your list.
   • Demonstrated skills: Prioritize interests that teach key skills you need for the job. For example, suppose the job description highlights teamwork skills. If you play a team sport, this should be on your resume since it matches the job requirement.
   • Uniqueness: To get the employer's attention, include unique or unusual hobbies like mountain climbing or rock collecting. Keep in mind that they should be relevant, appropriate, and reflect well on you.