Hobbies and Interests to Put on Your Resume

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can highlight your personality, skills, and cultural fit. However, they should be carefully chosen to add value to your application.

When to Include Hobbies and Interests

You should add hobbies and interests if they:

Relate to the Job or Industry

Example: Photography for a graphic design role or coding for a software developer position.

Demonstrate Transferable Skills

Example: Volunteering shows leadership, while playing chess highlights strategic thinking.

Fill in Gaps Due to Limited Work Experience

If you’re a student, recent graduate, or career changer, hobbies provide insight into your skills.

Reflect Company Culture

Some industries, like startups and creative fields, appreciate a personal touch in applications.

When NOT to Include Hobbies and Interests

• They Are Irrelevant to the Job
  Listing random hobbies without connection to the role may make you seem unfocused.
• They Could Be Misinterpreted
  Avoid anything controversial, overly risky, or extreme (e.g., gambling, political activism).
• Your Resume is Already Full
  If work experience, skills, and education fill the page, hobbies might not be necessary.
• They Reveal Personal or Sensitive Information
  Religion, political affiliations, or controversial activities should be avoided unless job-relevant.

Types of Hobbies and Interests That Add Value

Here are job-relevant hobbies that showcase useful skills:

Team-Oriented Hobbies

• Sports Teams (Soccer, Basketball): Teamwork, discipline, leadership
• Volunteering: Community involvement, empathy, event planning

Creative Hobbies

• Photography, Film-making: Attention to detail, technical skills
• Writing, Blogging: Communication, research, storytelling

Technical Hobbies

• Coding, Gaming: Problem-solving, analytical thinking
• DIY Electronics Projects: Innovation, technical proficiency

Strategic Hobbies

• Chess, Board Games: Critical thinking, patience
• Puzzle Solving, Sudoku: Logical reasoning, persistence

Adventurous Hobbies

• Hiking, Rock Climbing: Resilience, risk management
• Traveling: Adaptability, cultural awareness

How to List Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

• Create a Dedicated Section: Label it “Hobbies and Interests” or “Additional Activities” at the bottom.
• Be Concise: List 2 to 4 hobbies that provide value to your application.
• Provide Context (Optional): Add a brief note to show relevance.

Example:

• Chess (Competed in regional tournaments)
• Photography (Specialized in landscape and portrait work)
• Volunteering (Organized community clean-up initiatives)
• Tailor to the Job: Adjust based on the company culture and role requirements.

Job-Relevant Examples of Hobbies and Interests

Here are specific examples to include based on the skills they highlight:

Sports and Fitness

• Basketball, Soccer: Teamwork, collaboration
• Yoga, Running: Discipline, perseverance
• Martial Arts: Focus, self-motivation

Example:
"Member of an amateur basketball league, demonstrating teamwork and strategic thinking."

Outdoor and Adventure

• Hiking, Rock Climbing: Risk assessment, resilience
• Camping, Fishing: Patience, adaptability

Example:
"Organized group hiking trips, showcasing leadership and planning skills."

Technology and Digital Skills

• Coding, Programming: Problem-solving, logical thinking
• Graphic Design, Video Editing: Creativity, technical skills
• Blogging, SEO: Research, content creation

Example:
"Managed a blog with 10k monthly readers, developing SEO and content strategy skills."

Arts and Creativity

• Photography, Film-making: Attention to detail, storytelling
• Creative Writing: Communication, research
• Music (Playing an Instrument): Dedication, patience

Example:
"Freelance graphic designer, creating brand visuals for small businesses."

Strategy and Problem-Solving

• Chess, Poker: Strategic thinking, risk assessment
• Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku: Analytical reasoning

Example:
"Regular chess player; competed in regional tournaments, improving strategic planning skills."

Travel and Cultural Engagement

• Backpacking, Traveling: Cultural awareness, adaptability
• Learning Foreign Languages: Communication, persistence

Example:
"Traveled to 20+ countries, gaining insights into global cultures and business practices."

Social and Leadership Activities

• Public Speaking, Debate Club: Confidence, persuasion
• Event Planning, Hosting: Organization, time management

Example:
"Active member of Toastmasters, improving public speaking and leadership skills."

How to Format the Hobbies Section

Correct Format Example:

Hobbies and Interests

• Amateur photographer specializing in landscape and portrait photography
• Member of a weekend hiking group organizing group treks and leading expeditions
• Blogging on tech trends managing a blog with 5K monthly readers

Avoid This Format:

• Watching TV
• Hanging out with friends
• Partying

Pro Tip: Use action words and measurable impact to make your hobbies more engaging.

Be Honest About Your Interests

• Only list hobbies you genuinely enjoy. If an interviewer asks about them, you should be able to speak confidently.

Example:
If you say you enjoy hiking, but the hiring manager is an avid hiker and starts asking about trails, you need to genuinely know about it.

Key Takeaways

• Hobbies and interests can help you stand out if they add value.
• Highlight relevant skills that align with the job.
• Keep it professional and avoid controversial or irrelevant hobbies.
• Be concise and format correctly.
• Use specific, action-oriented descriptions.

‍