12 Best Hobbies for Your Resume (And Why You Should Have Them)

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can provide valuable insights into your personality, skills, and potential cultural fit for a company. In a competitive job market, where employers sift through numerous resumes, showcasing your personal interests can be the differentiating factor that sets you apart. This article will guide you on how to effectively include hobbies and interests on your resume, ensuring they add value and align with your professional aspirations.

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Why Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?

Listing relevant hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates. These personal pursuits offer a glimpse into your character, work ethic, and passions beyond the professional skills listed on your resume. Employers are increasingly interested in hiring individuals who bring more than just technical expertise to the table. They want to know if you are a cultural fit, how you might contribute to the team dynamic, and what drives you outside of work.

For instance, a candidate applying for a marketing role might list blogging as a hobby. This not only shows a passion for content creation but also indicates that the candidate is engaged with digital platforms, understands audience engagement, and has practical experience that can be leveraged in the workplace. Similarly, someone with a hobby in team sports might demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and a competitive spirit—qualities that are highly valued in fast-paced work environments.

However, it’s crucial to carefully select which hobbies and interests to include, ensuring they are relevant and add value. Highlighting activities that demonstrate transferable skills or align with the company’s values can leave a strong impression on potential employers. In essence, your hobbies and interests can serve as powerful tools to bolster your resume and present your abilities and strengths in a positive light.

What’s the Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

Hobbies and interests are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.

• Hobbies are activities you engage in for enjoyment and relaxation, such as painting, playing an instrument, or gardening. They are typically hands-on and involve active participation. For example, a hobby like woodworking requires patience, precision, and creativity—all of which are valuable skills in many professions.
• Interests are subjects or topics that fascinate you, like technology, history, or environmental conservation. These are more intellectual and may not necessarily involve active engagement. For example, a strong interest in artificial intelligence could indicate that you keep up with the latest trends in technology and may even participate in online discussions or attend webinars on the subject.

Understanding this distinction is important when including them on your resume. Whether you list a hobby or an interest, make sure it reflects a well-rounded personality and a genuine passion for specific areas. Aligning these with the job and company culture can make a positive impression on employers.

Examples of Hobbies vs. Interests

• Hobby: Gardening – Actively tending to a garden, growing plants, and understanding the nuances of horticulture.
• Interest: Environmental Conservation – A deep concern for environmental issues, staying informed about climate change, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

Deciding whether to include hobbies and interests on your resume depends on their relevance to the job and the company culture. Here are some guidelines:

• Relevance to the Job: If a hobby or interest directly relates to the job, such as photography for a creative position or blogging for a content role, it should be included. These activities can showcase relevant skills and passion for the industry. For example, a software developer who lists coding as a hobby demonstrates not only a professional skill but also a personal dedication to continuous learning and improvement.
• Alignment with Company Culture: Research the company’s values and work environment. If they emphasize teamwork, mentioning a team sport could be advantageous. Similarly, if creativity is valued, hobbies like painting or writing might resonate well. For instance, a tech startup that values innovation might appreciate a candidate who enjoys tinkering with gadgets or developing apps in their spare time.
• Highlighting Transferable Skills: If a hobby or interest demonstrates a skill that can be applied to the job, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving, it should be included. For instance, volunteering might highlight leadership and teamwork skills, making it relevant for managerial or collaborative roles.

Examples of When to Include Hobbies and Interests

• Applying for a Creative Role: If you’re applying for a job in graphic design, mentioning your hobby of digital illustration can reinforce your creative skills and show that you’re passionate about your work even outside of the office.
• Company Values Teamwork: If the company you’re applying to places a high value on teamwork, including your involvement in team sports like soccer or basketball can illustrate your ability to work well with others.

12 Top Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

Here are some top hobbies and interests that can add value to your resume, with explanations of how they can enhance your application:

1. Community Involvement:

• What it Shows: Commitment, leadership, and teamwork.
• How to Present: Highlight specific volunteer work or community projects you’ve participated in, and the skills you developed, such as project management or collaboration. For example, organizing a charity event could demonstrate your ability to lead a team, manage budgets, and coordinate with various stakeholders.

1. Writing:

• What it Shows: Communication skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
• How to Present: Mention any relevant experience, such as blogging, freelance writing, or published work. Specify genres or styles you excel in, such as technical writing or creative storytelling. For example, if you maintain a personal blog where you write about industry trends, this could indicate your thought leadership and ability to engage an audience.

1. Blogging:

• What it Shows: Content creation, digital marketing skills, and engagement.
• How to Present: Highlight the blog topics you cover, your audience size, and any achievements like partnerships or guest posts. For instance, if your blog has a significant following, this demonstrates your ability to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

1. Learning Languages:

• What it Shows: Adaptability, cultural awareness, and communication.
• How to Present: Specify languages you are proficient in and any relevant experiences, such as language exchange programs or translation work. For example, being fluent in multiple languages could be particularly advantageous in roles that require international communication or customer service.

1. Photography:

• What it Shows: Creativity, attention to detail, and technical skills.
• How to Present: Mention specific photography skills, any competitions you’ve participated in, or software you’re proficient in, like Adobe Photoshop. For instance, if you’ve contributed to photography exhibitions or published your work, this could demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the craft.

1. Travel:

• What it Shows: Open-mindedness, adaptability, and problem-solving.
• How to Present: Highlight any cultural experiences, language skills, or problem-solving situations you’ve encountered during your travels. For example, navigating unfamiliar environments and cultures can demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly and handle unexpected challenges.

1. Sports:

• What it Shows: Teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
• How to Present: Mention the sports you play, any teams you’ve been part of, and any leadership roles, such as team captain or coach. For instance, leading a sports team can illustrate your leadership abilities and commitment to working towards a common goal.

1. Reading:

• What it Shows: Intellectual curiosity, continuous learning, and communication skills.
• How to Present: Specify genres or topics you enjoy, and any book clubs or discussion groups you participate in. For example, if you regularly read industry-related books, this shows that you are committed to staying informed and continuously improving your knowledge.

1. Making Music:

• What it Shows: Creativity, discipline, and collaboration.
• How to Present: Mention the instruments you play, any performances or recordings, and collaborative projects with other musicians. For instance, if you compose music, this can demonstrate your ability to think creatively and work independently or in a team.

1. Yoga:
   • What it Shows: Stress management, focus, and personal well-being.
   • How to Present: Highlight any certifications or classes you’ve led, and discuss the mental and physical benefits you’ve gained from practicing yoga. For example, if you’re a certified yoga instructor, this could illustrate your ability to lead and mentor others in managing stress and improving well-being.
2. Art:
   • What it Shows: Creativity, attention to detail, and visual communication.
   • How to Present: Mention any exhibitions, awards, or art classes you’ve participated in, and describe your artistic style or medium. For instance, if you’ve had your artwork displayed in galleries, this demonstrates your skill and dedication to your craft.
3. Dance:
   • What it Shows: Discipline, coordination, and creativity.
   • How to Present: Highlight any formal training, performances, or competitions, and the styles of dance you specialize in. For example, if you’ve choreographed routines or performed in competitions, this shows your ability to work hard, practice consistently, and perform under pressure.

Top Soft and Hard Skills Related to Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

When including hobbies and interests on your resume, it’s important to connect them to both soft and hard skills that are relevant to the job. Here’s a breakdown:

• Community Involvement: Leadership, teamwork, time management.
• Writing: Communication, creativity, attention to detail.
• Blogging: Content creation, SEO, audience engagement.
• Learning Languages: Adaptability, cultural awareness, communication.
• Photography: Creativity, technical proficiency, visual storytelling.
• Travel: Problem-solving, adaptability, cultural awareness

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• Sports: Teamwork, leadership, discipline.
• Reading: Intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, communication.
• Making Music: Creativity, discipline, collaboration.
• Yoga: Stress management, focus, personal well-being.
• Art: Creativity, attention to detail, visual communication.
• Dance: Discipline, coordination, creativity.

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

To effectively list hobbies and interests on your resume, follow these steps:

1. Decide Whether You Need Them:

• Consider the job requirements and company culture. Only include hobbies that add value to your application.

1. Research the Company:

• Understand the company’s values and tailor your hobbies and interests to align with them. For example, a company that values sustainability might appreciate a candidate who is passionate about environmental conservation.

1. Choose Relevant Skills:

• Highlight skills that your hobbies showcase, especially those that are transferable to the job you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a leadership role, hobbies that involve leading teams or organizing events can be particularly relevant.

1. Create a Separate Section:

• Place this section towards the bottom of your resume, so it supplements your work experience and qualifications. This keeps the focus on your professional achievements while still showcasing your personal interests.

1. List Up to Four Interests or Hobbies:

• Focus on the most relevant and impressive ones to keep your resume concise and impactful. For example, you might list hobbies that demonstrate a range of skills, such as creativity, leadership, and technical proficiency.

Example of How to List Hobbies and Interests

Hobbies and Interests:

• Blogging: Maintained a personal blog on technology trends, attracting over 10,000 monthly readers.
• Community Involvement: Volunteered as a coordinator for local charity events, leading a team of 20 volunteers.
• Travel: Traveled to over 15 countries, gaining cultural insights and improving language skills in Spanish and French.
• Photography: Specializes in landscape photography, with work published in local magazines.

4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Listing Hobbies and Interests

When listing hobbies and interests on your resume, consider the following tips:

1. Identify What You Specifically Enjoy:

• Reflect on what aspects of your hobbies bring you joy and fulfillment, and highlight these in your resume. This helps to convey genuine passion and dedication to potential employers.

1. Be Honest:

• Only include hobbies that genuinely interest you and avoid exaggerating your involvement or achievements. Employers can often spot inauthentic claims, and honesty is crucial in building trust.

1. Be Specific:

• Provide details about your hobbies, such as specific genres, activities, or accomplishments, to paint a clearer picture. This specificity can help employers understand how your hobbies relate to the job.

1. Keep Unrelated Hobbies Out:

• Avoid hobbies that may be irrelevant to the job or could be seen as unprofessional. For example, while you might enjoy video gaming, unless it relates directly to the job, it’s best left off your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I mention hobbies and interests on my resume?

• A: Yes, including hobbies and interests on your resume can help showcase your personality and make you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. They can also demonstrate skills and qualities that may not be evident from your work experience alone.

Q: What’s the difference between hobbies and interests?

• A: Hobbies are activities you enjoy doing in your free time, while interests are subjects or topics that you find intriguing and may want to learn more about. Both can be relevant to include on your resume, depending on the job.

Q: When should I include hobbies and interests on my resume?

• A: You should include hobbies and interests on your resume when they are relevant to the job you’re applying for or can demonstrate important skills or qualities that align with the company’s culture.

Q: How do I list hobbies and interests on a resume?

• A: Create a separate section for hobbies and interests, and list up to four that are relevant to the job. Be specific about what you do or have achieved in each hobby or interest.

Q: What are some unique examples of hobbies and interests for a resume?

• A: Some unique examples include extreme adventure sports, unusual crafts, competitive gaming, and collecting unique items. Highlight specific achievements or skills within these hobbies to make them stand out.

Q: What key skills can be related to hobbies and interests?

• A: Hobbies and interests can develop various soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, organization, leadership, and time management.

Q: How many hobbies and interests should I list on my resume?

• A: It is best to list up to four hobbies or interests on your resume to keep it concise but still highlight your diverse range of skills and passions.

Key Takeaways

• Including hobbies and interests on your resume can showcase your personality and help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
• Choose hobbies and interests that highlight relevant skills and align with the job and company culture.
• Tailor your resume to reflect how your hobbies and interests can contribute to your success in the role.
• Be honest, specific, and selective in the hobbies and interests you choose to include.

By carefully selecting and presenting your hobbies and interests, you can enhance your resume and make a positive impression on potential employers. Remember, your hobbies are more than just pastimes—they are a reflection of your character, values, and skills, and they can play a significant role in your professional journey.