Should You Have Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

Crafting a compelling resume goes beyond listing your professional achievements and qualifications. Still, often considered non-essential, sections such as hobbies and interests become a topic of debate among recruitment experts. Some see them as a way to showcase your personality, while others argue they have no place on a professional document.

At our core, we believe in the power of personal touch. Showcasing the real you—because you are truly unique—can make your resume stand out. Including hobbies and interests can be a brilliant way to reveal a different side of yourself to recruiters, one that might resonate on a more personal level.

However, it's crucial to tailor your approach based on the company you’re applying to and its culture. Not every organization will appreciate this additional information, so it's important to be strategic.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about including a “Hobbies and Interests” section on your resume. From deciding whether it’s appropriate to understanding how to present them effectively, we've got you covered.

Difference between hobbies and interests

Let’s get this right from the beginning. When we talk about hobbies, we refer to activities we enjoy doing regularly, like swimming, reading, and bird photography.

Interests, on the other hand, are areas of life that you’re curious about and like exploring, but are not necessarily practicing.

Hobby example

This is how swimming might look on a resume:

Interests example

Here’s what someone who’s passionate about environmental conservation would put on their resume:

There's no need to go into more detail here. If you’re called in for an interview, potential employers might want to learn more about you as a person. Briefly mentioning your interests should be enough for a resume.

When should you put hobbies and interests on your resume?

Questions about hobbies and interests usually come up in job interviews. However, including such a section in your resume can be beneficial for several reasons. Whether you have limited experience, the employer requires it, you're applying for a creative role, or you need to fill in white space, these sections can enhance your resume.

Below are the reasons you might want to add hobbies and interests to your resume:

Limited work experience

If you’re a recent graduate with limited professional experience, hobbies and interests can showcase your inner personality and values. Aligning these with the target job responsibilities and company culture can make you a more attractive candidate. Employers may prefer candidates with no experience to train and nurture according to their needs.

Enhancing cultural fit

If you know that the company cherishes cultural fit and team dynamics, including interests that align with the company's values can help portray you as a well-rounded candidate who would integrate well with the team.

Addressing employment gaps

This section can help you explain periods of unemployment. For instance, if you volunteered, traveled, or pursued further education during a career break, mentioning these can provide context and show that you were productive during that time.

Demonstrating unique skills

Certain hobbies and interests can highlight unique skills that are relevant to the job. For example, being a chess player can demonstrate strategic thinking, or participating in team sports can highlight teamwork and leadership abilities.

Applying for creative roles

Some job recruiters seek unique and fresh perspectives to add value to their organization. Highlighting hobbies that demonstrate originality and creativity can make you stand out from other applicants, potentially offering a greater return on investment for the employer.

Specific employer requests

Always double-check the job description. If employers explicitly request a hobbies and interests section, it’s crucial to include it, regardless of your experience level. This requirement indicates the employer’s willingness to learn more about you beyond your professional qualifications.

What are good hobbies to put on a resume?

When adding hobbies or interests to your resume, it's best to choose those that reflect both modern interests and valuable skills. For example, if you're applying for a content creation job, mentioning your YouTube channel can highlight your creativity, digital marketing skills, and understanding of current trends. Similarly, if you enjoy gaming or being part of a gaming community, this can demonstrate teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Another great example is engaging in collaborative online projects like open-source development or running a podcast. This shows initiative, technical skills, and the ability to work effectively with others remotely. These unique hobbies not only make your resume stand out but also align with the skills and values that many employers are looking for today.

10 great hobbies and interests that add value to your resume

In today's rapid job market, staying ahead is non-negotiable. Developing future-ready skills is crucial, particularly as the evolution and integration of artificial intelligence and other technological innovations redefine the business world. Upskilling is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a necessity to enhance your employability and open doors to higher-paying or leadership-oriented roles.

We’ve compiled a list of the top hobbies and interests to feature on your resume, based on the attributes employers value most in candidates. According to a study from St. John's University, skills such as data literacy, emotional intelligence, and sustainability awareness are among those most likely to spark hiring managers’ interest.

Here are 10 modern hobbies and interests that can make your resume stand out, along with explanations of why they are valued:

How to list hobbies and interests on a resume

Hobbies and interests can be more impactful than you realize. They’re a great way to catch a recruiter’s eye and fill in any blanks on your resume. But remember, they should go in the final section of your resume, as your professional experience and skills are more important.

To keep your resume concise and effective, aim for one page and list only a few strong hobbies.

Here are the steps to follow when listing your personal interests and passions on your resume:

Step 1: Identify the relevant leisure activities aligned with the vacancy

First, you need to do some background research on the job and the company. Understand what the company values and what they look for in applicants. Check if there’s a specific cultural environment they’re fostering and see if you can meet those expectations. Ask yourself if you have any unique qualities that make you a better fit than other candidates.

Take note of common traits, features, or characteristics that seem desirable to the employer. This will help you decide which hobbies and interests to highlight on your resume.

Step 2: Highlight your unique value and get creative

You want to use this section to make your resume stand out. Focus on what makes you a good fit and why. Here’s how:

Step 3: Implement keywords and buzzwords

To make your hobbies and interests section more impactful, use keywords and buzzwords that match the job description. Here’s how:

Step 4: Use examples

To further highlight your skills, knowledge, and expertise, use examples whenever you can.

Generally speaking, storytelling is a better experience for listeners when examples are used.

Why?

For instance, instead of saying, "I enjoy volunteering," you could say, "I volunteer at a local animal shelter, where I organize fundraising events and coordinate adoption drives." This provides a clear, specific example that highlights relevant skills.

Step 5: Consider adding graphic elements

Employers might not be thrilled by a standard hobbies and interests section. So, get creative and make yours stand out. Here are a few tips:

Before we dive into the different ways to customize your hobbies and interests section, it's important to clarify something.

5 common mistakes when listing resume hobbies & interests

The most common mistakes people make when they’re including their interests and hobbies in their resume are:

• Low productivity or passive activities: Let’s face it—things like binge-watching Netflix or lying on the couch all weekend suggest a lack of motivation and productivity, signaling to employers that you might not add much value to their company. Instead, reframe these interests to highlight their positive aspects. For example, you could mention a passion for a particular director or genre or an interest in meditation or self-care routines.
• Outdated pastimes: Including irrelevant hobbies is not a great idea as they may not reflect your current skills and interests. Employers are looking for activities that underline your current abilities and relevance to the job market. For example, listing "collecting stamps" or "using a ham radio" might have been interesting decades ago, but they don't showcase skills or interests that are likely to impress modern employers. Instead, prioritize your relevant skills and traits, such as "participating in coding hackathons" or "volunteering for community technology workshops."
• Personal information or controversial beliefs: Steer clear of listing interests related to religious, political, or ethical topics. These can be polarizing and are generally considered unprofessional in a US resume context.
• Hobbies conveying negative information: Do not include hobbies that may seem antisocial, dangerous, or inappropriate. For example, listing activities like "pranking strangers" or "extreme sports without safety measures" can raise red flags for employers. These are exaggerated examples, but they highlight the types of hobbies to avoid. Similarly, steer clear of jokes that could be misinterpreted, such as "professional couch potato" or "arguing on social media for fun."
• Being generic: This section is your opportunity to stand out and be creative. Avoid generic statements that don't add any unique value or interest. Aim to showcase hobbies that reflect your personality and can positively contribute to the company culture.

More hobbies and interests for your resume [complete list & examples]

As an extension to our top 10 hobbies and interests above, we’ve created a comprehensive list of activities that can help you secure a job interview. Explore the skills these activities reflect and the fields they’re associated with to build a resume that paints a fuller picture of who you are.

Creative hobbies

Creativity is integral to every successful business. Including hobbies and interests that emphasize your creative side can help you get an interview call. Here are some creative leisure activities that make great additions to any resume:

• Painting
• Graphic design
• Fine art
• Architecture
• Photography
• Interior decorating
• Stand-up comedy
• Calligraphy
• Playing musical instruments
• Writing

These activities demonstrate to employers that you genuinely enjoy what you do and are self-motivated. You pursue these interests for personal fulfillment, not just financial gain, showing a long-term commitment to your passions.

Moreover, underlining your creativity highlights your critical thinking and analytical skills, as it indicates your ability to view things from multiple perspectives.

Performing arts

Performing arts encompass various physical and creative activities performed on stage in front of an audience, such as:

• Drama and theater
• Music
• Public speaking
• Dance
• Marching band
• Storytelling
• Choir
• Cheerleading
• Flash mobs
• Improv comedy
• Magic shows
• Opera
• Puppetry
• Circus arts
• Spoken word poetry
• Mime
• Ballet

While AI and robots are advancing, they cannot replicate the human creativity and skills involved in these activities. Engaging in performing arts demonstrates self-confidence, discipline, commitment, time management, productivity, and organizational skills to potential employers.

Visual arts

This time, we’re referring to visual arts seen on-screen, such as:

• Film production and cinematography
• Videography
• Photography
• Editing
• Photomontages
• Drawing
• Cartographic work
• Jewelry design
• Technical drawings
• Original prints
• Animation

In addition to your visual artistic skills, you also gain experience in technical aspects. Another attractive quality for employers would be your ability to manage and organize events and take the lead during photoshoots or recording sessions, showcasing your collaboration and leadership skills.

Analytical hobbies and interests

If you don’t consider yourself an art person, analytical hobbies like chess and the ones listed below can be a brilliant addition to your job application.

Technology

The world around us is evolving because of technology, with AI ushering in a new era. Proficiency in software and technology skills will catch an employer’s attention. When applying for a role in the tech space, especially if you have limited experience, mentioning your passions and interests can make a big difference. Recruiters appreciate genuine interest and curiosity.

Hobbies and interests in this field could include:

• Programming
• Web design and development
• Coding
• 3D modeling
• Animation creation
• Blogging
• Game development
• Photo editing with Photoshop
• Data organization
• Taking online classes

Digital marketing

If you’re looking for a position in marketing, employers value hobbies or interests related to this field. This includes:

• Social media management
• SEO
• Affiliate marketing
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Marketing automation
• Digital advertising
• Content marketing

Have you achieved something significant through these activities? For example, if you're interested in social media, you might have built an online community via a Facebook group or forum, or grown your blog through keyword research, SEO, and content strategy. These accomplishments are closely related to marketing roles, so be sure to highlight any relevant achievements or passions.

Sports

According to an article on bluebeyondconsulting.com, “employees who feel supported in their physical and mental wellness often report higher levels of productivity, creativity, and innovation, as well as reduced absenteeism and burnout.”

Many of us love spending our free time playing various sports. Did you know that sports can also demonstrate to recruiters that you’re a team player and can think quickly on your feet, depending on the type of sport you enjoy? Let’s take a deeper look.

Team sports & outdoor activities

Do you enjoy playing team sports or have you ever participated in competitive leagues and tournaments? Working together as a team showcases your teamwork and leadership skills. It shows you can thrive in a group-oriented environment and collaborate effectively with others. This applies to both team sports and outdoor activities, which also demonstrate determination and a mindset focused on improvement.

Some team sports worth mentioning include:

• Baseball
• Board games
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Rugby
• Water polo
• Handball
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Cricket
• Football

Gym and exercise

Do you have a solid fitness routine that you stick to? Regular exercise highlights your discipline and perseverance. Some activities to consider including are:

• Running
• Weightlifting
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Rock climbing
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Karate
• Skiing
• Biking

These activities give recruiters insight into your personal life and show that you know how to take care of yourself physically and mentally. They also indicate that you aim to push your limits and continually strive for improvement, qualities that can catch an employer’s attention for your persistence and drive to over-deliver.

Unique hobbies and interests worth including

Exploring these unique hobbies can further set you apart and showcase diverse skills and interests.

Languages

Being fluent in multiple languages demonstrates a strong depth of knowledge and the ability to learn — a skill not everyone possesses. With this student mentality and strong memorization skills, even if you lack professional experience, employers can feel confident in your capability to learn quickly and get up to speed in minimal time.

With Enhancv’s resume builder, you can add a dedicated languages section to show off your linguistic competence:

Social service

Do you volunteer to help out in your local area? Have you taken part in any community involvement and service? These charitable activities indicate you have good moral values, team abilities, and management skills. Volunteering, such as in charity shops, may even develop your customer service skills by assisting local shoppers.

Volunteering experiences are underrated. They come with excellent communication skills and personal values that positively influence job recruiters when deciding to hire you.

Volunteering hobbies and interests may include:

• Volunteering with an NGO organization
• Volunteering at an animal shelter
• Firefighter/ EMT
• Fostering animals
• Coaching a youth sports team
• Tutoring youngsters
• Volunteering with organizations helping homeless people
• Volunteering in local committees
• Volunteering at hackathons

This is how a volunteer firefighter experience can look on a resume:

Travel

Traveling is another unique and valuable hobby. It shows that you are adaptable, culturally aware, and open to new experiences. Traveling can enhance your communication skills and provide a global perspective, which is beneficial in many professional settings.

When listing your passion for traveling on your resume, be as specific as possible. Simply writing "traveling" isn’t enough. Instead, highlight the purpose of your travels or the places you’re most interested in. For example:

Hobbies & interests with Enhancv’s custom sections

Now, let's dive into Enhancv's special sections that are perfect for listing your interests and hobbies. The choice of which section to use depends on:

• Relevance: How pertinent the interests are to the job you're applying for
• Space: How much room you have left on your resume

Remember, these sections should enhance your resume, not serve as filler.

Passions section

This additional element is very straightforward. You can list the name of the hobby/interest and provide a short description. Look at a good example from an entry-level math teacher resume:

My time section

A "My time" resume section provides a visually engaging snapshot of your priorities and time management skills, offering clear insights into how you allocate your time across various activities. This can be particularly useful for roles in project management, consulting, freelance work, and academic positions where efficient multitasking and organization are crucial.

Check out this example from a project manager’s resume:

Strengths section

A "Strengths" section on a resume is similar to a passions section but focuses more on the skills and attributes you value in yourself and consider your core competencies. It's particularly beneficial for people at the start of their careers who haven't yet got much professional experience but can leverage their academic or technical abilities.

The Enhancv app allows you to rename custom sections to your liking and move them closer to the top of your resume to ensure recruiters focus on them first. For maximum effect, you can integrate your strengths section in a functional resume template.

Now, look at an example of a strengths section from a real-world business consultant resume:

My life philosophy

The "My life philosophy" section on a resume is ideal for individuals who want to convey their core values, guiding principles, and personal mission in a concise way. This section can be impactful for roles that require strong alignment with organizational culture and values, such as leadership positions, nonprofit and social work, and entrepreneurial roles.

When crafting a "My life philosophy" section, it's important to strike the right balance. Here are some tips:

• Authenticity: Ensure that the philosophy genuinely reflects your beliefs and guiding principles. Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone.
• Relevance: Tailor your philosophy to the job you're applying for. Highlight values that align with the company’s culture and the role's requirements.
• Conciseness: Keep it brief and to the point. A couple of well-crafted sentences are sufficient.
• Professionalism: Avoid overly personal or controversial statements. Stick to philosophies that can be universally appreciated in a professional context.
• Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases like "Work hard, play hard" or "Live, laugh, love." Be original and specific to your experiences and values.

Take a look at a good example taken from a sports resume:

Lastly, let’s look at what industries and organizations appreciate listing one’s passions on a resume.

Sectors that value listing hobbies and interests

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be particularly advantageous in certain industries and companies. Here’s a closer look at where this practice is most appreciated:

Creative industries

Creative industries thrive on innovation, originality, and fresh perspectives. Highlighting your hobbies and interests can showcase your creativity and give potential employers a sense of your unique style and personality.

• Advertising: In advertising, creative thinking is crucial. Hobbies related to writing, photography, or even unique pastimes like improv comedy can signal to employers that you bring a creative flair and fresh ideas to the table.
• Design: For roles in graphic design, fashion design, or interior design, showcasing your artistic hobbies such as painting, sketching, or digital art can demonstrate your passion and skill beyond the professional work samples.

Companies with a strong emphasis on culture fit

Many companies prioritize hiring individuals who align with their corporate culture. Listing hobbies and interests can help these companies assess whether your personality and values match their workplace environment.

• Tech startups: Tech startups (like Hopin or Calendly) often have dynamic, fast-paced cultures. Highlighting interests such as participating in hackathons, tech meetups, or even gaming can indicate your enthusiasm for technology and innovation.
• Lifestyle brands: Companies that focus on lifestyle products or services (e.g., outdoor gear companies, health and wellness brands) value employees who embody the brand’s ethos. Showing interests in related activities, like hiking, yoga, or cooking, can make you stand out as a cultural fit.

Roles that require interpersonal skills

Roles that demand strong interpersonal skills benefit from candidates who demonstrate interests and hobbies that involve teamwork, communication, and empathy.

• Human resources (HR): HR professionals need to be approachable and understanding. Hobbies like volunteering, mentoring, or participating in team sports can reflect your ability to connect with others and manage relationships effectively.
• Customer service: In customer service roles, patience and problem-solving are key. Interests in activities that require these skills, such as playing strategy games, organizing community events, or participating in local theater, can be beneficial.

To sum up

Your hobbies and interests are a reflection of your personality and can be a positive asset if they accurately mirror the cultural environment of the company you’re applying for. Including them on your resume can enhance your application in specific situations. When doing that, follow these simple steps:

• Identify relevant ones: Choose hobbies that are pertinent to the job position.
• Highlight your unique value: Emphasize what makes each hobby special and relevant to the role.
• Use keywords: Integrate industry-specific terms and phrases to catch the recruiter’s attention.
• Provide examples: Whenever possible, use examples and visual representations to illustrate your hobbies and skills effectively.