Whether you should include your hobbies and interests on your resume is a polarizing question. Some recruitment experts love it, while others think it has no place on a resume at all.
Us? Well, we’re all about the personal touch and showing the real you because you’re that awesome and the hobbies and interests resume section is perfect for that.
We believe that including your interests on your resume or CV can be a brilliant way to show a different side of you to recruiters.
But we also believe that whether or not you should include a hobby section on your resume should be influenced by the company you’re applying for and their company culture.
In this article, we are going to explore all the key moments you need to think about and take care of:
- When should you put hobbies on your resume?
- What are the most common mistakes when listing your hobbies on your resume?
- How to list your resume hobbies and interests?
Not only that, we are going to provide you with a list of 76+ hobbies and interests you can use on your own resume.
Keep on reading. This is a lengthy one, so feel free to navigate the quick links below.
OR, do you want to skip ahead and start creating your resume with the help of pre-made templates and formats that you can easily rearrange? Try out our resume builder app!
When you should put hobbies on your resume
What are hobbies?
Hobbies are things that you do regularly, and you enjoy doing.
For example, if you say video editing is a hobby, it means you enjoy editing, and you do it regularly.
What are activities?
Interests, or activities, are things you’re curious about.
For example, if you said editing is one of your interests, it means you want to learn more about it or start doing it in the future.
The difference between the two is fairly subtle, but when you’re putting this on your resume you want to nail it.
If you’re called in for an interview, potential employers could ask you for more details about your hobbies and interests. This way, they can learn more about you as a person and what you do outside the workforce. One clever way you can illustrate this is by including a ‘day in my life’ pie chart that the Enhancv resume builder has.
Now that you understand what are hobbies, and what are activities, we are ready to proceed.
When should you include your hobbies and/or interests on your resume?
There are four main reasons why you’d want to include your hobbies or interests on your resume. Whether you’re still young and you have little experience, the employer demands it, you’re applying for a job in a creative field, or you simply have white space on your resume that you want to fill.
Whichever the reason, it’s important to remember that when you start crafting your resume you want to have a goal in mind.
Are you trying to highlight your personality and cultural fit for the job vacancy? Are you trying to show you have further relevant and transferable skills for the field? Do you want to take advantage of this section to emphasize your unique qualities and stand out from the other applicants?
Whatever question most resonates with you, remember it. This helps you keep a clear focus so employers can vividly consume the bigger picture you’re painting for them.
Additionally, let’s go more in-depth on the three reasons why you’d want to include your hobbies and interests on your resume.
You have limited skills and work experience
Are you a fresh graduate who’s just come out of university or college? If that’s the case, you most likely lack the professional experience and skills recruiters look for.
With some level of expertise and skillsets due to lack of experience, you’re at a disadvantage compared to the other applicants who are older, and with more experience than you.
One way to combat this common obstacle is to take advantage of the hobbies and interests resume section. If your inner personality and values strongly align with the job responsibilities and cultural environment, recruiters may see you as a more beneficial asset to mold for the future.
And, employers may even prefer that you have no experience. This is because they can train you the way they want to and nurture your working habits themselves.
The job recruiters are demanding originality and creativity
Job recruiters could be looking for something different in their work environment. They need something fresh and unique to add to their organization.
In this case, employers will look at the value you can bring to the table that makes you stand out from the ocean of applicants.
Personality-wise, they’ll be keen on looking at what you enjoy doing that could potentially give them a bigger return on investment in the future.
You’re asked specifically to include them
Double-check the job description. Sometimes it’ll explicitly request a hobbies and interests section on your resume.
Either, it’s labeled clearly on the job description or employers may specifically ask you via email. If this happens, it means it’s a requirement for you to include this resume section no matter how experienced you are, and even if you’re a senior.
A list of hobbies and interests that you should include on your resume.
We’ve made a list with examples of hobbies that make can help you get an interview.
Creative hobbies
Creativity is an integral part of every successful business. That’s why including hobbies and interests that are intertwined with creativity can help you get a job interview. Here are some creative hobbies that we think are great additions to any CV.
Art
As a whole, anything that requires creativity is largely valued by the hiring managers. This includes activities such as:
- Painting
- Graphic design
- Fine art
- Architecture
- Painting
- Graphic design
- Fine art
- Architecture
- Photography
- Interior decorating
- Stand-up comedy
- Calligraphy
- Any kind of instrument you play
- Any kind of writing you do
What this also shows employers is that you genuinely enjoy what you do and you’re self-motivated. You’re not doing it for the money, but rather you’re looking at the benefits long-term and if it correlates with your passions.
Alongside your creativity, it also indicates critical thinking and analytical skills since you can see things from multiple perspectives.
Performing arts
Performing arts is another form of creativity. This involves physical, creative activities where you perform on stage in front of an audience.
For example:
- Drama and theater
- Music
- Public speeches
- Dance
- Marching band
- Storytelling
- Choir
- Cheerleading
- Flash mobs
- Figure skating
Although AI and robots are taking over several jobs, they can’t replace the human mind or skills. In other words, creative activities can’t be replaced by machines – it’s too complex.
Additionally, you’re performing in front of an audience. Not only does it show employers you have a good level of self-confidence, but you’re disciplined and committed because you dedicate time to practice.
It also displays good time management, productivity, and organization skills. Especially when you have a busy schedule.
Visual arts
This time, I’m referring to things we see on-screen:
- Film production and cinematography
- Videography
- Photography
- Editing
- Photomontages
- Drawing
- Cartographic work
- Jewelry design
- Technical drawings
- Original prints
As well as your visual artistic skills, you’re also experienced in the technical aspects.
Another attractive part for employers from doing photoshoots or recording scenes is when it comes to collaborations. This is because you’re experienced in managing and organizing events, as well as taking the lead.
Analytical hobbies and interests
But if you don’t exactly this of yourself as an art person, analytical hobbies like chess and these below can be a brilliant addition to your job application.
Technology
The world around us is evolving because of technology. A.I. is beginning to take over the world and start a new era. For this reason, having software proficiency and being skilled in technology will catch the employer’s attention.
When you’re applying for a role within the tech space and you have limited experience, consider mentioning your passions and interests. Job recruiters like it if you’re genuinely interested and curious.
Hobbies and interests in this field could include:
- Programming
- Web design and development
- Coding
- 3D modeling
- Animation creation
- Blogging
- Game development
- Photoshop pictures
- Organizing data
- Take online classes
Digital Marketing
If you’re a worker looking for a position in the marketing space, employers would value marketing hobbies or interests. This includes:
- Social media
- SEO
- Affiliate marketing
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Marketing Automation
- Digital Advertising
- Content Marketing
Have you managed to achieve something significant in the past from doing any of these activities?
For example, you’re interested in social media. So, you’ve built a community online via a Facebook group, forum or you’ve grown your blog through keyword research skills, SEO, and content strategy.
These are strongly related to what you’re going to be doing in the marketing space. Therefore, any feats accomplished or passions in a specific area, be sure you bring them up!
Sports
A lot of us love to spend our free time doing all kinds of sports. And, did you know sports can also help you show recruiters that you’re a team player and you can think fast depending on the type of sport you love playing?
Let’s take a deeper look.
Team sports & outdoor activities
Do you enjoy playing any sports? Or have you ever been part of a team and took part in competitive leagues and tournaments?
Working together as a team shows employers that you have good teamwork and leadership skills. You know how to get along in a group-orientated environment where you need to work with others.
This doesn’t just have to be team sports, outdoor activities are also respectable as it shows a strong level of determination and mindset of improving. Some team sports that are worth including are:
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Rugby
- Water polo
- Handball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Cricket
- Football
Gym and exercising
Do you have a solid regimen or routine that you stick to?
I for sure know the struggle of sticking to a routine and constantly pushing myself every week…
This can include:
- Running
- Weight lifting
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Rock climbing
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Karate
- Skiing
- Biking
This gives the reader a feel of your personal life. It also portrays the thought that you know how to look after and take care of yourself physically and mentally.
Not just that, but you’re showing employers you aim to push your limits and do more. In that aspect, the thought of persistence and over-delivering is what’s going to grab their attention.
Unique hobbies and interests worth including.".
Languages
Language fluency shows a strong depth of knowledge and ability to learn – a skill not everyone has.
With the student mentality alongside memorization skills, (even if you lack professional background experience) employers can feel confident that you’re capable of learning and getting up to speed at minimal time.
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’re a person with good moral values alongside team ability and management skills. If you’ve helped out and served in areas such as charity shops, you may have even developed customer service skills by helping out local shoppers.
Volunteering experiences are underrated. They come with good communication skills and personal value that gives a good influence to the job recruiter when making the decision to hire you or not.
Volunteering hobbies and interests may include:
- Volunteering with a religious 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
Common mistakes when it comes to your resume hobbies & interests
The most common mistakes people make when they’re putting their interests on their resume are:
- Low productivity or engaging activities – don’t mention you enjoy watching Netflix and taking 4-hour naps in the middle of the afternoon or playing video games 8-hours straight. Including activities where little to no interaction or concentration is required is an awful mistake. It shows employers you’re lazy and have no extra value to add to their company.
- Including controversial beliefs – e.g. political interests will put employers off and it’s not exactly professional. So, avoid bringing them up.
- Hobbies & interests that convey negative information – don’t include any antisocial and dangerous activities. Or jokes that employers may not understand.
- Avoid being generic – this section is mainly about being different and creative. Try to avoid writing something dull and the same as everybody else.
How to list your resume hobbies and interests?
Hobbies and interests may be more impactful than you realize.
They are a great way to catch the recruiter’s attention and fill in the blanks on your resume.
But make no mistake, they should occupy the final section of your resume, as there is much more important information you need to show them first.
In the ideal case, your resume should be one page, and to do so you should list only a few strong hobbies.
There’s a trick to incorporating your passions on your CV. Below we’ll go through, what we consider, the best ways to list your personal interests and passions on your resume.
Identify the relevant hobbies and interests aligned with the job vacancy
As usual, you need to do background job research. What does the company need and what would they want to see from applicants?
Check if there’s a cultural environment that recruiters are aiming to build – could you meet those expectations? Or do you have anything to your advantage that shows why you’ll fit in better than the other candidates?
One way I find this information is by researching the following:
- The website’ about page
- Reviews and opinions about the organization
- Social media accounts (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter)
Take note of any common traits, features, or characteristics that you see as desirable for employers. This will come to good use when you’re deciding which hobbies and interests are best to use.
Focus on the unique value derived from those activities and get creative
Chances are, you want to use this section to stand out. If so, what makes you valuable? And why?
Focus on being different.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your hobbies and interests resume section. At the same time, don’t include random hobbies for the sake of filling the section. It’s just as important that it makes logical sense and directly relates to your industry.
Employers prefer having a fresh perspective on board and having someone with new ideas to offer.
For example, you could implicitly combine your interests with your personality traits to emphasize your skills. Doing this not only makes your hobbies and interests section creative, but it’s unique compared to everyone else since it highlights the value derived from your hobbies or interests subtly that the employers would benefit from.
Implement keywords and buzzwords
Don’t forget to match the job description by using keywords appropriately and naturally. Ultimately, everything you say needs to align with what employers need.
What they’re looking for is value. So, you can amplify the meaningfulness behind your hobbies and interests by including buzzwords. This works particularly well when you’re talking about something you’ve managed to achieve or an outcome you’ve actively contributed towards.
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?
Because it creates a better understanding and gives the audience the key takeaways in a clear, easy way that doesn’t require intense deciphering. It gives the impression that your hobbies and interests are credible since you’re giving examples from your experiences.
So, if you can include an example to make your description more straightforward and easier to understand for employers, include them. But, don’t be vague or as complicated as the universe – keep it simple and specific.
Use visual representations
Indeed, employers may not be satisfied when seeing a resume section labeled as hobbies and interests. So, what you can do instead is get creative. Instead of making yours the same as everyone else, be unique.
Since Enhancv is focused on designing formats that impress recruiters, we recommend you use a resume icon to highlight your hobbies and interests. This shouldn’t just stop there though – this concept can be applied to your other resume sections too.
As mentioned earlier, rather than using text to portray what your daily routines look like, you can use a pie chart with a clear heading to illustrate this. E.g, “a day in my life”.
Another example of expressing your personality is by including a “life philosophy quote” you strongly connect with.
The main point is to incorporate your hobbies and interest section through visual representations with more specific headings – e.g. a day in my life, books, life philosophy, passions, etc.
5 unique examples from Enhancv-made resumes!
Interested to see what a striking hobbies and interests section looks like? Check out the examples below made with Enhancv that helped candidates secure their new career opportunities!
Hobbies and interests for a Substitute Teacher Resume
Like we discussed, using visual representations is effective when it comes to your hobbies and interests section.
From this example, we can see that this candidate is an outgoing, extroverted person who enjoys tech and education. Rather than having a description of it, we can come to the same conclusion just by seeing the pie chart and passions listed. It’s a great example that demonstrates the saying, “less is more.”
Hobbies and interests for a Photographer Resume
This hobby section is very subtle in this resume. It doesn’t take up a large space but instead, it’s kept minimal.
Using resume icons improves the overall experience for employers when they start reading your resume. They’ve made it easier for them by highlighting their hobbies with complimenting colors and a brief description specific to what they like about it.
Hobbies and interests for a freelance web developer resume
Similar to what I mentioned in the second step of this guide, this applicant subtly incorporates their interests to highlight their personality. Ultimately, the employer can conclude that their traits can be used to their advantage to enhance their skills when put together.
Although it’s labeled as “Strengths”, we can still see what this person’s interests are. They like to study and understand the world and are confident in self-change. Both of these pieces of information suggest this candidate is quick to adapt and a fast learner.
Hobbies and interests for a police officer resume
Quite a few things to look at here – but one thing we recognize is the unique content ideas this police officer applicant has used. We can clearly see how he spends his time which also shows us what he’s skilled at (e.g. “building trust”, “syncing with the team”).
On top of that, he uses a life philosophy he strongly resonates with. Walt Disney is an inspiration to many. With this quote alongside his passions listed, we can conclude that he’s a hard worker who’s determined to make the world a happier place.
Hobbies and interests for a Social Media Manager Resume
In our last example, I chose something very simple. If your resume already has lots of specific information that has pretty much covered everything it needs to, then that’s all that matters.
However, you can use a minor section like this if you still have a white space on your resume that you want to fill. Even keeping it as simple as this showcases your personality positively and gives insight to employers to your life outside the workforce. In this case, we can see this applicant is an active, outgoing type of person.
Were any of our examples above the same as your job profession? If not, don’t worry! We have a list of over 530+ resumes for different jobs in different industries, one which is sure to be yours – you can check them out here.
Takeaways
Your hobbies and interests are a reflection of your personality. And, this can be a positive asset if it accurately mirrors the cultural environment of the company you’re applying for.
Once again, you should consider adding hobbies and interests on your resume, if:
- You have limited skills and work experience
- The job recruiters are demanding originality and creativity
- You are asked specifically to include them
When it comes to how to list your hobbies and interests, make sure you:
- Identify your relevant hobbies and interests depending on the job position
- Focus on the unique value of each hobby and get creative with it
- Implement keywords and buzzwords every chance you have
- Make sure you use examples and visual representations in order to get the best results
You can try starting with our ready-made templates with visual formats by clicking here. We make the technical aspects of creating your resume less stressful by handling it for you. If you want to, you can rearrange and change different elements depending on the resume sections and details you need.
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Do you have any questions you want to ask? Did you find any of your hobbies and interests on our list? Comment below – I read and respond to every message!
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