examples of resume interests

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List of 50 Hobbies & Interests for Your Resume in 2024

• Hobbies/Interests Examples
• Should Hobbies/Interests Be on a Resume?
• Interests/Hobbies to Avoid
• Adding Hobbies/Interests
• Hobbies/Interests Tips
• Hobbies/Interests FAQs

Imagine: You’re a hiring manager for an athletic clothing brand considering two candidates—both with great resumes . You’re having trouble deciding which of the two to move forward.

During your review, you notice one of the applicants is an avid runner. So, you decide to pick the one you think will be a slightly better cultural fit since the applicant likely aligns with the fitness-related clothing products your brand offers based on their running hobby.

But, why “running hobby” instead of “running interest?” Great question. There is a difference between hobbies and interests. Hobbies are things you actively participate in, whereas interests are your dreams or topics you’re fascinated by. That said, they can both be used effectively on a resume to make your already excellent skill set more personable and relevant.

We’ll dive into interests and hobbies to include on your resume and show you how to list them to gain a leg up in the application process.

Hobbies & Interests Examples for a Resume

Example Resume

Why these hobbies/interests work

• Always choose hobbies and interests for your resume that relate to your field. 
• Don’t be afraid to include something cool and credible, like being a Jeopardy contestant. 
• Thought-provoking activities like helping troubled youths can effectively display your compassion and adaptability in difficult situations.

Most Common Hobbies & Interests for Resumes in 2024

Knowing the value of hobbies/interests on a resume, you may wonder which ones are the most popular in the US. Here’s a quick overview.

• At the top of the list, 40% of US adults have cooking/baking as a hobby or interest. This is a great one to list on resumes for culinary positions or when working around food. It also shows you can follow instructions precisely.
• Want to show some expert research abilities? Reading is an excellent hobby for resumes when applying to jobs involving scientific research or business analysis, to name a couple.
• Everyone’s interested in their pets. Plus, positions like vet techs or even care-based nursing roles can see directly translatable abilities from individuals who love and cherish their animals.
• Applying to a tech-related role? Video games are a potential hobby/interest you could list. It can also show unique problem-solving abilities for analytical positions.
• Nearly half of all jobs require outdoor work. So whether you’re applying to construction, agriculture, or other similar roles, many outdoor activities will be applicable. For instance, a gardening hobby could be great for an aspiring landscaper.

List of Hobbies & Interests for Your Resume

Here’s an extensive list of hobbies and interests to potentially include on your resume.

Volunteering

What better way to demonstrate you’re a caring, civic-minded person than by including your volunteer efforts on your resume?

People want to work with kind people. Not to mention, many companies now give employees time off each year to volunteer for efforts they care about.

Volunteering ideas

• Fostering animals
• Serving within your religious organization
• Firefighter/ EMT
• Coaching youth sports teams
• Volunteering with organizations that help the homeless
• Assisting at local meetups or hackathons
• Volunteering at an animal shelter
• Working for local committees or organizations in your community (like the Board of Education, for example)

Mentioning how you exercise as one of your interests or hobbies can be a great way to build a quick bond with the person reviewing your resume.

However, saying something like “sports” in your interests section is not worth including. What sport do you play?

Exercise can be anything that gets the heart pumping. If you dance or do karate, those are unique hobbies that you should definitely mention on your resume.

Exercise ideas

• Running (if you run events like 5Ks, say so!)
• Weight lifting
• Dance (salsa? square dancing?)
• Basketball (do you play in a league?)
• Rock climbing
• Skiing/ snowboarding

Most companies would benefit by having a creative person join their company. If you’re looking for a career in marketing or design, that’s especially true.

Even if you’re looking for a job as a programmer or data scientist, creativity can still be an invaluable skill.

Listing “music” is not a particularly unique hobby. Saying you play guitar, however, may catch the employer’s eye.

If you have a portfolio of your work, you should link to it in your resume, too, if you’re really proud of it.

Creative ideas

• Photography
• Comic books
• Classic films
• Instruments (guitar, violin, piano, etc.)
• Interior decorating
• Writing (fiction? slam poetry?)
• Calligraphy
• Stand-up comedy

Puzzles/Games

Much like your artistic endeavors can showcase your creativity to a prospective employer, an interest in strategic games indicates that you can strategize and plan.

We likely sound like a broken record but remember to be specific. Saying “video games” is not going to add value to your resume, whereas “PC gaming” might (do your research on the company to make sure this would be appropriate).

Puzzle/games ideas

• Dungeons and dragons
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Crossword puzzles

Your hobbies or interests don’t have to be (and likely aren’t) confined by neat category distinctions. Just ask yourself whether your passion has the potential to showcase a valuable skill.

For example, in the list below, you’ll see brewing beer as a hobby. As long as the business you’re applying to is a more modern company, this could be appropriate to include. To be a successful brewer, you need to be precise and thorough—both great traits in a prospective employee.

Other ideas

• Learning languages (which/how many languages have you learned?)
• Foodie (talking about local restaurants can be a great way to break the ice in an interview)
• Brewing beer
• Cooking (which cuisine is your specialty?)
• Baking (who doesn’t love the person who bakes for office parties?)
• BBQing (this would grab our attention)
• Social media (if you run a successful social account for a local cause, that can be an invaluable skill)

We know! That’s a lot of examples to look through! You can always list a slew of things you enjoy on your  resume outline  and narrow it down when you build your actual resume . We’ve also got some simple resume templates from Google Docs  with a section just for hobbies and interests.

Remember, your hobbies are supposed to be for your enjoyment. If you don’t think you have any hobbies for your resume that will work, that’s okay, too!

Should Hobbies and Interests Be on a Resume?

Before we dive into the types of hobbies and interests you should add to your resume, we first need to answer the question of whether you should include them at all.

The primary factor in determining whether you should include a hobbies and interests section on your resume is the type of role and company you’re applying to .

While older, more established businesses are less likely to be intrigued by what you do outside of work, modern tech companies or startups will likely be interested in learning about your prospective cultural fit. One great way to demonstrate that on your resume is through your hobbies.

• Entry-level candidates can approach  resume writing  with a “small but mighty” mindset.
• For example, mentioning that you’re a World Sudoku Championship Competitor for not just one but  three  years in a row shows dedication and laser-like focus.
• If you’re applying for a web development job, try adding a related side project like apps; alternatively, If you’re playing up your artistic side, talk about your interest in web graphics!

How to know whether you should list hobbies/interests

• Read the  job description  of the role you’re applying to.
• If the answer is “yes,” that’s a good indication that you should list hobbies and interests.
• Visit the company’s website. Read their “about us” section as well as their employment pages.

When it comes to your resume,  not all hobbies and interests are created equal ! For example, some of us here at BeamJobs are expert television show binge-watchers. If there was a binge-watching championship, we think we could win gold. 

Still, this is a hobby we would leave off our resumes. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this hobby; it’s just that it’s neither particularly unique nor noteworthy. Remember— the goal of your hobbies and interests are to help you stand out . If the hobby you include is something the hiring manager has seen hundreds of times, it won’t accomplish what you want it to on your resume.

This means you should be as specific as possible when describing your hobbies or interests. “Sports” is not the same as “captain of co-ed basketball team.”

Here are a few more examples of what we mean:

• Wrong: Cooking
• Right: Cooking Middle Eastern cuisine
• Wrong: Travel
• Right: Backpacking through Europe
• Wrong: Music
• Right: Electric guitar
• Wrong: Volunteering
• Right: Volunteering at local ASPCA
• Wrong: Puzzles
• Right: Expert at Sudoko

Interests and Hobbies to Avoid on a Resume

If you’re on the fence about whether you should include a particular interest or hobby on your resume,  err on the side of caution . The last thing you want to do is turn a “yes” into a “no” by including something taboo on your resume. This means you shouldn’t list anything about politics on your resume (unless, of course, you’re applying for a job in politics).

This is not to say you should avoid talking about your volunteer experience through your local church if that’s your hobby! Just imagine you’re meeting someone you’d like to make a good impression on. If it’s a topic you’d avoid in that conversation, leave it off if you’d like to present a  professional resume . With that said…

BeamJobs’ co-founder, Stephen, knows a thing or two about including a hobby that, under different circumstances, would have been better left off his resume

Before I started BeamJobs with my brother and dove head-first into the world of resumes, I was a data analyst at a company called Chegg.

At that time, one of my biggest hobbies was playing poker. Now, as a data nerd, I took a very data-driven approach to playing poker. I studied the game religiously to develop a deep understanding of winning strategies and probabilities.

Since I was applying for jobs as a data analyst, I thought that would be worth including as an interest on my resume.  I also understood poker would likely not be appropriate for all of my job applications .

When it came time to apply to Chegg, I learned that the role I was applying for would be as an early employee for their recently acquired company, Imagine Easy Solutions. I researched the founders and learned they had a history of entrepreneurship.

As such, I included poker as a hobby on my resume. That gamble (poker pun intended) paid off. I learned during my interview that one of my interviewers was a big poker player.  This gave me an opportunity to elaborate on my data-driven approach to the game and how I would take a similarly quantitative approach to my job .

We hope this illustrates the potential positive impact of including unique interests or hobbies in your job applications.  They help humanize you and give you a potential common interest with your interviewers .

Stephen’s anecdote also highlights two important points:

• Do your research on the company and role you’re applying for; make sure what you’re including as a hobby is relevant.
• Don’t lie. By his own admission, Stephen would have been quickly exposed by a much better poker player in his interview had he told a lie!

How to Add Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

Before we dive into the best way to include hobbies or interests on your resume, let’s start with an example.

• Have outdoor interests like kayaking? These kinds of hobbies can suggest experience in nailing the perfect photography shot and other design strengths.
• Hobbies like fly fishing and comic art can suggest sociability and interconnectedness with others—good  soft skills to list on your resume .
• You can use hobbies and interests to express that you’re well-rounded, but the way to really rock this section is by displaying those that directly or indirectly relate to the job you’re after. 

Guidelines for adding hobbies/interests to your resume

• Add a specific section to your resume called “Hobbies,” “Interests,” or “Hobbies & Interests.”
• Limit the number of hobbies you include to five at most.
• We have brand-new  Google resume templates  and  Word resume templates  that already have this section built in. 
• Be as specific as possible.
• Don’t let this section be the reason your resume extends to two pages.

All of these rules follow the principle that your interests/hobbies shouldn’t be the focus of your resume.  They’re on your resume to add color.  Sadly, some hiring managers won’t put much or any weight on this section of your resume. That’s the reason you shouldn’t make it so prominent.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to land a job as a surgeon with your hobbies alone—you still need to have the right qualifications for the role! With that said, the more specific you are with your hobbies and interests, the more likely what you list will resonate with the person checking out your AI cover letter and resume . 

You also want to be able to relate your hobbies or interests to what makes you a particularly good fit for the role you’re applying to. Let’s look at a few examples.

Job title: Marketer

Hobby: Painting

How it relates: This demonstrates an eye for creativity and design—both important characteristics for a marketer.

Job title: Manager

Hobby: Long-distance runner

How it relates: Committing to improving at long-distance running requires dedication without the ability to see immediate results, which can happen in management as well.

Job title: Software engineer

Hobby: Baking cakes

How it relates: To be an effective baker, you need to be exact with measurements, temperatures, and time but also need a high degree of creativity. To be a strong developer, you must be creative and rigorously logical.

Job title: HR manager

Hobby: Volunteering as an EMT

How it relates: Much like an EMT, to be a good HR manager, you must be caring and empathetic while staying calm in tense situations.

Hobbies and Interests Resume Tips

Most people don’t live to work; they work to live. Therefore, most of your time is likely going to be spent outside of your office.

Including your hobbies and interests on your resume is a great way to humanize yourself and become more than just a resume  to the hiring manager.

Tips for adding hobbies and interests to your resume

• Research the company and job description for the role you’re applying for to determine if you should include hobbies.
• Remember: Interests are related to topics you find interesting, while hobbies are activities you participate in and enjoy.
• Keep this section short (four to five interests at most ) and move it to the bottom of your resume.
• Your hobbies are for you—don’t take up a hobby just to please a potential employer.

A hobbies/interests section works great for entry-level candidates who want to include additional relevant abilities or when applying to companies that emphasize workplace culture in the job description. For example, many retail organizations emphasize their culture, so someone applying to be an entry-level retail clerk could benefit from a hobbies/interests section.

A hobby is something you actively do, whereas an interest is something you may be fascinated by or dream about. For example, someone who actively reads an hour per day could consider reading a hobby. On the other hand, someone fascinated by psychology could consider that an interest. You could even combine the two to say you enjoy reading about psychology, which could work great for an aspiring therapist.

Between one to three hobbies/interests works best for most resumes . It typically shouldn’t be the focus of your resume, but moreso act as a way to provide a bit more information or personability to your already excellent skill set.

Either the bottom or the left-hand side margin beneath your education and top skills is the best place for hobbies/interests. This placement leaves room for your work experience, education, and achievements to remain the primary focus of your resume.

Volunteer work is one of the best things to put in a hobbies/interests section when you don’t have work experience since it’s the most similar to a work-related environment. Otherwise, aim for things that are the most relevant to the position. For example, listing a favorite sport or fitness activity, such as rugby or HIIT training, could be great when applying for an entry-level job at a gym.

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40+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume [Updated for 2024]

“Hobbies and interests have no place on the resume.”

Done right, hobbies on a resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show a bit of your personality to the hiring manager, and potentially even get you the job!

That said, not every resume needs hobbies and interests, and at the same time, not every hobby belongs on a resume.

In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about hobbies on a resume, including when to list them, how to pick the right ones to mention, and more!

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Should You Mention Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
• 12 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

4 tips to keep in mind when listing hobbies and interests, 40 best hobbies and interests to put on your resume [complete list].

Let’s dive in!

Should You Mention Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

There’s no straight-up answer to this question as it depends on several factors.

For example, if you’re a professional with many years of experience in your field, you could probably do without a hobbies and interests section on your resume. 

As a seasoned professional, you probably have tons of skills, work experience , and certifications to fill your resume with and set yourself apart from the competition. 

If adding a “hobbies and interests” section will make your resume spill over to page two , then you should definitely leave it out. 

On the other hand, if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience, adding your hobbies and interests to your resume can help you stand out as a candidate, as well as help fill up your resume to take up an entire page.

But enough with the hypotheticals! Let us tell you exactly when to mention hobbies and interests on your resume and how they can benefit your job application.

What’s the Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

First things first - what are hobbies and interests? 

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing:

• Interests are topics, ideas, or subjects that interest you, fascinate you, and you want to learn more about. Culinary art, history, and classical music are all examples of various interests.
• Hobbies are activities you actually engage in. Some examples of hobbies may include cooking, playing basketball, or visiting museums.

Hobbies show the hiring manager how you spend your free time and what kind of additional skills you may possess. For example, if you include “basketball” as your hobby, you’re also telling the hiring manager that you have great teamwork skills. 

Interests , on the other hand, indicate what topics and ideas you’re currently interested in or you’d like to explore in the future. If, for example, you’re applying for a job that requires relocation and you list traveling as your interest, you may seem like a more relevant candidate because you enjoy traveling to new places. 

So, as you can see, hobbies and interests can add value to your resume if they’re relevant to the job and if they point to soft skills the company may be looking for. 

Which leads us to the million-dollar question: when exactly should you include hobbies and interests on your resume? 

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

You should include hobbies and interests on your resume when:

• You still have space after including all the essential resume sections (contact information, work experience, education, and skills).
• You have limited work experience, education, and skills related to the position you are applying for.
• The company puts emphasis on its employees’ personalities and unique traits.
• The company specifically asks to list additional hobbies and interests.
• Your hobbies and interests show that you’re good at your job. E.g. if you’re applying for a writing role, having Dungeons & Dragons as an interest might help (as it shows that you’re creative).

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

12 Top Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

So here’s the takeaway: for hobbies and interests to add value to your resume, they should be somewhat relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

In most cases, though, candidates list pastime activities that say nothing to the hiring manager reading their resume, like watching movies or listening to music. 

To help you avoid such a mistake, we’ve listed some of the best hobbies and interests to put on your resume, based on companies’ most commonly required skills and abilities: 

#1. Community Involvement

Volunteering and community involvement is probably the best hobby/interest you could be adding to your resume, as it’s associated with 27% higher odds of employment . 

In a nutshell, volunteering shows initiative, empathy, and the ability to see beyond your personal interests. On top of this, volunteering teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and leadership. 

#2. Writing

Communication skills - both verbal and written - are some of the most sought-after soft skills by companies . 

As such, having writing as a hobby can effectively show potential employers that your communication skills extend beyond the workplace and are, as such, stronger than other candidates. 

#3. Blogging

Blogging is another hobby that proves you’ve got excellent communication skills, which is essential for most roles.

At the same time, blogging as a hobby also shows that you’re a self-starter that can work on independent projects, which is another very in-demand skill for most roles.

#4. Learning Languages

It’s no secret that speaking foreign languages can improve your chances of getting a job . 

For starters, employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can communicate with people from different nationalities and can be an asset when dealing with international markets.

On top of that, learning languages is associated with improving valuable skills like problem-solving and dealing with abstract concepts, both of which are desirable employee skills. 

Some of the jobs where listing learning languages as a hobby can come in handy include social workers, human resources managers, flight attendants, community health workers, hotel managers, customer service agents, etc. 

#5. Photography

Just like all the other hobbies on this list, photography can represent you in more ways than “this candidate likes to take pictures.”

After all, photography takes creativity, interpersonal skills, and even technical skills ! 

This means that, in addition to all the jobs that require photography skills, there are many other positions out there that could benefit from a candidate who’s into photography. 

Traveling may not seem like the best hobby to include on your resume at first sight. After all, it simply involves picking a destination and being a tourist, right? 

Well, not exactly. 

Someone who loves traveling is also likely to be: 

• Curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people
• Well- organized and adaptable to new situations and people
• Not afraid to step out of their comfort zone

All of these personality traits make for an adaptable and flexible employee, something that employers appreciate!

Sports - and any kind of physical activity, really - are known to improve brain health and your ability to do everyday activities . 

Not only, but sports also help you develop self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills . 

All of these are essential skills that could help you “adapt” your resume to different kinds of jobs. 

#8. Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies to put on your resume, regardless of what types of books you like to read.

Reading exercises the brain, improves the ability to focus, increases general knowledge, can sharpen your communication skills, and helps relieve stress . 

#9. Making Music

Making music not only takes creativity, but also a lot of determination, patience, and endurance. Not to mention, studies show that playing an instrument can also improve your memory and focus . 

Showing such qualities can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers.

Yoga is known to create mental clarity , relieve chronic stress patterns, relax the mind, and sharpen concentration.

And - let’s be honest - who doesn’t want an employee who’s mentally clear, unstressed, and able to concentrate on their work? 

To do any kind of art, you need to be creative, which is among the most popular transferable skills companies are looking for in 2022. 

According to this Adobe study , creativity has gained the most value in driving salary increases in the past five years. That’s also because creativity is also linked to inventiveness, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. 

Dancing is more than just a fun pastime. It improves your cognitive abilities, and collaboration skills (especially if you’re dancing with a partner), and can help you unwind and keep your stress levels low. 

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

And here’s what the hiring manager is likely to read from including the hobbies and interests listed above to your resume in terms of soft and hard skills: 

Yep, you heard that right.

There IS a right and wrong way to list hobbies and interests on your resume.

In this section, we’ll teach you all you need to know to make your hobbies and interests section as effective as possible!  

#1. Decide whether you need them

The first thing you want to do is decide whether you’d benefit from adding hobbies and interests to your resume. As we already mentioned, hobbies and interests can be a breath of fresh air for your resume, but only in certain circumstances.  

If you’re a professional with many years of work experience under your sleeve, your resume can do without a hobbies and interests section.

You already have a lot of professional achievements , relevant skills, and qualifications to make your resume a full one-pager, while adding a hobbies section would mean removing some other critical section from your resume.

On the other hand , if you’re a student with almost no work experience or skills, or if you’re applying to a startup or to a company that puts more emphasis on company culture, then you could definitely benefit from listing your hobbies and interests. 

The optimal length for a resume is one page.

If including a hobbies and interests section spills your resume over to the second page, that means that you can probably just skip including the section in the first place.

#2. Research the Company

So, you’ve decided it’s a good idea to include your hobbies and interests on your resume. But, which ones do you actually include? 

To make the best possible choice, start by researching the company. See if they have any specific work culture, work retreats, and what qualities would complement your role.

Here’s exactly where you should look: 

• The job ad. Read the job ad and identify the type of skills that they’re looking for.
• The company website and any employee profiles you can find there.
• Their social media accounts . Specifically, their LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. 

#3. Choose the Right Skills

Once you’ve done this, you should think about how specific skills or requirements may transfer to a hobby or interest and tailor yours to the job accordingly. 

You may have dozens of exciting hobbies and interests, but your resume isn’t the right place to list them all. Just to reiterate - you want your hobbies and interests to be as relevant as possible . 

So, for example, if the job ad mentions the company’s looking for someone who’s “outgoing” or a “great team player,” then any kind of sport is a good hobby to list on your resume. 

Meanwhile, anything that involves you sitting alone and being introverted (e.g. reading or knitting) is not very relevant. 

An alternative approach to choosing the right hobbies and interests is to use them to fill your skill gaps.

Let’s say that you’re an entry-level professional and you’re applying for your first job as an illustrator. Chances are, you lack some of the technical skills required for the job, simply due to your lack of professional experience. 

In such a case, choosing a hobby that proves you’ve got an eye for design and aesthetics can help your application. Anything art-related, including photography, painting, drawing, etc., will show the hiring manager that you’re passionate about this line of work. 

#4. Create a Separate Section (and Push It Down) 

By now you should have a clear idea of what hobbies and interests to add to your resume. 

The rest is fairly easy. 

Simply create a separate section titled “Hobbies and Interests,” and place it at the end of your resume . It’s crucial that this section doesn’t overshadow the more important parts of your resume, like your contact information, work experience, education , or even any volunteer work or internships you’ve completed. 

Ultimately, adding a “Hobbies and Interests” section at the end of your resume is a great way to wrap up your resume. 

It can help you make an impression that extends beyond the professional aspect and give the recruiter a little extra something to remember you by. 

Want to start your resume in a way that will grab the hiring manager’s attention? Learn how to write a resume summary with our guide! 

#5. List Up to Four Interests or Hobbies

Last but not least, it’s important to list the right amount of hobbies and interests on your resume. 

We recommend listing 4-6 total, at most. Anything less, and your hobbies section will look too empty. Anything more, and it’ll look like you’re just trying to fill in space.

Here are some additional tips you should always remember when you’re creating the “Hobbies and Interests” section of your resume: 

#1. Find out what you specifically enjoy about your hobbies 

People enjoy hobbies for different reasons. 

For example, someone might enjoy photography because they love being outdoors and capturing beautiful landscapes, while someone else might enjoy it because it gives them an opportunity to remember every place they visit or every person they meet. 

By identifying exactly what it is that you enjoy about your hobbies, it can be easier to describe them on your resume and talk about them genuinely in case the hiring manager asks about them during the job interview . 

#2. Be honest

Just like with everything else on your resume, you should be honest about the hobbies you list. 

Meaning, don’t lie about hobbies just because you think they sound cool, and don’t over-exaggerate something that can come back and bite you later on during the interview.

Just because you like to go on walks sometimes, doesn’t mean you’re “passionate about hiking” . Imagine the hiring manager’s also a hiking enthusiast and they ask you about the latest trail you hiked, but the only thing you can mention is how you enjoy taking a one-hour walk around your neighborhood daily to clear your mind. 

In such cases, it’s better to be honest and write this: 

• Physical exercise: exercising daily for 45 minutes by taking a walk in nature.

Instead of this: 

#3. Be specific 

The more specific you can be about your hobbies and interests, the higher the chances to stand out from other applicants and make an impression on the hiring manager. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

• Learning languages: studying and practicing some of the most-spoken languages in the world, such as Mandarin and French. 

#4. Keep these hobbies OUT of your resume

A very thin line separates unique from weird, and you want to make sure not to cross it. 

To be on the safe side, avoid listing hobbies and interests that might be considered weird or controversial, such as any of the following:

• Hobbies that signal antisocial behavior or activities.
• Hobbies and interests that could be misinterpreted, even if you meant them as a joke (e.g. partying like there’s no tomorrow). 
• Hobbies and interests that reveal personal information such as your political or religious views. 
• Hobbies that could be considered violent or dangerous (e.g. lighting things on fire). 
• Hobbies and interests with little or no interactivity. 

Looking for inspiration?

Here are several hobbies you can include, by category, based on your personality type.

Sports Interest and Hobby Examples

Generally speaking, there are two types of sports you can include on your resume - individual and team-oriented .

Depending on the sport, they either show you work well with others, or that you have the self-discipline and perseverance to work alone (or both!) 

Endurance sports (like jogging) show your drive and discipline.

Team sports (like football, basketball, etc.) show that you’re comfortable working with others.

Which one you might want to include depends on you and the job. Here are some sports hobbies you could list that will paint you in a positive light:

• Marathon running
• Mountain climbing

Most of these sports are outside and physical activities. They show that you’re comfortable with working with other people and that you have discipline. Therefore, they’re relevant for most job roles that require you to be communicative and self-driven.

Analytical Thinking Interest and Hobby Examples

What’s a thought hobby?

Anything that points to your creative skills and imagination. 

If you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of out-of-the-box thinking, you can list the following hobbies:

• Playing a musical instrument
• Photography
• Blog writing

These all point to your analytical thinking and that you’re a creative person.

Possibly more calm and self-composed, and also that you think before you speak.

These qualities can be relevant depending on the job.

Though, your interest section doesn’t necessarily have to consist only of sports. 

Social Interest and Hobby Examples

Social hobbies are a great way to show you directly work well with others. Nowadays, most jobs require you to be in contact with other people, in one way or another

To show you work well with others and you’re adept at communicating, you can include:

• Creating and organizing a book club
• Networking events
• Local meetups
• Volunteering at a charity center
• Public speaking
• Exploring other cultures
• Language classes

Social hobbies are great because you’re going to be interacting with other people in most jobs - so one way or another, they’re going to help. Even more so if the job is in a leadership position.

Unique Interest and Hobby Examples

Do you have a particularly unique hobby that not a lot of people are into?

This can work in your favor and help you stand out, as long as it’s still in the unique area and not in the weird one.

The HR manager shuffling through a stack of resumes can remember your unique hobby and come back to your resume later. Or they could even ask about you during the interview, so be prepared to talk about it.

Some unique hobbies that can speak about your character may include:

• Stand-up comedy
• Calligraphy

How do these hobbies help?

Archery implies you might be a precise and focused person. And yoga shows that you can be calm and don’t lose your cool in stressful situations.

Though, just how effective those hobbies will be in your resume may depend on the job.

But as long as it’s not too weird, a unique hobby can help you get your foot in the door and show that you’re not afraid of being different.

Looking for tips on writing a CV instead of a resume? We've got you covered! Head over to our in-depth guide explaining how to write a CV !

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about hobbies and interests on a resume? Check out the answers below:

1. Should hobbies and interests be on a resume?

If you have the extra space to list them, then yes, you should include hobbies and interests on your resume.

Hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates by shining more light into your personality and can also highlight skills you may have that employers seek, such as creativity, organization, problem-solving, etc.

2. What are some good hobbies and interests to put on my resume?

Some of the best hobbies or interests you can put on your resume are community involvement, writing, blogging, learning languages, photography, traveling, doing sports, reading, and art.

3. What are some hobbies and interests for a student resume?

Some hobbies and interests you can put on your resume as a student include creative writing, blogging, volunteering, learning a new language, and singing and/or playing an instrument.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on a resume!

Before you go and start applying what you learned to your own resume, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article: 

• Hobbies and interests can help shine a light on a candidate’s personality and get them to stand out from other applicants with similar work experience and skills. 
• Include hobbies and interests on your resume if you still have space after listing all the essential sections, if you have limited work experience and relevant skills, if the company specifically requires it, or if the company puts emphasis on its employees’ character traits. 
• Some of the best hobbies to add to your resume include community service, writing/blogging, learning languages, traveling, doing sports, and reading. 
• Before creating a separate section for your hobbies and interests, first make sure that your resume would benefit from them, then research the company, and choose the right skills that could complement your skills and qualifications. 
• Four things to remember when you’re compiling your hobbies and interests are, to be honest, be specific, and keep hobbies that may be considered weird or antisocial out of your resume. 

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to List Hobbies and...

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume (With Examples)

18 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Should you add personal interests to your resume?

A resume is a summary of your career that informs a future employer of your professional suitability. Personal interests and hobbies on a resume fall outside that traditional definition, but as employers become more interested in cultural fit, showcasing your personality in a job search is increasingly important.

However, how to include hobbies and interests on a resume is not straightforward. In this post, we consider:

How hobbies and interests are different

The benefits of including hobbies and interests on a resume

When you should include interests on a resume

When you should not include interests on a resume

How to include interests on a resume

Where to include hobbies and interests on a resume

The most common hobbies and interests to put on a resume and why they're relevant

Interests you should avoid including on a resume

What's the difference between hobbies and interests?

Though many use the terms “hobbies” and “interests” interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two.

Hobbies . Hobbies are activities you engage in regularly. They tend to be more hands-on activities that people participate in for enjoyment and relaxation. Hobbies require acquiring new skills and tend to need engagement and a time commitment. Examples of hobbies include engaging in a specific sport, writing, and cooking.

Interests . Interests are things - ideas, topics, activities - you're interested in learning more about or engaging in more often. Interests often have a broader focus than hobbies, tend to be more intellectually driven vs. hands-on, and expand your understanding. They also tend to require less of a time commitment, since they can be explored through things like reading or asking questions.  Examples of interests include airplanes, filmmaking, and photography. 

For some, interests eventually become hobbies. You might also note that a hobby for one person might be an interest for another, and vice versa. 

So, on your resume, should you call them hobbies or interests? It depends. If you only have relevant interests, you can call the section “Interests.” The same goes if you only have relevant hobbies - call the section “Hobbies.” However, if you're including both interests and hobbies, refer to the section as “Hobbies and Interests.” 

What are the benefits of adding hobbies and interests on a resume?

There are a handful of benefits to adding hobbies and interests on your resume, with several outlined below. 

Offers a chance to build rapport. Interests and hobbies on a resume offer the chance to build a rapport with an interviewer during an interview . They may even feel comfortable about revealing some insights into their personal life. This is the ideal scenario – you want to work out what makes them tick, too.

Brings depth to your application. Including your interests and hobbies on a resume brings depth to your application, but only if they're relevant to the role. The best candidates get creative about how they position their hobbies and interests to enhance their career story.

Shows you're more than just your work persona. Including a couple of brief one-liners about your hobbies and interests shows that there's more to you than your work persona. As work-life boundaries blur, people want to collaborate with interesting colleagues. 

Highlights hard and soft skills. Hobbies and interests require and enhance soft and hard skills that can be highly relevant to open positions.  

Fills gaps. Hobbies and interests on a resume can help to fill in work experience and skills gaps you might have for the job you're seeking. 

When should you include hobbies and interests on your resume?

Here are examples of when it might be appropriate to include personal interests on your resume:

Entry-level professional. If you're an early-career professional with minimal work experience, including interests is a great way of outlining your motivations and giving the hiring manager a better idea of who they are employing. Two or three lines of personal interests are expected and will add to the application, but you still need to hint at why they are relevant for the role.

Experienced professional. The decision to include interests is less clean-cut for a more senior applicant. In most cases, you'll likely have plenty of relevant work experience to include on your resume. Still, most careers contain skills that can be developed outside of the workplace. If you genuinely have a hobby or interest that contributes to your effectiveness at work, there is no rule that says you shouldn't include it.

Career changer. If you're changing careers and have limited practical work experience, skills, or education related to the position for which you're applying, adding interests and hobbies could help fill in these gaps. 

Interests and hobbies emphasize your abilities. If you happen to have an interest or hobby that indicates you're good at the type of job you're applying for, include them. For example, suppose you're applying for a position that requires a lot of public speaking. In that case, you might include your interest in acting, as it highlights your ability to perform in front of audiences. 

It's requested in the job description. As is the case for any request listed in the job posting, if the employer requests for you to include your hobbies and interests, be sure you do!

The organization puts a lot of focus on employee qualities and traits. If you notice on a company's website that they tend to highlight their employees' extracurricular activities and personalities frequently, then adding hobbies or interests on a resume could help you to stand out. 

When should you not include interests or hobbies on a resume?

And now, here are the reasons you should not include hobbies and personal interests on a resume:

Lack of space. If you're finding that space is tight on your resume, the Hobbies and Interests section is the first that should be cut. Even the section header can take up valuable space. You should always prioritize your work experience if you have more to say. Remember that you may get a chance to mention your interests during an interview.

Lack of relevance. To reiterate, only include hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job. As much as you might like someone to know you can walk a tightrope like a champ, unless it adds value and is applicable, don't include it. 

How to include hobbies and interests on your resume

There are several ground rules in terms of adding interests on a resume. Let's discuss the main ones.

Research the requirements of the role

Before you work out whether you're including relevant interests, make sure that you understand the specifics of the role. Making a link with an interest and an obscure requirement of the job is a great way of showing that you know what you're getting yourself into.

Choose interests that match your workplace skills

Once you have a list of skills that your employer desires, be creative in how you match your hobbies with the role. The hiring manager will be reading a lot of resumes, so don't assume that they will automatically make the connection. Be clear about exactly why you're including your interest.

You never know when you might run into an interviewer who knows more about your hobby than you do. Resist the temptation to exaggerate the level of your participation, or it might become an embarrassing situation that will torpedo your chances of getting the job. Honesty is the best policy in a job search.

You can include hobbies and interests on a resume in one of three places:

In a separate “Hobbies and Interests” section

In your Work Experience section

In your Skills or Competencies section

Hobbies and Interests section

If you choose to include hobbies and interests on your resume, the most obvious place to include them is in a stand-alone “Hobbies and Interests” section. In most instances, this should be the very last section you include on your resume. 

Work Experience section

While you might have space for a separate Interests and Hobbies section on a two-page resume, there's also the option of slipping an interest or hobby into bullet points or paragraphs around your work experience. If it fits with the point that you are making, it won't seem out of place.

Include bullets with an intriguing description. Just listing “swimming” or “horticulture” as a personal interest will be ignored. If your interest is relevant to the role, include a brief description that offers more detail to fire the hiring manager's imagination. You don't need to write this in full sentences. Include context and quantify with detail if possible. For example, if you're applying for a team lead or training position, you might include the following:

• Swimming. Won the state U23 200m backstroke title. Trained 100+ juniors at the local club.

Skills or Competencies section

If you have one or two hobbies or interests that relate to a specific skill required for the job or would add value to the role, you could choose to include it in your Skills or Competencies section. For example, if graphic design is a hobby of yours and you're applying for a marketing or communications role, adding graphic design as a competency or skill could prove valuable in such a role. 

Hobbies and interests to put on a resume - examples

Now, let's get into the details of the interests to put on a resume that may be worth including and why. In this section, we highlight:

Different categories of hobbies or interests

A brief description of why each category can be relevant

The hard and soft skills related to the category that could add value

Specific hobbies and interests examples that you might include on your resume

In the competitive world of work, countless lessons can be transferred from sporting activities. Whether you are playing in a team or dedicated to individual glory, the drive to win and the experience of losing are two sides of the same coin. 

In general, including sports on a resume can speak to the following soft skills:

Self-discipline

Communication

Interpersonal abilities

Collaboration

Determination

Ability to handle stress

Examples of sports hobbies and interests to put on a resume are:

Baseball. Everyone has different roles on any sports team. If one person is not doing their job, then the team is weaker. This is collective responsibility at its most basic.

Swimming. Swimming requires hours of dedication and preparation. Any endurance sport offers ample time to think about other aspects of your life.

Skydiving. Extreme sports indicate a risk-taker who is not afraid to push their limits. Perfect when you're figuring it out as you go along in an innovative industry sector.

Yoga. Any interest that involves looking within and clearing your mind of unwanted distractions should be beneficial. Yoga practitioners are often clear-headed decision-makers.

Fitness. The ability to maintain a regular fitness regime should never be underestimated. There are times when you won't want to hit the gym but you overcome your lethargy, which is also a valuable approach to work. 

Outdoor pursuits

Venturing outdoors into an uncertain world means that you often need to react to whatever nature throws your way. There's a reason why company away days are often held in outdoor activity centers. Outdoor adventures can teach us a multitude of lessons.

Some soft skills that those who face the great outdoors might have are:

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Working well under stress

Adventurous

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Risk-conscious 

Examples of outdoor interests to put on a resume include:

Fishing. Patience is a key requirement for many roles. When the long-anticipated opportunity arrives, you need to reel it in confidently and with skill. The chance may not come again.

Orienteering. Working out and agreeing on a path forward is a common sticking point in many corporate settings. Orienteering teaches communication skills and teamwork.

Horticulture. Spending countless weeks preparing the ground for a flower that may only bloom for a short time requires attention to detail and visionary planning.

Camping. The ability to put the hustle and bustle of everyday life to one side and lose yourself in the great outdoors is incredibly good for your mental health. It also shows you have the ability to take time away to balance your work and personal life. 

The dedication and creativity that come with learning a musical instrument or training a singing voice can be put to good use in any workplace. The journey is similar when it comes to mastering a new skill at work. Practice makes perfect.

Soft skills relevant to many positions that are often highlighted by musical ability include:

Of course, the technical skills of playing an instrument or being able to sing would be highly relevant in sectors like theater and filmmaking, as well. 

Some music-focused hobbies or interests to put on a resume include:

Songwriting. Even writing an email requires filling a blank space with something meaningful. Songwriters understand how to make other people feel a certain way.

Singing or gigging. Standing in front of a crowd and performing are skills that will be useful at work. You will communicate confidently in any meeting or presentation.

Playing an instrument. The process of mastering an instrument never ends. Perfection has no limits. There's always a more difficult piece to play that you can't quite nail.

Volunteering

Every hiring manager wants to hire a selfless employee who will share duties and help others, even when it isn't specified in their job description. Someone with an interest in volunteering will be naturally inclined to make a difference to those around them.

When you showcase volunteer work on your resume, you're often emphasizing the following soft skills, as well:

Charitability

Originality

Abstract thinking

Community-focus

Examples of volunteer work that candidates might choose to include are:

Charity work. The charity that you choose to support will offer an insight into your character. It may also provide a chance to bond with a hiring manager. 

Environmental activism. This is bordering on a controversial topic for some people, so include details about your environmental activities with care. If the company you're applying to is environmentally or green-focused, then you'll likely be safe to include it. 

Being a mentor. Mentoring outside the workplace is a fantastic source of positive energy. It will teach a multitude of influencing and people management skills.

Community work. Selflessly helping others is a trait of a valuable team player – so long as you know your limits. Sometimes, you need to be selfish and focus on your tasks.

Many creative dilemmas are solved outside of the workplace environment. Do you have the ability to think through a problem laterally when you're taking a shower or during your commute? Creative interests help the right side of your brain to see things differently.

Those with a hobby or interest that requires creativity often possess the following soft skills in addition to creativity:

Detail-orientation

Some creative interests to put on a resume include:

Painting or drawing. While painting is a leisurely pursuit that has little to do with many careers, are we discounting the observational skills of the perceptive artist?

Photography. An appreciation for how visuals can convey a message to make the required impact is central to marketing and sales-related roles. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Graphic design. As business moves increasingly online (and eventually into the Metaverse), graphic design skills come in handy in many careers. 

Blogging. Sharing your thoughts in a blog not only benefits your writing skills. As companies increasingly rely on employee advocacy, you can become a champion for their cause. Written communication skills are also a highly-sought after commodity. 

Poetry. Brevity lies at the heart of every successful team. Say what you want to say. Make sure that everyone gets it. Move on. Most workplaces could do with more succinct poets.

No one wants to hire a technophobe who is constantly asking colleagues for advice about how to use the basic functions of Excel. Sharing an interest in technology means that you may be the go-to person to ask when such questions crop up.

When including technology-focused interests, you're not only highlighting hard skills that employers eagerly seek, but soft skills, as well, like:

Openness to change

These are just a few of the technology-focused hobbies you might include on your resume:

Programming. An appreciation of coding and programming languages will soon be required in many non-technical industries. The future is digital. Are you ready?

Trading. Dabbling in stocks or crypto requires a level of risk tolerance that is rarely tested in a career. When you're investing your own money, you'll develop critical thinking skills.

Artificial intelligence. If you are this interested in the future of work, it's likely that you will have countless other fresh perspectives to bring to the workplace.

Online activity

While not every industry is dependent on an online presence, there are many functions where online activity is central to success. Sales, marketing, PR, human resources, and recruiting require employees with solid social media credentials and hard skills. 

In addition to the technical skills required for online activities, some of the soft skills include:

Creativity 

Communication 

Decisiveness

Examples of online activity hobbies include:

Social media. As social media evolves into a second life for so many of us, people who have developed an online audience can bring countless transferable skills to an employer.

E-sports. Split-second decisions in a virtual environment (alongside a team) mirror many jobs. Your job might not be a game, but your brain won't know any different.

Vlogging. Building an audience on YouTube or another similar platform requires creativity to work out what to say and the courage to put it out into the world.

Entertainment

Captivating a crowd has been a prized skill for millennia, and it's highly valued in the modern workplace. The ability to keep a screen of Zoom listeners engaged on an hourly basis is a skill that shouldn't be underestimated. Entertaining a crowd is a superpower. 

A few soft skills required for entertainment-related hobbies include:

Confidence 

Ability to improvise

Below are a few entertainment-related hobbies and interests to put on a resume:

Acting. While we might try to be true to our authentic selves at work, there are occasions where acting skills are required. The ability to play a part is important to maintain unity.

Comedy. If you have the God-given talent to make someone laugh, making friends and influencing others will come that little bit easier. 

Dance. Concentration and physical preparation are required to master a dance routine. Sometimes, you only get one chance to make an impression. Dancers can also perform under pressure.

Miscellaneous hobbies

Some hobbies might not fall neatly into a category, though they still offer fascinating insights into your personality and are worth mentioning.

Language learning. Choosing to learn a foreign language as a hobby is no small undertaking. You need a stellar memory and an organized mind to piece together the puzzle of language. Plus, many employers value bilingual candidates. 

Home improvement. Project management is ubiquitous in the workplace. Ensuring that a home improvement project runs smoothly demands many of the same project management skills.

Mindfulness. Slowing down and immersing yourself in mindfulness allows the tumult of worldly thoughts to fall into place. Prepare for success from a mindset of calm emptiness and focus. 

Which interests should you avoid adding?

When considering interests to put on a resume, avoid these types:

Illegal ones. Okay, you can laugh, but it's still worth mentioning. An employer might question your judgment if you tell them about your late-night parkour running across the city – avoid anything even remotely illegal. 

Religion or politics. As mentioned earlier, even environmental activities can be polarizing. Avoid anything with the potential to cause an argument. 

Ones requiring complex explanations. Omit any obscure activities that require a detailed explanation. Keep it simple and make sure that the employer will understand the workplace impact of the hobby.

Including hobbies and interests can add value

Now you know when it's okay to put hobbies and interests on a resume and when it's not. You also have plenty of examples of the types of interests to put on a resume that could help you to stand out and highlight vital soft and hard skills. Given that you likely have many relevant interests to put on your resume that might be worth mentioning, be selective in your choices and creative in how you present them using the guidelines above!

Still wondering if you should include hobbies or interests on your resume? And if you are, are you doing it appropriately? Why not upload your resume for a free review from our resume experts and find out?

This article was originally written by Paul Drury and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

Recommended reading:

What is a Resume? It's Much More Than You Think

How to Decide If You Should Turn Your Hobby into Your Life's Work

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-friendly for Free

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Ultimate List of 150+ Hobbies and Interests for Your Resume

3 key takeaways:

• The benefits of listing relevant interests and hobbies on your resume 
• 150+ categorized examples of hobbies and interests 
• How to list hobbies and interests professionally on your resume

As you work through all of the “must-have” sections on your resume, you may find yourself getting to the end and thinking, “Have I given the hiring team any information or insight into my personal interests in my free time and who I am as a person?”

As you work through all of the “must-have” sections on your resume, you may find yourself getting to the end and thinking, “Have I given the hiring team any information or insight into who I am as a person?”

Enter: the “Interests” section of your resume.

How do you add your interests and hobbies for resume details without drawing attention away from the most important details? And what should you even include? Read on for helpful resume tips on all of the above, in addition to 150+ creative hobbies you can use as inspiration throughout your job search. 

Is it unprofessional to list hobbies and interests on a resume?

Highlighting hobbies and interests on resumes can help you stand out and demonstrate your personality, creativity, and unique strengths.

Rather than being unprofessional, listing hobbies and interests on a resume can be a way to showcase yourself as a whole person and not just your work experience or education.

And while there may be some cases where listing hobbies and interests on a resume may not be appropriate or relevant, it can help you stand out and showcase your unique qualities and abilities.

As long as the hobbies and interests are presented in a professional, and they're relevant to the job you're applying to, they can be a valuable addition to a resume.

Why you should list hobbies and interests on your resume‍

People often make mistakes when crafting their resume and leave out important details.

The "Interests" section of your resume is an opportunity to show a potential employer a little bit more about who you are and what you do in your spare time, as they relate to the job description, in a few critical ways:

1. Resume hobbies showcase a multidimensional person 

We're more than our work experiences and skills, and including your unique hobbies and interests on your resume can present a more well-rounded idea of who you are as a person.

For example, let's say a hiring manager is making a decision about the last candidate they'll bring in for an interview. They're deciding between two people with the same level of experience and the same skill set—you and another applicant. You've included a few details about your interests. Suddenly, you're a person with a personality and a bit of depth—a small addition that got you to the next round of the hiring process.

‍2. Resume interests offer culture insight

‍There are many companies on the lookout for applicants with unique character or personality traits. Listing hobbies and interests on a resume is an easy way for hiring managers, recruiters, and potential employers to get a glimpse into who you are as a person and how well you'll relate to the company's work culture.

3. Hobbies and interests add depth to limited experience

If you're writing a resume with no work experience under your belt, or you've just graduated and are on the lookout for your first role, listing your hobbies and interests can help to fill in the blanks of any limited skills.

If some of these hobbies include community involvement through volunteering or being a part of an association or networking group, they could speak to you being a team player and highlight your leadership skills.

How are hobbies and interests different from each other?

Interests and hobbies are closely related and often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.

Interests refer to the broader range of activities or subjects that you enjoy or find engaging, while hobbies are more specific activities that you pursue for enjoyment or relaxation. And while there is some overlap between interests and hobbies, hobbies tend to be more specific and hands-on, while interests may be more intellectual or broad-based.

Examples of how hobbies and interests for a resume are different

Hobbies tend to be more hands-on activities that someone actively pursues Interests can be more passive engagement with a topic or subject area

Hobbies are often done for relaxation or creative expression Interests are pursued more for intellectual stimulation or expanding one's knowledge

Hobbies require setting aside time specifically to engage in the activity Interests can be satisfied through more flexible or occasional engagement, like reading or attending events

Hobbies produce tangible results like a painting, knitted scarf, or piece of furniture Interests produce more intangible rewards like satisfying curiosity or gaining new perspectives

Hobbies tend to have a process or involve developing skills Interests are more about appreciation and understanding

Benefits of having hobbies and interests

At the end of the day, both interests and hobbies can provide a source of enjoyment and fulfillment outside of work or other obligations. They can also offer opportunities for:

• Personal growth
• Skill development
• Stress relief
• Mental breaks from daily routines and challenges  
• An enhanced sense of identity and self-awareness
• Boosting overall well-being

What kind of hobbies should you put on your resume?

The simple answer: include hobbies and interests relevant to the job you're applying for and that show your value .

Here are a few tips on what kind of hobbies and interests to include:

• Look for hobbies and interests that align with the job requirements and highlight your strengths.
• Show a range of interests by including a mix of personal interests that demonstrate different aspects of your personality and skills.
• Think about the company culture and values and choose hobbies and interests that fit with them.
• Be mindful of the hobbies and interests you include and avoid ones that may be controversial or could be perceived as inappropriate.
• While including hobbies and interests can be a great way to stand out and showcase your personality, it's important to keep it concise and relevant.

With these tips in mind, let’s take a look at some of the different types of interests and hobbies that would be suitable for a resume. 

Best types of interests and hobbies for a resume

The best hobbies for your resume will ultimately depend on the nature of the role, the organization’s culture, and which types of experiences matter to the position—you should always tailor your resume for every role. But generally speaking, there are certain hobbies and interests that are strong indicators of different skill sets that can strengthen your candidacy.

Here are some great types of interests and hobbies that can often be strong additions to a resume:

Community Involvement

By engaging in community projects or local councils, volunteering, outreach work, supporting local organizations with your time, youth mentorship, (and more!) community involvement shows that you're not just confined to your own professional and personal life but also concerned about the well-being of others around you. 

Listing volunteer work, community service, or other meaningful extracurricular activities on your resume can show interpersonal skills like empathy, compassion, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Community involvement can also demonstrate that you're a team player, have leadership potential, and have a strong work ethic. It reflects your ability to engage with diverse groups and collaborate towards common goals—valuable traits in any employee.

Community involvement can add value to your resume by:

• Highlighting management capabilities
• Presenting event coordination skills
• Emphasizing public speaking skills
• Showcasing empathy and social responsibility
• Signaling a cooperative and compassionate team member

Creative pursuits

Creative hobbies like painting, writing, or performing arts not only enrich your personal life but also have a place on your resume if they're relevant to the role you're applying to. 

These pursuits often require critical thinking and problem-solving, which are key in many professional settings. They show that you have a strong imagination, an eye for aesthetics, a desire to express yourself in unique ways, the ability to think outside the box.

Creative pursuits can add value to your resume by:

• Underscoring your ideation, innovation, and the application of abstract concepts to real-world scenarios 
• Showcasing proficiency in project management 
• Highlighting the ability to see tasks through from start to finish
• Showing a dynamic approach to obstacles and 
• Demonstrating a passion for originality

Continuing education

Whether you're taking online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing additional certifications, continuing education is a testament to your commitment to professional growth. 

It suggests you're a person who is dedicated to enhancing your skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis. It also demonstrates you likely have transferable soft skills like communication, collaboration, and time management—which are valuable across almost every industry.

Continuing education can add value to your resume by:

• Reflecting an investment in your professional development 
• Highlighting a readiness to adapt to new information or technology
• Showcasing self-motivation and seriousness about maintaining a competitive edge 
• Demonstrating initiative and desire to improve
• Indicating you are likely to be a lifelong learner who will continue to grow and contribute

Professional development

Active participation in professional organizations, attending industry conferences, or even informal study groups related to your profession can be excellent resume additions. These activities signify your genuine interest in staying connected with industry trends and best practices.

If you enjoy professional reading, learning new skills, or taking courses in your free time, it may suggest that you're intellectually curious, motivated, and enjoy expanding your knowledge and understanding of the world. You may also be detail-oriented and have a love for precision and accuracy.

Professional Development can add value to your resume by:

• Underscoring your commitment to your career and willingness to invest time in your own growth
• Highlighting leadership qualities if you've taken on roles within professional organizations
• Demonstrating a proactive approach to your career trajectory
• Showing foresight and a strategic approach to your professional life

Cultural awareness

Involvement in multicultural festivals, language learning, and international travel all speak to your cultural awareness. This is particularly valuable in today's globalized business environment, where understanding and respecting different perspectives is key.

Cultural awareness can improve your interpersonal skills, making you more effective in diverse teams and customer interactions. It can also boost your adaptability and problem-solving ability in unfamiliar situations.

Cultural awareness can add value to your resume by:

• Suggesting you're a global citizen 
• Highlighting your ability to navigate and appreciate the complexities of a multicultural workplace
• Indicating strong communication skills 
• Showcasing your potential to represent a company in a global market

Technology proficiency

Including hobbies demonstrating your technological proficiency, like coding for personal projects, engaging with maker communities, or even building computers, can make your resume stand out. In a world where technology is integral to most jobs, these skills are highly valuable.

Technological proficiency can add value to your resume by:

• Showing that you're comfortable with modern tools and platforms, which can be crucial for efficiency in many roles
• Suggesting strong problem-solving skills 
• Indicating your ability to self-teach—important in rapidly changing fields
• Highlighting your ability to adapt to new technologies—essential for any business looking to stay current

Intellectual challenges

Participating in activities that present intellectual challenges, like chess, strategic games, or problem-solving competitions, can be an excellent addition to your resume because they highlight attributes that are valuable in roles requiring tactical planning and decision-making.

Intellectual challenges can add value to your resume by:

• Indicating a penchant for critical thinking and analytics 
• Suggesting you enjoy overcoming complex problems 
• Demonstrating an ability to bring innovative solutions to the table
• Inferring you're a strategic thinker with sharp intellect 

Create your interests and hobbies section with Teal

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to create and customize the interests section of your resume.

Add dozens of interests, group them into categories, and choose which ones you want to showcase on your resume as they relate to every unique job you apply to.

Teal gives you ultimate control over the look, feel, and presentation—clear, precise, and compelling.

150+ examples of hobbies and interests to put on your resume

Creating a carefully curated list of your own hobbies and interests and then choosing the ones that align closely with every unique role can help you save time during your job search in the long run.

And while they should always be relevant to the role you're applying to, understanding everything you bring to the table before you get started can give you a significant advantage in tailoring your resume for every job you apply to.

Below are 150+ examples of interests and hobbies for a resume you can pull from or use as inspiration to highlight your transferable skills, add depth and dimension to your resume, and stand out as a qualified, well-rounded candidate.

Artistic interests for a Resume

• Creative activities
• Creative writing
• Flower arranging
• Furniture building
• Furniture restoration
• Illustration
• Photography
• Restoring Furniture
• Woodworking

Writing hobbies for a resume

• Copywriting
• Essay writing
• Fan fiction
• Fiction writing
• Memoir writing
• Poetry writing
• Screenwriting
• Travel writing

Organization hobbies for a resume

• Bullet journaling
• Calendar syncing
• Digital organizing
• DIY projects
• Event planning
• Home organizing
• KonMari method
• Meal planning
• Organizing local meetups
• Personal inventory

Reading hobbies and interest for a resume

• Attending literary events
• Book collecting
• Book reviewing
• Literary analysis
• Reading challenges
• Reading different genres
• Reading for education
• Translating books

Collecting hobbies for a resume

• Action figures
• Comic books
• Record albums
• Sports memorabilia
• Vintage collectibles

Volunteering hobbies for a resume

• Animal rescue
• Community gardening
• Conservation
• Disaster relief
• Elderly support
• Fundraising events
• Habitat for Humanity
• Homelessness support
• International service
• Literacy support
• Teaching assistant
• Youth sports coaching

Marketing interests and hobbies for a resume

• Content creation
• Data analysis
• Reading marketing books
• Social media
• Videography

Music, movies, and performing arts hobbies for a resume

• Composing music
• Playing a musical instrument
• Magic tricks
• Songwriting
• Standup comedy

Finance hobbies and interests for a resume

• Bargain shopping
• Computer programs
• Learning languages
• Participation in investment clubs
• Reading financial news and market reports
• Volunteer work

Sales hobbies for a resume

• Building relationships
• Cold calling
• Networking events
• Persuasion and influencing skills
• Practicing negotiation
• Role-playing games
• Team sports
• Window shopping

Sports and outdoor hobbies for a resume

• Backpacking
• Basketball 
• Bodybuilding
• Fantasy football
• Fantasy baseball
• Individual sports
• Martial arts
• Mountain biking
• Mountain climbing
• Rock climbing
• Scuba diving
• Snowboarding
• Whitewater rafting

Technology hobbies and interests for a resume

• 3-D printing
• App building
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer programming
• Virtual reality
• Web development 

Other unique hobbies and interests for a resume

• Building models
• Car restoration
• Community activities
• Cooking classes
• Historic preservation
• Networking groups
• Personal development
• RV traveling
• Sign language
• Stamp collecting
• Vintage shopping

How soft and hard skills relate to hobbies and interests

Hobbies and interests can play a significant role in developing both soft and hard skills.

Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, are the personal qualities that help you work effectively with others, while hard skills are the technical abilities required to perform a specific job.

The relationship between hobbies and interests and soft and hard skills can be quite strong, and many people find that their hobbies and interests have helped them develop the skills they need for success in their careers.

Soft skills

When it comes to resume soft skills , hobbies and interests can provide opportunities to develop and improve them.

For example, if you're passionate about team sports, you might have developed communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Or, if you're interested in volunteer work, you may have honed your problem-solving, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills. These skills are essential in the workplace, and they can make a significant difference in your success.

Hard skills

Resume Hard skills can also be developed and enhanced through hobbies and interests.

Many hobbies require technical skills, such as programming, graphic design, or data analysis. These skills can be valuable in a variety of professions, and they can help you stand out from other job applicants. Even if your hobby isn't directly related to your career, the skills you develop can be transferable to other areas of your life.

Ultimately, hobbies and interests can provide a valuable avenue for developing both soft and hard skills. They allow you to explore your passions and interests while developing skills that can benefit you both personally and professionally.

When it comes to your career, showcasing your hobbies and interests on your resume or during an interview can demonstrate your skills and make you a more compelling candidate for the job. So, if you're looking to develop new skills, consider exploring a new hobby or interest that aligns with your career goals.

Customize the skills and interests on your resume

Manage both the "Skills" and "Interests" sections on your resume with a great level of control to tailor your resume for each individual job you apply for.

How to list interests on your resume

1. use space wisely.

" How long should a resume be ?" is a common question among job seekers. If there just isn't room on your resume for listing interests, it's okay to leave them off. Don't adjust your professional resume template's margins and font just to squeeze these in.

Consider putting your unique interests on another piece of professional real estate—your optimized LinkedIn profile's “About” section, for example.

A great way to check your LinkedIn profile for optimization is to download Teal’s Free Chrome Extension , which includes an automated LinkedIn Profile Review . Once you install the extension, just go to your profile page and click on the Teal logo. You’ll see a list of recommendations on optimizing your profile, and you can make updates as needed.

Teal’s Free LinkedIn Profile Review Chrome Extension

2. Keep your hobbies and interests list short yet detailed 

Choose three to five activities for your resume, and be specific if you can.

For example, you can list “Active in a year-round indoor pickleball league” instead of “Playing team sports” or “Part of a book group focused on historical fiction” instead of “Reading.”

3. Tailor your list of interests based on the job posting you're applying for

Your collection of cookbooks may be more relevant than your love of true crime podcasts if you're applying for a role at a marketing agency that works with food and beverage brands. Interests related to musical instruments would also not be the most appropriate for that role.

Choosing relevant hobbies and experiences to highlight can reflect positively on you and help establish that you're even more of a fit for the job position you're applying for. The best resume examples always align closely with the target role, including the your interests.

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to quickly compare the skills and keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. Make sure to add any relevant experience to your customized resume and to your application answers.

4. Stay away from controversial and irrelevant hobbies

It most likely goes without saying, but avoid listing anything that might be considered polarizing. That could include political or religious affiliations—or potentially controversial activities of personal interest like gambling or hunting.

Unless you're applying for a very specific role where those interests are expected, certain activities might harm the perception of you as a candidate and give other applicants an advantage.

Optimizing the "Interests" section on your resume

Since these details aren't as critical to your experiences, skills, and personal summary, the ideal place for your hobbies and interests is at the very bottom of your resume.

Instead of "Hobbies Section," for the actual name of the section, it's best to stick with something general, such as “Interests.” Remember, you don't want to overcrowd your resume, so don't include more than five hobbies.

If you'd like to take the guesswork out of this section, Teal's AI Resume Builder has a built-in "Skills and Interests" section where you can easily add your details. 

Final thoughts on resume hobbies and interests

There are plenty of people who will tell you to leave more “personal” details out of your resume, but business is personal. 

You shouldn't have to shut down your personality and the unique details that make you who you are just because you're interviewing for a job. In fact, showcasing a few of the things you like to do when you're not working can offer the entire picture of who you are as a candidate.

Using the Teal AI Resume Builder, you can create a master list of interests and hobbies to put on a resume, then customize your content with relevant details for every role—adding value and clarity to your candidacy.  

Sign up for Teal for free and craft a resume that showcases your unique personality, interests,  and  professional achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are interests.

Interests are activities, subjects, or passions that an individual enjoys or finds engaging outside of their work or academic responsibilities. They are things that make you happy or curious.

Interests can be wide-ranging and may include topics such as history, science, literature, or art. They may involve reading, attending lectures or events, or simply learning more about a particular subject. Interests can also include pursuits that involve physical activity, such as sports, exercise, or outdoor recreation.

What are hobbies?

Hobbies are specific activities or pursuits that an individual pursues in their free time for enjoyment or relaxation. Pursuing hobbies can also offer opportunities for learning, growth, and social connection.

Hobbies are typically more focused activities that a person pursues in their free time. Hobbies may involve crafting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, cooking, or other activities that offer a sense of creative expression or relaxation.

How personal should you make your hobbies and interests section?

When including hobbies and interests on a resume, it's important to strike a balance between being personal and professional. You want to share enough information to give potential employers insight into your personality, values, and strengths, but not so much that your resume becomes too personal or oversharing.

To achieve this balance, focus on hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or that demonstrate skills or qualities that would be valuable in the position. When describing your hobbies and interests, use language that is professional and relevant to the job. Avoid overly personal or casual language, and focus on highlighting the skills or qualities that make you a strong candidate for the position.

You can use Teal to manage all of your personal interests and hobbies for multiple resumes.

Becca Dershowitz

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60 Hobbies and Interests for Resume [2024 Guide]

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, listing out hobbies and interests may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, including this section can actually help set you apart from the competition and land your dream job.

Importance of including hobbies and interests in a resume

Listing hobbies and interests on your resume can give employers a better understanding of who you are as a person, not just as a candidate. It can also show that you are well-rounded and have a life outside of work, which can make you a more appealing candidate. Additionally, hobbies and interests can showcase skills and traits that are transferable to the workplace, such as leadership or creativity.

While including hobbies and interests can be beneficial, it’s important to choose ones that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Think about the skills and traits that are required for the position, and try to choose hobbies and interests that showcase those qualities. Additionally, try to choose hobbies and interests that are unique and that can help you stand out.

The Benefits of Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

As job seekers continue to compete for the same positions, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out from the crowd. One way to differentiate yourself is by including hobbies and interests on your resume. Here are some benefits of doing so:

A. Showcases Your Personality Traits

Hobbies and interests are a great way to convey your personality traits to potential employers. For example, if you list hiking as a hobby, it shows that you are adventurous and willing to take on challenges. Similarly, if you list playing in a local basketball league, it showcases that you are a team player and comfortable working with others. Including hobbies and interests on your resume can help you connect on a personal level with prospective employers.

B. Demonstrates Your Skills and Expertise

Your hobbies and interests can also demonstrate your skills and expertise outside of your professional experience. For instance, if you have a passion for photography or graphic design, it can show that you have an eye for detail, are creative and can work with technology or software. Showing expertise or skills outside of your professional experience is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates and make a lasting impression.

C. Highlights Your Passion and Enthusiasm

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can also be an opportunity to highlight your passion and enthusiasm. If you have a passion for dogs and volunteer at a local animal shelter, it shows that you are committed to a cause that matters to you. Similarly, if you are an avid reader and attend book clubs or literary events regularly, it shows that you have a genuine interest in learning and are committed to self-improvement. Employers want to work with people who are passionate about what they do and who have a genuine interest in the world around them.

D. Helps You Stand Out from Other Candidates

Finally, including hobbies and interests on your resume is a great way to stand out from other candidates who may have similar professional qualifications or experience. It shows that you are a well-rounded person who has interests and passions outside of work. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who are not only skilled in their respective fields but also have a well-rounded lifestyle.

There are several benefits to including hobbies and interests on your resume. They showcase your personality, demonstrate your skills and expertise, highlight your passion and enthusiasm and help you stand out from other candidates. So, don’t be afraid to show a little bit of your personal side – it might just be the thing that sets you apart from the competition. If you’re looking to update your resume or add additional content to make it stand out, consider adding your hobbies and interests. Many employers view these activities as a way to showcase your personality, skills, and experiences outside of the workplace. In this section, we will explore the top 60 hobbies and interests that can add value to your resume, broken down by category.

A. Sports and Fitness Activities

Participating in sports or fitness activities shows that you are both physically and mentally disciplined. It also demonstrates your ability to work in a team and handle challenges. Some examples of sports and fitness activities you could include are: yoga, running, weightlifting, basketball, swimming, and cycling.

B. Creative Hobbies and Interests

Having a creative hobby or interest can showcase your imagination, problem-solving skills, and ability to think outside the box. Some examples of creative hobbies and interests you could include are: painting, photography, writing, dancing, acting, and singing.

C. Volunteer and Community Service Activities

Volunteering and participating in community service activities shows that you are committed to making a positive impact in your community. It also demonstrates your ability to work well with others and your compassion for others. Some examples of volunteer and community service activities you could include are: working with children, participating in a charity walk or run, volunteering for a food bank, and serving as a mentor.

D. Professional Association Memberships

Being a member of a professional association shows that you are dedicated to your career and staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. Some examples of professional associations you could join or include on your resume are: the American Marketing Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the National Association of Accountants.

E. Language Learning and travel

Learning a new language and traveling to different countries can showcase your adaptability, cultural awareness, and communication skills. Some examples of language learning and travel experiences you could include on your resume are: studying abroad, volunteering in a foreign country, and attending language classes.

F. Technology Hobbies and Interests

Having a technology hobby or interest can showcase your problem-solving skills, innovation, and adaptability. Some examples of technology hobbies and interests you could include on your resume are: coding, website design, digital photography, video editing, and blogging.

G. Music, Arts, and Culture Hobbies and Interests

Having a hobby or interest in music, arts, and culture shows that you are open-minded and creative. It also demonstrates your ability to appreciate and understand different perspectives. Some examples of music, arts, and culture hobbies and interests you could include on your resume are: attending concerts or art exhibits, playing an instrument, and collecting vinyl records.

H. Personal Development Hobbies and Interests

Engaging in personal development hobbies and interests shows that you are committed to growing and improving yourself. It also demonstrates your ability to take initiative and seek out new opportunities.

How to Incorporate Your Hobbies and Interests into Your Resume

If you’re wondering how to make your resume stand out from the rest, consider incorporating your hobbies and interests into it. Doing so can make you a more interesting candidate and show potential employers more about who you are as a person. Here are four ways to include your hobbies and interests in your resume:

A. Positioning them in the Resume

One way to showcase your hobbies on your resume is by positioning them in a specific section. This can be a great way to draw attention to them while also keeping your resume organized. Consider adding a “Hobbies” section near the end of your resume, after your work experience and education.

B. Writing an impressive Objective Statement

Another way to highlight your interests is by incorporating them into your objective statement. This statement is the first thing employers will see when they look at your resume, so it’s a great opportunity to make an impression. If your hobbies relate to the industry you’re applying for, be sure to mention them in your objective statement.

C. Including them in the “Skills” Section

The “Skills” section of your resume is a great place to showcase your hobbies and interests. For example, if you play a musical instrument, you might list “Music Performance” as a skill. Or if you love writing, you could list “Creative Writing” as a skill. Doing so can showcase your diverse range of talents and make you stand out from other candidates.

D. Adding them to your Cover Letter

Finally, consider including your hobbies and interests in your cover letter. Doing so can make you more relatable to potential employers and show them more about who you are as a person. However, be sure to only include hobbies and interests that relate to the role you’re applying for, and keep it brief – your cover letter shouldn’t be more than one page.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to incorporate your hobbies and interests into your resume and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Examples Of Using Hobbies and Interests in Resumes

In this section, we will explore how to effectively showcase your hobbies and interests on your resume. Including these personal details can help you stand out to hiring managers and highlight your unique strengths and qualities.

A. Examples of adding hobbies and Interests to a Resume

To give you an idea of how you can incorporate your hobbies and interests into your resume, here are some examples:

Creative hobbies:  If you have creative hobbies such as painting, photography or writing, you can consider adding them under a “Creative Skills” or “Interests” section on your resume. This will showcase your ability to think outside the box and bring something special to the table.

Active hobbies:  If you enjoy playing sports or going on hikes, you can highlight these activities to show that you are physically fit and have a competitive drive to achieve goals. You can add these under a “Fitness” or “Sports” section on your resume.

Volunteer work:  If you have volunteered for non-profit organizations or done charity work, this can showcase your passion for helping others and your commitment to social causes. You can add this under a “Volunteer Experience” section on your resume.

B. Sample Resumes with hobbies and Interests highlighted

To help inspire you to showcase your hobbies and interests on your resume, here are some sample resumes with hobbies and interests highlighted:

Digital marketing specialist resume:  Includes photography and writing hobbies under the “Interests” section, showcasing the candidate’s creativity and communication skills.

Software developer resume:  Includes participation in hackathons and coding competitions under the “Achievements” section, showcasing the candidate’s passion for technology and innovation.

Sales representative resume:  Includes tennis and hiking under the “Interests” section, showcasing the candidate’s physical fitness and competitive drive.

C. How to explain hobbies and interests in an interview

While including hobbies and interests on your resume can help you stand out, it is equally important to be able to explain them in an interview. Here are some tips on how to effectively explain your hobbies and interests:

Connect them to the job:  Show how your hobbies and interests have prepared you for the job you are applying for. For example, if you love playing basketball and you are applying for a sales role, you can talk about how this has developed your communication and teamwork skills.

Explain the benefits:  Talk about how your hobbies and interests have helped you grow as a person and develop transferable skills. For example, if you volunteer at a charity organization, you can talk about how this has developed your leadership and problem-solving skills.

Avoid controversial topics:  Be mindful of controversial topics and avoid discussing anything that could be considered offensive or unprofessional. Stick to positive hobbies and interests that can showcase your strengths and qualities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Including Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

As valuable as showcasing your hobbies and interests on your resume can be, it’s also important that they’re presented in a way that’s relevant to the job at hand. Failure to do so can be detrimental to your chances of landing the job, no matter how skilled or experienced you may be.

Here are the common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume:

A. Listing Irrelevant Hobbies and Interests

While it may be tempting to boast about every hobby and interest you have, not all of them are relevant to the job you’re applying for. In fact, some hobbies could even be considered a red flag to employers, such as binge drinking, illegal activities, or anything that could be perceived as inappropriate.

Unless your hobby or interest can showcase relevant skills, knowledge or attributes that are useful for the job, it’s best to leave it out of your resume altogether. Keep in mind that employers are looking for qualities that set you apart from other candidates, so it’s important to showcase only the ones that matter in relation to the job.

B. Misrepresenting Hobbies and Interests

Another mistake to avoid is misrepresenting your hobbies and interests. While it’s important to stand out among other candidates, it’s equally important to be truthful about what you enjoy doing outside of work.

It may be tempting to exaggerate or even outright lie about what you do in your free time, but doing so can have serious consequences. Not only could it jeopardize your chances of landing the job if you’re caught, but it can also damage your reputation and credibility in the long run.

C. Using Unprofessional Hobbies and Interests

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using unprofessional hobbies and interests. While certain hobbies may be enjoyable and fitting for your personality, they may not reflect the kind of image or culture the company wants to project.

For instance, listing “watching TV all day” or “playing video games until midnight” could be perceived as lazy or lacking social skills. Similarly, hobbies that are potentially divisive or controversial, such as politics or religion, are best left out of your resume entirely.

D. Failing to Link Hobbies and Interests to the Job Position

Lastly, failing to link your hobbies and interests to the job position can be a missed opportunity to showcase relevant skills and qualities. Ideally, your hobbies and interests should complement or reinforce your professional skills and experience, making you a more capable and well-rounded candidate for the job.

For instance, if you’re applying for a job in marketing or advertising, listing photography, graphic design, or social media management as hobbies and interests could help demonstrate relevant skills and experience. On the other hand, listing unrelated or generic hobbies and interests, such as reading or traveling, may not add any value to your application.

Tips for Optimizing Your Resume with Hobbies and Interests

Your resume’s hobbies and interests section can be a great way to showcase your personality, passions, and skills. However, it’s critical to optimize this section to enhance your chances of landing that dream job. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

A. Be Specific with Your Hobbies and Interests

It’s important to be specific with your hobbies and interests instead of using vague terms. For example, instead of simply saying “reading” or “traveling,” elaborate on the genres or countries you enjoy exploring. This way, potential employers can better understand your personality and get a sense of your interests and how they might align with the job you’re applying for.

B. Keep It Short and Sweet

While your hobbies and interests are essential, it’s vital to keep this section concise. You want to give the hiring manager a sense of who you are without overwhelming them with information. Stick to the most important and relevant hobbies and interests, and try to keep this section to a maximum of two to three bullet points.

C. Use Industry-Specific Terminology

If possible, try to use industry-specific terminology in this section. This can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the relevant field, making you more appealing to potential employers. Research industry-specific jargon and then incorporate it into your hobbies and interests section if it makes sense to do so.

D. Use Keywords and Phrases

Finally, use keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This can help your resume get past automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and increase your chances of ultimately landing an interview. Look back at the job posting or company’s website for clues on what keywords or phrases to include.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your hobbies and interests section and improve your overall job candidacy.

How Employers View Hobbies and Interests on Resumes

Including hobbies and interests in a resume has become a common practice among job seekers. While some employers believe that including these details can help them get a sense of the candidate’s personality and character, others view them as irrelevant or distracting.

In the past, candidates have been advised to carefully consider which hobbies and interests to include in their resumes, as some may be perceived negatively or could potentially harm their chances of getting hired. For instance, including hobbies like watching TV or playing video games might make some employers question the applicant’s work ethic and productivity.

On the other hand, including hobbies that showcase skills related to the job they are applying for, such as volunteering or participating in sports teams, can help strengthen their candidacy. Employers may see these activities as a sign of the candidate’s dedication and ability to work well in a team setting.

It’s important for job seekers to keep in mind that hiring managers have different perspectives and preferences when it comes to evaluating resumes. Some may pay more attention to the applicant’s work experience and qualifications, while others may view hobbies and interests as a way to better understand what motivates a candidate and how they might fit into the company culture.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual candidate to decide whether including hobbies and interests is appropriate for their specific situation. If they feel that it could help them stand out from other applicants, then they should do so in a way that reflects positively on their character and supports their job application.

In general, candidates should prioritize relevant job skills and experience over hobbies and interests when drafting their resumes. However, for those with limited work experience or those transitioning to a new field, highlighting hobbies and interests that demonstrate transferable skills or a willingness to learn can be a valuable addition to their resume.

It’s also worth noting that hobbies and interests can be useful conversation starters during interviews, so candidates should be prepared to expand on why they enjoy these activities and how they relate to their career goals.

Including hobbies and interests in a resume can have both positive and negative impacts on a candidate’s job search. It’s important to carefully consider how these details are presented and whether they support or detract from the overall message of the application. By highlighting relevant skills and experience, while still providing insight into their personal interests and values, job seekers can increase their chances of success in the competitive job market.

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How To List Hobbies And Interests On A Resume (With Examples)

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Adding your hobbies and interests to your resume shows hiring managers who you are, what you’re interested in, and what you’re passionate about. It can even give them clues about your work ethic and personality. This is especially valuable if you don’t have a lot of work experience or are changing career paths .

It can be tricky to know which hobbies and interests to include on a resume and where to put them, so we’re going to show you how to do that. You’ll also see examples of hobbies and interests on a resume. Key Takeaways

Share hobbies and interests that emphasize your soft and hard skills.

Tailor the hobbies and interests you share on your resume to the culture of the company you’re applying to.

Avoid including hobbies and interests that are controversial, illegal, or dangerous.

How to list interests and hobbies on your resume

When to include a list of interests and hobbies on your resume, examples of interests and hobbies to list on a resume, how to decide whether to include a hobby or interest on your resume, tips for including hobbies and interests on your resume, hobbies vs. interests, resume hobbies and interests faq, final thoughts.

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To list your interests and hobbies on your resume, start by making sure you understand the company and role you’re applying for, then choose hobbies that relate to those and emphasize your skills. Put the hobbies you choose in a bulleted list at the end of your resume.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to including interests and hobbies on your resume:

Research the company . Before you can know what hobbies will be valuable to the hiring manager or recruiter , you have to know what the organization values. Check out the company’s “About Us” page , its LinkedIn profile, and any other public communications the company puts out.

Understand the role. Next, turn to the job description . Pay special attention to the soft skills and personality traits that are listed as essential or preferred within the job requirements section. Then, think of how your hobbies relate to those desired qualities.

Choose hobbies that emphasize your skill set. The hiring manager has already perused your resume’s skills section — now it’s time to further highlight your proficiency with outside-of-work activities that also leverage your skill set. Use your research from the above two steps to inform which skills are most valuable to focus on.

Title a separate section, at the end of your resume. Call this section “Hobbies and Interests” and place it as the last section of your resume. Typically this will come after either your education or skills section.

Make a bulleted list of 2-5 hobbies. Each hobby should be one bullet point and ideally a single line long, so as not to take up too much space. You should list at least two but no more than five hobbies.

Here’s an example of what this looks like:

Hobbies and interests Hiking – Started weekly hiking group to improve fitness. Bass guitar – Play with band at local gigs once a month. Cooking – Cooked through The Joy of Cooking in one year with roommate.

Include a list of interests and hobbies on your resume when you don’t have much experience, when it’s required, or when your hobbies and interests align closely with the job description.

Since no two job openings are the same, it won’t always be necessary (or useful) to include this information on your resume. Here are some examples of instances when you should consider adding interests and hobbies to your resume:

When you have little background experience in the industry, department, or role that you’re applying to.

When you’re just getting started in the job market and you therefore have little to no professional experience at all.

When the job description explicitly requests that job applicants include a list of their interests or hobbies in their job applications.

When the requirements and responsibilities of a given job description align well with your interests and hobbies.

When an employer mentions in a job posting that they’re interested in learning about applicants’ personalities (in addition to their work experience and background).

Okay – now that we have an idea of how (and when) to list your interests and hobbies, let’s now turn our attention to some examples of how they might look on a finished resume.

Here are some examples that you can use as a guide when listing your personal interests and hobbies on your next job application:

10+ years of experience playing violin, with an additional three years of experience playing with a small band of local musicians.

Regularly compete in chess competitions at the local and state levels as a means of sharpening my skills as a strategist and problem-solver.

Passionate hiker and mountaineering guide who has led individuals and groups of all ages to the summits of more than two dozen 14,000-plus-foot peaks.

International travel

Annually plan and organize overseas trips to expand my language skills and my cultural worldview.

Dedicated yoga practitioner with more than five years of experience studying Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in a group setting.

Founder and sole contributor of the “Denver Food Hub” blog, which focuses on the city’s up-and-coming culinary culture and has attracted more than 25,000 subscribers since its initial launch in 2015.

Volunteering

Regular volunteer at local soup kitchens, food banks, and community shelters, with experience coordinating groups of local volunteers for the annual Thanksgiving 5k outdoor sporting event.

Stage theater

Actor with 4 years of experience producing and performing in stage productions at the local Albrington Theatre.

Long-time hockey player (left winger) with a passion for the sport, and three years of experience as a volunteer coach with the local youth girls’ hockey league (ages 6 to 12).

Photography

Photographer with eight years of experience taking family, graduation, and other portrait photos for clients. Have also had several nature photographs published in local tourism publications.

Foreign language

Studying and practicing Spanish by taking college classes, practicing during my travels to Spanish-speaking countries, and volunteering as an assistant translator at a local hospital.

Create clay vases and bowls and take classes to strengthen my creativity and problem-solving skills.

Compete in biannual team robotics competitions across the country.

Consistently bike 14+ miles three times a week with my local mountain and road biking club.

To decide whether to include a hobby or interest on your resume, you should make sure it is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Before you mention an interest or a hobby on your resume, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

Is this interest or hobby (or the skills I learn from it) valued within this employer’s workplace culture?

Does this interest or hobby match well with the particular job requirements of the position that I’m applying to?

Will the hiring manager (i.e., the person who will be reading the resume) be familiar with what I’m talking about?

If the answer to each of those questions is “yes,” then go ahead and add that interest or hobby to your list. If the answer to one or more of them is “no,” then you should consider choosing a different hobby or interest that will be more relevant to the purposes of your job application.

Good types of interests and hobbies to put on your resume

Here are a few examples of interests and hobbies that will be useful to list on almost any job application:

Travel. Travel experience conveys a sense of adventure and an eagerness to explore new places, cultures, and ideas. Plus, the ability to adapt and fit into a new environment proves that you have the power to adjust to your new role as well.

Exercise. A job candidate who’s committed to taking care of their physical health through regular exercise can also be depended upon to take care of their professional responsibilities.

Writing for a public audience. A love of writing, particularly when it’s shared with others (as in a blog, for example), demonstrates curiosity, a passion for learning new things, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

Yoga. This practice is gaining huge popularity as a means of maintaining a calm, cool, and collected state of mind within a group setting.

Art (painting, music, drawing, sculpture, dance, etc.). A passion for artistic pursuits conveys creativity and independence, as well as a willingness to be outgoing and to try new things.

Volunteer work . A job applicant who routinely volunteers within their local community can be relied upon to be a strong team player and a compassionate member of the workplace.

Outdoor activities. A job candidate who spends a significant amount of time outdoors usually has strong problem-solving skills and is adventurous and curious, all of which employers value in employees.

Bad interests and hobbies for a resume

In contrast, here are some examples of interests and hobbies that should never be mentioned on a professional resume:

Coin collecting

Watching cartoons

Eating ice cream

Scrolling through Instagram

While these activities aren’t necessarily bad, they don’t convey anything about who you are and what you bring to the table as a professional. Space on your resume should be reserved for information that builds on why you’re the best candidate for the job, and these hobbies don’t do that.

In addition, to avoid giving hiring managers a negative impression of you, you should avoid mentioning any interests or hobbies that:

Involve no interaction or cooperation with other people

Are controversial or polarizing

Could be interpreted as unnecessarily dangerous

Are in any way illegal

Communicate sensitive personal information, such as your political affiliations, religious beliefs, or medical history

When including hobbies and interests on your resume, make sure you’re truthful, avoid controversy, and are specific about the extent of your hobby.

Don’t lie. You shouldn’t lie on any part of your application, but choosing to lie about your hobbies is especially silly. One of the big points of including a section on your hobbies and interests is to establish a connection with the hiring manager. If you’re caught red-handed as a total novice , it could very well sink your chances of landing the job.

Avoid controversial topics. There’s no reason to include hyper-partisan topics in your resume (unless you happen to be applying to a hyper-partisan organization).

Be specific. If you really want to give the hiring manager a glimpse at your life outside of work, it pays to be a bit more specific than simply writing “cooking” as a hobby. Instead, say “Amateur chef working on learning and improving recipes inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.”

Don’t force it. If you can’t think of appropriate hobbies and interests to put on your resume or simply don’t have room for them, leave them off. Unless you’re specifically asked about them in your application or interview, they’re not a must-have for your resume or cover letter .

Tailor them to the interviewer. We already mentioned the importance of matching the hobbies and interests you choose to share with the company and position, but you can also take this one step further and tailor them to individual people as well.

Keep things concise. The hiring manager reviewing your resume does not need a comprehensive explanation of how you originally took up a hobby or how your skills have progressed over time.

While hobbies and interests are closely intertwined, they’re not exactly the same thing.

Interests are passive and don’t automatically entail participation. For example, you could be very interested in Spaghetti Westerns, but you’ve never engaged in an activity related to filmmaking or critical film theory.

Hobbies require active participation on your part. It’s something that you do for free, during your free time, to have fun. To use the same example, if you actively write screenplays for your own version of Spaghetti Westerns or produce animated shorts that unpack old movies, you’re engaged in a hobby.

Generally speaking, every hobby is related to a more general interest, while not all interests have associated hobbies.

When you include hobbies and interests in your resume, focus on your interests that have hobbies to go along with them. This shows hiring managers that you’re actively growing and learning, not just thinking about it.

Is it professional to put hobbies on a resume?

Yes, it is professional to put hobbies on a resume. This is especially true if you don’t have much relevant work experience.

Just make sure that the hobbies you include relate in some way to the job you’re applying for. This could be a technical skill like photography, or it could be a soft skill like the teamwork or tenacity that you learn in a sport.

How do you write your hobbies and interests on a resume?

Write your hobbies and interests on a resume by creating a section at the end titled “Hobbies and Interests.” In this section, make a bulleted list of two to five hobbies, each with a line describing them and the skills you’ve obtained from them.

Adding a short list of interests and hobbies to the end of your resume is a simple and effective way to stand out from the competition.

When you’re composing your list, remember to limit each bullet point’s explanation to a single sentence, and be sure to only emphasize those details that will be directly relevant to the role, department, and company that you’re applying to.

No matter what industry or field you’re trying to excel in, listing your interests and hobbies in a resume can increase your chances of being invited to a job interview and advancing to the final stages of the hiring process!

University of the Cumberlands – 11 Hobbies That Will Look Good to Future Employers

Utah State University – How Hobbies Improve Mental Health

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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40 Interests That Deserve a Place on Your Resume

Updated: January 17, 2024

Published: December 12, 2023

Early in my career, my boyfriend (now fiancé) was helping me write my resume . I asked to see his and noticed he included personal interests. He’s an engineer, so seeing hobbies like basketball and video games stood out to me.

I asked him why he chose to include these, and he said, “I wanted a little more personalization to my resume and want [recruiters] to know me as a person beyond a piece of paper.”

And apparently, he’s not alone. According to a study by Standout CV, one in four people include hobbies and interests on their resumes.

Suppose you’re curious about what interests to put on your resume — and why — this is the article for you. We'll also review the different interests and hobbies that will help you stand out in the job market.

Why You Should Include Interests on Your Resume

40 interests for your resume.

While not always applicable, there are a few scenarios when mentioning your interests and hobbies on your resume makes sense.

Sarah Johnston, founder and CEO of executive resume writing firm Briefcase Coach , says if you choose to include interests on your resume, focus on customization. “We always consider the audience and the relevancy of the additional fun fact to the audience,” she suggests.

Here are a few reasons why you should add your interests to your resume.

1. You can showcase your personality.

The most compelling reason to include interests on your resume is to showcase your personality. Recruiters and hiring managers review countless resumes for every job role. They’re likely reading the same skills and similar experiences over and over. What better way to stand out than to give them a sense of your personality right off the bat?

In my experience, having interests on my resume has led to fun conversations with recruiters and hiring managers. Talking about hobbies was a great way to break the ice (and calm my nerves) before diving into the interview questions.

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2. Interests help with culture fit.

If the company you’re applying to values uniqueness or specific personality traits, interests could help communicate how you’d be a good culture fit.

For example, here’s a job opening for a Senior Merchandising Manager at Tecovas , a direct-to-consumer western brand based in Austin. As a Western brand selling boots and apparel, Tecovas emphasizes its mission of “welcoming first-time boot buyers and Western enthusiasts alike.”

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Hobbies and interests on resume. List of 40+ good examples.

When it comes to adding hobbies and interests to your resume, there are two distinct schools of thought. Some people are firmly against mixing business with pleasure and believe that your resume should only include professional information. Others think that there are instances when adding hobbies and interests on a resume can actually strengthen your application.

The reasoning behind adding hobbies and interests on a resume is simple. Resumes tend to be very “dry” and adding a bit of personal information can help you show your “human” side and reveal more of who you are.

Today, we are going with the second school of thought. And if you decide to add the hobbies and interests section to your resume, here’s what you should take into account.

Table of Contents

How to choose what hobbies and interests to include in a resume?

So, how do you choose the hobbies and interests that should make it on your resume?

To give the right answer to this question, we first need to establish that the hobbies and interests section on a resume is not just a space filler — it serves a purpose. Your hobbies and interests can reveal a lot about you as a job candidate. This is why it’s essential to put in some thought into what you choose to include on your resume.

What you may want to include as hobbies and interests on a resume directly depends on what type of job you are applying for and what specific qualities you want to highlight. However, if you are looking for some general examples of hobbies and interests that you can add to a resume, here they are.

Here are some good interests to put on a resume:

• Sports (jogging, team sports, yoga, etc.). Including sports as an interest on your resume can show that you are disciplined, goal driven and lead a healthy lifestyle.
• Traveling. This can show your potential employer that you are worldly, adventurous and open-minded.
• Learning foreign languages. This probably needs little explanation, but speaking a foreign language is always a plus when looking for a job.
• Public speaking. This will show the hiring manager that you are a potentially good communicator and have confidence in social situations.
• Blogging. This is another useful hobby to include on your resume as it speaks to your written communication skills . And most employers value writing proficiency. According to LiveAbout.com, there are actually several ways in which blogging can benefit your career.
• Volunteering. If you have volunteering experience, it can often count as work experience. This means you know how to work in a team, achieve common goals, organize the working process — and that you are a proactive member of society. In fact, according to Monster.com , collaboration is one of the top skills valued by hiring managers.
• Club membership. Just like volunteering, being a member of a club is a favorable thing to include on a resume. It shows that you have interests outside of work and are a team player.

List of good hobbies and interests

Here are more examples of interests and hobbies that you can include on your resume:

Team sports (show that you are a good team player and comfortable working with others):

Individual sports (show that you are disciplined, independent and committed):

• Marathon running/jogging
• Martial arts
• Snowboarding,

Creative hobbies (emphasize creativity, mindfulness and imagination):

• Photography
• Meditation,

Social hobbies (showcase your communication and collaboration skills ):

• Board games
• Public speaking
• Language classes
• Club membership
• Volunteering
• Learning about other cultures,

Related: How To Use Your People Person Skills to Land a Dream Job

Job specific hobbies and interests (these could be particularly helpful when applying for a specific position)

• Learning foreign languages
• Video editing
• Programming
• On-going education,

Now that we’ve covered what type of interests are good to include on a resume, let’s take a look at what you shouldn’t add to your resume hobbies section.

Here are some things you shouldn’t include in your resume:

• Controversial interests. Just like you should avoid certain topics at a dinner party, it’s best not to mention certain interests on a resume. The biggest topics to avoid would be politics and religion.
• Hobbies that are irrelevant to the job you are applying for. Once again, make sure that every interest you add to your resume “adds value” and makes you a stronger candidate in the eyes of your employer.
• Interests that may interfere with your work . If you have hobbies that may be considered too risky or time-consuming, it may be best to leave them off your resume. For instance, if you are into extreme sports, your employer may think that this would cause a lot of work absences or make you less reliable.
• Lies. It’s not a good idea to invent hobbies and interests that might make you a more interesting candidate but are simply untrue. These things generally tend to come out — and you may end up feeling nervous and unfocused as you try to keep up the lie.

Where do I put hobbies and interests on my resume?

Hobbies and interests are an optional section on your resume. This means that you can decide whether you want to add this particular section or not. What’s more, you can also edit this section of your resume depending on the job you are applying for.

Generally, the hobbies and interests section should come at the end of your resume, after the Education section. You can also put your hobbies and interests under Additional Information at the end of your resume.

Why are hobbies and interests important on a resume?

There are a number of reasons why you may want to include hobbies and interests on your resume. Your hobbies and interests section can set you apart from the competition and also let some of your personality shine through the otherwise dry and fact-based resume page. The key here would be to include personal interests that showcase your best qualities or make you a more desirable candidate for this particular job.

For instance, saying that you like to watch Netflix shows will probably provide very little additional information about you to your employer — especially if you are applying for a position of a sales manager. On the other hand, mentioning that you are into team sports can hint at your leadership and team playing abilities.

Let’s see when it is generally a good idea to add hobbies and interests on a resume.

• Limited work experience. If you are applying for your first job, you can use the hobbies and interests section to fill in the gaps in your resume. You can use this section to show your potential employer that you are active, curious, easy-going, resourceful and more.
• Your hobbies are relevant to the role. If you have hobbies that are relevant to the position you are applying for, it’s a good idea to include them on your resume. For instance, if you like to work on developing video games in your free time, this would definitely be a welcome skill in a lot of technical positions. Or, if you are a part of a public speaking club, this may look good on a teacher’s resume.
• You are using the functional resume format. There are three main resume formats: the reverse-chronological format, the functional format and the combination format. Learn more about each resume format here . If you go with the functional resume format, you will be focusing on the skills relevant to the position you are applying for. In this case, hobbies and interests may fit very well with your resume as they can complement your skills and abilities relevant to the job you want to get. You can also use this section to emphasize your expertise and passion for the job.
• There is extra room on your resume. A resume should be between one and two pages, depending on how much experience you have. If you feel like there is a lot of empty space left in your resume, you may want to add the hobbies and interests section to have it look more complete.

Related: Detail-Oriented: What It Means and Why It Matters

Hobbies and interests on resume: key takeaways

When properly planned and well written, the hobbies and interest section on your resume can be a powerful tool. It can help you stand out as a candidate and help highlight valuable skills and experience.

The key thing to keep in mind is that each hobby and interest you include should add value to your application and highlight a useful quality that you possess.

As we’ve mentioned above, the best categories of hobbies to add to your resume include the following:

• Team sports
• Creative hobbies (writing, design, etc.)
• Volunteering, mentoring, coaching
• Programming/coding
• Meditation and mindfulness

Make sure to go over the hobbies you’ve included in your resume and ask yourself whether each item you’ve added makes you a better job candidate. If it doesn’t, consider removing it from your application.

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Click here to directly go to the complete resume sample.

Resumes are a place to showcase your professional skills and achievements to the recruiters.

Most resumes consist of your professional experience, and educational background, as this information is crucial for recruiters to select you.

However, the real question is, should you include hobbies in your resume?

If you apply for a software developer job, the recruiter may not care about your "Gardening" hobby.

The idea is to add hobbies and interests relevant to the job. Something that demonstrates your core qualities to the recruiter.

For example, if you've led a team in your college sports, add it to your resume to showcase your leadership skills.

Of course, it's an oversimplified example.

But most companies nowadays want to know your personal hobbies and interests to give you the right work-life balance.

And they get it from your "Hobbies and Interests" section on your resume.

This blog will tell you everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on your resume.

Table of Content:

• What are interests?
• What are hobbies?
• What is the difference between hobbies and interests?
• Why do you want to add hobbies and interests to your resume?

How to List Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

• Top 40 best hobbies and interests on a resume?

What Are Interests?

Interests are the topics that fascinate you and help you want to learn more about them. Interests can be broad or narrow, but they're always things that are important to us as individuals.

For example, you might be interested in cars or animals—or maybe you're really into music, archaeology, or modern art. These are all interests! They could also be specific topics within a larger field of study—for instance, if you were interested in classical music but didn't know much about it, learning about classical music would become an interest for you!

What are Hobbies?

Hobbies are fun and relaxing activities you do in your free time. They can be anything you like, from collecting stamps to playing video games.

What are the Differences between hobbies and Interests?

Hobbies are different from interests because they don't require any special training or knowledge to do them. You don't have to have any special skills or be good at something in order to have a hobby.

Interests are more specific than hobbies, usually taking up more time and effort than your average hobby does. Interest could be learning how to play the guitar, reading about science fiction, or even learning how to speak another language.

Why do You Want to Include Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume?

While there are no hard and fast rules, many employers prefer to see hobbies and interests on a resume or CV. A section for hobbies and interests on your resume or CV is often included to show that your interests extend beyond your work and help the hiring manager, interviewer, or employer connect with you personally and professionally.

When done strategically, hobbies and interests on your resume help in showcasing your strengths and soft skills to the recruiters.

You can also consider adding a hobbies or interests section, if:

• If you have limited or no work experience
• If your job responsibilities align with your hobbies and interests
• If you are interested in a new industry

Also Raed: How to write a resume in 2023?

Ideally, the hobbies and interests in the resume should go at the bottom of the resume, only if there's space left there.

If there is no space, you can choose not to add hobbies and interests to your resume after adding all the important sections.

However, if you mention your hobbies and interests on your resume, you need to explain them to help the recruiters understand your points.

For example, it's not enough to add Basketball in your Hobbies section, and you need to demonstrate it by saying something like: "Played in a local Basketball team for a recreation sports league."

Also Raed: How to list key skills in a resume in 2023?

List of 40+ Best Hobbies and Interests on Resume?

Here are an extenisive list of common hobbies and interests on resume:

Indoor Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

Only indoor hobbies and indoor personal interests on your resume might represent you as an introvert. This could deem you fit for profiles that do not necessarily require social interaction - coding, writing, etc.

However, some indoor hobbies and personal interests on the resume demonstrate good reasoning and great patience. Achievements in chess and scrabble might reflect highly on the candidate's intelligence.

They are best suited in the fields that involve calculative risk-taking, strategic planning, and analysis.

Quick tip : The unique resume hobby section lists all unique hobbies like coffee brewing, flower arranging, haiku, etc., which can be a double-edged sword. It is best to avoid them on your resume if you're applying for a managerial role that requires business-friendly skills.

However, these skills are suitable for exceptional circumstances wherein you must apply specifically in these areas.

List of indoor resume hobby or common indoor personal interests on a resume:

Also Read: How to add interpersonal skills on resume in 2023?

Outdoor Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

Outdoor hobbies and personal interests on a resume exhibit a person's adventurous and risk-taking abilities .

They showcase a person's nature of coming out of their comfort zone and working proficiently under pressure which is essential for administration and leadership positions.

Quick tip : This resume hobbies list might be a huge turn-off for a serious recruiter and work committed in fields like medicine. However, it makes you a good strategist adept at planning and getting the job done.

List of hobbies on a resume or common personal interests on a resume that is conducted outdoors:

Collection Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

A collection of hobbies and personal interests on a resume are an excellent way to show that someone has a nature for perseverance and usually indicates an exquisite approach to situations.

These unique hobbies and personal interests on the resume must be listed when the creative aspect of a person is to be highlighted.

You may list these resume hobbies and interests related to the fields like designing, crafting, and specific job profiles related to Human and Public resources.

Quick tip : It may not work well in an independent workspace where a free flow of ideas and thoughts is required. It may be too conservative.

List of collective hobbies for resume and common collective personal interests on a resume:

Indoor Collection Hobbies in a resume:

• Book Collection
• Stamp & Postcard Collection
• Card & Coin Collection
• Video Game Collection
• Movie Collection
• Vintage Collection

Outdoor Collection Hobbies in a resume:

• Antiquities
• Insect Collection
• Flower Collecting
• Seashell collecting
• Fossil Hunting
• Flower Pressing

Competitive Hobbies & Interests

Competitive hobbies and personal interests on a resume display a fierce ability to achieve a goal in a person once it is set.

Indoor competitive resume hobbies list exhibits that the person is very stern and resilient. He is prone to believing in himself more than others.

This is an up point for leading roles as he must believe and be true to himself even when others are not.

Outdoor competitive resume hobbies list subjects a person's taste for teamwork , loyalty , and commitment to your team in times of pressure and adversity. They develop strength and agility in a person.

This is very helpful in areas that pertain to long working hours outdoors. Example : field surveys, site visits, sports trainer, yoga, pilates, dancing, etc.

Quick tip: When combined with people and language skills, it can be great for jobs like sales, where you require interaction with people. Classification of competitive hobbies on resume and common personal interests on resume based on where they are undertaken:

Indoor Competitive Hobbies in a resume:

• Martial Arts
• Weightlifting

Outdoor Competitive Hobbies in a resume:

• Horseback Riding

Observational Hobbies in Resume

Indoor observational hobbies and indoor observational personal interests on resume demonstrate the person's ability to sit and examine.

They can analyze small changes in a secluded environment, away from all the distractions. But they may not be suited for loud work environments.

Jobs that require precision and seclusion like design, coding, planning , etc., are likely to be appropriate for these people.

Outdoor observational resume hobbies list portrays a person's ability to sense the smallest changes in chaotic places.

Outdoor observational hobbies and personal interests on a resume are appropriate for figuring out flaws in the other person's strategy or body language. These people can even favor the outcome according to their whim.

Quick tip: This is an excellent opportunity for a** business analyst, interviewer** and certain finance/marketing job profiles.

List of hobbies for resume or common personal interests on a resume that is known as observational hobbies:

Indoor Observational Hobbies in a resume:

• Fishkeeping

Outdoors Observational Hobbies in a resume:

• Aircraft Spotting
• Birdwatching
• Photography
• Meteorology

Also Raed: How to write different sections in a resume in 2023?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how many resume interests can you list.

After extensive resume writing research by our professionals, we suggest at most five hobbies on resume be listed authentically.

Mentioning an extensive list of hobbies and personal interests on resume might be an issue as the person may come out to be highly distributive. Having so many hobbies on resume might not resonate well with the recruiter.

It makes you appear erratic, and the recruiter might perceive you as a frequent job switcher. The recruiter might think that you will not be able to deliver your work well. So why risk your application!

However, if you really want to elaborate on your resume hobbies , you might do that in the cover letter. A cover letter provides space and is longer than a 2-page personal resume. It also has room for explaining.

2. What to Do if You Don’t Have Any Hobbies and Interests on Resume?

If you have no hobbies or interests, we have got some solutions to fill out your list of resume interests!

Volunteer Work: You can start with some volunteer work. It is an excellent way to enhance your resume. It is easy to discover and helps in your participation with the community.

You can mention your volunteer work if your resume deals in subjects like medicine, philosophy, psychiatry, etc.

Various volunteer works may include working at an animal shelter home, helping at a vet, a nursing home, an orphanage, a plant drive, a blood donation bank, a blind school, or simply allowing the students in your community with their studies.

3. Can I list False Hobbies and Personal Interests on my Resume?

Including a list of hobbies and resume that are false is a big no-no!

You should not use false hobbies on your resume as bait to fit the recruiter's criteria.

It may come off as a casual attitude and might backfire if they find out later.

Hobbies Section Resume

It can be difficult to describe abstract interests and hobbies in an impactful way. Here's a complete personal interests resume sample containing a separate section for hobbies and interests that might give you an idea:

• Ranked 9th in the Call of Duty World League (CWL) - Black Ops 4 | 2018
• Member, I nternational Game Developers Association (IGDA)
• Member, American Gaming Association (AGA)
• Assisting in redesigning the curriculum for McMillan's Shelter Home for Boys by gamifying difficult concepts as a volunteer teacher at the Make A Difference nonprofit
• Appointed as the Contributing Writer at the Gaming Weekly magazine
• Travelled to 15+ countries in the last 18 months
• Software: Phaser.JS
• Programming Language: HTML5, JavaScript
• Certification in Game Development with Phaser.JS | Codecademy | Jan '19 - Jan '19
• Learn Phaser: Basics | Learn Phaser Physics | Learn Phaser Animations | Learn Phaser: Visual Effects
• Created an action-adventure style fantasy story in Phaser by deploying Click
• Recreated arcade classic: Space Invaders, in the form of Bug Invaders
• Developed a game with scene transitions , animations, and tweens
• Spearheaded a team of 4 to execute social media listening projects including campaign & conference monitoring
• Oversaw finalization of keywords , data extraction & deck preparation by deploying multiple software and tools
• Supervised preparation of final presentations via graphs & pivots to generate quantitative & qualitative insights
• Deployed analytical tools like Radian 6 for gathering data from social media platforms to curate & present insights
• Collated & evaluated data available from online sources like news organizations & multiple social media platforms
• Analyzed the data collated for rendering assistance to clients in designing campaigns for research & marketing
• Formulated 25+ reports for effectively serving ~15 clients to render insights about the product’s market presence
• Conducted research for US-based pharma companies in markets like US, UK , Japan & Europe
• Deployed primary research methodologies by collating data of pharma companies based in the US to perform analysis
• Languages : English and Chinese

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Key Takeaways

In the end, we believe that you need to ask yourself one question. Is your list of hobbies and interests going to help support the positive qualities I mentioned above?

If not, don’t include them on your resume. It will only take up space, and likely won’t make much of a difference in the eyes of your interviewer.

Here’s how to decide that:

• Look at the job description and see how your hobbies and interests can reflect the required skills
• Don;t just namedrop the hobbies or interests. Flesh out it a bit in single-line bullet format. It will help the recruiter get to know you better.

If you want to add hobbies and interests in your resume, Go to Hiration Resume Builder which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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109 Hobbies and Interests Examples (for a Resume)

Hobbies and interests refer to personal pursuits that are not related to professional work. They’re often requested on a resume as a way to assess your soft skills like teamwork, personal motivation, and community-mindedness.

The hobbies and interests you list need to be honest, but you should also select ones that showcase your personality, character traits, or skills that are not immediately apparent from your professional experience (Bell, 2012).

Interests that include group participation, such as playing team sports or being a part of a group, can demonstrate that you’re a good team player. Similarly, volunteering at a local charity might convey your ethical responsibility.

However, avoid presenting interests that might raise red flags for employers. Polarizing interests – those that could cause controversy or disagreement – or interests that might conflict with the company’s vision (e.g. having a side hustle that competes with the company you’re applying to be part of) might decrease your chances of getting the job.

Hobbies and Interests Examples

Creative hobbies and interests.

• Graphic Design: A hobby in graphic design showcases your artistic tendencies and technical skills . It speaks to your ability to visualize concepts aesthetically. This is particularly useful in roles that require creativity and tech-savvy, like UX/UI design or advertising. And fortunately, creativity is a trait that tends to lead to pay rises .
• Blogging: This hobby indicates a proficiency in written communication , digital marketing, and SEO. It can also reveal deep knowledge on particular subjects, marking you as an expert. For careers in digital marketing, journalism, or communications, this can be a sterling asset. In fact, effective communication is the most sought-after soft skill by employers
• Amateur Astronomy: This interest represents a love for science and learning, pointing to a curious and observant nature. It can showcase your patience and meticulousness in understanding and interpreting details. This can be an appealing characteristic for jobs in education, research, or scientific fields.
• Cooking Classes: This hobby signifies a willingness to develop new abilities, as well as a touch of creativity. It shows that you appreciate both the process and the pursuit of an excellent outcome. This can resonate well in careers involving process management, or roles in the hospitality field.
• Gardening: A penchant for gardening suggests a patient character, a love for nature, and an ability to nurture and grow things over time. This can indicate responsibility and planning skills. Such attributes can be appealing for jobs in project management, education, or environmental science roles.
• Homebrewing Coffee: This reveals a dedication to mastering a craft and an appreciation for details. It suggests process-oriented thinking and high standards for outcomes. Jobs in quality assurance, the food industry, or roles requiring a meticulous nature could value this hobby.
• Magic Tricks: Magic as a hobby reveals strong discipline, coordination, and presentation talents. It demonstrates an ability to engage and impress audiences. This can be a unique asset for client-facing roles or careers in entertainment and sales.
• Hiking: This displays your love for nature and an appreciation for physical fitness and endurance. It can suggest that you’re personally invested in maintaining health and wellness. Careers in the health and fitness industry, outdoor education, or environmental organisations may find this hobby attractive.
• Learning Languages: Actively learning new languages depicts your adaptability and a love for diverse cultures. It also showcases your communication skills and patience. In fields like international business, travel, or translation services, such a hobby can be beneficial. And good news for you: research shows being bilingual can increase your chances of getting a job.
• Podcasting: The production or participation in podcasts demonstrates speaking skills, technological aptitude, and confidence. It also suggests an interest in sharing knowledge or opinions. This is a useful hobby for jobs in media, education, public relations, or marketing.
• Chess: Playing chess reveals an ability to strategise, anticipate competitors’ moves, and make decisive actions. This can signal a logical, strategic mindset which can be valuable for roles in business strategy, account planning, or software development.
• Photography: Photography as a hobby showcases creative talent, attention to detail, and a good eye for aesthetics. It also requires an understanding of technique and equipment. Media, journalism, or creative roles may be particularly suited to someone with this interest.
• Bird Watching: This hobby suggests patience, keen observational skills, and a love for nature. It can be seen as a reflective, quiet pursuit indicating a thoughtful nature. Conservation, environment, or research roles may value this hobby.
• Origami: Origami showcases manual dexterity, patience, and attention towards intricate details. It reflects appreciation for the traditional arts and a meditative, focused approach. Roles in art, education, design, or therapy may find this interesting.
• Archery: Practicing archery exhibits your focus, control, and precision . It reveals your discipline and an ability to aim for specific goals . Roles requiring focus and precision, such as quality control or risk management, may value this hobby.
• Stand-up Comedy: Pursuing stand-up comedy speaks to your ability to engage an audience and think quickly. It hints at confidence, a sense of humor, and excellent communication skills. These traits can be beneficial in roles within public relations, customer service, or advertising.
• Music Composition: If you enjoy composing music, it discloses your artistic talents and your ability to amalgamate different elements into a harmonious whole. It can denote patience, creativity, memory and focus , and deep understanding of the intricate aspects of music. Careers in the music industry, multimedia production, or creative direction can find this hobby advantageous.
• Pottery: Engaging in pottery shows your capability to mold raw materials into beautiful artifacts, demonstrating your creativity and patience. It suggests a hands-on approach and a focus on producing tangible outcomes. Careers involving craftsmanship, design, and teaching arts can appreciate the skills associated with this hobby.
• Calligraphy: Calligraphy can highlight your precision, patience, and admiration for aesthetic beauty. The practice demonstrates a dedication to mastering a meticulous and traditional craft, suggesting a detail-oriented character. Jobs in design, event planning, or jobs that require handwritten presentations may value this hobby.

Sporting Hobbies and Interests

• Running: Choosing running as a hobby suggests discipline, commitment, and the enjoyment of personal challenge. It can reflect a goal-oriented mindset and, since running is also a solitary activity, it can imply an independent and self-motivated personality. Suitable for roles requiring focus, resilience, and individual motivation.
• Yoga: Practicing yoga regularly indicates a dedication to personal well-being, patience, and control. It can also signal a preference for a balanced lifestyle and suggest a calm and focused temperament. People who do yoga also have heightened mental clarity . Useful for roles that demand patience, flexibility, and balance.
• Hiking: Hiking as a hobby points to a love for nature, and often links to determination and adventurousness. It also shows a commitment to physical fitness and resilience. Particularly relevant for roles requiring physical endurance and a strong connection with the outdoors.
• Tennis: Playing tennis portrays a love for strategic sports, as well as agility, speed, and hand-eye coordination. It could indicate that you thrive within a challenging, rapidly evolving environment. Suitable for roles that require quick decision-making and strategic planning.
• Swimming: Regular swimming indicates stamina, discipline, and a love for solo sports. It can highlight your ability to continuously improve and push your limits. Relevant in roles where persistence and self-motivation are key.
• Rock Climbing: This hobby shows daring, strength, and a desire for personal accomplishment. It can showcase your ability to face and overcome fears, highlighting determination and problem-solving skills . Rock climbing can be a valuable hobby for high-risk management or problem-solving roles.
• Cycling: For those deeply into cycling, it can demonstrate a love for speed and endurance sports. It may signal a strong competitive streak, with a side of environmental consciousness. Useful in roles that require endurance, commitment, or eco-friendly awareness.
• Badminton: Playing badminton regularly suggests agility, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. It is a fast-paced, competitive sport that can be both singles and doubles, indicating you are comfortable both in teamwork and individual competition. Applicable to roles requiring strategic thinking , agility, and teamwork.
• Chess Boxing: This unique sport combines the mental challenge of chess with the physical demands of boxing. It implies resilience, strategic planning, and adaptability skills . Useful for jobs involving high-pressure decision making and strategic assessment.
• Martial Arts: Practicing martial arts depicts discipline, resilience, and respect for tradition. It shows that you can focus on long-term goals and respect others’ boundaries. Relevant for roles requiring discipline, respect, and self-defense knowledge.
• Sailing: This hobby shows a love for water sports, along with navigational and survival skills. It exhibits decision-making skills under unpredictable circumstances. Noteworthy for roles that involve navigating complex situations and strategic thinking.
• Rowing: Rowing displays physical strength, endurance, and a preference for group sports. It is a demanding sport that requires synchronization and fluid cooperation. Especially relevant in roles requiring teamwork, strength, and cooperative skills .
• Archery: Practicing archery implies precision, focus, and consistency. It suggests you have an eye for detail and steady hands. Suitable for attention-to-detail roles or positions requiring steady hand-eye coordination.
• Soccer: Playing soccer indicates teamwork, coordination, and strategic abilities. It shows your competitive spirit and your ability to work within a diverse group. This is especially relevant for roles requiring team coordination and strategic planning. Furthermore, research shows sports like soccer can increase brain health !
• Skiing: Skiing suggests a sense of adventure and outdoor sports passion. It can imply risk management skills and physical fitness. Especially relevant for travel, tourism, or fitness-related roles.
• Gymnastics: Engaging in gymnastics points to physical fitness, flexibility, and discipline. It can show your dedication to mastering complex routines. Useful in roles that value precision, agility, and performance under pressure.
• Polo: Playing polo can highlight team spirit, coordination, and a love for traditional sports. As it is considered a luxury sport, it also signals interest in high-society community. Particular suitable for roles in luxury goods marketing, social interaction, or team-coordination fields.
• Kickboxing: Regular kickboxing indicates high energy, discipline, and self-defense skills. It reflects a resilient spirit and readiness to compete. Suitable for roles requiring high energy, self-defense knowledge, and resilience.
• Volleyball: Playing volleyball shows a dedication to team sports. It suggests quick reflexes, strategic skills, and an ability to collaborate. Especially relevant for roles that demand teamwork and quick decision-making under pressure.

Team Hobbies and Interests

• Team Sports (e.g., basketball): Playing team sports signals working well with others, leadership skills , and competitive spirit. It demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively towards a common goal, and can show that you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Particularly noteworthy for roles requiring teamwork, quick thinking, and adaptability.
• Drama Club: Being part of a drama club underscores your ability to collaborate, communicate, and react adaptively in performing a role. It also exhibits your creativity and presentation skills. Useful for roles involving communication, creativity, or public relations.
• Orchestra or Band: Playing in an orchestra or band showcases your talent, dedication, and ability to synchronize with others. It suggests an understanding of harmony and team dynamics. Good for roles that involve teamwork and creative expression.
• Debate Team: Engaging in a debate team shows your ability to present arguments convincingly and process information quickly. It demonstrates strong teamwork, analytical, and public speaking skills. Especially relevant for roles in public relations, law, or policy-making.
• Relay Races: Participating in relay races reveals your speed, endurance, and teamwork skills. It also demonstrates your pass-the-baton mindset – the ability to trust team members and work cooperatively. Suitable for roles requiring teamwork, coordination, and endurance.
• Volunteering Group: Active involvement in community volunteering groups displays your commitment to social issues and teamwork skills. It showcases your empathy, responsibility, and management skills. It is relevant for roles in social services, healthcare, or community development. Furthermore, research shows that volunteering and community involvement can increase your chances of employment by 27%.
• Quiz Team: Being part of a quiz team exhibits your general knowledge, your ability to think quickly, and work effectively under pressure. It also reflects your ability to collaborate proficiently in a group. Applicable to jobs requiring fast thinking, information recall, and team participation.
• Dance Troupe: Participating in a dance troupe illustrates your appreciation for arts and performance and the ability to work in sync with others. It showcases your expressiveness, teamwork, and dedication. Useful for roles requiring creativity, coordination, or teamwork.
• Rowing Crew: Being in a rowing crew demands physical strength, endurance, and excellent teamwork. It’s a symbol of your perseverance, synchronization, and cooperative skills. Particularly relevant for roles that require teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
• Chess Club: Partaking in a chess club can demonstrate your strategical thinking, patience, and ability to work in a group. It shows your enthusiasm for intellectual stimulation and competition. Suitable for roles requiring strategic planning, problem-solving, and logical thinking.
• Book Club: Active participation in a book club displays your love for reading, discussing ideas, and respecting diverse viewpoints. It also suggests good listening and analytical skills – plus, it relieves stress . Particularly useful for roles in literature, education, or discussion moderator.
• Film-Making Group: Being a member of a film-making group underscores your ability to work as part of a multifaceted team. It also showcases your creativeness and understanding of storytelling. Apt for roles in the arts, digital media, or storytelling fields.
• Chorale Group: Singing in a chorale group evidences your musical appreciation, vocal skills, and team cooperation. It showcases your capacity to harmonize your part with others’. Suitable for jobs in the music industry, volunteering, or team-based roles.
• Tech Club: Being part of a tech-oriented club, like a robotics team or coding club, shows your ability to collaborate on technical projects. It denotes strong problem-solving skills and a passion for technology. Particularly relevant for technological, engineering, and educational roles.
• Competitive Gaming Team: Involvement in a competitive gaming team reveals your strategic thinking, teamwork, and adaptability in dynamic environments. It reflects your capability to coordinate with others in high pressure, fast-paced scenarios. Applicable for roles that involve quick decision-making, teamwork, and digital technology.
• Environmental Conservation Group: Participation in an environmental conservation group shows your commitment to nature preservation and effective teamwork. It illustrates a strong sense of responsibility and eco-consciousness. Suitable for roles in environmental science, outdoor education, or community outreach.
• Innovation Lab: Active involvement in an innovation lab highlights your teamwork and problem-solving skills in an innovative setting. It indicates your inventive thinking and collaborative nature. Relevant for design, engineering, or creative problem-solving roles.
• DIY Crafting Club: Being part of a DIY crafting club indicates your creativity, patience, and attention to detail. It underscores your enjoyment of hands-on work and collaborative projects. Good for roles requiring creativity, precision, or craft-based abilities.

Read Also: Strong Personal Attributes to List on your Resume

Unique Hobbies and Interests for a Resume

• Storm Chasing: This unique hobby demonstrates your adventurous spirit and interest in meteorology. It implies a somewhat daring nature and an appetite for hands-on learning about extreme weather phenomena.
• Beekeeping: Beekeeping showcases your patience, commitment, and a fascination for the natural world. It also reflects a concern for environmental issues and ecosystem balance.
• Falconry: Practicing falconry indicates a close connection with wildlife and an understanding of animal psychology. This hobby suggests a sense of adventure and an unconventional interest. 
• Underwater Hockey: Playing underwater hockey highlights your love for unique sports. It combines swimming skills, teamwork, and strategic game playing all in one.
• Bonsai Cultivation: Cultivating bonsai plants requires patience, precision, and a deep respect for nature. It can be seen as artistic and therapeutic, reflecting a meticulous and patient character.
• Capoeira: Engaging in this Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music suggests a love for cultural exploration, physical fitness, and artistry.
• Ice Sculpting: Creating sculptures out of ice shows your artistic skills, resilience, and ability to work under challenging conditions. This unique hobby can reflect a high level of creativity and patience.
• Parkour: Engaging in parkour – the intense art of traversing obstacles swiftly and fluently – suggests that you’re physically fit, agile, and adventurous. It’s indicative of an active, risk-taking personality.
• Astro-Photography: This hobby indicates a fascination with the universe and a dedication to capturing its beauty. It demonstrates endurance, patience, and technical abilities.
• Ghost Hunting: This unusual interest shows your adventurousness, curiosity about supernatural phenomena, and perhaps a passion for solving mysteries.
• Acrobatics: Engaging in acrobatics reveals physical strength, flexibility, discipline, and daring. It can be indicative of a dynamic, performance-oriented character.
• Competitive Eating: Participation in this hobby suggests your competitive nature and possibly an unusual culinary fervor. It can reflect a keen spirit of competition and tolerance for physical discomfort.
• Sand Sculpting: Building sand sculptures shows a creative spirit, patience, and a unique way of expressing artistry. This suggests meticulousness and a playful attitude towards art.
• Aerial Silks: This form of aerial acrobatics showcases physical strength, control, and a love for high-flying artistry. It indicates fearlessness, discipline, and a readiness to see the world from a different perspective.
• LARPing (Live Action Role Playing): This hobby points to your creativity, teamwork, and love for fictional narratives. LARPing requires imagination, quick thinking, and adaptability.
• Puppetry: Creating and animating puppets requires creativity, craftsmanship, and performance abilities. It suggests a love for storytelling and theatrical flair.
• Cryptozoology: Having an interest in cryptozoology – the search for and study of creatures whose existence or survival is disputed, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster – shows your fascination with mysteries and untapped areas of science.
• Fencing: Engaging in fencing shows a love for traditional sports, discipline, and precision. It can indicate quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and an appreciation for the arts of dueling.
• Pyrography: Practicing pyrography – the art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks – demonstrates your artistic inclination, patience, and a unique take on craft making. 
• Skydiving: Going for skydiving displays your adventurous spirit, thrill-seeking tendency, and physical fitness. This high-adrenaline hobby can reflect a love for the exhilarating and extraordinary.

Analytical Hobbies and Interests

• Chess: Playing chess indicates your analytical, strategic thinking and foresight. It shows your capability to anticipate opponents’ moves and adapt to changing scenarios, making it excellent for strategic planning or problem-solving roles.
• Sudoku: Solving Sudoku puzzles displays your application of logic, pattern recognition, and decision-making skills. It suggests your enjoyment of challenging your brain and concentrating on complex tasks.
• Programming: Engaging in programming showcases your problem-solving, logical thinking, and technical skills. It’s also indicative of your enthusiasm for creating systems or finding solutions to technical issues.
• Data Analysis : Pursuing data analysis as a hobby reveals your ability to make sense of complex information. It can highlight your attention to detail, logical thinking, and quantitative skills.
• Reading Scientific Journals: This interest demonstrates your love for learning, reading comprehension, and ability to understand complex scientific reports. It could be essential for roles in research, science, or academia.
• Cryptozoology: The study of creatures whose existence is disputed, like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, shows your curiosity and willingness to question established beliefs. It can suggest a meticulous nature and strong research skills.
• Philosophical Debates: Participating in philosophical debates exhibits your logical thinking, open-mindedness, and verbal communication skills . It reflects an appreciation for deep thought and analytical discussions.
• Cryptography: Decrypting codes or cryptograms evidences your love for solving complex problems and applying logical reasoning. It might suggest capabilities in mathematics, computer science, or security. 
• Economic Forecasting: Forecasting economic trends as a hobby indicates your understanding of the economic landscape, analytical prowess, and predictive abilities. Valuable for roles in finance, economics, or market research.
• Astronomy: Hobbyist astronomy showcases your observation skills, understanding of scientific principles, and patience. This pursuit is relevant for roles in research, analysis, or academia.
• Birdwatching: Observing and identifying different bird species demonstrates your patience, attention to detail, and data recording. It may suggest a meticulous and patient personality with a keen eye for detail.
• Genealogy: Tracing and studying family lineages highlights your interest in history and detailed research. This shows a capacity to analyze relationships and trends over time.
• Bridge: Playing Bridge – a complex card game – requires strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cooperation. It showcases your analytical skills and ability to work within a team.
• Model Building: Engaging in model building – from model trains to miniature figurines – requires detailed work, patience, and a systematic approach. It suggests precision, concentration, and an eye for accuracy.
• DIY Electronics: Building electronic devices, like radios or robots, highlights your technical understanding and troubleshooting skills. It shows a systematic and practical approach, together with problem-solving abilities.
• Numismatics: The collection and study of coins and currencies can show your attention to detail and research skills. This hobby can indicate your analytical capabilities, patience, and interest in financial history.

Technical Hobbies and Interests

• Coding: Participating in coding projects showcases your problem-solving abilities, along with your technical acumen. It also suggests an interest in technology development and programming languages. This hobby suits roles in IT, software development, and data analysis.
• Robotics: Building or programming robots demonstrates your skills in applying engineering and coding concepts. It exhibits your technical knowledge and uptake of futuristic technologies. This can be valuable for careers in robotics, engineering, or tech education.
• Computer Building: Building computers from scratch demonstrates your understanding of hardware and your problem-solving skills. It exhibits your specialized technical knowledge and hands-on skills. Helpful for roles in IT support, hardware engineering, or tech consulting.
• Web Development: Creating websites showcases your coding abilities, design sensibilities, and understanding of user experience. It’s an embodiment of technical and creative skills, highlighting your versatility. Particularly useful for roles in IT, digital marketing, and web design.
• Amateur Radio Operation: Operating a ham radio indicates your mastery of specific technological tools and your ability to communicate effectively. It shows your technical proficiency and adherence to regulations. Applicable to roles in telecommunications, signal operating, or electronics.
• Photography & Photo Editing: Engaging in photography and mastering photo editing software shows your operational knowledge of technical equipment and software. It indicates your eye for detail and appreciation for aesthetics. Suitable for digital media, graphic design, and communication roles.
• Software Beta Testing: Beta testing new software applications highlights your strong understanding of user interface, debugging, and programming. It excels at exposing anomalies and faults , refining your detail orientation. Relevant for software development, product management, and user experience roles.
• Video Production: Creating and editing videos shows your technical skills in operating video equipment and editing software. It depicts a blend of creativity and technical expertise. This hobby is useful for careers in media production, cinematography, or digital marketing.
• Advanced Excel: Mastering and utilizing advanced Excel functionalities highlights your data processing, financial reporting, or problem-solving competence. It exposes your strong analytical prowess. Particularly relevant for roles in finance, business analysis, or data management.
• Game Development: Developing video games illustrates your skills in coding, design, and storytelling. It reflects your understanding of game mechanics and creativity. Valuable for roles in game design, software development, and graphic design.
• Home Networking: Building and managing home networks underscores your abilities in network configuration and management. It shows your understanding of network principles and troubleshooting. Relevant for networking, IT support, and systems administration roles.
• Linux Administration: Proficiency in using the Linux operating system indicates strong technical skills and versatility. It demonstrates your open-source software knowledge. Highly beneficial for roles in IT, systems administration, and software development.
• Building Drones: Constructing drones displays your understanding of aerodynamics, electronics, and often coding. It exhibits your ability to handle complex, multidimensional projects. Useful for roles in engineering, avionics, or technology education.
• 3D Printing: Creating 3D printed objects shows your grasp of 3D modeling software and understanding of design principles. It showcases your innovative spirit and practical application of advanced technology. Adequate for roles in product development, manufacturing, or design.
• Data Analysis: Data analysis as a hobby underscores your comfort with large amounts of information and your analytical skills. It reflects your logical thinking and precision. Particularly applicable for roles in data science, market research, and strategic planning.
• Cryptocurrency Trading: Trading cryptocurrencies shows your understanding of blockchain technology and your risk assessment skills. It demonstrates your up-to-date knowledge of digital finance trends. Appreciated in finance, business, or IT roles.
• Machine Learning Projects: Engaging in machine learning projects depicts your grasp of complex programming constructs and algorithms. It reflects your foresight in next-generation technology applications. Relevant for AI development, data science, or technology consulting roles.

Incorporating the right hobbies and interests in your resumes should be considered a strategic move. You need to keep them associated with the job you’re applying for, portray a multi-faceted personality, and avoid potentially divisive hobbies. Above all, remain genuine and honest about the hobbies and interests you list. Assessors appreciate humility and honesty, and it’s always easier to discuss something you genuinely enjoy in an interview rather than a fabricated interest.

References and Further Reading

Clay, D. (2018) How to Write the Perfect Resume. Independently Published.

Littleford, D., Halstead, J., & Mulraine, C. (2017). Career skills: opening doors into the job market . Bloomsbury Publishing.

Sher, B. (2006). Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams . Rodale Books.

Timotheou, S., Fitzgerald, C., & Dahlitz, R. (2014). Resume writing: Stand out from the crowd. Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker , (609), 106-107.

Wallwork, A. (2019). English for academic CVs, resumes, and online profiles . Springer.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

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By Stav Ziv

“Tell me about yourself” might seem like an easy win of an  interview question —after all, you know all about yourself! And good thing, too, because it’s often the very first thing an interviewer will ask you to do—whether you’re having a preliminary phone screen, speaking to your prospective boss, or sitting down with the CEO during the final round.”

Read the full article on The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/advice/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question-answer-examples