As job seekers, we all know how important it is to have an impressive resume that highlights our skills and qualifications. But is it really necessary to include hobbies and interests on our resumes? Hobbies and interests are the activities we enjoy doing in our spare time – things that make us happy and fulfilled.

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a great way to show your personality, creativity, and enthusiasm for life beyond work. It can make you stand out from a sea of other candidates who may have similar qualifications and experience.

Overview of the Pros and Cons

While including hobbies and interests on your resume has its benefits, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. On one hand, showcasing your hobbies and interests can make you seem more relatable and human to potential employers. It can also demonstrate that you have a work-life balance and interests outside of your career.

On the other hand, there are potential downsides to including hobbies and interests on your resume. For example, some employers may view certain hobbies as irrelevant or unprofessional, and it may affect their opinion of you as a candidate. Additionally, listing too many hobbies can make your resume appear cluttered and take away from the focus on your skills and experience.

The decision to include or exclude hobbies and interests on your resume will depend on your individual circumstances and the job you’re applying for. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of including hobbies and interests, as well as provide some tips to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to include them on your resume.

Research on the Impact of Hobbies and Interests on Resumes

A. Benefits of including hobbies and interests

Showing your personality and uniqueness

Including hobbies and interests on a resume can help showcase your personality and unique characteristics. This can make you stand out among other candidates and help potential employers remember you.

Demonstrating transferable skills

Hobbies and interests can also demonstrate transferable skills that can be applied to the position you are applying for. For example, participating in sports could showcase teamwork and leadership skills, or volunteering could demonstrate community involvement and a passion for helping others.

Providing conversation starters during interviews

By including hobbies and interests on your resume, you may provide potential interviewers with conversation starters that can help establish a rapport and make the interview more engaging.

B. Drawbacks of including hobbies and interests

Not relevant to the position

If a hobby or interest is not relevant to the position, including it on a resume may not add value and could be viewed as unnecessary information.

Can appear frivolous or unprofessional

When including hobbies and interests on a resume, it’s important to consider how they may be perceived. Some hobbies, such as collecting model trains, may be viewed as frivolous or unrelated to the position, while others, like attending professional development seminars, could demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.

Could create biases

Including certain hobbies and interests could create biases on the part of potential employers. For example, including political affiliations, religious beliefs, or other personal details could result in discrimination, intentional or otherwise.

While including hobbies and interests on a resume can have benefits, it’s important to consider each item’s relevance and potential impact carefully.

Understanding Your Audience and Company Culture

When it comes to including hobbies and interests on your resume, it’s important to consider your audience and the company’s culture. Here are some ways to do that:

A. Researching the Company and Position

Before listing your hobbies and interests, take some time to research the company and the position you’re applying for. What does the company value? What kind of work culture do they have? Do they have any specific missions or values that align with your interests?

By understanding the company and its values, you can tailor your list of hobbies and interests to better align with what the company is looking for.

B. Determining if Hobbies and Interests Align with the Company Culture

It’s not just enough to list your hobbies and interests – they should also align with the company culture. For example, if you enjoy team sports, that could be an indication that you work well in a collaborative environment. If the company values teamwork, including this hobby can give you an edge.

On the other hand, if the company is known for a more laid-back work environment, you might not want to highlight your love for extreme sports, as it could give the impression that you’re not a good fit for the company culture.

C. Assessing the Preferences of the Hiring Managers

When it comes to hiring managers, personal preferences can play a role in the decision-making process. Some hiring managers might view certain hobbies or interests as irrelevant or even negative, while others might see them as a positive.

One way to assess these preferences is to look at the company’s social media presence. Are there any posts or articles about employees involved in hobbies or interests that align with yours? This might indicate that the company values such activities and could lead to a more open-minded hiring manager.

Understanding your audience and the company’s culture is essential when considering whether or not to include hobbies and interests on your resume. By doing your research and assessing the preferences of the hiring managers, you can tailor your list to better align with what the company is looking for and give yourself a better chance of landing the job.

Choosing the Right Hobbies and Interests

When it comes to including hobbies and interests on your resume, it’s important to choose the right ones. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you’re showcasing the most relevant hobbies and interests:

A. Making a List of Hobbies and Interests

Start by making a list of all your hobbies and interests. This could include anything from playing sports, to reading, to learning a new language. Don’t worry about whether or not they seem relevant to your job search just yet – the goal is to create a comprehensive list.

B. Identifying Transferable Skills and Relevance to Position

Once you have your list, it’s time to identify which hobbies and interests are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Look for transferable skills – those that you’ve developed through your hobbies and could apply to the job at hand. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, your experience running a personal blog could demonstrate your writing and social media skills.

C. Considering the Hobbies and Interests of the Company Culture

Finally, it’s important to consider the hobbies and interests of the company culture you’re applying to. This can help you assess whether your hobbies and interests would be a good fit for the organization. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a tech startup, showcasing your coding skills could be a major plus.

While including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a great way to demonstrate your skills and personality, it’s important to choose them carefully. By following these steps, you can ensure that your hobbies and interests are the right fit for your job search.

Formatting and Placement of Hobbies and Interests

Employers want to know more about you as a person. This is why including hobbies and interests on your resume may be a good idea in some cases. However, it’s important to consider where and how you should include them.

A. Including hobbies and interests in the resume

Not all hobbies and interests are worthy of being included on your resume. Only those that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, or that showcase skills that are transferable to the job, should be included.

For example, if you’re a graphic designer and enjoy photography, you could highlight this as it could demonstrate your ability to understand photography concepts and manipulate images. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your love of playing video games may not be relevant.

B. Deciding where to put hobbies and interests in the resume

The placement of hobbies and interests on your resume is also important. It’s recommended that you include them towards the bottom, after your work experience, education, and skills. This ensures that the focus is on your professional qualifications and experience, rather than your personal interests.

C. Formatting the resume to highlight hobbies and interests

While including hobbies and interests on your resume can help to make you stand out, it’s important to format them in a way that highlights your strengths and achievements. Use bullet points to list your hobbies and interests, and describe how they have helped you develop skills and abilities that are valuable to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you volunteer for a non-profit organization, explain how it has improved your organizational, management, or communication skills. If you enjoy playing a team sport, describe how it has helped you develop leadership, teamwork, or strategic thinking skills.

Adding hobbies and interests to your resume can be a double-edged sword. While it can humanize you in the eyes of the employer, it may also detract from your professional credentials or even open doors for biased opinions. Therefore, use your own discretion when deciding whether or not to include them and make sure to format them to highlight how they complement your professional profile.

Examples of Hobbies and Interests on Resumes

Including hobbies and interests on a resume can be a great way to showcase your personality and add a personal touch to your application. Here are some examples of how to phrase hobbies and interests on your resume:

A. Sample phrases to include hobbies and interests

“In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and hiking with my family.”
“I am an avid reader and love discussing literature with others.”
“I am passionate about photography and have developed my skills through taking courses and participating in local photography clubs.”
“I am a volunteer at my local animal shelter and have developed a strong sense of compassion for animals.”
“I enjoy exploring new cultures through travel and attending cultural events in my community.”

B. Good examples of hobbies and interests on resumes

Including hobbies and interests can be particularly helpful if they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example:

If you are applying for a job in the fitness industry, including hobbies such as running or weightlifting can demonstrate your dedication to health and fitness.
If you are applying for a job in the creative industry, including hobbies such as painting or writing can showcase your creativity and passion for the arts.
If you are applying for a job that requires teamwork, including hobbies such as team sports or volunteering can demonstrate your ability to work well with others.

C. Bad examples of hobbies and interests on resumes

While including hobbies and interests can be beneficial, it’s important to avoid anything that might be seen as controversial or unprofessional. Here are some examples of hobbies and interests that should be avoided:

Political or religious affiliations that may be divisive
Activities that may be perceived as dangerous or reckless, such as extreme sports
Hobbies that are illegal, such as drug use or theft
Activities that may be seen as time-consuming or taking away from work commitments, such as binge-watching TV shows

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other applicants and showcase your unique qualities. However, it’s important to use discretion and only include hobbies that are appropriate and relevant to the job you are applying for.

How to Showcase Hobbies and Interests for Specific Industries

When it comes to including hobbies and interests on your resume, it is important to tailor them to the specific industry you are applying for. This is especially true in creative, technical, and service industries. Here’s how:

A. Creative industries

In creative industries such as graphic design, advertising, or writing, your hobbies and interests can showcase your unique perspective and creativity. For example, if you enjoy photography, you can mention this on your resume to illustrate your eye for composition and attention to detail. If you are a musician or perform spoken word, you can mention this to demonstrate your ability to craft compelling narratives or communicate through various mediums.

However, be mindful that the hobbies and interests you list are relevant to the role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a writing position, mentioning your love for pottery may not be as relevant as your passion for reading or writing poetry.

B. Technical industries

In technical industries such as engineering or IT, your hobbies and interests can demonstrate your technical skills and your ability to solve complex problems. If you enjoy tinkering with electronics in your spare time, you can mention this to show your interest in the field and your ability to troubleshoot issues. If you enjoy programming or building websites, mentioning these hobbies can demonstrate your proficiency in technical skills relevant to the industry.

In technical fields, it is also important to highlight any certifications or technical training you have received, alongside your relevant hobbies and interests.

C. Service industries

In service industries such as hospitality or customer service, your hobbies and interests can demonstrate your ability to work well with others and your dedication to providing excellent customer experiences. For example, if you enjoy volunteering at a local soup kitchen or coaching a youth sports team, this can show that you are reliable, compassionate, and skilled at communicating with others.

It is important to note that in service industries, employers may be more interested in your soft skills and work ethic than in your specific hobbies and interests. Therefore, be sure to focus on how your interests have developed your interpersonal skills and your ability to work in teams or manage customer relationships.

While including hobbies and interests on your resume can provide additional information about who you are as a person and what you enjoy outside of work, making sure they are relevant to the industry you are applying for is crucial. Tailoring your hobbies and interests to showcase your skills and personality in a way that is appealing to potential employers will help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Tips for Including Hobbies and Interests on LinkedIn and Other Online Profiles

A. Importance of Including Hobbies and Interests on LinkedIn

Including hobbies and interests on your LinkedIn profile can help you stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself from other candidates. Your hobbies and interests can show potential employers that you have skills and qualities that can translate to the workplace.

For example, if you are a regular volleyball player, this can demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills. If you enjoy learning about new technologies, this can show that you are a self-starter and willing to embrace new challenges.

Additionally, showcasing your hobbies and interests can help you connect with like-minded professionals within your industry. This can lead to potential networking opportunities and even job referrals.

B. Other Online Platforms to Showcase Hobbies and Interests

LinkedIn is not the only online platform where you can showcase your hobbies and interests. In fact, you may want to consider different platforms depending on the nature of your interests.

For example, if you are interested in photography, Instagram or Flickr may be more appropriate platforms to display your work. If you are a writer or blogger, you may want to consider creating your own website or utilizing platforms like Medium or WordPress.

C. Optimizing the Online Profiles to Reflect Hobbies and Interests

When optimizing your online profile to reflect hobbies and interests, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

Firstly, be strategic about the hobbies and interests you choose to highlight. Consider how they relate to your career goals and the industry you’re in. Focus on the hobbies and interests that demonstrate your skills and qualities that align with your professional aspirations.

Secondly, be mindful of the tone and language you use when discussing your hobbies and interests. Avoid anything controversial or offensive, and keep the language professional yet approachable.

Finally, use multimedia to showcase your hobbies and interests. Including photos or videos can help bring your hobbies and interests to life and make them more engaging for potential employers.

By following these tips and best practices, you can effectively showcase your hobbies and interests on your online profiles, and maximize your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

How to Explain Hobbies and Interests in the Interview

When it comes to including hobbies and interests on your resume, it’s important to be prepared to discuss them during the interview process as well. Here are some tips for how to handle questions related to hobbies and interests during your interview:

Think about the hobbies and interests that you have listed on your resume. Why are these hobbies and interests important to you? What do you enjoy about them? How do they relate to the job you are applying for?
Consider the company culture and values. Are there any hobbies or interests that may align well with the company’s goals or values?
Anticipate potential follow-up questions. It’s important to not only be able to explain your hobbies and interests, but also relate them back to your qualifications for the job.

Be honest and genuine. Don’t try to fabricate interests just to impress the interviewer.
Relate your hobbies and interests back to the job you are applying for. For example, if you enjoy team sports, highlight how this has helped you develop communication and collaboration skills.
Share a story or anecdote related to your hobbies or interests. This can demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for these activities.

If asked about hobbies or interests that are not on your resume, be honest and explain why they were not included.
Be prepared to explain the benefits of your hobbies and interests beyond just personal enjoyment. For example, if you enjoy hiking, highlight how it helps you stay physically fit and mentally refreshed.
Emphasize how your hobbies and interests have helped you develop skills or qualities that will benefit the company.

Discussing your hobbies and interests during an interview can demonstrate a well-rounded personality and potentially align with the company culture. However, it’s important to be prepared to explain the benefits and relate them back to the job. By following these tips, you can effectively communicate how your hobbies and interests make you a great fit for the position.

How to Avoid Controversial Hobbies and Interests on Resumes

A. Understanding Controversial Hobbies and Interests

Hobbies and interests are a popular component of resumes, as they give recruiters an idea of your personality and extracurricular activities. But not all hobbies and interests are created equal. Certain activities may be seen as controversial or unprofessional and can hurt your chances of landing the job.

Controversial hobbies and interests are subjective and may vary based on cultural and social norms. However, some common controversial hobbies and interests include:

Political activism: While being politically active is often seen as a positive trait, it can also be polarizing and may lead to assumptions about your beliefs and values.
Extreme sports: While participating in extreme sports like skydiving or bungee jumping may show your courage and adventurous side, it may also make recruiters question your judgment and safety.
Religious activities: Including religious activities on your resume may open you up to discrimination or bias based on your beliefs.
Gaming: While gaming can be a fun and relaxing hobby, it may also be viewed as unproductive and a waste of time.

B. Identifying Controversial Hobbies and Interests

It’s important to be mindful of the potential impact of the hobbies and interests you include on your resume. To identify which hobbies and interests may be seen as controversial, consider the following:

Industry norms: Certain industries may have different expectations and norms when it comes to hobbies and interests. For example, if you’re applying for a job in finance, being an avid gambler may be seen as a red flag.
Employer culture: Look into the company culture and values of the employer you’re applying to. If they have a more traditional or conservative culture, you may want to avoid including anything that may be seen as too radical or provocative.
Personal preference: Ultimately, it comes down to your own judgment and personal preference. If you feel that a certain hobby or interest may be seen as controversial, it may be best to leave it off or downplay its significance.

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a great way to showcase your personality and interests outside of work. However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential impact of certain activities and to use your best judgment when deciding what to include.

Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume: Pros and Con