As a job seeker, you might have come across the “Hobbies and Interests” section of a resume, and wondered why this section is included. Though some may view hobbies as irrelevant, this section can be a valuable asset in showcasing skills and personal qualities that make you stand out from the competition.
The following article will explore how listing hobbies and interests on a resume can improve your job prospects, and offer tips on how to present this section effectively. Our goal is to help job seekers understand the importance of highlighting their hobbies and interests and to demonstrate how doing so can add additional value to their candidacy.
So let’s dive in!
Understanding the Role of Hobbies on Your Resume
Hobbies can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially when listed correctly. They can showcase important skills, add personality to your application, and distinguish you from other candidates. In this section, we will explore the various ways hobbies can enhance your resume and how to present them effectively.
How the Hobby Section Adds Skills
Listing your hobbies on your resume can do more than show your extracurricular interests. They can also highlight skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a sales position, your skills in public speaking and networking can be showcased through your hobby of Toastmasters. Similarly, if you are applying for a freelance writing role, sharing your blogging hobby can help to demonstrate your writing skills and expertise.
Most Effective Ways to Present Hobbies
When listing hobbies on your resume, it’s important to present them in a structured and organized manner. Here are some of the effective ways to list hobbies:


- Bullet Points: List your hobbies as bullet points under your “Interests” or “Activities” section. This makes them easy to read and scan by hiring managers and recruiters.
- Grouping: Group your hobbies based on category, such as sports, volunteering, or creative pursuits. This helps to highlight the diversity of your interests and skills.
- Relevance: Only list hobbies that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Avoid hobbies that may be controversial or unrelated to the job.
How Hobbies Can Show Personality
Sharing your hobbies on your resume can also reveal your personality to potential employers. These interests can help to add personality to your otherwise dry, professional application. For instance, if you are applying for a creative or arts-based role, sharing your love for film and theater can demonstrate your passion for the arts.
Importance of Selecting the Right Hobbies
Lastly, it’s crucial to select the right hobbies when listing them on your resume. The wrong hobbies can be detrimental or irrelevant to your application. When selecting hobbies, consider its relevance to the job, whether it showcases transferable skills, and whether it can be a conversation starter during the interview process. It’s critical to remember that your hobbies can make or break your resume, so choose them wisely.
Listing hobbies on your resume can be an excellent strategy to enhance your application. It can showcase your skills, add personality, and help you stand out from other applicants. By following the tips we’ve shared in this section, you can present your hobbies in the best way possible and improve your chances of landing your dream job.
Choosing the Best Hobbies to Add on Your Resume
When listing your hobbies on your resume, it’s important to consider how relevant they are to the job you’re applying for. This is especially important if you’re hoping to use your hobbies to showcase skills or traits that are valuable in the workplace. A hobby that’s irrelevant to the job or the skills required for the job might not add much value to your resume.
Importance of Relevancy
Relevant hobbies can show an employer what you’re passionate about, and how that passion might translate to your work. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires strong leadership skills, listing hobbies that involve leading a group of people or managing a project could give you a leg up.
How to Identify Relevant Hobbies
Think about the particular skills or traits that are required for the job, and consider how your hobbies might demonstrate those skills or traits. If you’re not sure what the job requires, take a look at the job description or do some research on similar roles.
Tips to Pick the Best Hobbies
When selecting which hobbies to include in your resume, it’s helpful to choose those that demonstrate achievement, leadership, or creativity. These hobbies show that you are a well-rounded individual with a diverse set of skills. It’s also important to choose hobbies that you’re passionate about, as this passion is often evident in how you talk about and engage with the activity.
How to Enhance Hobbies to Make Them More Fitting for the Job
If you’re passionate about a hobby but don’t feel like it directly relates to the job, you can enhance it in a way that makes it more fitting for the role. For example, if you enjoy playing video games but you’re applying for a job in data analysis, you could emphasize the analytical skills required to strategize and win games.
When choosing the best hobbies to list on your resume, ensure they are relevant to the job, demonstrate valuable skills or traits, and showcase your passions. If you have a hobby that seems unrelated to the job, find creative ways to demonstrate how it can be applied to the role.
Format of the Hobbies Section on Your Resume
When drafting your resume, it’s important to consider whether or not to include a hobbies section. This section can help showcase your personality and interests, but it’s crucial to format it effectively. Here’s a closer look at the format of the hobbies section and what to include:
Where to Add the Hobbies Section
The best place to add your hobbies section is toward the end of your resume, after your work experience and education sections. While the hobbies section isn’t always necessary, it can benefit job seekers who are looking to show off their well-roundedness and unique interests.
What to Include and What to Avoid Including
When drafting your hobbies section, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be brief and to the point. Avoid trying to list every hobby or interest you have, as it can come off as unfocused and unprofessional. Instead, choose two or three hobbies that could be relevant to the job you’re applying for.


For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you could mention that you enjoy exploring branding techniques or attending industry conferences. On the other hand, avoid mentioning anything too controversial or divisive, such as political affiliations or religious beliefs.
How to Write it Effectively
It’s important to remember that the hobbies section shouldn’t be the focus of your resume. Keep it brief, and use it as an opportunity to introduce yourself in a positive light. When formatting your hobbies section, consider using bullet points or short sentences to keep it organized and concise.
Different Resume Formats and How They Include a Hobbies Section
Different resume formats can vary in how the hobbies section is presented. In chronological resumes, the hobbies section may be placed at the bottom after work experience and education, while functional resumes may include it at the top as a way to highlight skills and interests.
The key takeaway is to keep the hobbies section brief and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It can be a great way to add some personal flair to your resume, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t distract from your professional experience and qualifications.
Top Hobbies to Add on Your Resume
Your hobbies can say a lot about you as a person and a potential employee. They offer a glimpse into your personality, interests, and skills. Including hobbies on your resume can make you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique strengths. Here are some popular hobbies to consider adding to your resume, and how they can benefit your job prospects.
List of popular hobbies to include
- Running or participating in marathons: This shows dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
- Volunteer work: This demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community and the ability to work with others towards a common goal.
- Creative pursuits (e.g. painting, writing, music): These hobbies highlight your artistic side and can demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to think outside the box.
- Team sports (e.g. basketball, soccer): This shows that you work well within a team, can communicate effectively, and understand the importance of collaboration.
- Traveling: This can represent a global perspective, cultural awareness, and adaptability to new situations and environments.
How each hobby can benefit the job prospects
- Running or participating in marathons: Demonstrates perseverance, goal orientation, and discipline, which are qualities that can transfer to the workplace.
- Volunteer work: Shows a commitment to helping others and the ability to work well with diverse groups of people – qualities that are highly valued in many work environments.
- Creative pursuits (e.g. painting, writing, music): These hobbies can reflect a broader set of skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and creativity, attributes highly valued in industries like marketing, advertising, and even finance.
- Team sports (e.g. basketball, soccer): Shows the ability to work as part of a team, communication skills, and a competitive nature. All these attributes are highly sought after by employers looking for team-oriented individuals who can work together to accomplish common objectives.
- Traveling: Demonstrates a global perspective, cultural awareness, and the ability to be adaptable and open to new experiences – all highly desirable qualities in today’s multicultural workplaces.
How to discuss the listed hobbies in the interview
During a job interview, discuss your hobbies in a way that will show how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Be authentic and enthusiastic about your hobbies, but don’t go overboard. Don’t let your hobbies detract from your professional qualifications, but rather add an extra dimension to your overall profile that can make you a more memorable candidate.
- Running or participating in marathons: Explain how this hobby has helped you build endurance and discipline, which could translate well into a driven and focused team member.
Hobbies and Your Job
When it comes to crafting a strong resume, listing your hobbies may not initially seem like a priority. However, incorporating your hobbies can actually be a valuable addition to your job application in several ways.
One way hobbies can enhance your job application is by showing how they match the job description. For example, if you’re applying to be an outdoor educator, including hiking or kayaking as a hobby can demonstrate your experience and passion for working outdoors.
Additionally, the inclusion of hobbies can increase your chances of getting a job. Many employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who are passionate about life outside of work. If you share a hobby with the hiring manager or recruiter, it can create a connection and make you stand out among other applicants.
Finally, hobbies can convey passion and interest, showcasing traits that are highly sought after by employers. For example, if you’re an avid reader, it may suggest that you have strong critical thinking and analytical skills. If you’re a musician, it could indicate your creativity and ability to think outside the box.
Including hobbies on your resume can be a compelling way to demonstrate your personality, interests, and skills beyond your work experience. However, it’s important to remember to keep it relevant and professional. If your hobbies don’t align with the job you’re applying for, it’s best to leave them off.
Unique and Creative Hobbies to Add on Your Resume
In today’s competitive job market, job seekers are always looking for ways to stand out from the competition. One way to do this is by adding unique and creative hobbies to your resume. Not only do they catch the eye of potential employers, but they can also show off your multitasking and adaptability skills.
Here are some creative yet professional hobbies that you can add to your resume:
- Photography: Photography is not only a great hobby but also a useful skill to have in many industries. It shows that you have an eye for detail and can capture and edit images to create a desired effect.
- Writing: If you enjoy writing short stories or blogging, consider adding it to your list of hobbies. Writing not only shows your creativity but also your communication skills and attention to detail.
- Volunteering: Volunteering for a local charity or organization shows that you are committed to making a difference in your community. It also shows that you can work well with others and can adapt to new situations.
- Foreign language: If you are fluent in a foreign language or learning one, make sure to include it in your hobbies section. Knowing a foreign language is an invaluable skill in today’s global economy and can open up many job opportunities.
- Cooking: Cooking is not only a relaxing hobby but also shows your ability to multitask and think on your feet. It also demonstrates that you are capable of following instructions, improvising when necessary, and adapting to new scenarios.
These hobbies show that you have skills that can be applied to various job positions. They also show your multitasking and adaptability skills, which are essential in any workplace. By adding creative and unique hobbies to your resume, you are proving to potential employers that you are a well-rounded individual who can handle anything that comes your way.
Adding unique and creative hobbies to your resume is an excellent way to stand out from the competition. Make sure to include hobbies that show your skills, such as photography, writing, volunteering, foreign language, and cooking. These hobbies not only demonstrate your creativity but also showcase your multitasking and adaptability skills, making you a valuable addition to any workplace.
Example of Listing Hobbies on a Resume
If you’re considering including a hobbies section on your resume, it can be helpful to see some examples of how other job seekers have approached this section. Here are some sample resumes featuring hobbies sections and explanations of each listed hobby:
Sample Resume #1
Hobbies Section:
- Running
- Reading
- Photography
This job seeker has taken a straightforward approach to listing their hobbies. They have included three interests that are relatively common and don’t require in-depth explanations. The running hobby can suggest that the candidate is committed to their fitness and well-being, while the reading and photography hobbies suggest that they enjoy spending time in solitary activities.
Sample Resume #2
Hobbies Section:
- Competitive swimming: 5-time national champion
- Playing guitar in a local band
- Volunteering at the animal shelter
This job seeker has used their hobbies section to showcase some impressive achievements related to their interests. The mention of being a 5-time national champion in competitive swimming could catch the attention of a potential employer and suggest that this candidate is highly driven and dedicated. The mention of playing in a local band suggests that they have a creative outlet outside of work. Finally, the mention of volunteering at the animal shelter shows that they have a giving nature and are willing to give up their free time for a good cause.
Sample Resume #3
Hobbies Section:
- Hiking and camping
- Traveling to new countries
- Learning languages
This job seeker has used their hobbies section to highlight their adventurous spirit and curiosity. The hiking and camping hobby suggests that they are comfortable with physical challenges and enjoy spending time in nature. The traveling hobby suggests that they have a desire to explore new cultures and see new places. Finally, the language learning hobby suggests that they have a drive to constantly learn and improve themselves.
When listing hobbies on a resume, it’s important to consider how they might be perceived by a potential employer. Are they relevant to the job you’re applying for? Do they demonstrate qualities like dedication, creativity, or a willingness to learn? By carefully selecting and explaining your hobbies, you can use this section to further showcase your strengths and interests to a prospective employer.
Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Hobbies on Your Resume
When it comes to listing hobbies on your resume, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can not only make your resume look unprofessional and cluttered but can also impact your chances of getting the job. This section will discuss these errors and how to avoid them.
Common Mistakes
Including Irrelevant Hobbies: One of the common mistakes that many job seekers make is including hobbies that are not relevant to the job they are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a job in Finance and list “Baking” as a hobby, it may not be pertinent to the role.
Listing Too Many Hobbies: Listing too many hobbies can make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional. It is recommended to list only 2-3 hobbies that are relevant to the job and showcase your skills.
Being Too Vague: Being too vague about your hobbies can make it difficult for the recruiter to understand how they relate to the job. For instance, listing “Traveling” as a hobby may not provide a clear picture of your skills.
Impact on your Job Application
Listing irrelevant or too many hobbies can have a negative impact on your job application. Recruiters may consider your resume as disorganized, unprofessional, and may put your application into the “no” pile. Furthermore, if the job requires certain skills and you list hobbies that do not support those skills, it can indicate that you are not the right candidate for the role.
How to Avoid these Mistakes
To avoid these mistakes and increase your chances of getting the job, here are some tips:
Tailor your Hobbies to the Job: Consider the job requirements, company culture, and industry trends when listing your hobbies. Choose hobbies that showcase your skills, personality, and interests and demonstrate how they relate to the job.
Be Specific: Instead of being too vague, provide specific information about your hobbies. If you list “Running” as a hobby, mention that you have completed a half-marathon or regularly participate in charity runs.
Limit the Hobbies Listed: List only 2-3 hobbies that are relevant to the job and highlight your skills. This will make your resume look organized, clean, and professional.
Listing hobbies on your resume can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills, but it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your job application. By tailoring your hobbies to the job, being specific and limiting the hobbies listed, you can increase your chances of getting the job.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Hobbies on a Resume
If you’re wondering about how to list hobbies on your resume, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries about including hobbies on a resume:
Common queries about including hobbies in a resume
Q: Should I include hobbies in my resume at all?
A: It depends on the company culture and the position you’re applying for. In some cases, hobbies can be seen as irrelevant or even distracting. However, in some fields, certain hobbies could demonstrate your relevant skills or traits. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, mentioning that you enjoy photography might be beneficial. Always consider the company culture and requirements of the position before including hobbies.
Q: How much detail should I include about my hobbies?
A: Keep it brief and to the point. You don’t want to dedicate too much space on your resume to your hobbies. It’s generally enough to provide a short description of your hobby and maybe mention any awards or achievements related to it.
Q: Can I mention controversial hobbies?
A: Use your discretion. If your hobby is something that could be seen as offensive or unprofessional, it’s better to leave it out. Remember that your resume is a reflection of you as a person and a professional.
How to handle potential awkwardness when discussing hobbies
Sometimes, the idea of discussing personal interests or hobbies in a professional setting can feel awkward. Here are some tips to handle that potential awkwardness:
- Emphasize the relevance of your hobbies to the position you’re applying for. This will help the hiring manager see your hobbies in a different light.
- Don’t worry too much about it. Remember that everyone has hobbies, and there’s nothing wrong with sharing yours.
How to figure out the relevance of the hobby
When you’re deciding whether to include a particular hobby or not, it’s important to consider its relevance to the position you’re applying for. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Is there a clear connection between your hobby and the skills required for the position?
- Will including this hobby add value to your resume, or will it detract from it?
- Does this hobby speak to your overall character or work ethic?
By answering these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether to include the hobby on your resume.
Tips to Maximize the Impact of Your Hobbies Section
Your hobbies section may seem like a small and inconsequential part of your resume, but it can actually be a valuable tool in showcasing your personality and highlighting skills that may not be immediately apparent from your work experience. Here are some tips to make your hobbies section top-quality and stand out to potential employers:
1. Choose your hobbies carefully
When selecting hobbies to include on your resume, think about what skills and interests you want to emphasize. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, listing hobbies like painting or writing can demonstrate your creative abilities. If you’re applying for a job in a team-oriented industry, including hobbies like sports or volunteering can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.
2. Be specific and descriptive
Avoid listing generic hobbies like “reading” or “watching Netflix.” Instead, be specific about the types of books you read or the genres of movies and shows you enjoy. This can give potential employers a better idea of your interests and personality.
3. Highlight unique hobbies
If you have hobbies that are less common or unique, don’t be afraid to include them. This can make you stand out from other applicants and show that you have interests beyond the typical ones.
4. Tailor your hobbies section to the industry
Different industries may value different hobbies, so make sure to customize your hobbies section to match the industry you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying for a job in the tech industry, including hobbies like coding or building computers can demonstrate your technical skills and interest in the field.
5. Show how your hobbies relate to the job
When listing your hobbies, try to find ways to connect them to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a marketing manager, including hobbies like blogging or social media management can demonstrate your marketing and communication skills.
Your hobbies section can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. By choosing your hobbies carefully, being specific and descriptive, highlighting unique hobbies, tailoring your hobbies section to the industry, and showing how your hobbies relate to the job, you can create a top-quality section that stands out and sets you apart from other applicants.
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