When writing your resume, it’s easy to get bogged down in a laundry list of job experience and education. But did you know that including personal interests can actually make you a stronger candidate? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why personal interests are important to include on your resume, as well as the potential risks involved.

The Importance of Personal Interests on a Resume

Your personal interests can say a lot about you as a person, and can help differentiate you from other job candidates. They can show potential employers that you have a well-rounded personality, hobbies or skills that make you stand out, and may even indicate that you have a passion for something relevant to the job at hand. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job, including a hobby like photography or graphic design could demonstrate that you have an eye for aesthetics and can think creatively.

The Purpose of Including Personal Interests

One of the main purposes of including personal interests on your resume is to help you connect with potential employers on a more personal level. It’s important to remember that hiring managers aren’t just looking for a candidate who can do the job – they’re looking for someone who will fit in with their company culture and team dynamic. By sharing some of your personal interests, you can help show that you’re a well-rounded person who can bring a unique perspective and skillset to the team.

The Risks of Including Personal Interests on a Resume

While personal interests can definitely add depth and personality to your resume, it’s important to remember that there are some risks involved as well. First and foremost, you don’t want your personal interests to distract from your professional qualifications or lead employers to make assumptions about you that could hurt your chances of landing the job. Additionally, some personal interests could be seen as controversial or potentially offensive – for example, including hobbies related to politics or religion could be a red flag for some employers.

Including personal interests on your resume can be a great way to set yourself apart from other job candidates and showcase your unique skills and personality. However, it’s important to be strategic about which interests you choose to share, and to ensure that they support rather than detract from your professional qualifications.

What to Consider When Choosing Personal Interests

When creating or updating a resume, many job seekers may be tempted to fill the personal interests section with everything they enjoy doing. However, choosing the right personal interests can be a strategic way to showcase skills or traits that are important for the job.

A. Aligning Personal Interests with the Job Description

One way to choose relevant personal interests is to review the job description and highlight keywords or skills that the employer is seeking. Then, consider personal interests that align with those keywords. For example, if the job requires communication skills, highlighting personal interests such as public speaking or writing can demonstrate those skills.

Highlighting personal interests that align with the job can also show that the job seeker is passionate and dedicated to the field. For example, if the job is in the tech industry, highlighting interest in coding or attending tech conferences can demonstrate a willingness to stay current with industry trends.

B. Choosing Relevant and Appropriate Personal Interests

It’s important to choose personal interests that are not only relevant but also appropriate for the job. For example, if the job requires a lot of team collaboration, highlighting personal interests such as team sports or volunteer work can show that the job seeker enjoys working with others.

However, it’s important to consider the job culture and company values when selecting personal interests. For example, highlighting personal interests such as hunting or political activism may not be appropriate for all jobs or company cultures.

C. Avoiding Stereotypical and Generic Interests

Lastly, it’s important to avoid personal interests that are too common or generic, such as “reading” or “listening to music.” These personal interests may not add any value to the resume and can make the job seeker seem unoriginal.

Similarly, it’s important to avoid personal interests that can perpetuate stereotypes, such as “shopping” or “yoga,” which can reinforce gender or cultural biases. Instead, consider unique personal interests that can demonstrate skills or traits that are important for the job.

Choosing the right personal interests for a resume requires thought and consideration. Aligning personal interests with the job description, selecting appropriate personal interests for the job culture, and avoiding stereotypical and generic interests can make the resume stand out and showcase the job seeker’s potential.

Personal Interests that Demonstrate Skills

When it comes to building a strong resume, showcasing your personal interests can go a long way in demonstrating the skills and qualities that make you a valuable asset to a potential employer. Among the personal interests that can signal your ability to lead, innovate, communicate, and collaborate are:

A. Leadership and Organizational Skills

One way to communicate your leadership and organizational skills is to mention any experience you’ve had leading groups or projects outside of a formal work setting. For example, you might include volunteer work you’ve done as a team leader, a role you’ve played in organizing a community event, or leadership positions within an extracurricular group or club.

If you have a passion for leadership and organizational development, you might also consider mentioning any books, conferences, or workshops related to the subject you’ve attended or are currently pursuing.

B. Creativity and Innovation

Creative pursuits such as painting, writing, or music might not seem relevant to your professional life, but they can actually demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and generate fresh ideas. If you have any creative hobbies or interests, highlight them in your resume and explain how they inform your approach to problem-solving or project development.

Similarly, if you’ve participated in any innovation or entrepreneurship programs, mention those as well to showcase your ability to identify opportunities and take bold risks.

C. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Clear and effective communication is essential in any workplace. If you have experience in public speaking, writing, or developing content, incorporate these skills into your resume.

Highlight any volunteer work, club involvement, or other personal pursuits that have honed your communication skills. In addition, mention any language skills or cultural experiences that demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse groups of people.

D. Teamwork and Collaboration

No matter what industry you work in, the ability to work effectively with others is a must-have skill. If you’ve participated in team sports, community service projects, or group activities, highlight these experiences in your resume.

Be sure to describe any leadership or collaborative roles you played and the impact you had on the success of the team. Don’t forget to mention any skills or habits you developed during these experiences that make you an effective team player.

The personal interests you highlight in your resume should serve as evidence of the skills and qualities that make you a unique and valuable candidate. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and showcase your diverse talents—the right employer will recognize the value you bring to the table.

Personal Interests that Indicate Values

When it comes to crafting a compelling resume, including personal interests that indicate values can help you stand out from the crowd. In particular, interests that showcase philanthropy, volunteer work, environmentalism, sustainability, and cultural and diversity awareness demonstrate that you care about making a positive impact in the world around you.

A. Philanthropy and Volunteer Work

Being actively involved in philanthropic and volunteer work indicates that you have a sense of social responsibility and a desire to give back to your community. Including these interests on your resume can help potential employers see that you are committed to making a difference beyond your professional life.

For example, if you have volunteered at a local food bank or homeless shelter, you can highlight your organizational and communication skills by outlining the specific tasks you performed or the projects you organized. Similarly, if you have participated in fundraising efforts for a charity, you can demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively to achieve a common goal.

B. Environmentalism and Sustainability

With increased concern for climate change and sustainable living, demonstrating an interest in environmentalism and sustainability can resonate with potential employers seeking candidates who share these values. By highlighting your involvement in eco-friendly activities, you can showcase your dedication to creating a better future.

If you have participated in activities such as recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns, or conservation projects, you can emphasize your ability to work independently or as part of a team, and your commitment to sustainability. You may also mention any green initiatives you have taken in your personal life, such as composting, zero-waste living, or using alternative modes of transportation.

C. Cultural and Diversity Awareness

In today’s globalized and diverse world, cultural and diversity awareness is crucial in many industries. Showing that you have a strong interest and respect for other cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds can communicate that you are an inclusive and culturally sensitive candidate.

You can highlight your cultural interests, such as learning new languages, exploring different cuisines, or traveling to new places. You can also emphasize your involvement in community events that celebrate diversity and promote cultural exchange. By displaying your cultural and diversity awareness, you demonstrate that you possess a valuable skill set for working in an increasingly connected world.

Personal interests that indicate values can help you present a more complete and compelling image of yourself as a job candidate. By showcasing your commitment to philanthropy, environmentalism, sustainability, and cultural and diversity awareness, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are not only a skilled professional, but also a well-rounded, socially conscious individual.

Personal Interests that Demonstrate Professional Development

When it comes to writing a killer résumé, including personal interests and hobbies is often overlooked. However, certain personal interests demonstrate professional development and can become a critical consideration for recruiters and hiring managers.

Here are three personal interests that can help demonstrate professional development:

A. Continuing Education and Certifications

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s essential to continue learning and stay current with the latest trends and developments in your industry. By listing relevant continuing education courses and certifications, you can show employers that you’re proactive and committed to your professional development.

Whether it’s attending seminars, taking online courses, or participating in professional development programs, showcasing your commitment to gaining new knowledge and competencies can be a valuable asset to your résumé.

B. Involvement in Professional Associations and Organizations

Getting involved in professional associations and organizations provides you with opportunities to network, gain industry insights, and develop new skills. Active participation in such associations not only demonstrates your passion and commitment to your profession, but it also helps to build your reputation and personal brand.

When listing your involvement in professional associations or organizations on your résumé, be sure to highlight the position you held, the projects you worked on, and any leadership or team-building skills you developed.

Your hobbies and activities may seem unrelated to your career, but if you have a hobby that’s related to your industry, it can demonstrate your passion and interest in your profession. Clearly, listing hobbies that may put you at odds with the employer would not enhance your résumé, so be mindful of that.

For instance, if you’re an engineer, listing your hobby of building and tinkering with machines or inventing prototypes would be relevant to your profession. Listing your passion for photography as a hobby might not be directly relevant, but it does highlight skills such as attention to detail, creativity, and an eye for composition.

Personal interests can say a lot about you, beyond what’s on your résumé. By including personal interests that demonstrate your professional development, you can highlight some of your most valuable qualities in a way that convinces potential employers you’re the best person for the job.

Examples of Personal Interests for Various Industries

When crafting a resume, it’s always a good idea to include a section on personal interests. This not only adds personality to your professional profile, but it also helps potential employers get to know you beyond your work experience. Here are some examples of personal interests that might make sense to include in a resume for various industries.

A. Finance

If you’re applying for a job in finance, including personal interests that showcase financial acumen or an interest in money management can make you stand out as a candidate.

Investing: If you have experience researching and investing in stocks, mutual funds or cryptocurrency, this demonstrates knowledge about financial markets.
Leadership: If you have experience leading a team or volunteering as a financial advisor, this shows your ability to take charge and manage money effectively.
Economics: If you follow economic trends and regularly read financial publications like the Wall Street Journal, this shows an interest in the financial world.

B. Marketing

For a career in marketing, including hobbies and interests that show your creative, social or strategic skills can demonstrate your potential in the field.

Social Media: If you spend a lot of time on social media platforms and are knowledgeable about creating content that engages an audience, this makes you an attractive candidate for marketing roles.
Public Speaking: If you are comfortable with public speaking and have experience engaging an audience, this could translate into skills you can use in marketing presentations.
Photography: If you have a creative eye and can take high-quality images, this can highlight your artistic and visual skills that can be applied to marketing campaigns.

C. Technology

In the tech industry, including hobbies and interests that relate to programming, web development or software engineering can demonstrate a passion for the field.

Coding: If you enjoy learning programming languages or have experience creating websites or apps, this shows a strong technical background in the field.
Gaming: If you are interested in gaming and are knowledgeable about consoles, this can indicate an interest in technology and user experience.
Hackathons: If you partake in hackathons or attend tech events, this highlights your drive and commitment to the field.

D. Healthcare

For careers in healthcare, including personal hobbies and interests that reveal a passion for helping others can be a powerful tool to showcase your empathy and communication skills.

Volunteering: If you have volunteered at a hospital or a health-related organization, it shows your dedication to helping others and your understanding of the healthcare industry.
Fitness: If you are an athlete or have a passion for fitness, this shows your interest in healthy living and can translate to your work in the healthcare field.
Nutrition: If you have a personal interest in nutrition, you can bring this knowledge and experience to roles in healthcare, such as dieticians.

Including personal interests in a resume can help candidates stand out in the competitive job market.

How to List Personal Interests on a Resume

Including personal interests on a resume can help recruiters get to know you better as a candidate. Not only can it showcase your personality and character, but it can also demonstrate your skills and passions outside of work. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all personal interests belong on a resume, and there are certain guidelines to follow when including them.

A. Placement and Formatting

When deciding where to include personal interests on a resume, it is best to place them at the end of the document. This ensures that the focus remains on your professional experience and qualifications. Personal interests can be listed as a separate section, such as “Hobbies and Interests,” or they can be integrated into an existing section, such as the summary or skills section.

In terms of formatting, it is important to keep it simple and concise. Use bullet points to list your interests and avoid lengthy descriptions. Also, make sure that the font and size match the rest of the document to maintain consistency.

B. Language and Vocabulary

When describing personal interests on a resume, it is important to use appropriate language and vocabulary. Avoid using slang or technical jargon that may not be familiar to the reader. Instead, use simple and clear language that is easy to understand.

Also, try to tie your interests back to your professional life. For example, if you enjoy playing team sports, you can mention how it has taught you valuable skills such as communication and collaboration.

C. Including Personal Interests in Cover Letters

Personal interests can also be mentioned in a cover letter as a way to showcase your personality and differentiate yourself from other candidates. However, it is important to only include interests that are relevant to the job or company. Research the company culture and values to see if there are any shared interests or hobbies that you can mention.

When including personal interests in a cover letter, make sure to tie them back to your professional experience and qualifications. For example, if you enjoy volunteering, you can mention how it has taught you valuable skills such as leadership and problem-solving.

Including personal interests on a resume can help you stand out as a candidate, but it is important to do so in a strategic and appropriate manner. Place them at the end of the document, use simple language, and tie them back to your professional life. Additionally, mentioning relevant interests in a cover letter can further showcase your personality and qualifications.

Tips for Highlighting Personal Interests in Job Interviews

When preparing for a job interview, don’t overlook the importance of highlighting your personal interests. These interests can help showcase your personality, skills, and overall fit with the company culture. Here are some tips for incorporating personal interests into your job interview responses:

A. Incorporating Personal Interests into Responses

Be selective: Choose personal interests that are relevant to the job or company you are interviewing for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, mentioning your interest in social media could demonstrate your understanding of digital marketing.
Showcase your skills: Personal interests can also showcase skills that may be beneficial in the job you are applying for. For instance, if you enjoy playing team sports, emphasize your teamwork and collaboration skills.
Be honest: Don’t make up personal interests to try and impress your interviewer. If you don’t have any relevant interests, focus on your strengths and how they align with the job requirements.
Keep it concise: Don’t spend too much time discussing personal interests. The goal is to offer relevant information that demonstrates your fit with the company culture and the job requirements.

B. Demonstrating the Value of Personal Interests

Personal interests can add value to your job application in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:

Demonstrating passion: Your personal interests can showcase your passion for the industry or job you are applying for. For example, if you enjoy writing, it could demonstrate your passion for communications and marketing.
Highlighting unique skills: Personal interests can highlight unique skills that may not be listed on your resume. For example, playing a musical instrument may showcase your creativity or attention to detail.
Networking opportunities: If you share an interest with your interviewer, it could create a memorable connection and build a rapport. This can help you stand out from other job applicants.

Personal interests can add depth and personality to your job application. By incorporating them into your interview responses, you can showcase your fit with the company culture and your overall suitability for the job.

In today’s job market, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by highlighting your personal interests. Including these interests on your resume can show prospective employers that you are a well-rounded individual who brings unique experiences to the table. Social media offers a great platform to showcase your personal interests and give potential employers a glimpse into your personality.

A. Including Personal Interests on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking site that offers a specific section to showcase personal interests. This section can be found under the “Accomplishments” tab on your profile. It’s important to keep in mind that LinkedIn is a professional platform, so make sure that the interests you include align with your career goals.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you might mention your interest in social media and content creation. However, if you’re applying for a job in finance, you might want to highlight your interest in analyzing data or managing budgets.

While LinkedIn is a great place to showcase your personal interests, there are other social media platforms that can also be used to highlight your passions. For instance, if you enjoy photography, you might share your work on Instagram. Or, if you’re a writer, you might post articles or creative pieces on Medium.

One thing to keep in mind is to ensure your content is appropriate for each platform. While it’s important to show off your creativity and passions, you should still maintain a professional appearance. Additionally, it’s important to consider the audience of each platform. Make sure your content is relevant and engaging, and keep in mind the interests of your target audience.

While sharing personal interests online can be a great way to show off your personality and showcase your hobbies, it’s important to be aware of the risks and considerations involved.

For example, be cautious about sharing too much personal information or images. Think twice before sharing photos from a wild night out. Also, keep in mind that anything you post online can be accessed by potential employers, even if your profile is set to private.

It’s important to judge the tone of your content based on the platform you are sharing it on. For instance, Twitter is known for its more casual and snarky tone, while LinkedIn is more professional. Make sure to adjust your content and tone accordingly.

Lastly, be strategic about your online presence. Make sure your personal interests align with your career goals and reflect the image you want to present to potential employers.

Personal interests can be a great way to stand out on a resume, and social media provides an excellent opportunity to showcase these interests. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks and considerations involved in sharing personal information online.

Personal Interests to Include On a Resume in 2024