When writing a resume, most job seekers prioritize experience, education, and technical skills and rightly so. These are the core components that showcase your professional qualifications. However, one underrated and often overlooked section has the potential to strengthen your resume in subtle yet powerful ways: your hobbies and interests.
In today’s competitive job market, employers are not only assessing hard skills but also evaluating your personality, soft skills, and potential cultural fit. Including your hobbies and interests on a resume gives employers a glimpse into who you are beyond your job title. This section can humanize your application, show initiative, and make you more memorable.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to list hobbies and interests on a resume, when it makes sense to include them, what types of hobbies are most impactful, and which examples can help you leave a lasting impression.
Why Include Hobbies and Interests on a Resume?
You may be wondering if hobbies genuinely belong on a resume. The answer is yes, but only when they add meaningful value. While hobbies and interests are not a mandatory component of a resume, they can elevate your application when used strategically. Including personal interests shows that you are a well-rounded individual and may help recruiters visualize how you’d fit into the team or workplace culture.
This can be especially beneficial if you are a recent graduate with limited professional experience, transitioning into a new career field, or applying to a company that openly promotes a collaborative, people-first culture. Hobbies can also help bridge gaps in your resume by showcasing transferable skills like creativity, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and commitment.
However, it’s essential to be selective. Not every job or industry warrants a hobbies section. For example, suppose you are applying for a highly formal position in law, finance, or academia, and your resume is already filled with relevant accomplishments. In that case, you may want to consider skipping the hobbies section. But if you are applying to roles in marketing, tech, design, startups, or any company that values personality and innovation, listing the right interests can work in your favor.
Hobbies vs. Interests: What’s the Difference?
Before listing them, it’s essential to know the difference between hobbies and interests:
- Hobbies are activities you actively engage in during your free time, such as painting, hiking, or blogging.
- Interests are broader topics you’re passionate about or curious to learn more about (e.g., sustainability, public speaking, AI).
You can list both on your resume, but ensure they are relevant and showcase positive traits that are important for the job.
When and Where to Include Hobbies and Interests
Before adding hobbies and interests to your resume, consider how they reveal your personality. Hobbies can reveal how you spend your time and the soft skills you possess, such as creativity, discipline, or teamwork. Interests may highlight your curiosity or alignment with the company’s values or culture.
That said, this section isn’t always necessary. If you have strong work experience and relevant skills, those should take priority. However, hobbies and interests can be beneficial if you have limited professional experience, are transitioning into a new career, or are applying to a company that values individuality and cultural fit.
Always research the employer first. Some companies appreciate well-rounded candidates and encourage personal passions, while others may prefer a more formal approach. Including hobbies is most effective when they support the role you’re applying for and reflect traits that add value.
If you decide to include them, place this section at the bottom of your resume, after your experience, education, and skills. Use a simple header, such as “Hobbies and Interests,” and keep it brief; three to five thoughtful entries are sufficient. Be specific, relevant, and professional, avoiding vague or overly casual listings.
How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you do it right:
1. Create a Separate Section
Title it something clear and professional like:
- Hobbies and Interests
- Personal Interests
- Activities and Interests
Place this section at the bottom of your resume, after your work experience, skills, and education.
2. Be Specific
Instead of saying “music,” say “playing acoustic guitar in a local jazz band.” The more specific you are, the better the impression it makes.
Do this:
Painting landscapes in oil and acrylic
Building websites using HTML and CSS
Running half-marathons
Avoid this:
🎨 Art
💻 Tech
🏃♂️ Sports
3. Keep It Relevant
If possible, choose hobbies that:
- Align with the job or industry
- Show soft skills (like leadership, creativity, discipline)
- Demonstrate commitment and passion
For example, if you’re applying for a job in tech, listing side projects or coding boot camps can be a valuable addition. For marketing jobs, content creation hobbies like blogging or podcasting are a great fit.
4. Keep It Concise
List 3–5 hobbies or interests using bullet points or short phrases. Don’t write complete sentences.
Example Format:
Hobbies & Interests
• Travel blogging and digital photography
• Organizing community clean-up events and volunteering for sustainability programs
• Playing chess and participating in local strategy game tournaments
• Writing short fiction and maintaining a personal blog
• Learning foreign languages through online courses and language exchange groups
Examples of Hobbies and Interests for a Resume
To help you brainstorm, here are categorized examples of hobbies and interests:
Creative Hobbies
- Digital illustration
- Creative writing and blogging
- Photography (landscapes, portraits)
- Video editing and YouTube content creation
Why they work: They show imagination, innovation, and communication skills.
Tech & Digital
- Coding small apps (Python, JavaScript)
- Tech product reviews on a personal blog
- Building gaming PCs
- Following AI and machine learning trends
Why they work: These hobbies demonstrate technical curiosity and self-motivation through self-learning.
Communication & Leadership
- Hosting a podcast or YouTube channel
- Toastmasters membership (public speaking)
- Organizing local meetups or study groups
- Volunteered as a team leader
Why they work: Ideal for roles that require strong interpersonal skills.
Social Impact & Culture
- Volunteering at animal shelters or food banks
- Advocating for environmental causes
- Learning new languages
- Traveling and cultural exchange programs
Why they work: They show empathy, openness, and global awareness.
Physical & Wellness
- Long-distance running
- Yoga and mindfulness meditation
- Team sports (e.g., soccer, volleyball)
- Martial arts or personal training
Why they work: Reflects discipline, balance, and goal setting.
What NOT to Include as Hobbies on a Resume
As important as it is to know what to include, it’s equally important to know what not to list under hobbies and interests. Avoid overly generic or passive activities, such as “watching TV” or “scrolling through social media,” as these do not contribute anything meaningful to your resume.
It’s also wise to steer clear of any controversial topics, such as religion, politics, or anything that might offend others or raise concerns. Even if these subjects are personally meaningful, your resume is not the place to express polarizing opinions.
Avoid listing extreme or high-risk hobbies (such as skydiving or big-game hunting) unless they are directly relevant to the role and are handled in a professional manner. While you should never lie or exaggerate on a resume, you also don’t need to include every hobby, only the ones that strengthen your candidacy and relate in some way to the role or industry.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to list hobbies and interests on a resume is a tricky yet powerful way to elevate your brand. It enables you to showcase your soft skills, stand out in a competitive job market, and offer employers a more comprehensive understanding of who you are beyond your qualifications.
When writing this section, always aim for relevance, clarity, and authenticity. Select hobbies that align with your values, showcase transferable skills, and complement the job you’re applying for. Keep the section clean and professional, and place it near the bottom of your resume. Your interests tell a story. Make sure it’s one worth remembering.
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