How to Put Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume: A Complete Guide

One common misconception about resumes is that hobbies and interests have no place. In fact, putting the right hobbies on your resume or CV can set you apart from other applicants and showcase your personality. A well-chosen hobby can even highlight soft skills that might be crucial for the job you’re applying for.

That said, not all resumes need hobbies and interests, and not every hobby is appropriate for a professional CV.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about putting hobbies and interests on your resume, covering when and how to list them, the best hobbies to mention, and tips to keep in mind when tailoring your CV for a job application.

Should You Put Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?

The answer depends on your specific situation. If you have years of professional experience and your resume is filled with relevant achievements, putting hobbies may not be necessary. Your qualifications should speak for themselves. To get more tips on creating a standout resume, check out our 7 tips for making your resume stand out.

However, if you’re a recent graduate or someone with limited work experience, hobbies can serve as a way to fill in gaps and showcase your character. They can also give hiring managers a glimpse of your personality beyond your technical skills.

But how do you know when to add a hobbies section to your resume? Consider these scenarios:

• You have room on your resume: If your resume is still short after adding work experience, skills, and education, putting a few hobbies can fill the gap.
• Your hobbies demonstrate relevant skills: If your hobbies showcase soft skills like leadership, creativity, or communication, they can strengthen your resume.
• The job emphasizes company culture: If the company you’re applying to puts an emphasis on employees’ personalities and teamwork, your hobbies can help illustrate how you’d fit in.
• The job posting mentions hobbies: Some companies might explicitly ask for interests and hobbies as part of their hiring process, especially in creative or team-oriented industries.

Difference Between Hobbies and Interests

Before diving into what hobbies to include, it’s important to understand the difference between hobbies and interests:

• Hobbies: are activities you actively engage in, like photography, painting, or hiking. They demonstrate how you spend your free time and often showcase soft skills like creativity or discipline.
• Interests: are subjects or topics that you’re fascinated by but may not actively participate in, like ancient history, classical music, or astronomy.

Both can add value to your resume if they align with the job you’re applying for. The key is knowing how to present them in a way that benefits your job application.

When to Put Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

• You still have space after adding all the essential resume sections (contact information, work experience, education, and skills).
• You have limited work experience or are applying for your first job.
• The company values employee personality and creativity.
• Your hobbies align with job requirements, showcasing relevant skills like teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving.

12 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put on Your Resume

• Community Involvement/Volunteering: This demonstrates initiative, empathy, and leadership —qualities that many employers value.
• Writing: This hobby highlights communication skills, especially useful in roles that require writing, editing, or documentation.
• Blogging: Shows self-motivation, creativity, and the ability to manage projects independently.
• Learning Languages: Employers appreciate candidates who can communicate in multiple languages, especially in roles that involve international interactions.
• Photography: Demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and an eye for detail.
• Traveling: Highlights adaptability, cultural awareness, and organizational skills.
• Sports: Showcases teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
• Reading: Demonstrates a thirst for knowledge and the ability to focus, which is useful for research-intensive roles.
• Playing a Musical Instrument: Showcases creativity, patience, and the ability to concentrate.
• Yoga: Highlights mental clarity, stress management, and focus—attributes valued by most employers.
• Art: Demonstrates creativity and imagination, skills highly sought after in industries like design, advertising, and marketing.
• Dancing: Improves collaboration skills and shows discipline.

How to Put Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

• Create a separate section: Label it “Hobbies and Interests” and place it at the bottom of your resume. The section should complement the more critical parts of your resume, like your work experience and skills.
• List only relevant hobbies: Focus on hobbies that relate to the job you’re applying for. Tailor this section by researching the company and identifying which traits are valued.
• Be specific: Instead of listing generic hobbies like “reading” or “sports,” be more detailed. For example, say “Reading classic literature” or “Playing competitive basketball.” This gives hiring managers more insight into your personality.
• Keep it brief: Limit the hobbies section to 4-6 items. Including too many can make it look like you’re trying to fill space.

40 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put on Your Resume

Here’s a list of 40 Best Hobbies and Interests to put on your resume, categorized based on the type of personality they reflect. These hobbies can showcase your unique skills, strengths, and how they align with the job you’re applying for.

• Writing
• Blogging
• Photography
• Graphic design
• Sketching
• Painting
• Playing a musical instrument
• Creative writing (poetry, short stories, etc.)
• Podcasting
• Video editing

• Basketball
• Football
• Running (marathons, triathlons)
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Yoga
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Skiing
• Climbing (rock climbing, mountaineering)

• Volunteering
• Public speaking
• Mentoring or coaching
• Organizing community events
• Networking groups (professional or social)
• Board games (strategic or competitive)
• Dance (ballroom, hip hop, etc.)
• Theater/Acting
• Book clubs
• Language learning groups

• Archery
• Calligraphy
• Gardening
• Bird watching
• Journaling
• Brewing (coffee, beer, etc.)
• Astronomy
• Baking or Cooking
• Fencing

These hobbies offer a mix of creativity, teamwork, physical activity, and personal interests that can make your resume stand out, depending on the job you’re applying for. Be sure to pick ones that reflect your personality and align with the skills the employer is looking for.

Ready to get started? Use our professionally designed resume templates to create a resume that’s guaranteed to grab attention and make a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

With these strategies, you're well on your way to crafting a resume that can stand out in today's competitive job market.