How to Find Interests & Hobbies to Add to Your Resume?

To find cool hobbies and resume interests to add, keep three subjects in mind: The team or department —is the hobby one that matches the team's personality? The company —do your interests match the organization's work ethic and culture? The hiring manager —can they relate to the activity or pastime you listed? To match the team, use the job ad. The job ad is your cheat sheet for writing a resume, whether you’re deciding which resume keywords to use or when adding a skills list . So, use it to guide your hobbies and interests area as well.

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130+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume in 2024

04/23/2024

130+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume in 2024

Q: Should You Put Hobbies and Interests on a Resume?

There are a lot of resume "golden rules" out there, but there's one that trumps them all Everything on your resume should increase your value as a candidate. You wouldn't list irrelevant skills for a job (like network security on a legal resume). So, don't put irrelevant hobbies, interests, or passions on your resume either. This is where a targeted resume is crucial.

Should you put hobbies on resumes? Explore our expert guide to find the perfect hobbies and interests to elevate your resume and learn the art of doing it like a pro.

Mariusz Wawrzyniak

Career Expert

You’ve probably heard these two conflicting opinions about putting hobbies and interests on a resume: "Add a list of hobbies to your resume so that recruiters know you're not boring," and "Don't add hobbies to your resume because no one cares, and you're wasting space."

Which one is right? I’ll show you. Just read on.

In this guide, you'll find out:

If you should put hobbies & interests on your resume.
How to add a list of hobbies and interests to a resume to grab the recruiter’s attention.
A top 10 list of interests to put in a resume for that extra oomph.
130+ additional examples of hobbies that will make your resume more unique.

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Resume example with a list of hobbies and interests

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What are Hobbies & Interests on a Resume?

Hobbies refer to activities or pastimes that you engage in for pleasure and personal satisfaction outside your professional life. These pursuits typically reflect your passions and recreational activities.

Meanwhile, interests encompass a broader range of topics, extending beyond leisure activities to include areas of curiosity, involvement, or engagement. Your interests may include professional and personal pursuits, showcasing your well-rounded nature.

While hobbies and interests are often used interchangeably, the key difference lies in the depth and scope of your engagement. Hobbies are what you do for fun, relaxation, or creative expression, whereas interests may include a mix of your personal and intellectual pursuits that you find both enjoyable and valuable. Both aspects contribute to presenting you as a well-rounded and multifaceted candidate on your resume.

Should You Put Hobbies and Interests on a Resume?

Choosing the right hobbies and interests can help you solidify your personal brand and prove your resume skills. Adding a “hobbies” resume section can benefit some job-seekers, especially those making a resume with no experience or an entry-level resume.

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

Relevance to the Job: If your hobbies and interests align with the job or demonstrate relevant skills, consider including them. For example, if you're writing a graphic design resume and enjoy photography as a hobby, it could showcase your creativity.
Highlighting Skills: Certain hobbies can reflect valuable hard and soft skills. For instance, being part of a team sport may indicate teamwork and collaboration skills. Meanwhile, 3D printing is a cool and modern hard skill that could be valuable to some engineering jobs.
Filling Employment Gaps: If you have employment gaps, relevant hobbies can be a way to demonstrate continuous learning or skill development during those periods.
Networking Opportunities: Shared hobbies with the hiring manager might create a connection, making your resume more memorable.

When to Avoid Adding Hobbies and Interests to Your Resume

Limited Space: If you have limited space on your resume (the best resume length is one page) and need to prioritize professional work experience, skills, your resume education, and other resume sections, it might be better to omit hobbies.
Generic Hobbies: Common hobbies like reading, traveling, or watching movies might not add significant value unless you can tie them to specific skills or relevant work experiences.
Irrelevant to the Job: If your hobbies are irrelevant to the job and don't add value to your application, it's generally better to leave them out.
Controversial Hobbies: Avoid including hobbies that might be controversial or polarizing, such as political activism or participating in wild parties, as they could potentially create bias.

Expert Hint: To ensure you have ample space to showcase hobbies and interests on a resume, choose one of the best one-page resume templates. Consider our two-column resume layouts, allowing you to fit the most information on a single page.

How to Include Hobbies & Interests on a Resume

Now that you know when to (and not to) add interests to your resume, I’ll show you how to go about it.

1. Research the Company for a Culture Fit

74% of employers hire for cultural fit. That’s why you should research the company culture before including hobbies and interests on your resume. Understand their values, mission, and work environment. This will allow you to narrow down the list of your potential resume passions and create a better targeted resume.

2. Choose Fitting Passions

Select examples of hobbies and interests that align with the job you're applying for. Consider how these passions can contribute to your professional persona and whether they resonate with the skills and attributes sought by the employer. For instance, hobbies like team sports or collaborative projects would be fitting if the role emphasizes teamwork.

3. Use Hobbies to Corroborate Your Skills & Experience

Leverage your hobbies on a resume to reinforce key skills and experiences. Align each hobby with specific qualities or competencies that the employer values. If applying for a role that requires leadership, mention leadership roles in hobby-related activities. Use examples of hobbies as evidence of your transferable skills, making them complementary to your professional achievements and qualifications.

4. Write Them Down the Right Way

Present your hobbies in a dedicated section on your resume, usually as the last part of your resume. Be concise and specific in your descriptions, avoiding generic terms. For impact, include descriptors of your hobbies.

For example, let’s see how to use the resume interest section to showcase leadership, communication, creativity, and time management skills:

Hobbies & Interests on a Resume—Example

Hobbies & Interests

Captain of a community soccer team, leading and motivating a diverse group of players.
Avid public speaker, regularly participating in Toastmasters meetings.
Passionate about graphic design and creating visually appealing digital art pieces.
Actively involved in volunteering for event planning committees.

With a hobbies section as good as this one, you might pass the recruitment even if your work experience is still developing.

Now, let’s move on to the best examples of interests and hobbies you can include on a resume.

Expert Hint: Want to make your resume even better? Who doesn’t? See our articles on how to make a standout resume and what resume mistakes to watch out for.

Top 10 Hobbies and Interests to Put on a Resume

1. Team Sports

Participation in team sports demonstrates teamwork, collaboration, and discipline. It highlights the ability to work harmoniously within a group, making it relevant for roles where interpersonal skills and cooperative efforts are crucial. This Swedish study even found a small correlation between listing exercise activities in job applications and an increase in call-back rates.

2. Photography

Photography showcases creativity, attention to detail, and an ability to capture and communicate visual narratives. This is particularly valuable in roles related to design, marketing, and any position where a keen visual perspective is highly sought after.

3. Blogging or Writing

Engaging in blogging or writing activities indicates strong written communication skills, a capacity to articulate ideas, and a commitment to effective storytelling. These benefit roles in content creation, marketing, communications, or any position requiring impactful written communication.

4. Community Involvement

Actively participating in community involvement demonstrates a commitment to social betterment and civic responsibility. It showcases your altruism and also often proves leadership skills. You can also showcase community involvement under a separate volunteering experience section. What’s important to note is that regular volunteers have a 27% higher chance of landing a job.

5. Coding

Engaging in coding or programming activities showcases technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to staying abreast of technological advancements. This is relevant for roles in IT, software development, or any position requiring technical expertise.

6. Learning Languages

Learning a foreign language demonstrates personal and intellectual development, cross-cultural understanding, and effective communication. Such skills are invaluable in roles where multilingual capabilities are an asset, such as international business or diplomatic positions. If you know several languages, show them underneath separate resume language sections.

7. Art

A strong engagement in art signifies a profound creative thinking aptitude, an appreciation for aesthetics, and the ability to express innovative and visually compelling ideas. Whether through painting, sculpture, or other artistic mediums, this hobby showcases your unique perspective and ability to think outside conventional boundaries, dedication to a task, and time management skills.

8. Outdoor Activities

Participating in outdoor activities signals an active lifestyle, resilience, and an appreciation for challenges. It's relevant for roles emphasizing physical fitness, teamwork, or outdoor engagement.

9. DIY

Engaging in DIY projects showcases a hands-on approach to problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to initiate and complete tasks independently. Whether it involves woodworking, crafting, home improvement, or electronics, a DIY hobby underscores practical skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to take on challenges. A recent construction specialist shortage is one reason for the importance of DIY skills.

10. Public Speaking

A public speaking hobby on a resume demonstrates proficiency in articulating ideas, effective communication skills, and the confidence to address and engage audiences. Whether through participation in Toastmasters, delivering presentations, or hosting events, this hobby showcases strong verbal communication, persuasion, and leadership abilities. Overcoming a fear of public speaking can also result in a raise or a promotion.

Expert Hint: You don’t need to stick to talking about your hobbies only in your resume. Learn how to write a great cover letter or a letter of motivation. Both are a great way to show your cultural fit and personal passions.

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120+ Resume Hobbies and Interests—Examples

I’ve shown you a list of some of the best hobbies you can include on a resume, but there are hundreds of others to pick from. See the expansive list below:

1. Hobbies & Interests for Technology Enthusiasts

Building and customizing PCs
Programming
Mobile app development
Ethical hacking and cybersecurity
Participating in hackathons
VR and AR development
Robotics and automation
Open-source software contributions
Raspberry Pi projects
AI and machine learning experiments
Smart home automation
Drone building and piloting

2. Finance Hobbies for Resume

Stock market analysis
Cryptocurrency trading
Investment portfolio management
Financial blogging
Personal finance advising
Participating in finance forums
Budget planning for personal finance
Volunteering for financial literacy programs
Investment club memberships
Attending financial seminars and webinars
Conducting economic research
Angel investing in startups

3. Creative Arts & Design Resume Interests

Digital and traditional art creation
Photo editing
Graphic design and illustration
Typography and font design
Creative writing and storytelling
DIY crafting and home decor
Interior design projects
Participating in art exhibitions
Animation and video creation
Performing arts (acting, dancing, or singing)
Blogging about design trends
Attending design workshops
Miniature painting
Leatherworking

4. Fitness Hobbies and Interests

Marathon running or triathlons
Yoga and meditation
Personal training or coaching
Healthy cooking and meal planning
Cycling and mountain biking
Group fitness classes
CrossFit and high-intensity training
Hiking and outdoor adventures
Charity fitness events
Plant-based nutrition advocacy
Mindfulness practices
Fitness blogging or vlogging

5. Hobbies & Interests for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Rock climbing and bouldering
Camping and survival
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Kayaking and canoeing
Skiing or snowboarding
Mountain climbing and trekking
Surfing
Wildlife photography
Participating in adventure races
Landscape painting or sketching
Geocaching
Traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations

6. Music Interests for Resume

Playing a musical instrument
Composing and arranging music
Singing or vocal training
Theatre acting or directing
Dance classes or choreography
Sound engineering and production
Concert or event organizing
Podcasting or radio hosting
Music theory and analysis
Busking or street performing
Attending live performances
Film score composition

7. Social Work Hobbies for Resume

Fundraising for charities
Volunteering at local shelters
Mentoring programs for at-risk youth
Environmental conservation efforts
Disaster relief volunteering
Community garden initiatives
Organizing blood donation drives
Working with animal rescue organizations
Participating in human rights advocacy
Sustainable living projects

8. Reading & Learning Hobbies for a Resume

Book club memberships
Creative writing and poetry
Philosophy discussions
Historical research and reading
Scientific journals and articles
Literary criticism blogging
Intellectual debates or forums
Educational podcasting or vlogging
Attending author talks and lectures
Podcasting about science or history
Competitive trivia or quiz events
Researching and writing academic papers

9. Marketing Resume Interests

Social media strategy development
Running personal blogs or websites
SEO optimization for personal blog
Google Analytics and data analysis
A/B testing for marketing campaigns
Creating and managing online ad campaigns
Email marketing for personal projects
In-depth knowledge of various marketing tools
Networking at industry events or meetups
Content creation for personal branding
Conducting market research for personal ventures
Staying updated on the latest marketing trends

10. “Other” Resume Hobbies and Interests

Cooking classes
Homebrewing or winemaking
Calligraphy
Stand-up comedy
Gardening
Stargazing
Origami
Historical reenactment
Astrology
Continuous learning and improvement
Chess
Performing magic tricks
Playing competitive board games

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Key Points

When putting hobbies and interests on your resume, remember:

Only include activities and passions that increase your value as a candidate, show your culture fit, and are relevant to the position.
Don’t add more than five hobbies and interests to your resume.
Make the hobbies section the final area of your resume (bottom).

Do you have any questions on how to add a list of hobbies and interests for resumes? Not sure which activities or passions are relevant? Let’s chat below in the comments, and thanks for reading!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Hobbies and Interests

What interests and hobbies to put on a resume?

Choose the most relevant hobbies and interests for your specific situation. Choose hobbies that demonstrate work skills and relevant experiences that match the job. For instance, if the role demands leadership skills, highlight hobbies where you led teams or organized events.

How to display interests and hobbies on a resume?

Add a dedicated resume section titled "Hobbies & Interests" or "Personal Interests" at the end of your resume.
Limit the number of hobbies listed to a maximum of five.
Ensure that the interests are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Provide detailed descriptors of your passions to create a more impactful resume.

How can hobbies and interests help stand out in the job market?

Hobbies provide a glimpse into your personality beyond professional skills. They humanize you and make you more relatable to employers. Certain hobbies can demonstrate valuable soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, creative thinking, and time management. Shared hobbies or interests with potential employers can also create a connection. It provides a conversation starter during interviews and helps form a more memorable impression.