How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume (With Examples)

Including your hobbies and interests on your resume can provide hiring managers with insight into your personality, passions, and potential cultural fit within the company. This aspect of your resume can be particularly advantageous if you are early in your career or transitioning to a new field. In this article, we will guide you on how to effectively incorporate hobbies and interests into your resume, along with examples for your reference.

Key Takeaways

• Highlight hobbies that showcase both your soft and hard skills.
• Tailor the hobbies and interests you include to match the company culture.
• Avoid listing any hobbies that are controversial, illegal, or dangerous.

How to List Interests and Hobbies on Your Resume

To effectively list your hobbies and interests on your resume, begin by researching the company and the specific role you are applying for. Choose hobbies that resonate with the company’s values and highlight relevant skills. Position this section as a bulleted list at the end of your resume.

Follow these steps to include your interests and hobbies:

1. Research the Company. Understand what the organization values by reviewing its “About Us” page, LinkedIn profile, and other public communications. This insight will help you choose hobbies that align with the company culture.
2. Understand the Role. Carefully review the job description, focusing on the required soft skills and personality traits. Reflect on how your hobbies might relate to these desired characteristics.
3. Choose Hobbies That Emphasize Your Skill Set. Highlight outside-of-work activities that reinforce the skills listed on your resume. Utilize your research to determine which skills are most relevant to emphasize.
4. Create a Dedicated Section. Title this section “Hobbies and Interests” and place it at the end of your resume, typically following your education or skills sections.
5. List 2-5 Hobbies. Format each hobby as a bullet point, keeping each entry concise—ideally one line long. Include at least two but no more than five hobbies.

Here’s an example format:

When to Include a List of Interests and Hobbies on Your Resume

Consider including a list of interests and hobbies when you have limited experience, when the job specifically requests it, or when your interests align closely with the job description.

• When you lack extensive industry experience.
• If you are just entering the job market with little to no professional background.
• When the job description explicitly requests applicants to list interests or hobbies.
• If your hobbies and interests closely match the job’s requirements and responsibilities.
• When the employer expresses interest in learning more about applicants’ personalities.

Examples of Interests and Hobbies to List on a Resume

Now that we understand how and when to list your interests and hobbies, let’s explore examples that can guide you in creating your own:

1. Violin

   Over 10 years of experience playing the violin, including three years with a local band.

2. Chess

   Regular competitor in local and state chess tournaments to enhance strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Hiking

   Enthusiastic hiker and mountaineering guide, leading groups to over two dozen peaks exceeding 14,000 feet.

4. International Travel

   Organize annual overseas trips to broaden my cultural understanding and language skills.

5. Yoga

   Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga for over five years in group settings.

6. Blogging

   Founder of the “Denver Food Hub” blog, focusing on emerging culinary trends, with over 25,000 subscribers since its 2015 launch.

7. Volunteering

   Active volunteer at local soup kitchens and food banks, organizing events such as the annual Thanksgiving 5K.

8. Stage Theater

   Actor with four years of experience in productions at the Albrington Theatre.

9. Hockey

   Experienced hockey player (left winger) and volunteer coach for youth hockey teams (ages 6-12).

10. Photography

    Photographer with eight years of experience specializing in family and graduation portraits, with published nature photography.

11. Foreign Language

    Studying Spanish through college courses and volunteer work as a translator at a local hospital.

12. Pottery

    Create pottery pieces and participate in classes to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills.

13. Robotics

    Compete in national team robotics competitions twice a year.

14. Biking

    Regularly bike 14+ miles three times a week with local biking clubs.

How to Decide Whether to Include a Hobby or Interest on Your Resume

When deciding whether to include a hobby or interest, ensure its relevance to the position. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this hobby valued within the company’s culture?
• Does it align with the specific job requirements?
• Will the hiring manager understand and appreciate this hobby?

If you answer “yes” to all, include it. If not, consider selecting another hobby that better suits the job application.

Good Types of Interests and Hobbies to Put on Your Resume

• Travel. Travel experience reflects adaptability and a willingness to embrace new cultures.
• Exercise. Regular physical activity indicates a commitment to health and well-being.
• Writing for a Public Audience. Writing, especially when shared publicly, demonstrates curiosity and a passion for learning.
• Yoga. Popular for promoting mental calmness and teamwork skills.
• Art (painting, music, etc.). Artistic pursuits convey creativity and willingness to take risks.
• Volunteer Work. Regular volunteering indicates a strong sense of team spirit and community engagement.
• Outdoor Activities. Time spent outdoors often correlates with strong problem-solving skills and adventurous spirit.

Bad Interests and Hobbies for a Resume

• Napping
• Coin Collecting
• Watching Cartoons
• Eating Ice Cream
• Scrolling through Social Media

While these activities are not inherently negative, they do not convey professional value. Keep your resume focused on information that demonstrates why you are the ideal candidate.

Additionally, avoid mentioning any interests that:

• Involve minimal interaction with others
• Are polarizing or controversial
• Could be seen as dangerous
• Are illegal
• Reveal sensitive personal information, such as political beliefs or health issues

Tips for Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

• Be Honest. Never falsify your hobbies. Authenticity is crucial, as disclosing a hobby can lead to meaningful conversations during interviews.
• Avoid Controversial Topics. Steer clear of polarizing subjects unless applying to an organization that might welcome them.
• Be Specific. Instead of listing “cooking,” specify “Amateur chef focusing on Southeast Asian cuisine.” This detail can initiate engaging discussions during an interview.
• Don’t Force It. If you struggle to identify relevant hobbies, it’s acceptable to omit them unless specifically requested.
• Tailor to the Interviewer. If the interviewer shares similar interests, mention them to create a connection.
• Keep It Concise. Provide short descriptions of your hobbies and avoid lengthy explanations.

Hobbies vs. Interests

Hobbies and interests, while related, are distinct:

• Interests are Passive. They reflect your curiosity but do not require active participation.
• Hobbies are Active. Engaging in hobbies means you invest time and effort in activities that you enjoy.

When listing on your resume, focus on hobbies that stem from your interests, showcasing your active engagement and personal growth.

Resume Hobbies and Interests FAQ

1. Is it professional to put hobbies on a resume? Yes, it is professional, especially if you lack relevant work experience. Ensure your hobbies relate to the job in some way.
2. How do you write your hobbies and interests on a resume? Create a section titled “Hobbies and Interests” at the end of your resume, listing two to five hobbies with brief descriptions.

Final Thoughts

Including a list of interests and hobbies on your resume is an effective way to differentiate yourself from other candidates. When crafting your list, keep explanations concise and emphasize relevant details that align with the role and company culture.

Regardless of your industry, listing your hobbies and interests can enhance your chances of securing an interview and progressing through the hiring process!

References

1. University of the Cumberlands – 11 Hobbies That Will Look Good to Future Employers
2. Utah State University – How Hobbies Improve Mental Health

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.