Many job seekers wonder if they should include interests on your resume. The answer isn't simple - it depends on your situation and the job you want.
When done right, adding interests to your resume can help you stand out from other candidates. It shows hiring managers a bit of who you are as a person. Sometimes, it might even help you get the job!
However, not every resume needs an interests section. And not every hobby should go on your resume either.
This guide will teach you everything about adding interests to your resume. You'll learn when to include them, which ones to pick, and how to list them properly.
Before we dive deeper, let's clear up the difference between hobbies and interests:
Interests are things that fascinate you or topics you want to learn more about. Examples include history, cooking shows, or space exploration.
Hobbies are activities you actually do in your free time. Examples include cooking, playing guitar, or hiking.
Both can add value to your resume when they're relevant to the job. Hobbies show what skills you might have developed outside work. Interests show what motivates you and what you're curious about.
According to resume experts at Teal, the key is choosing activities that are relevant, demonstrate skills valued by the employer, and are unique or memorable.
Deciding whether to include interests on your resume depends on several factors:
As noted by experts at NovoResume, only include hobbies if they add value and don't cause your resume to exceed one page.
Before picking which interests to include, research the company and role. Look at:
This research helps you pick interests that align with what the company values. The key is to always align your hobbies and interests to the job's requirements, as emphasized by career specialists at MyPerfectResume.
Here are some of the best interests to consider adding to your resume:
Writing and Blogging show strong communication skills. These interests prove you can express ideas clearly, which most jobs need.
Photography demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, and technical skills. It works well for many roles, not just creative ones.
Art and Design highlight your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Companies value these skills across many industries.
Reading exercises your brain and shows you're always learning. It also improves focus and general knowledge.
Learning Languages proves you're curious about other cultures. It also shows dedication and problem-solving skills.
Online Courses demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Team Sports like basketball or soccer show teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
Individual Sports like running or cycling demonstrate self-discipline and goal-setting abilities.
Yoga or Meditation suggest you manage stress well and can stay focused under pressure.
Volunteering shows you care about your community and can work with diverse groups of people. This is especially valuable for roles in social work or nonprofit organizations.
Public Speaking proves strong communication skills and confidence.
Travel indicates adaptability, cultural awareness, and openness to new experiences.
According to resume writing experts at TopResume, the section name depends on what you're listing:
Once you've chosen relevant interests, here's how to format them:
Add a section titled "Interests" or "Hobbies & Interests" at the bottom of your resume. This placement ensures it doesn't overshadow more important sections.
List 3-5 interests maximum. Any fewer looks empty, any more seems like filler.
Instead of just "music," write "playing classical piano" or "composing electronic music." Specific details are more memorable and show genuine involvement.
When possible, use active language. Instead of "photography," try "landscape photography" or "portrait photography."
Here's what hiring managers might see when you list certain interests:
| Interest | Skills Demonstrated |
|---|---|
| Team Sports | Teamwork, leadership, communication |
| Writing/Blogging | Communication, creativity, self-motivation |
| Photography | Creativity, attention to detail, technical skills |
| Volunteering | Empathy, teamwork, time management |
| Learning Languages | Dedication, cultural awareness, problem-solving |
| Travel | Adaptability, cultural sensitivity, planning |
| Reading | Continuous learning, focus, analytical thinking |
| Cooking | Creativity, following instructions, time management |
When you include interests on your resume, avoid these pitfalls:
Avoid anything related to politics, religion, or controversial topics. These might create bias before you even get an interview.
Don't list "watching TV" or "browsing social media." These don't show any skills or active engagement.
Only list interests you genuinely pursue. Hiring managers might ask about them in interviews, and dishonesty will show.
Avoid overused interests like "listening to music" or "hanging out with friends." These tell the hiring manager nothing useful about you.
Extreme sports or potentially dangerous hobbies might concern employers, especially if the job involves safety considerations.
As discussed in this Reddit thread, be mindful of regional preferences. In some regions like mainland Europe, a "Hobbies and Interests" section is common, whereas in the US, it may be less favored.
If you list an interest, be ready to talk about it in an interview. Know why you enjoy it and what you've learned from it.
If you've achieved something notable in your interest (like completing a marathon or publishing a blog), mention it.
Think about how your interests have helped you develop skills relevant to the job. Be ready to make these connections in interviews.
Even in the interests section, maintain a professional tone. This isn't the place for casual language or jokes.
For a Marketing Role:
For a Software Developer Position:
For a Management Position:
Sometimes, your interests section can be the deciding factor between you and another candidate with similar qualifications. Here's when it really matters:
However, experts at Zety warn that if you have vast experience and your resume already spreads over two pages, it might be better to omit hobbies and interests.
Career professionals have different views on including interests. While some experts like those at LiveCareer emphasize their value for showcasing personality and cultural fit, others at ResumeBuilder suggest they likely won't help during initial hiring phases when managers focus solely on qualifications.
The consensus among certified resume writers is to use interests strategically - only when they add genuine value to your application.
The decision to include interests on your resume should be strategic. When done right, this section can:
Remember, your interests section should support your professional story, not distract from it. Choose interests that add value to your application and align with the job you want.
Take time to research each company and role. What works for one job might not work for another. The key is making thoughtful choices about what to include and how to present it.
Your resume is your marketing tool. Every section, including interests, should work together to present you as the ideal candidate for the job. When you include interests on your resume strategically, you give hiring managers a fuller picture of who you are and why you'd be great for their team.