How to identify hobbies and interests for your resume?
When crafting a resume for a role, your professional experience sure matters. However, your hobbies and interests can also support your job application.
Leveraging unique hobbies and interests lets you share more soft and hard skills. This way, you'll differentiate yourself from other job seekers.
We'll explore the importance of including relevant hobbies and interests on your resume. You'll find valuable tips on how to choose, format, and showcase them. Time to let your personal qualities shine!
- Why put hobbies and interests on your resume
- How to choose the right hobbies and interests for your resume
- How to format hobbies and interests on your resume
- Examples of how to write the hobbies and interests section for your resume
- Examples of hobbies and interests to include on your resume
- Common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume
- How to talk about your hobbies and interests in a job interview
- Sample job interview response for hobbies and interests
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why put hobbies and interests on your resume
Employers seek candidates who bring more than technical skills to the table. By putting hobbies and interests on your resume, you can:
1. Stand out from other candidates
Employers get many resumes for each job. Adding hobbies and interests can make yours stand out. It shows your uniqueness and a broader profile beyond work. If the employer finds culture fit important, this will be your winning strategy.
2. Show skills and personality
Your hobbies and interests reveal your skills and personal qualities. These make you a valuable asset to the company. For example, engaging in team sports may highlight your teamwork and leadership abilities.
Creative hobbies can show your innovation and problem-solving skills. Putting these on your resume lets employers understand how much more you can bring to the table.
Including hobbies and interests on a resume benefits fresh graduates and mid-career switchers too. Why? Fresh graduates and mid-career switchers can compensate for their limited work experience. Their hobbies and interests can speak for them.
These activities serve as evidence of their transferable skills, initiative, and drive. Moreover, hobbies and interests provide a glimpse into their personality traits and cultural fit.
Hiring managers can assess their compatibility with the company's values and team dynamics. This is regardless of their experience. For more tips, view our guide on writing resumes as a jobseeker with little or no work experience.
3. Reflect passion and dedication
Sharing relevant hobbies and interests can show your dedication and commitment. Employers value individuals who are enthusiastic about their pursuits. This often translates into high motivation and drive in the workplace. You'll also position yourself better among other job seekers vying for the same role.
How to choose the right hobbies and interests for your resume
Choosing the right hobbies and i
nterests for your resume is vital. It helps you customise your application to match the job you're applying for. After all, you must show that you're a good fit for the role and the company culture. These will also highlight the skills and qualities employers are looking for.
It's easy to select the right hobbies and interests to put on your resume when you follow these steps:
1. Consider the company culture
Align your hobbies and interests with the job you want. Research the company culture and desired skills before creating your resume. This helps you find hobbies that match the position and prove your fit within the organisation. Certain activities are more relevant in specific fields.
For instance, community involvement suits nonprofit roles. Personal coding projects show technology companies that you can learn independently.
2. Think about job requirements
Identify the skills and qualities emphasised in the job description published on the job portal. Choose hobbies and interests for your resume that showcase these attributes. Potential employers can then see how you can contribute to their organisation.
For example, a role requires strong leadership skills. You can highlight your experience as a team captain in a sports activity. Or, consider your involvement in organising community events.
3. Avoid contradicting hobbies and interests
Exercise caution when selecting hobbies and interests for your resume. Avoid including anything that is controversial or raises questions. Your goal is to create a favourable impression on potential employers.
For example, avoid hobbies or interests related to controversial social activities. These include hunting, gambling and the like. Keep your resume focused on your qualifications and suitability for the job.
How to format hobbies and interests in your resume
After identifying suitable hobbies and interests, you need to present them effectively on your resume. Follow these guidelines, and while at it, read more tips on how to format your resume in full:
1. Create a designated section on your resume for hobbies and interests
Include your hobbies and interests in a designated section. It's best to have it towards the end of your resume. This ensures that the focus remains on your skills and qualifications. The header of this section can be “Hobbies and Interests”.
Other alternatives can include "Personal Interests" or "Extracurricular Activities".
2. Use bullet points for listing hobbies and interests
List hobbies and interests using bullet points. This makes it easy to read. Also, ensure that each hobby or interest is distinct. Avoid long paragraphs or excessive details.
3. Keep the descriptions brief and relevant
When writing the descriptions for your hobbies and interests, be concise and focused. Provide a brief explanation that makes each activity relevant to the job.
Here's an example. If you enjoy playing team sports, mention on your resume skills you developed. These can include teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
4. Prioritise the most relevant and impressive activities
Arrange your hobbies and interests on your resume in order of relevance and impact. Place the most relevant and impressive activities at the beginning of the section. This lets you immediately capture the reader's attention.
Examples of how to write the hobbies and interests section for your resume
As a reference, here's a sample of how you can write your hobbies and interests on your resume:
Hobbies and Interests
- Creative Writing: Craft short stories and poems with a local writing group.
- Volunteer Work: Assist with animal care, adoption and fundraising at a local animal shelter.
- Travel and Photography: Explore diverse cultures and capture captivating moments through photography.
- Toastmasters Club: Deliver speeches and mentor members with strong interpersonal skills.
Examples of hobbies and interests to include on your resume
1. Sports and fitness activities
Sports interest demonstrates discipline, teamwork, and commitment.
Example: Accomplished marathon runner with dedication, perseverance, and a goal-oriented mindset.
2. Creative pursuits such as painting, writing, or music
Creative pursuits highlight creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Example: Published poet with a passion for creative expression and effective written communication.
3. Volunteer work and community involvement
Volunteer work demonstrates empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.
Example: Active volunteer at a local animal shelter with strong organisation and people skills.
4. Travel and cultural experiences
Travel experiences illustrate adaptability, open-mindedness, and cross-cultural awareness.
Example: Extensive travel throughout Asia with a deep appreciation for diverse global perspectives.
5. Professional development and continuing education
Professional development highlights your commitment to ongoing learning and growth.
Example: Enrolled in advanced leadership courses, enhancing leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities.
6. Personal projects that demonstrate relevant skills
Personal projects showcase your hands-on experience and expertise in a specific area.
Example: Managed a personal finance blog with financial management and coding skills.
Common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume
1. Including unimpressive or irrelevant hobbies and interests
Choose activities that showcase skills and qualities relevant to the job. Avoid including hobbies or interests that don't contribute to your professional profile.
These can divert attention from crucial resume details.
2. Being too vague or generic
Provide specific details and examples of your hobbies and interests. Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, be specific about your achievements and experiences on your resume.
3. Including controversial or contradicting hobbies and interests
As mentioned earlier, be cautious when choosing hobbies and interests for your resume. Avoid including anything controversial or contradicting. These may impact your chances of securing the job.
Some examples of hobbies and interests you may want to be careful about can include:
- Controversial: Contentious social activities like hunting can make employers uncomfortable.
- Passive activities: Examples like binge-watching shows and excessive video gaming are insignificant. Likewise, avoid mentioning activities like sleeping or binge eating.
- Questionable activities: Gambling or drinking alcohol may raise questions about your commitment.
4. Overemphasising hobbies and interests at the expense of professional experience
Keep in mind that your professional experience should take precedence on your resume. Ensure that your hobbies and interests section enhance your professional profile. It should not overpower it.
The goal is to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.
How to talk about your hobbies and interests in a job interview
During an interview, employers may ask about the hobbies and interests on your resume. Prepare for these questions and make a positive impression with these strategies:
1. Preparing for interview questions
As you craft your resume, anticipate interview questions related to your hobbies and interests. Then, prepare thoughtful responses that align with the job requirements and company culture.
Put together examples of how you can showcase skills, qualities, or experiences relevant to the position. This preparation will help you respond confidently and effectively during the interview.
2. Demonstrating relevance
Always highlight how your pursuits have enhanced your professional capabilities. For example, you enjoy playing team sports. Then explain how it has developed your teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
These are key transferable skills that can contribute to your suitability.
3. Expressing passion and dedication
When talking about your hobbies and interests, express your enthusiasm and dedication. Explain how your hobbies show your drive and motivation personally and professionally.
Discuss how these activities developed qualities like discipline, perseverance, and a growth mindset. Tell them how these traits positively impact your work and career success.
Sample job interview response for hobbies and interests
Playing musical instruments
I play the piano and have acquired certifications. Through years of practice and performance, I've honed my discipline and perseverance. I found that learning complex compositions requires intense focus and dedication.
The discipline and perseverance I developed through piano helped me professionally. I am able to approach projects with intense focus and dedication.
Outdoor photography
One of my greatest hobbies is outdoor photography. Capturing moments of nature fostered my creativity and developed my attention to detail.
I've learnt to be patient, observant, and attuned to the surrounding environment. These qualities extend to my work. I pay attention to the finer details and strive for precision in my tasks.
Volunteer work/community service
Engaging in volunteer work has been a significant part of my life. I help organise events and community outreach programmes at a local charity organisation. I was able to hone my leadership and teamwork skills.
These are important attributes for my professional line of work. I'm thankful that volunteer work has strengthened my skill sets.
Gardening and horticulture
I have a deep passion for gardening and horticulture. Cultivating plants and maintaining my own garden taught me patience. It has also helped me hone my attention to detail.
These qualities translate to my work. I approach tasks with care and look into finer details. I look to achieving desired outcomes, no matter how long it takes.
Cooking and culinary arts
Cooking and exploring the culinary arts have been a longstanding hobby of mine. Experimenting with flavours and learning new recipes enhanced my creativity. At the same time, I improved my problem-solving skills when mastering cooking techniques.
At work, I show the same level of creativity and adaptability. I tend to find innovative solutions and bring a fresh perspective to my work.
Creative writing and blogging
Managing and writing my own blog let me express my thoughts and connect with a wider audience. It has honed my communication skills, creativity, and ability to captivate readers.
These skills have proven valuable in my professional life. My writing flair allows me to convey ideas better. I also trained myself to create compelling content for various platforms.
Conclusion
In this competitive job market, your professional qualifications may not always suffice. Your hobbies and interests give you the opportunity to showcase your unique personality, skills, and dedication. Carefully select and present them in your resume.
This way, you can create a compelling narrative for potential employers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Should I include hobbies and interests on my resume if they're not directly related to the job?
Yes, you can include hobbies and interests on your resume if they are not directly related to the job. They can showcase transferable skills such as teamwork, creativity, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Consider selecting hobbies and interests that highlight qualities valued in the workplace.
- How many hobbies and interests should I include on my resume?
There is no specific rule on the number of hobbies and interests to include on your resume. Generally, include up to 4 interests or hobbies. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Choose hobbies and interests that can show valuable skills and qualities.
Remember not to compromise on the length of your resume. Ensure that your hobbies and interests section is concise. It should not overshadow other important sections on your resume.
- Can I include hobbies and interests that I don't actively participate in anymore?
If the hobby or interest plays a substantial role in your personal or professional development, you can include it on your resume. However, give priority to those you are currently engaged in and actively pursuing.
This demonstrates your ongoing enthusiasm and commitment.
- Should I include hobbies and interests that are controversial or potentially offensive?
No, avoid adding hobbies and interests that are controversial or potentially offensive to your resume. These can create bias or misinterpretation, causing unnecessary distractions.
Focus on selecting hobbies and interests for your resume that reflect positively on your character. They should align with the values and expectations of potential employers.
- How should I prioritise my hobbies and interests on my resume?
Organise your hobbies and interests by relevance. Then place the most important ones at the top. This grabs the reader's attention immediately.
Emphasise the ones that demonstrate skills, qualities, or accomplishments related to the job.
By prioritising impactful activities, you can stand out even if a hiring manager quickly scans your resume. Also, consider including hobbies and interests that you can discuss during an interview. You will have ample examples to share when the employer prompts you.
This also lets you answer questions like "Tell me about yourself" better.
- What are some hobbies and interests to put on my resume?
Here is an extensive list of hobbies and interests that you can consider for your resume:Sports and Fitness Activities (e.g., running, swimming, basketball)
Creative Pursuits (e.g., painting, writing, photography)
Volunteer Work and Community Involvement (e.g., charity events, mentoring, environmental initiatives)
Travel and Cultural Experiences (e.g., exploring new countries, learning different languages)
Professional Development and Continuing Education (e.g., attending workshops, online courses)
Personal Projects and Hobbies Demonstrating Relevant Skills (e.g., coding, graphic design, woodworking)
Music and Musical Instruments (e.g., playing guitar, singing in a choir)
Outdoor Activities (e.g., hiking, gardening, camping)
Cooking and Culinary Arts (e.g., experimenting with new recipes, hosting dinner parties)
Reading and Literature (e.g., book club participation, literary analysis)
Technology and Gadgets (e.g., exploring new tech innovations, building computers)
Gaming and eSports (e.g., competitive gaming, game development)
Fashion and Styling (e.g., personal fashion blog, fashion design)
Film and Cinema (e.g., film appreciation, attending film festivals)
DIY Projects and Crafts (e.g., woodworking, knitting, pottery)
Social and Networking Activities (e.g., organising events, public speaking)
Astronomy and Space Exploration (e.g., stargazing, astronomy club membership)
Health and Wellness (e.g., yoga, meditation, healthy cooking)
Car Enthusiast (e.g., car restoration, attending car shows)
Adventure and Extreme Sports (e.g., skydiving, rock climbing, scuba diving)
Remember to choose hobbies and interests that align with the job you're applying for. Think about the relevant skills the roles need.
