Top 6 Hobbies and Interests to Put on a Resume and How to Include Them

Are you tired of submitting the same old boring resume that fails to capture the attention of potential employers? Do you wish to stand out from the crowd and showcase your unique personality?

Well, we have just the solution for you. It’s time to add a touch of symbolism to your resume by including your hobbies and interests. Think of your resume as a canvas and your hobbies and interests as the vibrant colors that bring it to life.

By including this section, you provide a glimpse into your personal life and highlight skills and traits that may be relevant to the job you’re applying for. So, let’s dive in and explore the importance of including hobbies on a resume, tips for choosing relevant hobbies, and considerations to remember when doing so.

Should You Mention Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?

So, should you include hobbies and interests on your resume? The answer is it depends. Having them on a resume can be beneficial if done right, and it can make you stand out from other candidates and highlight soft skills applicable to the job.

However, it’s essential to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for and only include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the position.

When deciding whether to include an interests section on your resume, consider whether your hobbies align with the company culture and the desired personality traits for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative industry, highlighting hobbies such as photography or art can demonstrate your creativity and passion for the field.

Additionally, hobbies can contribute to better mental well-being and work-life balance, essential qualities for any employee.

Overall, including interests on a resume can be a great way to showcase a different aspect of your personality and skills. However, keeping it short and sweet is important and only includes relevant hobbies. Remember, the goal is to make yourself stand out positively to the hiring manager, not to distract from your qualifications with controversial or irrelevant hobbies.

How to List Resume Hobbies and Interests To Match Job Requirements?

Just like a chef carefully selects ingredients for a recipe, job seekers should carefully choose hobbies and interests that align with the desired traits for the job. Including personal interests that match job requirements can help you stand out as a candidate.

When deciding which interests and hobbies to include in a hobby section on your resume builder, consider the skills and traits relevant to the position you’re applying for. To list hobbies and interests that match job requirements, start by researching the company culture and desired personality traits for the job.

For example, if the company values teamwork and collaboration, you could include hobbies demonstrating your ability to work well with others. Additionally, consider the specific skills and experiences the job requires and have hobbies that showcase those talents.

Remember to keep the list short and honest, and avoid controversial or offensive hobbies. Adding interest to your resume can improve mental well-being and work-life balance while helping you stand out as a candidate.

Personal interests matter more to Gen Z workers than previous generations, so it’s important to consider including hobbies that align with the desired traits for the job. By carefully selecting the interests, you can show a different aspect of your personality and highlight skills and traits relevant to the position.

What Do Your Hobbies and Interests Say About You?

Discover how your interests can reveal important aspects of your character and make you a more well-rounded candidate for the job. Including hobbies and interests on your resume can show potential employers that you have a life outside of work, skills, and traits that can contribute to the company culture.

Your hobbies also give interviewers something to connect with you on, making you more relatable and memorable. When deciding which hobbies to add to your resume, consider how they reflect on you as a person. Do they show that you’re creative, disciplined, or passionate? Do they demonstrate skills that could be useful in the job you’re applying for?

Your list should apply to the job and company you’re applying to but also be honest and not controversial or offensive. Remember that the interests section on your resume should not be the main focus but rather a supplement to your skills and experience.

While it can help you stand out and showcase your personality, your pastimes should not overshadow the rest of your resume. Keep the section short and sweet, and ensure your resume interests are listed at the bottom, after your work experience and education.

Where Should I Put Hobbies and Interests Go on a Resume?

Adding a personal touch to your job application can make all the difference, and one way to do this is by including your favorite hobbies and interests in a strategic and appropriate location on your resume. Generally, it’s recommended to have a hobbies and interests section at the bottom of your resume after your work experience and educational background.

This section should list hobbies and interests that are unique and relevant and showcase your personality. When deciding which ones to include on your resume, it’s essential to consider if they relate to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, including interests related to social media or writing can be beneficial. Additionally, listing hobbies that demonstrate skills such as teamwork, creativity, or leadership can highlight valuable traits in many industries.

However, avoiding controversial or offensive hobbies that may turn off potential employers is essential. To make the most out of this section, it’s recommended to include up to five personal interests that are specific and memorable. This section can give employers a deeper insight into who you are and what motivates you.

Remember to keep this section short, and sweet, and avoid exceeding two pages. Following these resume tips can effectively showcase your unique personality and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

What Are the Differences Between Hobbies and Interests?

Do you struggle to differentiate between your hobbies and interests and wonder which ones to include in your job application to showcase your unique personality?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, subtle differences between hobbies and interests can affect your professional resume.

Hobbies are activities you enjoy in your free time, while interests are things you are curious about or passionate about.

While some hobbies may be fun or exciting, they may not demonstrate the skills or traits required for the position.

On the other hand, some interests may be directly related to the job or show that you have a well-rounded personality that can contribute to a positive work environment.

Think carefully about the hobbies and interests of your resume, and choose the ones that will make you stand out as a unique and valuable candidate.

However, remember that hiring managers often use personal interests to understand your character and determine whether you fit their company culture well.

By selecting the right hobbies and interests, you can demonstrate your personality, skills, and potential as a successful candidate.

What if I Have No Hobbies or Interests That Are Relevant?

Suppose you’re struggling to think of any personal activities that could contribute to your job application. In that case, you may consider exploring new hobbies or interests that align with your desired career path. While finding relevant ones to put on your resume can be difficult, it’s important to remember that adding hobbies can make your resume stand out and showcase your unique personality.

If you lack professional experience, listing hobbies for your resume can be a way to show that you possess specific skills or traits that are relevant to the position. For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you could include your interest in social media or photography to demonstrate your creative skills. Similarly, volunteering at a hospital or participating in medical research could be relevant if you’re interested in a healthcare career.

In short, don’t let a lack of hobbies or interests hold you back from making your resume stand out. Take the time to explore new activities that align with your career goals and find ways to incorporate them into your job application. Adding hobbies and interests can demonstrate your unique personality and skills, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

6 Top Hobbies and Interests To Put On Your Resume

If you’re looking for hobbies and interests to add to your resume, consider community involvement, learning languages, writing, mentoring, and podcasting.

Community involvement shows your dedication to making a difference in your community and can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.

Learning a new language demonstrates your ability to adapt and learn new skills, which can be valuable in any profession.

Writing, mentoring, and podcasting showcase your communication skills and creativity, which can be a valuable asset in many industries.

Community Involvement

Immerse yourself in volunteering and community involvement, as it doesn’t just benefit your mental well-being and work-life balance and showcases your passion for making a positive impact.

Including community involvement on your resume can add value by demonstrating your commitment to giving back to society. This interest or hobby highlights your soft and hard skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and organization.

Examples of hobbies and interests related to community involvement include volunteering at a local charity, participating in fundraising events, or serving as a mentor or tutor for underprivileged children. These activities for your resume can also reflect your dedication to learning and personal growth.

Moreover, sharing your interests and hobbies with a potential employer can help establish a connection and make you a more well-rounded candidate.

In summary, listing community involvement as one of your resume hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.

Learning Languages

Learning languages can be a valuable and unique hobby for your job application, showcasing your dedication to personal growth and cultural awareness. Employers may see this as an additional skill that can contribute to the company’s diversity and global reach. Speaking a second language can also be helpful in international business and customer service roles.

Learning languages is one of the best hobbies to put on your resume when choosing relevant hobbies. It can be a unique skill that sets you apart from other candidates and shows your commitment to personal development.

However, it’s vital to ensure that the types of hobbies and interests on your resume align with the job and company culture. If the job doesn’t require language skills or cultural awareness, it may not be the best choice to include on your resume.

Writing

Aspiring writers can showcase their creativity and passion for storytelling by including their writing hobby on their job applications. Writing is essential to your resume hobbies and interests listing, as it can demonstrate additional skills such as communication, attention to detail, and the ability to articulate ideas.

It also shows that you’re dedicated to a craft and willing to put in the time and effort to improve your skills. Examples of how to incorporate writing into your resume include listing any writing workshops or courses you’ve taken, mentioning a personal blog or online writing portfolio, or highlighting any published writing pieces.

Like any hobby or interest, keeping your writing section honest and relevant is essential. You can stand out as a well-rounded and creative candidate by including writing as a hobby on your resume.

Mentoring

Mentoring is a fulfilling hobby to include in your job application if you’re passionate about helping others succeed and want to impact someone’s life positively. Mentoring involves sharing your knowledge and experience with others in a supportive and constructive way. It shows you have leadership skills, are patient, and can effectively communicate with others. These are all valuable traits that employers look for in candidates.

When listing your hobbies and interests, choosing ones that align with the job you’re applying for is essential. Mentoring is an excellent hobby for those interested in careers that involve training or management positions. It also demonstrates that you’re interested in personal development and growth, a valuable asset in any workplace.

Other examples to state on your resume are volunteering, writing, and language learning. Remember to keep your interests specific and unique while avoiding controversial or offensive activities.

Podcasting

So you think your podcast about conspiracy theories and alien abductions won’t scare off potential employers? Think again.

While having a podcast can showcase skills such as communication, creativity, and tech-savviness, it’s important to remember that not all hobbies are appropriate to mention on a resume. Before adding your podcast to your list of hobbies and interests, ask yourself if it aligns with the company culture and desired personality traits for the job. It may be best to leave it off your resume if you’re unsure.

It’s important to keep your hobbies short and sweet when describing them. While providing an extensive list of hobbies is tempting, it’s best to limit it to just a few relevant ones. It may be worth mentioning if your podcast is directly related to the job you’re applying for. However, if it’s a more controversial topic, it may be best to omit it from your list of hobbies to add.

Remember, your goal is to showcase your skills and personality traits in a positive light, so choose your hobbies wisely.

Travel

You love to travel and explore new cultures, and including this interest in your job application can showcase your adaptability and open-mindedness to potential employers.

Traveling can demonstrate your ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, adapt to different customs and cultures, and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. These are all valuable skills that can be applied to various jobs, especially those in industries with a global reach or that require interaction with diverse groups of people.

Listing travel can also show that you seek new experiences and challenges. This can be an attractive trait to employers looking for candidates who aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zone and take on new opportunities.

Additionally, travel can contribute to personal growth and development, which can translate to a more well-rounded and productive employee.

Overall, including travel on your list of activities can help you stand out from other candidates and uniquely demonstrate your skills and qualities.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve learned the importance of including hobbies and interests on your resume and how to choose the right ones to showcase your skills and personality.

Remember, your hobbies and interests can set you apart from other candidates and make you a more well-rounded and exciting candidate. By highlighting your relevant ones, you can show potential employers you have the skills and traits they seek.

Additionally, including hobbies and interests can contribute to your overall well-being and make you happier and more fulfilled. So, don’t be afraid to add a little personality to your resume and let your hobbies shine!

After all, they may be the key to landing your dream job.