how to write hobbies in resume examples

40+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume [Updated for 2024]

“Hobbies and interests have no place on the resume.”

Done right, hobbies on a resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show a bit of your personality to the hiring manager, and potentially even get you the job!

That said, not every resume needs hobbies and interests, and at the same time, not every hobby belongs on a resume.

In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about hobbies on a resume, including when to list them, how to pick the right ones to mention, and more!

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Should You Mention Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
• 12 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

4 tips to keep in mind when listing hobbies and interests, 40 best hobbies and interests to put on your resume [complete list].

Let’s dive in!

Should You Mention Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

There’s no straight-up answer to this question as it depends on several factors.

For example, if you’re a professional with many years of experience in your field, you could probably do without a hobbies and interests section on your resume. 

As a seasoned professional, you probably have tons of skills, work experience , and certifications to fill your resume with and set yourself apart from the competition. 

If adding a “hobbies and interests” section will make your resume spill over to page two , then you should definitely leave it out. 

On the other hand, if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience, adding your hobbies and interests to your resume can help you stand out as a candidate, as well as help fill up your resume to take up an entire page.

But enough with the hypotheticals! Let us tell you exactly when to mention hobbies and interests on your resume and how they can benefit your job application.

What’s the Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

First things first - what are hobbies and interests? 

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing:

• Interests are topics, ideas, or subjects that interest you, fascinate you, and you want to learn more about. Culinary art, history, and classical music are all examples of various interests.
• Hobbies are activities you actually engage in. Some examples of hobbies may include cooking, playing basketball, or visiting museums.

Hobbies show the hiring manager how you spend your free time and what kind of additional skills you may possess. For example, if you include “basketball” as your hobby, you’re also telling the hiring manager that you have great teamwork skills. 

Interests , on the other hand, indicate what topics and ideas you’re currently interested in or you’d like to explore in the future. If, for example, you’re applying for a job that requires relocation and you list traveling as your interest, you may seem like a more relevant candidate because you enjoy traveling to new places. 

So, as you can see, hobbies and interests can add value to your resume if they’re relevant to the job and if they point to soft skills the company may be looking for. 

Which leads us to the million-dollar question: when exactly should you include hobbies and interests on your resume? 

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

You should include hobbies and interests on your resume when:

• You still have space after including all the essential resume sections (contact information, work experience, education, and skills).
• You have limited work experience, education, and skills related to the position you are applying for.
• The company puts emphasis on its employees’ personalities and unique traits.
• The company specifically asks to list additional hobbies and interests.
• Your hobbies and interests show that you’re good at your job. E.g. if you’re applying for a writing role, having Dungeons & Dragons as an interest might help (as it shows that you’re creative).

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

12 Top Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

So here’s the takeaway: for hobbies and interests to add value to your resume, they should be somewhat relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

In most cases, though, candidates list pastime activities that say nothing to the hiring manager reading their resume, like watching movies or listening to music. 

To help you avoid such a mistake, we’ve listed some of the best hobbies and interests to put on your resume, based on companies’ most commonly required skills and abilities: 

#1. Community Involvement

Volunteering and community involvement is probably the best hobby/interest you could be adding to your resume, as it’s associated with 27% higher odds of employment . 

In a nutshell, volunteering shows initiative, empathy, and the ability to see beyond your personal interests. On top of this, volunteering teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and leadership. 

#2. Writing

Communication skills - both verbal and written - are some of the most sought-after soft skills by companies . 

As such, having writing as a hobby can effectively show potential employers that your communication skills extend beyond the workplace and are, as such, stronger than other candidates. 

#3. Blogging

Blogging is another hobby that proves you’ve got excellent communication skills, which is essential for most roles.

At the same time, blogging as a hobby also shows that you’re a self-starter that can work on independent projects, which is another very in-demand skill for most roles.

#4. Learning Languages

It’s no secret that speaking foreign languages can improve your chances of getting a job . 

For starters, employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can communicate with people from different nationalities and can be an asset when dealing with international markets.

On top of that, learning languages is associated with improving valuable skills like problem-solving and dealing with abstract concepts, both of which are desirable employee skills. 

Some of the jobs where listing learning languages as a hobby can come in handy include social workers, human resources managers, flight attendants, community health workers, hotel managers, customer service agents, etc. 

#5. Photography

Just like all the other hobbies on this list, photography can represent you in more ways than “this candidate likes to take pictures.”

After all, photography takes creativity, interpersonal skills, and even technical skills ! 

This means that, in addition to all the jobs that require photography skills, there are many other positions out there that could benefit from a candidate who’s into photography. 

Traveling may not seem like the best hobby to include on your resume at first sight. After all, it simply involves picking a destination and being a tourist, right? 

Well, not exactly. 

Someone who loves traveling is also likely to be: 

• Curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people
• Well- organized and adaptable to new situations and people
• Not afraid to step out of their comfort zone

All of these personality traits make for an adaptable and flexible employee, something that employers appreciate!

Sports - and any kind of physical activity, really - are known to improve brain health and your ability to do everyday activities . 

Not only, but sports also help you develop self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills . 

All of these are essential skills that could help you “adapt” your resume to different kinds of jobs. 

#8. Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies to put on your resume, regardless of what types of books you like to read.

Reading exercises the brain, improves the ability to focus, increases general knowledge, can sharpen your communication skills, and helps relieve stress . 

#9. Making Music

Making music not only takes creativity, but also a lot of determination, patience, and endurance. Not to mention, studies show that playing an instrument can also improve your memory and focus . 

Showing such qualities can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers.

Yoga is known to create mental clarity , relieve chronic stress patterns, relax the mind, and sharpen concentration.

And - let’s be honest - who doesn’t want an employee who’s mentally clear, unstressed, and able to concentrate on their work? 

To do any kind of art, you need to be creative, which is among the most popular transferable skills companies are looking for in 2022. 

According to this Adobe study , creativity has gained the most value in driving salary increases in the past five years. That’s also because creativity is also linked to inventiveness, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. 

Dancing is more than just a fun pastime. It improves your cognitive abilities, and collaboration skills (especially if you’re dancing with a partner), and can help you unwind and keep your stress levels low. 

Top Soft and Hard Skills Related to Hobbies and Interests On a Resume

And here’s what the hiring manager is likely to read from including the hobbies and interests listed above to your resume in terms of soft and hard skills: 

Yep, you heard that right.

There IS a right and wrong way to list hobbies and interests on your resume.

In this section, we’ll teach you all you need to know to make your hobbies and interests section as effective as possible!  

#1. Decide whether you need them

The first thing you want to do is decide whether you’d benefit from adding hobbies and interests to your resume. As we already mentioned, hobbies and interests can be a breath of fresh air for your resume, but only in certain circumstances.  

If you’re a professional with many years of work experience under your sleeve, your resume can do without a hobbies and interests section.

You already have a lot of professional achievements , relevant skills, and qualifications to make your resume a full one-pager, while adding a hobbies section would mean removing some other critical section from your resume.

On the other hand , if you’re a student with almost no work experience or skills, or if you’re applying to a startup or to a company that puts more emphasis on company culture, then you could definitely benefit from listing your hobbies and interests. 

The optimal length for a resume is one page.

If including a hobbies and interests section spills your resume over to the second page, that means that you can probably just skip including the section in the first place.

#2. Research the Company

So, you’ve decided it’s a good idea to include your hobbies and interests on your resume. But, which ones do you actually include? 

To make the best possible choice, start by researching the company. See if they have any specific work culture, work retreats, and what qualities would complement your role.

Here’s exactly where you should look: 

• The job ad. Read the job ad and identify the type of skills that they’re looking for.
• The company website and any employee profiles you can find there.
• Their social media accounts . Specifically, their LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. 

#3. Choose the Right Skills

Once you’ve done this, you should think about how specific skills or requirements may transfer to a hobby or interest and tailor yours to the job accordingly. 

You may have dozens of exciting hobbies and interests, but your resume isn’t the right place to list them all. Just to reiterate - you want your hobbies and interests to be as relevant as possible . 

So, for example, if the job ad mentions the company’s looking for someone who’s “outgoing” or a “great team player,” then any kind of sport is a good hobby to list on your resume. 

Meanwhile, anything that involves you sitting alone and being introverted (e.g. reading or knitting) is not very relevant. 

An alternative approach to choosing the right hobbies and interests is to use them to fill your skill gaps.

Let’s say that you’re an entry-level professional and you’re applying for your first job as an illustrator. Chances are, you lack some of the technical skills required for the job, simply due to your lack of professional experience. 

In such a case, choosing a hobby that proves you’ve got an eye for design and aesthetics can help your application. Anything art-related, including photography, painting, drawing, etc., will show the hiring manager that you’re passionate about this line of work. 

#4. Create a Separate Section (and Push It Down) 

By now you should have a clear idea of what hobbies and interests to add to your resume. 

The rest is fairly easy. 

Simply create a separate section titled “Hobbies and Interests,” and place it at the end of your resume . It’s crucial that this section doesn’t overshadow the more important parts of your resume, like your contact information, work experience, education , or even any volunteer work or internships you’ve completed. 

Ultimately, adding a “Hobbies and Interests” section at the end of your resume is a great way to wrap up your resume. 

It can help you make an impression that extends beyond the professional aspect and give the recruiter a little extra something to remember you by. 

Want to start your resume in a way that will grab the hiring manager’s attention? Learn how to write a resume summary with our guide! 

#5. List Up to Four Interests or Hobbies

Last but not least, it’s important to list the right amount of hobbies and interests on your resume. 

We recommend listing 4-6 total, at most. Anything less, and your hobbies section will look too empty. Anything more, and it’ll look like you’re just trying to fill in space.

Here are some additional tips you should always remember when you’re creating the “Hobbies and Interests” section of your resume: 

#1. Find out what you specifically enjoy about your hobbies 

People enjoy hobbies for different reasons. 

For example, someone might enjoy photography because they love being outdoors and capturing beautiful landscapes, while someone else might enjoy it because it gives them an opportunity to remember every place they visit or every person they meet. 

By identifying exactly what it is that you enjoy about your hobbies, it can be easier to describe them on your resume and talk about them genuinely in case the hiring manager asks about them during the job interview . 

#2. Be honest

Just like with everything else on your resume, you should be honest about the hobbies you list. 

Meaning, don’t lie about hobbies just because you think they sound cool, and don’t over-exaggerate something that can come back and bite you later on during the interview.

Just because you like to go on walks sometimes, doesn’t mean you’re “passionate about hiking” . Imagine the hiring manager’s also a hiking enthusiast and they ask you about the latest trail you hiked, but the only thing you can mention is how you enjoy taking a one-hour walk around your neighborhood daily to clear your mind. 

In such cases, it’s better to be honest and write this: 

• Physical exercise: exercising daily for 45 minutes by taking a walk in nature.

Instead of this: 

#3. Be specific 

The more specific you can be about your hobbies and interests, the higher the chances to stand out from other applicants and make an impression on the hiring manager. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

• Learning languages: studying and practicing some of the most-spoken languages in the world, such as Mandarin and French. 

#4. Keep these hobbies OUT of your resume

A very thin line separates unique from weird, and you want to make sure not to cross it. 

To be on the safe side, avoid listing hobbies and interests that might be considered weird or controversial, such as any of the following:

• Hobbies that signal antisocial behavior or activities.
• Hobbies and interests that could be misinterpreted, even if you meant them as a joke (e.g. partying like there’s no tomorrow). 
• Hobbies and interests that reveal personal information such as your political or religious views. 
• Hobbies that could be considered violent or dangerous (e.g. lighting things on fire). 
• Hobbies and interests with little or no interactivity. 

Looking for inspiration?

Here are several hobbies you can include, by category, based on your personality type.

Sports Interest and Hobby Examples

Generally speaking, there are two types of sports you can include on your resume - individual and team-oriented .

Depending on the sport, they either show you work well with others, or that you have the self-discipline and perseverance to work alone (or both!) 

Endurance sports (like jogging) show your drive and discipline.

Team sports (like football, basketball, etc.) show that you’re comfortable working with others.

Which one you might want to include depends on you and the job. Here are some sports hobbies you could list that will paint you in a positive light:

• Marathon running
• Mountain climbing

Most of these sports are outside and physical activities. They show that you’re comfortable with working with other people and that you have discipline. Therefore, they’re relevant for most job roles that require you to be communicative and self-driven.

Analytical Thinking Interest and Hobby Examples

What’s a thought hobby?

Anything that points to your creative skills and imagination. 

If you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of out-of-the-box thinking, you can list the following hobbies:

• Playing a musical instrument
• Photography
• Blog writing

These all point to your analytical thinking and that you’re a creative person.

Possibly more calm and self-composed, and also that you think before you speak.

These qualities can be relevant depending on the job.

Though, your interest section doesn’t necessarily have to consist only of sports. 

Social Interest and Hobby Examples

Social hobbies are a great way to show you directly work well with others. Nowadays, most jobs require you to be in contact with other people, in one way or another

To show you work well with others and you’re adept at communicating, you can include:

• Creating and organizing a book club
• Networking events
• Local meetups
• Volunteering at a charity center
• Public speaking
• Exploring other cultures
• Language classes

Social hobbies are great because you’re going to be interacting with other people in most jobs - so one way or another, they’re going to help. Even more so if the job is in a leadership position.

Unique Interest and Hobby Examples

Do you have a particularly unique hobby that not a lot of people are into?

This can work in your favor and help you stand out, as long as it’s still in the unique area and not in the weird one.

The HR manager shuffling through a stack of resumes can remember your unique hobby and come back to your resume later. Or they could even ask about you during the interview, so be prepared to talk about it.

Some unique hobbies that can speak about your character may include:

• Stand-up comedy
• Calligraphy

How do these hobbies help?

Archery implies you might be a precise and focused person. And yoga shows that you can be calm and don’t lose your cool in stressful situations.

Though, just how effective those hobbies will be in your resume may depend on the job.

But as long as it’s not too weird, a unique hobby can help you get your foot in the door and show that you’re not afraid of being different.

Looking for tips on writing a CV instead of a resume? We've got you covered! Head over to our in-depth guide explaining how to write a CV !

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about hobbies and interests on a resume? Check out the answers below:

1. Should hobbies and interests be on a resume?

If you have the extra space to list them, then yes, you should include hobbies and interests on your resume.

Hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates by shining more light into your personality and can also highlight skills you may have that employers seek, such as creativity, organization, problem-solving, etc.

2. What are some good hobbies and interests to put on my resume?

Some of the best hobbies or interests you can put on your resume are community involvement, writing, blogging, learning languages, photography, traveling, doing sports, reading, and art.

3. What are some hobbies and interests for a student resume?

Some hobbies and interests you can put on your resume as a student include creative writing, blogging, volunteering, learning a new language, and singing and/or playing an instrument.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on a resume!

Before you go and start applying what you learned to your own resume, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article: 

• Hobbies and interests can help shine a light on a candidate’s personality and get them to stand out from other applicants with similar work experience and skills. 
• Include hobbies and interests on your resume if you still have space after listing all the essential sections, if you have limited work experience and relevant skills, if the company specifically requires it, or if the company puts emphasis on its employees’ character traits. 
• Some of the best hobbies to add to your resume include community service, writing/blogging, learning languages, traveling, doing sports, and reading. 
• Before creating a separate section for your hobbies and interests, first make sure that your resume would benefit from them, then research the company, and choose the right skills that could complement your skills and qualifications. 
• Four things to remember when you’re compiling your hobbies and interests are, to be honest, be specific, and keep hobbies that may be considered weird or antisocial out of your resume. 

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How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Learn when and how to professionally list your hobbies on your resume.

What are Hobbies?

Hobbies are activities that you do frequently and in your spare time. It can be anything from collecting postage stamps to working out to volunteering. The key here is that hobbies are activities you perform regularly -- they are more than an interest. An interest is more passive, it’s something you’re curious about but have yet to pursue. 

For example, perhaps you have it on your bucket list to scuba dive. That makes scuba diving an interest, because you’re in the research stage. It’s only a hobby if you’ve actually gone scuba diving, and continue to do so on a semi-frequent basis. 

It’s important to leave interests out since they can be misleading, and since you don’t yet have the skills associated with that interest.

What Hobbies Should I Include on My Resume?

Hobbies are a great way to show a company who you are and what you value. That being said, try to avoid listing potentially touchy hobbies, as you don’t want it used against you in the hiring process. 

• Political associations
• Controversial hobbies  
• Religious affiliations 
• Irrelevant hobbies

If you do have a hobby that fits in one of the above categories, “rebrand” it so that you can still convey your skills. For example, if you coach your church’s basketball team, leave out the religious component and just write that you coach youth sports. Similarly, if you campaign for a political candidate, note that you can rally your organization and fundraising skills to support an individual or mission.

See the infographic below for examples of hobbies to include on your resume.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume

‍ Have you ever thought about listing your hobbies on your resume? While it seems like “scuba diving” or “baking” may have no place on a resume, your hobbies can actually show that you're a strong candidate for the job by revealing hidden skills. 

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a writing position and you keep a personal blog in your spare time. Mentioning this hobby on your resume shows your passion for writing -- you do it even when you aren’t at work! -- your ability to manage time, to research, and to keep your creative juices flowing. 

Similarly, if you’re applying to work as a waiter and you’re an avid baker, you should add your love of cookies to your resume. It shows employers that you enjoy the food environment and have an understanding of the time and diligence that cooking requires. 

But before you start listing everything you’ve ever done on your resume, let’s break down a few do’s and dont’s. 

Why Include Hobbies on My Resume?

Hobbies impart some sort of skill, whether it’s implicit or actively learned. They can show a company what you have to offer. Your goal is to list your hobbies in a way that conveys these skills. 

In other words, think of your “hobbies” section like a more interesting “skills” section on your resume. 

For example, if you enjoy an endurance sport like running, it shows that you have diligence, determination, and patience -- all skills that cannot be taught through any job or educational opportunity. Skills like these are called “soft skills” because they are implicit in your personality.

Soft skills convey your communication and relational abilities. Some soft skills include:

• Adaptability
• Problem-Solving
• Responsibility 
• Interpersonal Skills such as conflict resolution, empathy or mentoring
• Time Management
• Leadership 
• Attention to Detail

In contrast, if you enjoy a hobby such as designing art using a software like Adobe Illustrator, this is considered a “hard skill.” Hard skills are those that are learned and gained through a degree, certificate, or another form of education. These include trainings and technical knowledge, such as accounting or software acumen or medical expertise. 

Examples of hard skills include:

• Technical Writing, such as email blasts, client relations and research 
• Computer Skills, including Microsoft Suite 
• Analytical Skills such as data analysis
• Marketing Skills like SEO, SEM, CMS
• Presentation Skills
• Management Skills like database management
• Project Management, include softwares that you are familiar with, such as Trello, Spredfast, and Zoho
• Copywriting
• Foreign Languages
• Design Skills, including Adobe Creative Suite, UX design, UI design 
• Mobile and Web Development
• Network Security such as encryption algorithms or authentication systems

When to Include Hobbies  

Not all resumes should include hobbies, and it depends heavily on the company to which you’re and its culture. For example, if you’re applying to a firm on Wall Street, it’s best to skip the hobby section. But if you’re looking to work for a local mom-and-pop store or for a more artistic company, then jot down a few hobbies. 

Let’s break it down a bit more below.  ‍

Only include hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you’re applying. Ask yourself, what skills does this hobby require, and how does it fit with this job?

For example, don’t include “drawing” on your resume if you’re pursuing a managerial position at an accounting firm, since the two have no common denominator. But, if you’re seeking a job as an event planner , a talent for drawing could help show that you are adept at bringing your ideas to life and communicating them to clients. 

Company Culture

A lot of companies today are concerned about their image -- they want to be a fun place for employees to work. If you feel that one of your hobbies shows that you “fit” right in, then list it. 

For example, if you’re applying to be a blog writer for a magazine, feel free to note that you love watching films. This could open the door for you to write movie review articles, or it may show that you fit right in with the entertainment-focused atmosphere of a magazine like Cosmopolitan or The New Yorker .

The best way to determine if you should list your hobbies on your resume is to research the company beforehand. Read their “about us” section on their website and browse what former employees have to say about their experience on sites like Glassdoor. 

Ice-Breaker and Networking 

Interviews are pretty awkward, and it’s hard to stand out when the tired interviewee has already seen dozens of hopeful job applicants. Listing an interesting hobby on your resume can make you memorable. The person interviewing you may even enjoy the same hobby, which will help break that awkward interview tension. 

Even if you don’t get the job, having a conversation with a company employee about a common interest is a great way to expand your network. They’re more likely to remember you if you happen to reach out in the future about another opening. 

What to Do Next

Brainstorm the hobbies that you enjoy and think about the skills they impart. Now, how well do they match the job that you’re applying to? Be sure to only include hobbies that are relevant to the job description or to the company’s culture. 

Customize your hobbies on our modern and professional templates . We also have more tools for writing the perfect resume , adding colors to your resume and listing your certifications . 

Good luck and happy writing! 

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

18 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Should you add personal interests to your resume?

A resume is a summary of your career that informs a future employer of your professional suitability. Personal interests and hobbies on a resume fall outside that traditional definition, but as employers become more interested in cultural fit, showcasing your personality in a job search is increasingly important.

However, how to include hobbies and interests on a resume is not straightforward. In this post, we consider:

How hobbies and interests are different

The benefits of including hobbies and interests on a resume

When you should include interests on a resume

When you should not include interests on a resume

How to include interests on a resume

Where to include hobbies and interests on a resume

The most common hobbies and interests to put on a resume and why they're relevant

Interests you should avoid including on a resume

What's the difference between hobbies and interests?

Though many use the terms “hobbies” and “interests” interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two.

Hobbies . Hobbies are activities you engage in regularly. They tend to be more hands-on activities that people participate in for enjoyment and relaxation. Hobbies require acquiring new skills and tend to need engagement and a time commitment. Examples of hobbies include engaging in a specific sport, writing, and cooking.

Interests . Interests are things - ideas, topics, activities - you're interested in learning more about or engaging in more often. Interests often have a broader focus than hobbies, tend to be more intellectually driven vs. hands-on, and expand your understanding. They also tend to require less of a time commitment, since they can be explored through things like reading or asking questions.  Examples of interests include airplanes, filmmaking, and photography. 

For some, interests eventually become hobbies. You might also note that a hobby for one person might be an interest for another, and vice versa. 

So, on your resume, should you call them hobbies or interests? It depends. If you only have relevant interests, you can call the section “Interests.” The same goes if you only have relevant hobbies - call the section “Hobbies.” However, if you're including both interests and hobbies, refer to the section as “Hobbies and Interests.” 

What are the benefits of adding hobbies and interests on a resume?

There are a handful of benefits to adding hobbies and interests on your resume, with several outlined below. 

Offers a chance to build rapport. Interests and hobbies on a resume offer the chance to build a rapport with an interviewer during an interview . They may even feel comfortable about revealing some insights into their personal life. This is the ideal scenario – you want to work out what makes them tick, too.

Brings depth to your application. Including your interests and hobbies on a resume brings depth to your application, but only if they're relevant to the role. The best candidates get creative about how they position their hobbies and interests to enhance their career story.

Shows you're more than just your work persona. Including a couple of brief one-liners about your hobbies and interests shows that there's more to you than your work persona. As work-life boundaries blur, people want to collaborate with interesting colleagues. 

Highlights hard and soft skills. Hobbies and interests require and enhance soft and hard skills that can be highly relevant to open positions.  

Fills gaps. Hobbies and interests on a resume can help to fill in work experience and skills gaps you might have for the job you're seeking. 

When should you include hobbies and interests on your resume?

Here are examples of when it might be appropriate to include personal interests on your resume:

Entry-level professional. If you're an early-career professional with minimal work experience, including interests is a great way of outlining your motivations and giving the hiring manager a better idea of who they are employing. Two or three lines of personal interests are expected and will add to the application, but you still need to hint at why they are relevant for the role.

Experienced professional. The decision to include interests is less clean-cut for a more senior applicant. In most cases, you'll likely have plenty of relevant work experience to include on your resume. Still, most careers contain skills that can be developed outside of the workplace. If you genuinely have a hobby or interest that contributes to your effectiveness at work, there is no rule that says you shouldn't include it.

Career changer. If you're changing careers and have limited practical work experience, skills, or education related to the position for which you're applying, adding interests and hobbies could help fill in these gaps. 

Interests and hobbies emphasize your abilities. If you happen to have an interest or hobby that indicates you're good at the type of job you're applying for, include them. For example, suppose you're applying for a position that requires a lot of public speaking. In that case, you might include your interest in acting, as it highlights your ability to perform in front of audiences. 

It's requested in the job description. As is the case for any request listed in the job posting, if the employer requests for you to include your hobbies and interests, be sure you do!

The organization puts a lot of focus on employee qualities and traits. If you notice on a company's website that they tend to highlight their employees' extracurricular activities and personalities frequently, then adding hobbies or interests on a resume could help you to stand out. 

When should you not include interests or hobbies on a resume?

And now, here are the reasons you should not include hobbies and personal interests on a resume:

Lack of space. If you're finding that space is tight on your resume, the Hobbies and Interests section is the first that should be cut. Even the section header can take up valuable space. You should always prioritize your work experience if you have more to say. Remember that you may get a chance to mention your interests during an interview.

Lack of relevance. To reiterate, only include hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job. As much as you might like someone to know you can walk a tightrope like a champ, unless it adds value and is applicable, don't include it. 

How to include hobbies and interests on your resume

There are several ground rules in terms of adding interests on a resume. Let's discuss the main ones.

Research the requirements of the role

Before you work out whether you're including relevant interests, make sure that you understand the specifics of the role. Making a link with an interest and an obscure requirement of the job is a great way of showing that you know what you're getting yourself into.

Choose interests that match your workplace skills

Once you have a list of skills that your employer desires, be creative in how you match your hobbies with the role. The hiring manager will be reading a lot of resumes, so don't assume that they will automatically make the connection. Be clear about exactly why you're including your interest.

You never know when you might run into an interviewer who knows more about your hobby than you do. Resist the temptation to exaggerate the level of your participation, or it might become an embarrassing situation that will torpedo your chances of getting the job. Honesty is the best policy in a job search.

You can include hobbies and interests on a resume in one of three places:

In a separate “Hobbies and Interests” section

In your Work Experience section

In your Skills or Competencies section

Hobbies and Interests section

If you choose to include hobbies and interests on your resume, the most obvious place to include them is in a stand-alone “Hobbies and Interests” section. In most instances, this should be the very last section you include on your resume. 

Work Experience section

While you might have space for a separate Interests and Hobbies section on a two-page resume, there's also the option of slipping an interest or hobby into bullet points or paragraphs around your work experience. If it fits with the point that you are making, it won't seem out of place.

Include bullets with an intriguing description. Just listing “swimming” or “horticulture” as a personal interest will be ignored. If your interest is relevant to the role, include a brief description that offers more detail to fire the hiring manager's imagination. You don't need to write this in full sentences. Include context and quantify with detail if possible. For example, if you're applying for a team lead or training position, you might include the following:

• Swimming. Won the state U23 200m backstroke title. Trained 100+ juniors at the local club.

Skills or Competencies section

If you have one or two hobbies or interests that relate to a specific skill required for the job or would add value to the role, you could choose to include it in your Skills or Competencies section. For example, if graphic design is a hobby of yours and you're applying for a marketing or communications role, adding graphic design as a competency or skill could prove valuable in such a role. 

Hobbies and interests to put on a resume - examples

Now, let's get into the details of the interests to put on a resume that may be worth including and why. In this section, we highlight:

Different categories of hobbies or interests

A brief description of why each category can be relevant

The hard and soft skills related to the category that could add value

Specific hobbies and interests examples that you might include on your resume

In the competitive world of work, countless lessons can be transferred from sporting activities. Whether you are playing in a team or dedicated to individual glory, the drive to win and the experience of losing are two sides of the same coin. 

In general, including sports on a resume can speak to the following soft skills:

Self-discipline

Communication

Interpersonal abilities

Collaboration

Determination

Ability to handle stress

Examples of sports hobbies and interests to put on a resume are:

Baseball. Everyone has different roles on any sports team. If one person is not doing their job, then the team is weaker. This is collective responsibility at its most basic.

Swimming. Swimming requires hours of dedication and preparation. Any endurance sport offers ample time to think about other aspects of your life.

Skydiving. Extreme sports indicate a risk-taker who is not afraid to push their limits. Perfect when you're figuring it out as you go along in an innovative industry sector.

Yoga. Any interest that involves looking within and clearing your mind of unwanted distractions should be beneficial. Yoga practitioners are often clear-headed decision-makers.

Fitness. The ability to maintain a regular fitness regime should never be underestimated. There are times when you won't want to hit the gym but you overcome your lethargy, which is also a valuable approach to work. 

Outdoor pursuits

Venturing outdoors into an uncertain world means that you often need to react to whatever nature throws your way. There's a reason why company away days are often held in outdoor activity centers. Outdoor adventures can teach us a multitude of lessons.

Some soft skills that those who face the great outdoors might have are:

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Working well under stress

Adventurous

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Risk-conscious 

Examples of outdoor interests to put on a resume include:

Fishing. Patience is a key requirement for many roles. When the long-anticipated opportunity arrives, you need to reel it in confidently and with skill. The chance may not come again.

Orienteering. Working out and agreeing on a path forward is a common sticking point in many corporate settings. Orienteering teaches communication skills and teamwork.

Horticulture. Spending countless weeks preparing the ground for a flower that may only bloom for a short time requires attention to detail and visionary planning.

Camping. The ability to put the hustle and bustle of everyday life to one side and lose yourself in the great outdoors is incredibly good for your mental health. It also shows you have the ability to take time away to balance your work and personal life. 

The dedication and creativity that come with learning a musical instrument or training a singing voice can be put to good use in any workplace. The journey is similar when it comes to mastering a new skill at work. Practice makes perfect.

Soft skills relevant to many positions that are often highlighted by musical ability include:

Of course, the technical skills of playing an instrument or being able to sing would be highly relevant in sectors like theater and filmmaking, as well. 

Some music-focused hobbies or interests to put on a resume include:

Songwriting. Even writing an email requires filling a blank space with something meaningful. Songwriters understand how to make other people feel a certain way.

Singing or gigging. Standing in front of a crowd and performing are skills that will be useful at work. You will communicate confidently in any meeting or presentation.

Playing an instrument. The process of mastering an instrument never ends. Perfection has no limits. There's always a more difficult piece to play that you can't quite nail.

Volunteering

Every hiring manager wants to hire a selfless employee who will share duties and help others, even when it isn't specified in their job description. Someone with an interest in volunteering will be naturally inclined to make a difference to those around them.

When you showcase volunteer work on your resume, you're often emphasizing the following soft skills, as well:

Charitability

Originality

Abstract thinking

Community-focus

Examples of volunteer work that candidates might choose to include are:

Charity work. The charity that you choose to support will offer an insight into your character. It may also provide a chance to bond with a hiring manager. 

Environmental activism. This is bordering on a controversial topic for some people, so include details about your environmental activities with care. If the company you're applying to is environmentally or green-focused, then you'll likely be safe to include it. 

Being a mentor. Mentoring outside the workplace is a fantastic source of positive energy. It will teach a multitude of influencing and people management skills.

Community work. Selflessly helping others is a trait of a valuable team player – so long as you know your limits. Sometimes, you need to be selfish and focus on your tasks.

Many creative dilemmas are solved outside of the workplace environment. Do you have the ability to think through a problem laterally when you're taking a shower or during your commute? Creative interests help the right side of your brain to see things differently.

Those with a hobby or interest that requires creativity often possess the following soft skills in addition to creativity:

Detail-orientation

Some creative interests to put on a resume include:

Painting or drawing. While painting is a leisurely pursuit that has little to do with many careers, are we discounting the observational skills of the perceptive artist?

Photography. An appreciation for how visuals can convey a message to make the required impact is central to marketing and sales-related roles. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Graphic design. As business moves increasingly online (and eventually into the Metaverse), graphic design skills come in handy in many careers. 

Blogging. Sharing your thoughts in a blog not only benefits your writing skills. As companies increasingly rely on employee advocacy, you can become a champion for their cause. Written communication skills are also a highly-sought after commodity. 

Poetry. Brevity lies at the heart of every successful team. Say what you want to say. Make sure that everyone gets it. Move on. Most workplaces could do with more succinct poets.

No one wants to hire a technophobe who is constantly asking colleagues for advice about how to use the basic functions of Excel. Sharing an interest in technology means that you may be the go-to person to ask when such questions crop up.

When including technology-focused interests, you're not only highlighting hard skills that employers eagerly seek, but soft skills, as well, like:

Openness to change

These are just a few of the technology-focused hobbies you might include on your resume:

Programming. An appreciation of coding and programming languages will soon be required in many non-technical industries. The future is digital. Are you ready?

Trading. Dabbling in stocks or crypto requires a level of risk tolerance that is rarely tested in a career. When you're investing your own money, you'll develop critical thinking skills.

Artificial intelligence. If you are this interested in the future of work, it's likely that you will have countless other fresh perspectives to bring to the workplace.

Online activity

While not every industry is dependent on an online presence, there are many functions where online activity is central to success. Sales, marketing, PR, human resources, and recruiting require employees with solid social media credentials and hard skills. 

In addition to the technical skills required for online activities, some of the soft skills include:

Creativity 

Communication 

Decisiveness

Examples of online activity hobbies include:

Social media. As social media evolves into a second life for so many of us, people who have developed an online audience can bring countless transferable skills to an employer.

E-sports. Split-second decisions in a virtual environment (alongside a team) mirror many jobs. Your job might not be a game, but your brain won't know any different.

Vlogging. Building an audience on YouTube or another similar platform requires creativity to work out what to say and the courage to put it out into the world.

Entertainment

Captivating a crowd has been a prized skill for millennia, and it's highly valued in the modern workplace. The ability to keep a screen of Zoom listeners engaged on an hourly basis is a skill that shouldn't be underestimated. Entertaining a crowd is a superpower. 

A few soft skills required for entertainment-related hobbies include:

Confidence 

Ability to improvise

Below are a few entertainment-related hobbies and interests to put on a resume:

Acting. While we might try to be true to our authentic selves at work, there are occasions where acting skills are required. The ability to play a part is important to maintain unity.

Comedy. If you have the God-given talent to make someone laugh, making friends and influencing others will come that little bit easier. 

Dance. Concentration and physical preparation are required to master a dance routine. Sometimes, you only get one chance to make an impression. Dancers can also perform under pressure.

Miscellaneous hobbies

Some hobbies might not fall neatly into a category, though they still offer fascinating insights into your personality and are worth mentioning.

Language learning. Choosing to learn a foreign language as a hobby is no small undertaking. You need a stellar memory and an organized mind to piece together the puzzle of language. Plus, many employers value bilingual candidates. 

Home improvement. Project management is ubiquitous in the workplace. Ensuring that a home improvement project runs smoothly demands many of the same project management skills.

Mindfulness. Slowing down and immersing yourself in mindfulness allows the tumult of worldly thoughts to fall into place. Prepare for success from a mindset of calm emptiness and focus. 

Which interests should you avoid adding?

When considering interests to put on a resume, avoid these types:

Illegal ones. Okay, you can laugh, but it's still worth mentioning. An employer might question your judgment if you tell them about your late-night parkour running across the city – avoid anything even remotely illegal. 

Religion or politics. As mentioned earlier, even environmental activities can be polarizing. Avoid anything with the potential to cause an argument. 

Ones requiring complex explanations. Omit any obscure activities that require a detailed explanation. Keep it simple and make sure that the employer will understand the workplace impact of the hobby.

Including hobbies and interests can add value

Now you know when it's okay to put hobbies and interests on a resume and when it's not. You also have plenty of examples of the types of interests to put on a resume that could help you to stand out and highlight vital soft and hard skills. Given that you likely have many relevant interests to put on your resume that might be worth mentioning, be selective in your choices and creative in how you present them using the guidelines above!

Still wondering if you should include hobbies or interests on your resume? And if you are, are you doing it appropriately? Why not upload your resume for a free review from our resume experts and find out?

This article was originally written by Paul Drury and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

Recommended reading:

What is a Resume? It's Much More Than You Think

How to Decide If You Should Turn Your Hobby into Your Life's Work

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-friendly for Free

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

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BEST Examples of Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV (2024 Guide)

Putting hobbies and interests on your CV is a great way to make your CV stand out from the crowd and impress the employer.

What you spend your free time on tells the employer a great deal about you, your values, your motivations, and in some cases, your skills and intelligence. This information can add real value to your job application and improve your chances of being shortlisted for a job interview.

David Littleford et al. , (2004) in their book Career Skills (pg. 14-15) mention under “other interests”:

“You should include hobbies and other interests, especially if they involve social and community activities. These activities are important – cover membership of societies, sports clubs/teams, etc. All these activities and the extent of your involvement give the recruiter clues about the real you and your interests.”

Use the guide and examples below to find out more about hobbies and interests and how to include them on your CV – let’s begin!

What are hobbies and interests?

Should i put hobbies and interests on my cv, what your hobbies “say” about you, what kind of hobbies should i put on my cv, examples of good personal interests to put on a cv, examples of best hobbies to put on a cv, how to write hobbies on a cv, location of the hobbies section on a cv, examples of different cv hobbies sections, things to avoid when writing your hobbies section.

A hobby is an activity that you regularly  pursue for enjoyment purposes, particularly during your leisure time. These are activities that generally relieve you from stress, tension or fatigue.

Examples of hobbies for a CV:

• Playing sports (football, tennis, hockey, cricket, etc.)
• Playing chess and solving puzzle games
• Reading and writing books, articles and publications
• Travelling and meeting new people
• Designing, drawing, sketching and painting
• Cooking and baking

An interest is an activity that you want to do or are currently doing on an  irregular  basis.

Examples of personal interests for a CV:

• Volunteering at local companies, clubs and organisations
• Organising events in the community
• Participating in fundraising events for charity
• Joining a professional, social or environmental group

The answer is, yes! Research has shown that adding relevant hobbies to your CV can make your CV more interesting, strengthen your job application and increase your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview. Putting your personal interests on your CV also shows the employer that you are a whole human being with a satisfactory life outside work and not a work robot.

If you lack work experience, your interests may show your suitability for the job in other ways. For example, they may give valuable information on your leadership potential or ability to work in a team.

Interviewers also use your interests to come up with ‘relaxing’ questions if the interview gets too hot or heavy; something which can help calm your nerves and improve your performance during the interview.

The benefits of including your personal interests on your CV:

• It will give the recruiter a fuller and more complete picture of you
• Extracurricular interests tell the employer that you are an all-rounded person who, besides just working, also enjoys having a good time
• They form a great basis for discussion at the interview stage
• Sporting activities indicate that you are fit, healthy and outgoing
• Involvement in the community suggests good interpersonal skills
• School leavers
• College students
• University graduates
• Candidates with little or no work experience
• Candidates who have blank space in their CVs that can be utilised

Remember that your CV is your personal marketing tool, and you should make the most out of using the totality of your CV, including the interests section, to “sell yourself” to the prospective employer.

• Senior professionals including managers and executives
• Candidates with a lot of work experience
• Candidates whose CVs are overflowing to more than 2 A4 pages

It’s not always appropriate to add this section to a senior CV. The more experience you have, the less important the hobbies and interests section becomes. Managers, executives and other experienced professionals are expected to show their skills and personal qualities from their work experience, achievements and educational background, without the need to resort to outside interests.

Phrases such as ‘Playing football’ , ‘solving puzzles’ , and ‘fixing computers’ are not generic terms without any meaning, rather; they carry a deeper message.

Here’s what the prospective employers will be subconsciously asking themselves when reading through the candidates’  CVs :

What do statements such as, “I play football on a regular basis”, “I enjoy solving puzzles” or “I like fixing computers” tell me about this candidate and their suitability for the job?

Many candidates do not realise that the hobbies and interests they include in their CVs can reveal a lot of information about them and their personalities.

Below is a list of some personal interests and activities and what they tell employers about the candidate:

List of hobbies and interests for a CV

Ask yourself: how do these interests add value to my application? Try to highlight your ability to interact, help and/or communicate with others.

Answer: Those that are relevant and add value to your application!

When deciding which interests to include, the golden rule to apply is;

Will it help me get the job?

Only include relevant hobbies, sports and leisure activities that display you in a positive light and strengthen your application; for example; interests which show that you are active, sociable and responsible.

Martin Yate, a best-selling careers author, outlines three broad categories of leisure activities to include on your CV in his book The Ultimate CV Book (Pg.35):

• Team sports (football, cricket, basketball, etc.)
• Determination activities (running, swimming, cycling, climbing, etc.)
• Brain activities (chess, reading, etc.)

However, not every one of the above categories may be suitable for your situation and the job that you are applying for. Only select the hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job and add value to your application.

• Bain activities (such as playing chess) are a good match for jobs which are technical or analytical in nature  (e.g. jobs in IT or science).
• Team sports (such as playing football) are a good match for jobs which require working with people on a daily basis (e.g. jobs in business or marketing).

Example of relevant and irrelevant hobbies for a web developer:

NOTE: Different activities can be interpreted differently depending on the job you are applying for. For example, “playing computer games” as a hobby is irrelevant to most jobs and may sometimes portray you as a self-absorbed individual living in their own little cyber world. However, the same hobby can add tremendous weight to your CV if you apply for a job as a video game developer, graphics designer or shop assistant at your local games shop!

How to match your interests with the job you are applying for:

There are thousands of hobbies and interests that people include in their CVs. Selecting the correct hobbies to include will depend on a number of factors, including the job sector and the job role/specifications.

Use the guidelines below to select the correct interests for your CV:

For example, if the job holder must have “excellent people skills” , you could mention your volunteering, team sports or socialising activities – all of which develop your communication, interpersonal and people skills. Don’t mention playing chess or jogging as that would be irrelevant.

If, on the other hand, the job specification states that the person must possess “outstanding technical skills” , you would mention playing chess, building computers and upgrading computer networks – things that indicate that you are technically competent and analytical-minded. Don’t mention socialising events because that would be less relevant.

Many companies have a ‘culture’ in the way they operated and how employees of that organisation behave. Google, for instance, is now famously known for allowing employees to play games, take a walk or do sports in order to relieve stress or become more productive during working hours. When applying for a job at a company like Google, there is no harm in showing a little bit of your fun, playful and human side because that fits in nicely with their company culture.

It is always a good idea to write down the list of skills and abilities that you possess and see which of these would add value if you include it in your CV. Skills and abilities are closely related to your hobbies and interest; therefore, you may include them in this section too.

List of interests and their relevance to different jobs

Interests enhance your CV because they show the employer that you are an all-round person with a passion and determination to undertake activities outside work.

The following personal interests will make your CV shine:

• Involved in local clubs, classes and groups. Involvement in clubs and student societies demonstrates that you have excellent interpersonal and people skills, traits that are highly valued by employers. Don’t forget to make mention any professional bodies you are a member of.
• Volunteering at local companies and organisations. Research has shown that the most important part of a candidate’s CV is their work experience section. If you don’t have any relevant work experience, it is highly recommended to take up some voluntary work to improve your skills, gain exposure to your industry and give your CV a great boost!
• Attending events, shows and exhibitions. Attending events, whether they are for business or pleasure, demonstrates to the employer that you are keen to learn about the latest trends in an industry or on a subject. It also shows that you are confident and enjoy meeting new people; two personal traits that are highly desired in almost all jobs.
• Organising events in the community. Employers love candidates that show initiative and take on additional responsibilities to further their skills and experience. Having experience in helping with community events is particularly useful if you want a job in events management, marketing or business management.
• Involved with charities (including campaigning and fundraising). Employers value charity work because it shows that you are socially conscious, compassionate and caring. It also demonstrates that you have great people skills and are capable of dealing with the public.

These interests enhance your CV because they inform the employer that you possess excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills which enables you to undertake these activities. It also confirms that you are motivated and determined about the things you are passionate about.

The following hobbies will give a boost to your CV:

• Exercise and sports. Adding sports to your CV will portray you as a healthy and fit individual. There are two types of sports; individual sports such as running, swimming and cycling, and team sports such as football, basketball, cricket and tennis. Individual sports portray you as a determined, passionate and strong-willed individual whereas team sports show that you have excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Playing brain games. Brain activities are great hobbies to add to any CV, especially if you pursue a career in computing, mathematics or science because they demonstrate excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Playing chess or puzzle games also tells the employer that you are intelligent, thoughtful and capable of overcoming challenges.
• Writing. Writing as a hobby indicates that you have excellent written communication skills, a key requirement for copywriters, editors, public relations professionals, marketers and journalists. You don’t necessarily have to be writing voluminous books to mention this hobby on your CV! You can also include writing poems, short articles and blog posts.
• Mentoring and coaching. Employers highly value mentoring because they understand that teaching, advising or supervising someone requires great skill, patience and determination. This hobby is particularly useful to add to your CV if you’re applying for a job as a teacher, tutor, mentor, teaching assistant, sports coach or fitness instructor.
• Computing and IT. If you’re applying for a job in the information technology (IT) industry, you can add the following activities to your CV to enhance it; coding and programming, building and fixing computers, designing and developing websites, setting-up computer networks and keeping up with the latest developments in technology.
• Designing. Designing is an essential requirement if you’re looking to apply for a job in a creative industry such as marketing or design. Activities that you could add to your CV include designing art, drawing, sketching and painting by hand, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Cooking, baking and eating. Who doesn’t like food, right? Cooking new dishes and baking cakes are great hobbies to add to your CV if you’re applying for a job in the hospitality and catering industry. You could also mention things like, ‘going out and eating at restaurants’ or ‘watching Food Channel or other food-related TV programmes (e.g. MasterChef)’. Passion for food goes a long way in this industry!

Below are the guidelines for writing a perfect hobbies section of your CV:

• Keep this section short and to the point as it is an extra/optional section; one to three interests are usually sufficient.
• Only include interests that are relevant to the job. For example, what value does “stamp and coin collecting” as a hobby add to the application of someone who applies for the logistics manager position? The answer: none. However, stamp collecting would be a very valuable hobby to mention when applying for a job as a stamp appraiser .
• Don’t use the usual lines about enjoying walking, reading or swimming; be more specific and describe them in sentences. For example, change “I enjoy reading” , to “I enjoy reading non-fiction and current affairs books” ), or change “Travelling” to “I have visited most major European cities,” etc.)
• Try to list interests that show a balance . A healthy interest in sports and the outdoors should be counterbalanced by other, more intellectual pursuits.
• Keep it real and don’t lie or exaggerate.

The interests section should be placed at the end of the second page , just before the CV references section :

Remember: This section is optional so placing it higher up on your CV will give the prospective employer the impression that you do not understand how to prioritise things. Think about it, how can your personal interests be more important to the employer than your work experience or qualifications?

Example 1 – Economist

Example 2 – teaching assistant.

Note: The example below is a bit long because the candidate had blank space in their CV and utilised it accordingly.

Example 3 – Civil Engineer

Example 4 – credit controller.

Example 5 – Journalist

It is best to avoid putting anything controversial or sensitive on your CV. Humans are by their nature very judgemental, so be wise about what you disclose on your CV. For example, some recruiters may judge you negatively if you included heavy metal as your favourite music genre.

Avoid mentioning interests that could reveal your private beliefs.

Stating that you are an “active member of the local church” may harm your chances of being invited to an interview, especially when the potential employer reading your CV is a strict atheist. Similarly, stating that you “volunteered on a number of Labour election campaigns” or that you are a “huge fan of Manchester United” is also not a very good idea.

Don’t mention very risky, dangerous or time-consuming hobbies such as rock climbing, deep sea diving, bungee jumping, parachuting and boxing. It is in the employer’s best interest that you are fit and well when you’re working for them!

One recruitment expert commented, “Personally alarm bells go off for me when I read about people jumping out of perfectly good aircraft or hanging off tall buildings on the thinnest of ropes!”

Interviewers use the interests section of your CV to identify any conflict of interest if your hobbies demand too much of your time that could interfere with your ability to do your job or meet deadlines. A potential conflict of interest could arise, for example, if you state that you run two part-time businesses alongside your day job.

You may think it’s a good idea to make up some hobbies to impress the employer but this is not a good idea.

One unfortunate applicant had put ‘theatre’ as one of their interests but was left speechless and embarrassed at the interview when they were asked about the kind of theatre they liked and the name of the last play they saw.

Make sure that you know enough to talk about every interest you list on your CV at the interview. Don’t include “Karate” as your hobby if the nearest you ever got to karate was watching a martial arts film! What if the interviewer is a black belt and asks you about the style of karate you have studied?

Over the years, recruiters have documented the many weird and inappropriate interests that they have seen on CVs, including:

• Eating pizzas
• Handling guns
• Frog dissection
• Swimming with saltwater crocodiles

Needless to say, none of these candidates was invited for a job interview!

Adding too many hobbies to your CV fills up valuable space that could be used for more important information. The following is a sample of a CV’s interests section that contains too many activities:

At this stage, the prospective employer will most likely be wondering: “Gosh, when will this person have any time to do some work?!”

Putting hobbies and interests on your CV is an excellent way of enhancing your CV and improving the chances of being shortlisted for a job interview. Regardless of your job or industry, you should only include hobbies or interests that are relevant and add value to your application.

If you’re still undecided on what to include, have a look at the great examples below to see which of these you can add to your CV.

The best personal hobbies and interests to put on a CV:

• Sports such as football, basketball and swimming.
• Exercise such as walking or going to the gym.
• Volunteering and participating in the community.
• Reading books, magazines or publications.
• Writing books, poems, articles or blog posts.
• Designing or drawing by hand or computer (CAD).
• Building things such as computers and product prototypes.
• Coaching, teaching, tutoring or mentoring someone.
• Organising events/activities for local charities or organisations.
• Learning a new skill such as public speaking or new technology.
• Cooking and baking when applying for food-related jobs.
• Playing brain games, puzzles, riddles and solving quizzes.
• Travelling to experience new cultures and meet new people.
• Learning a new language.

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Resumes are a place to showcase your professional skills and achievements to the recruiters.

Most resumes consist of your professional experience, and educational background, as this information is crucial for recruiters to select you.

However, the real question is, should you include hobbies in your resume?

If you apply for a software developer job, the recruiter may not care about your "Gardening" hobby.

The idea is to add hobbies and interests relevant to the job. Something that demonstrates your core qualities to the recruiter.

For example, if you've led a team in your college sports, add it to your resume to showcase your leadership skills.

Of course, it's an oversimplified example.

But most companies nowadays want to know your personal hobbies and interests to give you the right work-life balance.

And they get it from your "Hobbies and Interests" section on your resume.

This blog will tell you everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on your resume.

Table of Content:

• What are interests?
• What are hobbies?
• What is the difference between hobbies and interests?
• Why do you want to add hobbies and interests to your resume?

How to List Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

• Top 40 best hobbies and interests on a resume?

What Are Interests?

Interests are the topics that fascinate you and help you want to learn more about them. Interests can be broad or narrow, but they're always things that are important to us as individuals.

For example, you might be interested in cars or animals—or maybe you're really into music, archaeology, or modern art. These are all interests! They could also be specific topics within a larger field of study—for instance, if you were interested in classical music but didn't know much about it, learning about classical music would become an interest for you!

What are Hobbies?

Hobbies are fun and relaxing activities you do in your free time. They can be anything you like, from collecting stamps to playing video games.

What are the Differences between hobbies and Interests?

Hobbies are different from interests because they don't require any special training or knowledge to do them. You don't have to have any special skills or be good at something in order to have a hobby.

Interests are more specific than hobbies, usually taking up more time and effort than your average hobby does. Interest could be learning how to play the guitar, reading about science fiction, or even learning how to speak another language.

Why do You Want to Include Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume?

While there are no hard and fast rules, many employers prefer to see hobbies and interests on a resume or CV. A section for hobbies and interests on your resume or CV is often included to show that your interests extend beyond your work and help the hiring manager, interviewer, or employer connect with you personally and professionally.

When done strategically, hobbies and interests on your resume help in showcasing your strengths and soft skills to the recruiters.

You can also consider adding a hobbies or interests section, if:

• If you have limited or no work experience
• If your job responsibilities align with your hobbies and interests
• If you are interested in a new industry

Also Raed: How to write a resume in 2023?

Ideally, the hobbies and interests in the resume should go at the bottom of the resume, only if there's space left there.

If there is no space, you can choose not to add hobbies and interests to your resume after adding all the important sections.

However, if you mention your hobbies and interests on your resume, you need to explain them to help the recruiters understand your points.

For example, it's not enough to add Basketball in your Hobbies section, and you need to demonstrate it by saying something like: "Played in a local Basketball team for a recreation sports league."

Also Raed: How to list key skills in a resume in 2023?

List of 40+ Best Hobbies and Interests on Resume?

Here are an extenisive list of common hobbies and interests on resume:

Indoor Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

Only indoor hobbies and indoor personal interests on your resume might represent you as an introvert. This could deem you fit for profiles that do not necessarily require social interaction - coding, writing, etc.

However, some indoor hobbies and personal interests on the resume demonstrate good reasoning and great patience. Achievements in chess and scrabble might reflect highly on the candidate's intelligence.

They are best suited in the fields that involve calculative risk-taking, strategic planning, and analysis.

Quick tip : The unique resume hobby section lists all unique hobbies like coffee brewing, flower arranging, haiku, etc., which can be a double-edged sword. It is best to avoid them on your resume if you're applying for a managerial role that requires business-friendly skills.

However, these skills are suitable for exceptional circumstances wherein you must apply specifically in these areas.

List of indoor resume hobby or common indoor personal interests on a resume:

Also Read: How to add interpersonal skills on resume in 2023?

Outdoor Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

Outdoor hobbies and personal interests on a resume exhibit a person's adventurous and risk-taking abilities .

They showcase a person's nature of coming out of their comfort zone and working proficiently under pressure which is essential for administration and leadership positions.

Quick tip : This resume hobbies list might be a huge turn-off for a serious recruiter and work committed in fields like medicine. However, it makes you a good strategist adept at planning and getting the job done.

List of hobbies on a resume or common personal interests on a resume that is conducted outdoors:

Collection Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

A collection of hobbies and personal interests on a resume are an excellent way to show that someone has a nature for perseverance and usually indicates an exquisite approach to situations.

These unique hobbies and personal interests on the resume must be listed when the creative aspect of a person is to be highlighted.

You may list these resume hobbies and interests related to the fields like designing, crafting, and specific job profiles related to Human and Public resources.

Quick tip : It may not work well in an independent workspace where a free flow of ideas and thoughts is required. It may be too conservative.

List of collective hobbies for resume and common collective personal interests on a resume:

Indoor Collection Hobbies in a resume:

• Book Collection
• Stamp & Postcard Collection
• Card & Coin Collection
• Video Game Collection
• Movie Collection
• Vintage Collection

Outdoor Collection Hobbies in a resume:

• Antiquities
• Insect Collection
• Flower Collecting
• Seashell collecting
• Fossil Hunting
• Flower Pressing

Competitive Hobbies & Interests

Competitive hobbies and personal interests on a resume display a fierce ability to achieve a goal in a person once it is set.

Indoor competitive resume hobbies list exhibits that the person is very stern and resilient. He is prone to believing in himself more than others.

This is an up point for leading roles as he must believe and be true to himself even when others are not.

Outdoor competitive resume hobbies list subjects a person's taste for teamwork , loyalty , and commitment to your team in times of pressure and adversity. They develop strength and agility in a person.

This is very helpful in areas that pertain to long working hours outdoors. Example : field surveys, site visits, sports trainer, yoga, pilates, dancing, etc.

Quick tip: When combined with people and language skills, it can be great for jobs like sales, where you require interaction with people. Classification of competitive hobbies on resume and common personal interests on resume based on where they are undertaken:

Indoor Competitive Hobbies in a resume:

• Martial Arts
• Weightlifting

Outdoor Competitive Hobbies in a resume:

• Horseback Riding

Observational Hobbies in Resume

Indoor observational hobbies and indoor observational personal interests on resume demonstrate the person's ability to sit and examine.

They can analyze small changes in a secluded environment, away from all the distractions. But they may not be suited for loud work environments.

Jobs that require precision and seclusion like design, coding, planning , etc., are likely to be appropriate for these people.

Outdoor observational resume hobbies list portrays a person's ability to sense the smallest changes in chaotic places.

Outdoor observational hobbies and personal interests on a resume are appropriate for figuring out flaws in the other person's strategy or body language. These people can even favor the outcome according to their whim.

Quick tip: This is an excellent opportunity for a** business analyst, interviewer** and certain finance/marketing job profiles.

List of hobbies for resume or common personal interests on a resume that is known as observational hobbies:

Indoor Observational Hobbies in a resume:

• Fishkeeping

Outdoors Observational Hobbies in a resume:

• Aircraft Spotting
• Birdwatching
• Photography
• Meteorology

Also Raed: How to write different sections in a resume in 2023?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how many resume interests can you list.

After extensive resume writing research by our professionals, we suggest at most five hobbies on resume be listed authentically.

Mentioning an extensive list of hobbies and personal interests on resume might be an issue as the person may come out to be highly distributive. Having so many hobbies on resume might not resonate well with the recruiter.

It makes you appear erratic, and the recruiter might perceive you as a frequent job switcher. The recruiter might think that you will not be able to deliver your work well. So why risk your application!

However, if you really want to elaborate on your resume hobbies , you might do that in the cover letter. A cover letter provides space and is longer than a 2-page personal resume. It also has room for explaining.

2. What to Do if You Don’t Have Any Hobbies and Interests on Resume?

If you have no hobbies or interests, we have got some solutions to fill out your list of resume interests!

Volunteer Work: You can start with some volunteer work. It is an excellent way to enhance your resume. It is easy to discover and helps in your participation with the community.

You can mention your volunteer work if your resume deals in subjects like medicine, philosophy, psychiatry, etc.

Various volunteer works may include working at an animal shelter home, helping at a vet, a nursing home, an orphanage, a plant drive, a blood donation bank, a blind school, or simply allowing the students in your community with their studies.

3. Can I list False Hobbies and Personal Interests on my Resume?

Including a list of hobbies and resume that are false is a big no-no!

You should not use false hobbies on your resume as bait to fit the recruiter's criteria.

It may come off as a casual attitude and might backfire if they find out later.

Hobbies Section Resume

It can be difficult to describe abstract interests and hobbies in an impactful way. Here's a complete personal interests resume sample containing a separate section for hobbies and interests that might give you an idea:

• Ranked 9th in the Call of Duty World League (CWL) - Black Ops 4 | 2018
• Member, I nternational Game Developers Association (IGDA)
• Member, American Gaming Association (AGA)
• Assisting in redesigning the curriculum for McMillan's Shelter Home for Boys by gamifying difficult concepts as a volunteer teacher at the Make A Difference nonprofit
• Appointed as the Contributing Writer at the Gaming Weekly magazine
• Travelled to 15+ countries in the last 18 months
• Software: Phaser.JS
• Programming Language: HTML5, JavaScript
• Certification in Game Development with Phaser.JS | Codecademy | Jan '19 - Jan '19
• Learn Phaser: Basics | Learn Phaser Physics | Learn Phaser Animations | Learn Phaser: Visual Effects
• Created an action-adventure style fantasy story in Phaser by deploying Click
• Recreated arcade classic: Space Invaders, in the form of Bug Invaders
• Developed a game with scene transitions , animations, and tweens
• Spearheaded a team of 4 to execute social media listening projects including campaign & conference monitoring
• Oversaw finalization of keywords , data extraction & deck preparation by deploying multiple software and tools
• Supervised preparation of final presentations via graphs & pivots to generate quantitative & qualitative insights
• Deployed analytical tools like Radian 6 for gathering data from social media platforms to curate & present insights
• Collated & evaluated data available from online sources like news organizations & multiple social media platforms
• Analyzed the data collated for rendering assistance to clients in designing campaigns for research & marketing
• Formulated 25+ reports for effectively serving ~15 clients to render insights about the product’s market presence
• Conducted research for US-based pharma companies in markets like US, UK , Japan & Europe
• Deployed primary research methodologies by collating data of pharma companies based in the US to perform analysis
• Languages : English and Chinese

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Key Takeaways

In the end, we believe that you need to ask yourself one question. Is your list of hobbies and interests going to help support the positive qualities I mentioned above?

If not, don’t include them on your resume. It will only take up space, and likely won’t make much of a difference in the eyes of your interviewer.

Here’s how to decide that:

• Look at the job description and see how your hobbies and interests can reflect the required skills
• Don;t just namedrop the hobbies or interests. Flesh out it a bit in single-line bullet format. It will help the recruiter get to know you better.

If you want to add hobbies and interests in your resume, Go to Hiration Resume Builder which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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Resume Examples & Samples

How and why put hobbies on a resume [20+ real examples].

Dayana Aleksandrova

Create a Resume in Minutes & Get More Job Interviews

Table of Contents

Why is it important to talk about hobbies and interests, how to tailor interests and hobbies to a job.

• The 4 Main Sets of Hobbies and Interests

Creative Hobbies and Interests

Athletic hobbies and interests, people-oriented hobbies and interests, analytical hobbies and interests, how to connect with a recruiter.

Hobbies and interests are a vital, yet overlooked part of a resume.

When applying for a job, it’s not enough to just flash a perfect resume with tons of experience and brand names. Employers care about you as a whole. What this means is that you have to show them who you are outside of the office through your hobbies and interests.

This is why it is extremely important to paint a clear picture of yourself, demonstrating your passions and values. All successful resume templates include this section.

That being said, not all hobbies and interests are created equal. There are ways to leverage the things that excite you and tailor them according to the company you are applying to.

in this guide, we will teach you:

• Why it is important to talk about hobbies and interests on your resume
• How to leverage your interests and tailor them to the specific company
• The four main sets of hobbies to mention
• What your interests say about your personality
• How to connect with recruiters based on interests

Let’s dive into it. Remember, regardless of which hobbies and interests you decide to put on your resume, you have to be genuine. Don’t pretend to have interests you don’t, because that will make you look like a fraud.

Don't have a resume yet? Head over to our resume builder and create one.

#why-is-it-important-to-talk-about-hobbies-and-interests

Have you noticed how companies often talk company culture during the recruiting process?

Recruiters need to make sure that each employee will fit in with the company culture. This is important, as every successful business needs people that communicate and work well together. People are inherently different and having common hobbies tends to break the ice quicker and over time bring people together.

#how-to-tailor-interests-and-hobbies-to-a-job

It all comes down to research .

The company website gives you everything you need to get the job. You just have to dig and find the key pieces of information that talk about interests and hobbies.

For example, if a boutique hotel lists on their website that they value:

• Honest people with a high level of integrity
• Social butterflies who enjoy travel
• People who will take care of guests like their family
• Those who go the extra mile to make every experience memorable

You can choose to list your interests and hobbies that reflect these values. It would look like this:

Passionate Monopoly player who always wins fair and square.

What does this say? If you like to play Monopoly, you are clearly a social butterfly because the game usually includes a group of at least four people and is very emotionally expressive.

Saying that you won fair and square demonstrates your honesty and integrity without you having to say “I’m honest.”

When listing your hobbies and interests on a resume, you really let them show who you. It’s a subtle and elegant way of painting yourself in a good light.

for example:

Organize meet-ups for travelers in the city, aimed at building new friendships and showing them around town from a local perspective.

This shows that:

• You care to help strangers feel accepted and make friends; this is a great social skill to bring to a job that requires customer interaction for example
• You go the extra mile to find locals from your city and convince them to show travelers around, so that they could have a memorable experience

Given the fact that you are applying for a hotel, mentioning the word travelers is very important. You have to know the audience the company is going for and show your engagement with it.

Step up your game. Have a look at How and Why To Tailor Your Resume to the Job (10+ Examples) .

THE 4 MAIN SETS OF HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

#the-4-main-sets-of-hobbies-and-interests.

While your hobbies and interests may be extremely diverse, there are 4 main categories in which they typically fall. These are:

• People-oriented

We will look at each group individually to see what examples best reflect these hobbies and interests and what skills they convey.

#creative-hobbies-and-interests

What comes to mind when you think “creative” hobbies? Those could be:

• Painting/ sculpture
• Design (websites, clothes, bags)
• Photography
• Videography

Now, what skills do you think someone with creative hobbies would have?

Creative people usually:

• Think outside the box
• Are able to see a challenge from a different angle
• Can make links between two projects that seem totally opposing
• Are good with big workloads, as they get bored easily

If you are applying for a position where problem-solving is one of the main tasks, listing these six hobbies and interests on your resume will be helpful. Same goes for jobs that require someone with a visual understanding of things.

If you're looking for some extra inspiration, have a look at these resume templates .

#athletic-hobbies-and-interests

Athletic hobbies and interests are very important. Why? Because they demonstrate a few key characteristics of job applicants:

• Competitive spirit
• Perseverance
• Desire to win (sometimes at all cost)

What are some athletic hobbies and interests to put on your resume? Take a look at some of the best options:

• Club sports (baseball, basketball, football, swimming)
• Running marathons
• Dancing (competitive; couples)
• Coaching a team
• Hiking, camping
• Doing races - Spartan Race, Mud Run, obstacles

What skills does someone with athletic interests bring to the table?

Sports are no easy task, so someone who lists these interests and hobbies tells the recruiter that they are:

• Can work in a team
• Like to win
• Strong (both physically and mentally)

For example, if you have the motivation to play basketball three times a week at your local court with friends, that shows commitment which tells the recruiter that you are reliable.

If you take time off your day to coach your kids’ middle school football team, it shows leadership and that you are generous with your free time.

If you go on races with obstacles and various physical challenges, that exhibits strength and perseverance. A 10K race through the Irish mud trails is not for weak people, so if you do this for fun, it increases the chances that the company would want you on their team.

If you are a fan of hiking and camping, this shows that you aren’t afraid of the possibility to get stranded in the mountains and that you come prepared ahead of time. Planning ahead is always a useful trait, especially when it comes to company projects.

If you dance, that shows a few things - you have a great coordination and attention to detail; you can follow instructions; you get along with others enough to dance in a couple.

If you do sports, it's always a great idea to have at least one athletic hobby on your resume, so take your pick.

#people-oriented-hobbies-and-interests

Chances are that wherever you apply to work, the recruiter would want to see that you work well in a team and get along with others well.

These are the top hobbies and interests to put on your resume in order to demonstrate your social skills:

• Organize events/ meet-ups/ parties
• Help out at a local homeless shelter
• Teach others (languages, drawing)
• Host dinner parties
• Volunteer to chaperon your kids’ school events
• Like to volunteer as a tour guide in your city

All of these hobbies are very social. For example, if you are someone who likes to organize events, you must do well with groups of people. Events and meet-ups require a ton of coordination, figuring out logistics and doing a fair amount of marketing and promotion.

Having these skills is very valuable for many job functions and industries such as Business, Sales, Hospitality, Education, Travel.

If you like to teach others, this exhibits a high level of patience, dedication, and care. It’s challenging to teach others new skills. For example, very high levels of frustration could build up when you’re trying to teach someone a new language, even if it’s your family.

Showing that you handle yourself well in these situations is key. Volunteer projects always look great on a resume, because you do something and expect no reward in return. This shows character.

If you volunteer at a local homeless shelter, it suggests a role of a community leader and is very likely that you are someone well-respected and selfless. This is the type of person companies want.

#analytical-hobbies-and-interests

While people and leadership skills are very valuable, we must not forget analytical qualities. These are the hobbies and interests that best illustrate your analytical side:

• Master sudoku/ cards/ board games player
• Book club member
• Read philosophy
• Play real-time strategy computer games
• Tutor others in science/ math/ literature

There are many ways to show that you are an analytical mind. For example, if you’re a member of a book club, this shows that you can think about different plots and context and draw conclusions.

The fact that you do so in a group of people shows your social side as well. This is sometimes a factor which analytical people have to pay attention to. Of course, companies would want a smart, detail-oriented employee, but you would not be any good if you don’t communicate.

Reading philosophy is another great hobby. Though a bit less social than book club, it shows that you are open-minded.

If you tutor others in math, science or literature courses, this shows that you like to help others solve problems. This type of character is always a great addition to a team.

#how-to-connect-with-a-recruiter

Connecting with a recruiter is always imperative, but it's not an easy task. The worst thing you can do during an interview (well, besides having a meltdown under pressure), is bore the recruiter to death.

While it’s their job to talk about your professional portfolio and the tasks that the job requires, recruiters are people too - they get tired of formalities. This is why it’s a great idea to do research on the person interviewing you and prepare your most suitable interests and hobbies for your conversation.

LinkedIn is an invaluable resource when it comes to finding out information about someone’s professional history and personal interests. There is even a special section dedicated to it, so do your homework.

If you see that the recruiter shares updates on fishing or hiking, that means that they are an outdoors person. If you can identify with these hobbies, the recruiter will realize you share something in common. AT that moment, you'll stop being a piece of paper, and start being human.

You can casually slip in your love for the mountains when asked how your weekend was. Simply reply that it was great and that you went hiking.

Recruiters like to talk about interests outside of the work place because otherwise, their days can get very boring.

If you see that the recruiter shared a book review on LinkedIn, it may be worth it to read a quick synopsis of the book and mention it. Sometimes, recruiters would ask what book you are currently reading.

This is meant to be something of a “smart” test. Successful people typically read a lot and can always recall what’s on their radar at any given moment. If you admit that you haven’t read books since college, your honesty is more likely to hurt you than not.

Check out what the recruiter likes to read and learn a few things. If they follow magazines and news sites like The Economist, Bloomberg or Entrepreneur, give them a follow and see what updates come up. Chances are that you will find a topic to bond over.

Taking it a step further than LinkedIn, Twitter is the key to your recruiter’s hobbies and interests. This platform is easy to use and lets you send out frequent updates on your activities, as well as share things from the web that are interesting to you.

If the recruiter is interested in travel and constantly shares beautiful photos from England or the Bahamas, talk about your last trip and mention your passion for globetrotting.

Chances are that if you are seriously considered for the job, recruiters will also check out your social media.

Interviews and resumes don’t have to be all work and no play. Don't be shy and talk about your hobbies and interests on your resume. You still should, however, do so strategically.

Begin by finding out the values and mission of your desired company. Then tailor your own interests to theirs.

A key factor here is to keep it genuine . If you say that you love to read but can’t recall the name of the last book you've picked up, this will look bad. If on the other hand, you say that you enjoy travel and you’ve got a great story to pull out of your sleeve, this can bring you major points.

Remember that the hobbies and interests on your resume communicate a message about your character.

If you say that you volunteer to coach your children’s baseball team, this shows leadership and patience. It is much more valuable than you saying “I’m a patient leader.”

Connect with recruiters based on your common interests. Remember that recruiters are people like you and anyone else. They get bored talking about job duties and personality tests all day. Bond with them over your shared love for media, sports or art.

Make sure that your social media reflects your personality by mentioning your interests in hobbies . The best way to see if someone is really into running is to go on their Twitter and see whether they post any 5K race updates or have a bunch of Usain Bolt motivational quotes reposted.

Remember that companies want well-rounded individuals, so take your resume to the next level by adding your hobbies and interests.

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Listing Hobbies and Interests on a Resume: Examples & How-to

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What are hobbies and interests you can list on a resume?

How to list hobbies and interests on a resume, best hobbies and interests for different industries.

Adding relevant hobbies and interests to your resume can show hiring managers that you’re dedicated to your profession. They can also highlight your skills and related experience to make you stand out from other candidates. Learn how to add hobbies and interests to your resumes and the best ones for different industries.

Hobbies and interests on a resume are things you do in your free time that help complete your resume. Usually, you can create a ‘Hobbies and interests’ section towards the end of your resume to show employers what you like to do when you’re not working. Listing hobbies and interests can help hiring managers understand more about you and how you could fit into their company culture. 

It can be helpful to list hobbies and interests that relate to the role you’re applying for to show you’re a dedicated professional in your field. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a mechanic, you can list interests like rebuilding classic cars or reading automotive magazines. 

Here’s how you can add your hobbies and interests to a resume: 

1. First, think about what you do in your free time

Consider anything you enjoy doing when you’re not working, like exercising, reading, cooking or anything else. Most things that you like doing in your free time can be considered hobbies or interests. 

2. Second, make a list of all of your hobbies

Write down everything you like doing. Make the list as long as you need to include all of your interests. 

3. Third, look at job descriptions

Read different job postings in fields you’re interested in to see what some common responsibilities and skills are. See if any of your hobbies or interests relate to the jobs. Your hobbies could also use some of the skills needed for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a job that listed teamwork as a needed skill, you could list playing a specific sport to showcase your teamwork skills.

4. Next, read resume samples

Find resume examples for the job you want to apply for to see some possible hobbies and interests you could list on your own resume. These examples can give you inspiration for hobbies you have that you hadn’t thought of before. Examples can also show you the best way to add your hobbies. 

5. Then, create a ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section on your resume

This section should probably be last on your resume since you want to show all of your experience, skills and education first. When you add your hobbies and interests, it’s best to add three at most, so choose your most relevant ones. 

6. Last, be descriptive

 When you add your hobbies and interests, be sure to make them specific so hiring managers have a better understanding of them. For example, instead of adding ‘Cooking’ as a hobby, try ‘Passion for French baking.’ Being descriptive helps you be more relatable to the employer. 

Not everyone adds hobbies and interests on their resumes, but it can be a useful section to show your personality. Only include a ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section if you have space on your resume. 

Here are some of the best hobbies and interests you can list for different industries: 

Information technology (IT)

Examples  that show IT interests or how you stay current in a continuously changing field:

• Building neural networks 
• Active participant in local annual hackathon 
• Learning new coding languages 
• Volunteer instructor at local high school’s after-school programming class 
• Play Sudoku and other number puzzles 

Be specific in any programming languages or other IT programs you’re learning in your free time. The IT industry also involves a lot of analytical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, you may need to collaborate with a group or team.

Examples to highlight your communication or entrepreneurial skills for retail:

• Member of neighborhood softball league since 2015 
• Regular volunteer at local clothing and furniture charity 
• Create custom sewing patterns as side job 
• Active member of chess club 

Depending on the type of retail you’re involved in, you may be able to add more specific interests as well. You can also add any hobbies that could showcase your customer service skills, which is another valuable skill needed for retail. 

Examples for the healthcare industr y to show your interest in physical health and staying current with the latest medical trends:

• Read monthly psychology and neurology medical journals 
• Boston and New York Marathon participant 
• Volunteer coordinator at local Red Cross 
• Lead cycling class twice a week at fitness center 
• Member of group aiming to provide healthcare to underserved communities 

Healthcare has a wide variety of jobs available, so mention any other hobbies for your specific field. 

Construction

Examples for construction that show your stamina and creative problem-solving skills:

• Create custom tables for additional income, about one per month 
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer since 2017 
• Avid backpacker and speed hiker 
• Practice welding techniques 

Some of these hobbies involve working with others, which is also important in construction. 

Hospitality 

Examples for working in the hospitality industry with a variety of people:

• Traveling and exploring local culture 
• Maintain a blog about travel experiences 
• Currently learning Portuguese and Italian 
• Sailboat enthusiast 
• Volunteer at local refugee center 

Adding any hobbies that involve teamwork would be helpful for hospitality resumes as well. 

Foodservice

Examples for foodservice related to your experience with food, time management and collaboration skills:

• Maintain active food critic blog Interest in variations of curry worldwide 
• Participant in local food service kickball league 
• Volunteer three times a week at local food bank 

Depending on the job you’re seeking in the foodservice industry, there are many other hobbies you could add. A server’s hobbies and interests will likely be different than a sous chef’s hobbies.

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How to List Hobbies on a Resume? [+Examples]

Your hobbies and interests make you, well, you. But that's not the only reason to put them on your resume . 

Sure, they can say a lot about what makes you tick. But most importantly, they can help an employer decide whether they'd like you as a person or not — and have you on their team. What's more, your hobbies are a great indication of whether you fit a company culture or not. 

In this how-to guide, we'll show you how to list your hobbies on a resume and leverage them to your advantage.

This guide will answer the following questions:

What is the resume hobbies section?

• Why include hobbies on your resume?
• What's the difference between hobbies and interests? And why does it matter?
• What hobbies to include on your resume?
• How to list them on your resume?

Too long, don't wanna read? 60sec Video Guide

The hobbies section is an important but optional part of your resume where you can mention your interests and hobbies.

Many people leave it out it because they think it ultimately won’t make any difference. But whether you’re a student , a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, it can be useful both for you and your future employer. If you do it right.

It usually sits at the bottom of your resume and includes 5 interest or hobbies, either described in few sentences or simply portrayed as an icon.

Why include hobbies on your resume?

In general, the main purpose of a resume is to show that you have what it takes for a given job. Your hobbies and interests have little to contribute to this goal. For this reason, it’s never a mistake NOT to include hobbies in your resume. But still, there are some benefits to including them.

• You show that you fit the company culture. You may ask: Why would employers care about your love for reading complicated novels? Well, many companies today aren’t looking for faceless corporate minions anymore. Instead, they’ll want to know whether you’re going to fit their company culture.
• You show that you’re an actual person, not just a name. It’s always nice to let recruiters know you’re a human being, too. It makes them think of you in a different way. All of a sudden, you become an intriguing human being with their own hopes and dreams, things they like or don’t like, etc.
• It sets you apart from others. If done right, your hobbies section can increase your chances of scoring a job. There is a chance the hiring manager will remember you as the person who has an interesting hobby, compared to other candidates who only listed their work achievements . However, only include hobbies on your resume if you consider them instrumental in supporting your job-related skills and qualifications. Listening to music and watching Netflix? Everybody likes that. Try to come up with something that really sets you apart from others.
• It can demonstrate personal growth and commitment. If you have a hobby that you've consistently pursued over a long time period, it can indicate dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to personal development . This can make you seem more dynamic, interesting and gives a positive impression of your personality. This could potentially make you more likable in the eyes of the recruiter and could be the deciding factor when two applicants have a similar professional background. 
• It can indicate transferable skills . Certain hobbies can showcase specific qualities or skills that are applicable to many jobs. For instance, someone who enjoys playing in a local softball league could show important teamwork and leadership skills. Hobbies like photography or blogging can indicate creativity, adaptability and detail-oriented characteristics.

All right, then. Where should you place your hobbies? At the bottom of your resume . As we’ve already said, your hobbies are not the most important part of your resume. More important sections, like work experience or skills, should precede them.

Still, you can make this section look a bit fancier. The little icons can give it a nice artistic touch, but do everything in moderation. Sometimes less is more.

Of course, don’t make stuff up just to seem more interesting.

Do you feel like you don’t have any hobbies that are relevant to the job or the company, or they don’t have a lot of transferable value? Then don’t mention them. After all, a resume should be exactly one page long. You’ll easily find better ways to utilize this space.

Oh, and whether you have job-related hobbies or not, you can now  turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume with just one click.

What’s the difference between hobbies and interests?

Hobbies and interests are related but are not the same .

An interest is something you enjoy, but it doesn't necessarily mean you actively do it. If yes, you enjoy doing it just from time to time .

A hobby is something you practice or do regularly . You usually do it during your free time for enjoyment. So, your interest can become a hobby if you do it everyday and make it the part of your life.

You paint from time to time but don’t have sufficient time to practice it regularly. That’s an interest. Do you meditate and do yoga daily? Good! That means you have a hobby.

Finally, and this is important, nobody cares about your interests. Being interested in something is no achievement. But taking time to practice something regularly, that's impressive! 

Because of that, your resume should (ideally) only include your hobbies. 

What hobbies should you include on a resume?

Avoid being vague. The point of listing hobbies on your resume is NOT to mention everything you like to do. For example, saying that you like music isn’t going to help you make a stronger case for your candidacy. Everybody likes music. It’s vague. It doesn’t say anything about you.

Do you only listen to music or do you also write your own music? Do you like dancing to music? You get the idea.

Moreover, you especially want to mention those of your interests that are interesting or impressive. Do you enjoy running? Don’t forget to mention that you finished a marathon. Do you love traveling? Tell them how many countries have you visited already.

Yet again, if you want your hobbies to work as icebreakers and conversation starters, be REALLY specific. After all, a “fervent golf player” or “contemporary American documentary novel lover” sounds much more engaging than vague statements “playing every kind of sport” or “getting lost in a good book.”

Finally, always highlight those of your interests that are in any way  related to a desired position.  Start with scanning the job description . You can find there what kind of qualities and skills they’re looking for. Write them down, think about them and try to transfer them to a specific hobby.

Let’s say that you are looking for a job that requires analytical thinking. What do you think will impress them more? Your passion for solving the Rubik’s cube or your love of good food?

Or let’s say you’re applying for a managerial position at a travel agency. Being an avid hitchhiker can help you a lot. Or perhaps you’re applying for a job at a vinyl shop. Playing an instrument will help you look like you have a deep connection to the industry. See the point?

You can also research the company to find out about their company culture and tailor your hobbies section to it.

How to list hobbies on a resume?

• You can name the section simply as “Hobbies”.
• Instead of listing too many of your hobbies and interests on a resume,  pick 4-5  based on the criteria described in the section “What hobbies and interest should you include” . Think about a skill or an achievement that best illustrates your passion for an activity and put it right next to it.
• Depending on a company, you can also follow up by simply listing some of the quirkier hobbies you have. The point is to give them a peek of your personality. At the same time, don’t go all out with companies that have a very formal company culture.
• Finally, keep your hobbies section short.

Kick’s two cents of advice

• Be professional. Don’t include any sensitive subjects such as politics, any controversial issues, religion or sex.
• Don’t mention risky and time-consuming activities. Your future employer wants to have you fit and able to work. Any activities that put your life at risk or are too time-consuming may scare them.
• Don’t use buzzwords. Football, reading, traveling, music, social media? Nope. If you really like reading so much that you want to mention it, at least be specific. Reading is not a unique interest. Reading 55 books a year is.
• Don’t overdo it. Adding too many hobbies and interests to fill up more space isn’t a good idea. Keep it simple, list only the best ones and leave the valuable space on your resume for more important information.

Should I include only professional or related hobbies in my resume?

While it's great if your hobbies tie into the job you're applying for, it's not a necessity. Hobbies that showcase relevant skills, like leadership or team-building, can also be beneficial. It's important to include hobbies that truly speak to your interests and personality.

How many hobbies should I include on my resume?

Generally, it's best to limit it to 2-4 hobbies. You want to keep it concise and not detract from your work experience and education. 

Where should I place the hobby section on my resume?

The hobbies section typically goes at the end of your resume, after your work experience, education, and skills. However, if a hobby is highly relevant to the job you're applying for, you may choose to highlight it at the beginning of your resume.

Should I provide a detailed description of my hobby on my resume?

Not necessarily. If the hobby is self-explanatory, no additional information might be needed. However, if you believe that further explanation would accentuate a certain skill or quality, a brief description could be beneficial.

Can I list hobbies that are not directly related to the job I'm applying for?

Absolutely! Employers are interested in seeing a well-rounded candidate. Hobbies that may seem unrelated can still showcase important qualities like discipline, creativity, or initiative. However, ensure that whatever you list contributes to presenting you as a professional and dedicated individual.

Nikoleta Kuhejda

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

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30 Best Personal Skills for Your Resume [Examples]

3 key takeaways

• Personal skills are often referred to as soft skills.
• Soft skills include qualities like leadership, teamwork, and time management.
• Build a better skills section in your resume with Teal’s AI Resume Builder .

You've spent hours crafting the perfect resume, highlighting your professional and personal skills. But the interview invites just aren’t coming. While technical skills and experience are necessary, personal skills are equally important for standing out in a crowded market.

Personal skills for a resume showcase your ability to work effectively with others, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges. They demonstrate to employers that you're not just qualified on paper but will also work well within a team.

You could be overqualified in terms of experience and technical skills and still not get the job due to lacking people skills. Ultimately, the hiring manager will hire someone that complements the current team.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• Top personal skills to add to a resume
• How to decide which personal skills to add to your resume
• How to format and write personal skills on a resume

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

Understanding personal skills

Personal skills, also known as soft skills , are transferable abilities that show how you interact with colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment. Imagine a team brainstorming session—your communication skills help you exchange ideas, while teamwork lets you build on each other's contributions. Both competencies rely on personal skills.

Personal skills are used in everyday situations at work, from managing projects to effectively resolving conflicts with teammates or clients.

In one survey by Business Name Generator , 84 percent of employees and managers thought soft skills were important for new hires. By highlighting strong personal skills on your resume, you show employers you're a well-rounded professional who can integrate into their team.

Personal skills vs professional skills

Professional skills, also known as hard skills , are the technical abilities specific to your job or industry. Think coding languages for a programmer, design software for a graphic designer, or financial knowledge for an accountant. If you’re applying for an open role, these skills demonstrate your proficiency in tasks directly related to the position.

The main difference between personal and professional skills lies in their focus. Personal skills highlight how you work with others and navigate challenges as well as your own innate qualities. Professional skills, on the other hand, demonstrate your technical expertise specific to the job or industry, like knowledge of a particular software program or financial analysis.

Here are a few different personal and professional skill examples:

Personal skills examples for resume

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management

Professional skills examples for resume

• Programming languages
• Graphic design
• Cybersecurity
• Data analysis
• Writing skills

Some skills are both personal and professional, for example:

• Critical thinking bridges the gap between analyzing a problem (personal) and building a solution (professional). 
• Decision-making has aspects of choosing a deadline for a project (personal) or deciding what software to use (professional).
• Problem-solving requires both the ability to come up with creative solutions (personal) and have technical or professional expertise (professional).

A well-crafted resume balances both soft and hard skills, proving you're a well-rounded professional with the technical chops and collaborative spirit to excel.

Imagine two equally qualified candidates on paper. Both have the technical skills and experience listed in the job description. But one candidate stands out. Their resume highlights strong personal skills throughout the bullet points, showing off their ability to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges. This gives the hiring manager confidence the candidate will fit long-term. This is the importance of personal skills in a resume.

From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and adaptability, highlighting strong personal skills creates a more compelling resume, so you stand out as a job seeker.

Top list of personal skills for a resume

Of course, you should only include personal skills you really possess on your resume. At the same time, a resume is your sales pitch. Demonstrate your strongest personal skills rather than listing every single trait.

Here is a comprehensive list of in-demand personal skills to consider when writing your resume.

1. Communication

Communication skills refer to the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. This allows everyone involved in a project to understand the situation, ask insightful questions, and contribute their expertise.

2. Teamwork

Teamwork as a skill involves collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and valuing their strengths. According to a survey from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), nearly 80 percent of employers are looking for candidates with teamwork skills, especially for new graduates.

3. Interpersonal

Interpersonal skills let individuals connect with people from all walks of life, building a harmonious teamwork atmosphere. This skill allows people to connect with others and demonstrate empathy and understanding.

4. Active listening

Active listening is a valuable workplace skill. It's the act of listening with the intent to understand someone else's perspective and needs. With active listening, individuals ensure clear communication and effective collaboration so everyone feels heard and valued.

5. Negotiation

Strong negotiation skills allow individuals to navigate challenging conversations with diplomacy and respect. Negotiation uses compromise and creative problem-solving to find mutually beneficial solutions that satisfy all parties.

6. Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution skills involve effectively addressing disagreements by facilitating open communication and listening to all perspectives. In addition to a useful team skills, this is one of many valuable customer service skills.

7. Leadership

 Leadership skills allow someone to motivate and guide their team toward a common goal, setting a clear vision and providing ongoing support and encouragement. True leaders don't just tell people what to do, they inspire them to achieve more, resulting in greater business results.

8. Project management

Project management skills allow individuals to excel at organizing tasks, prioritizing effectively, and managing timelines. By keeping team members aligned and focused on project goals, they ensure a smooth workflow and successful project outcomes.

9. Analytical

Individuals with strong analytical skills can dissect data, identify trends and patterns, and uncover the root causes of problems. Having an analytical mind, coupled with critical thinking skills, allows someone to develop effective solutions and make informed decisions.

10. Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills include the ability to actively identify, analyze, and overcome obstacles, both independently and as part of a team. While challenges are inevitable in any workplace, with the right problem-solving skills, they can promote opportunities for growth. 

11. Decision-making

Effective decision-making skills separate good performers from great ones. This skill gives an individual a keen ability to weigh options, assess risks and benefits, and make sound choices in a timely manner, ensuring progress and avoiding costly mistakes.

12. Initiative

Having initiative allows people to proactively identify tasks that need to be done and take ownership of them without needing constant direction. This quality is highly valued in fast-paced work environments.

13. Resourcefulness

Resourcefulness refers to the ability to find creative solutions even when faced with limited resources. Resourceful individuals excel at thinking outside the box, brainstorming unconventional approaches, and leveraging existing tools in innovative ways.

14. Adaptability

Adaptability involves adjusting to new situations, learning new skills quickly, and navigating changes in processes, technologies, or even company culture. This flexibility allows people to integrate into new teams, adopt updated workflows, and contribute effectively in any environment.

15. Time management

Time management skills allow someone to prioritize tasks effectively, manage their schedule meticulously, and meet deadlines consistently. This skill allows someone to juggle multiple responsibilities, allocate time efficiently, and make sure every task receives the attention it needs without sacrificing quality.

16. Organization

Organization skills are about managing information efficiently and prioritizing tasks well, demonstrating strong planning and task management skills. A detail-oriented approach lets someone move deftly between projects while maintaining a productive workflow.

17. Empathy

Empathy refers to connecting with others on an emotional level, understanding their feelings, and sharing their perspectives. Having emotional intelligence creates a supportive and understanding work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

18. Integrity

Integrity is about demonstrating honest and ethical behavior in all actions. This skill builds trust and respect with both colleagues and clients. Honesty and integrity are the foundation of strong relationships, and people with integrity act with transparency and fairness in all their interactions.

19. Attention to detail

Attention to detail means a keen eye for accuracy and making sure tasks are completed meticulously, with a commitment to quality and precision. People who value attention to detail take pride in their work and go the extra mile to make sure every deliverable meets high standards.

20. Work ethic

Work ethic is evident in dedication, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality work. Individuals with a strong work ethic consistently go above and beyond the minimum requirements, taking initiative and putting in the extra effort to achieve outstanding results.

21. Accountability

Accountability means always delivering on promises, which builds trust and reliability within a team. Accountable individuals can admit mistakes, learn from them, and take steps to improve themselves.

22. Positive attitude:

Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook creates a supportive and motivating work environment. These individuals inspire those around them, encouraging and empowering everyone to do their best. While challenges happen, people with a positive attitude focus on solutions and maintain a "can-do" spirit.

23. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a skill that allows individuals to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as recognize and respond to the emotions of others. This creates a healthy workplace culture by letting people build strong and positive relationships with colleagues.

24. Level-headed

Being level-headed is about remaining calm and collected under pressure. Deadlines and demanding situations aren’t a problem. Level-headed individuals cope with stress and maintain their composure in challenging situations, prioritizing tasks effectively, thinking clearly under pressure, and making sound decisions even when faced with tight deadlines.

25. Delegation

Delegation skills are about providing clear instructions, ongoing support, and opportunities for independent problem-solving. Delegation allows someone to effectively assign tasks to others based on their strengths and development needs.

26. Reliability

Reliability involves consistently delivering on commitments, exceeding expectations, and earning the trust of colleagues. People know they can count on these individuals to dependably complete tasks on time and to a high standard.

27. Creativity

Creativity as a skill is the ability to develop innovative solutions to problems. Creative individuals excel at brainstorming unconventional approaches, challenging assumptions, and finding new and improved ways of doing things.

28. Motivation

Motivation means being driven to achieve goals and go above and beyond at work. Highly motivated individuals have a genuine passion for their work, creating a more positive and productive work environment.

29. Curious

Curiosity is about having a continuous desire to learn new skills and knowledge. Curious individuals are proactive in seeking out training opportunities, embracing new technologies, and staying up-to-date on industry trends.

30. Flexible

Flexibility is the ability to adapt based on changing circumstances. Flexible people are great at thinking on their feet, adjusting their work style to new situations, and finding creative solutions to unexpected problems.

For more examples of skills that you can include in your resume, download our free skills workbook .

How to write personal skills on a resume

Relevant experience is a must when it comes to landing the right job. But what truly sets you apart are your personal skills, the qualities that demonstrate how you function within a team and contribute to a positive work environment. Follow these tips to best showcase your skills on a resume.

Step 1: Identify relevant personal skills

First, carefully read the job description. Analyze it to identify key personal skills and qualities that the employer is looking for.

Look for opportunities to showcase the skills the company values most in your resume skills section . You can do this faster with Teal’s Matching mode!

Within Matching Mode in the Resume Builder, you can select a job from your job tracker to match against your resume. You’ll automatically get a list of highly relevant keyword recommendations that you can add to your resume.

Step 2: Choose powerful verbs

Replace bland words like "skilled" or "helped" with action verbs that showcase initiative and achievement, such as "spearheaded," "implemented," or "directed."

“Orchestrated the adoption of a new payroll software company-wide, leading to a 40% time savings.”

Pro Tip: Use Teal's AI Achievement feature to write impressive resume achievements in seconds.

Step 3: Quantify your impact

Quantify your resume by adding results. Did your communication skills lead to a 20% increase in project efficiency? Highlight measurable achievements to strengthen your claims.

“Increased website conversion rate by 12% through A/B testing and website optimization strategies.”

Step 4: Tailor to the job

Don't overwhelm your resume by randomly stuffing words into your experience section. Aim to highlight the top skills that best represent your strengths and align with the job requirements.

According to Teal’s Director of Talent Mike Peditto , “While there isn't a magic number of skills, a long list can become overwhelming and take focus away from the top skills needed for a job. Focus on the skills that appear early and often throughout the job description. Here, you'll likely find the top five to eight skills the job is asking for, above all else.”

Try to personalize your skills section for each job application, emphasizing the skills most relevant to the specific role.

Step 5: Craft compelling descriptions

Structure your skill descriptions using action verbs followed by a specific example of how you used that skill to achieve a positive outcome. Don't just list responsibilities—show what you accomplished or what results you achieved.

"Built rapport with a diverse clientele, resulting in a 15% increase in client retention rate.”

Tips for using personal skills on your resume to attract recruiters

Follow these tips to use your personal skills to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers:

• Include relevant personal skills from the job description throughout your resume, but avoid keyword stuffing.
• Identify existing personal skills that overlap with the job description so you can demonstrate a strong fit for the role. You can use Teal’s Matching Mode in the Resume Builder to choose a job and automatically analyze the job description to find the skills the company values the most.
• Provide specific examples from your work experience. Instead of listing "problem-solving skills," describe a challenge you tackled successfully and its impact on the business.
• Highlight skills consistently throughout the application process, from your resume, cover letter, and interviews. Your resume is only one part of the job search process.

Teal's Matching Mode feature makes it easy to surface relevant hard and soft skills within a job description to add to your resume. It will also help you identify where the overlap lies, so you can quickly add the ones you really possess.

The best way to add personal skills to your resume

Using an AI Resume Builder like Teal can speed up the process of adding the right personal skills to your resume.

From the Resume Skills Management feature within the Resume Builder, you can add skills to your resume, or even group them together by adding a category. Drag and drop the skills to rearrange them or toggle a button to sort them from A-Z automatically.

If you’re not sure what personal skills to highlight on your resume, head over to the Matching tab at the top of the screen, then choose a job from your job tracker.

From here, Teal’s AI-powered Matching Mode will suggest what skills and keywords you should add to your resume based on the job description. Aim for an 80 percent match score.

Personal Skills Examples for Your Resume

Beyond specific job skills or technical expertise, job seekers also need to bring personal skills to the table. Here are some examples of how professionals can showcase personal skills in their resume, whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional.

‍ For an experienced professional

One common personal skill to highlight as an experienced professional is leadership. Experienced professionals are expected to guide and support others, so it’s important to demonstrate leadership skills, especially when applying to management-level roles.

For example, a bullet point on your resume could look like this: 

“Successfully mentored and coached junior team members, contributing to their professional development and increasing team productivity by 20%."

For a new graduate

As a new grad, your work history might be lighter, but you can still highlight personal skills like teamwork. Teamwork is an important skill in just about any job. As a new grad, whether you’ve completed internships or group projects in class, this is a skill you can highlight in your resume.

For example, you could write a bullet point for a past internship like this: 

“Collaborated effectively with a team of five to develop an Instagram strategy that increased engagement by 40%.”

For a professional targeting a technical role

Be sure to highlight personal skills that complement your hard skills when applying to technical positions. Whether you’re applying for a job as a data analyst, a software engineer, or something else, highlighting your analytical skills demonstrates your ability to approach challenges logically and strategically.

For example, you might want to demonstrate that you have a strong analytical mind. A bullet point on your resume could look like this: 

“Analyzed customer data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making, resulting in a 10% improvement in customer satisfaction.”

To further improve soft skills for your career, read our guide on interpersonal skills .

Yes, you should add personal skills to your resume

Work experience might be the foundation of your resume, but strong personal skills are key to landing your next job. However, crafting a resume that effectively showcases these skills can be tricky.

That’s where Teal makes your life easier. With Teal’s AI Resume Builder , you can not only create a detailed skills section, but also use AI to generate powerful work achievements that demonstrate your personal skills and accomplishments in context for greater impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a personal skill.

Personal skills are strengths like communication and teamwork. You use these skills daily in the workplace, from brainstorming sessions to resolving conflicts.

What are personal skills and examples?

Personal skills, also known as soft skills, are transferable abilities that show how you interact with colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment. For example, leadership could look like motivating a team to complete a project that exceeds expectations, while initiative might involve identifying an inefficiency and creating a solution that saves the company money.

What is an example of personality on a resume?

Focus on showing, not telling, your skills on a resume. For instance, instead of listing "outgoing," highlight your communication skills by describing presentations you've led or teams you’ve managed.

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How to List References on Resumes: Strategic Guide (With Examples)

• The Role of References in Job Applications
• Preparing Your Reference List
• Showcasing References
• Real World Examples

References in Resumes FAQs

References don’t usually live on a resume—they take up too much space and typically aren’t even needed at that stage of the application process.

Be that as it may, sometimes employers may go against the curve and ask for them straight away, and when that happens, you’ll need to rearrange your resume and make room.

Of course, the trickiest thing about references isn’t where to put them, but who to choose. In this article, we’ll show you plenty of resume templates and useful tips to help you handle references like a pro!

Understanding the Role of References in Job Applications

When employers are searching for someone to hire, there are a lot of different steps they have to take to determine whether a candidate is both technically capable and a good fit for the company . There’s the resume, the cover letter, the interview—maybe another interview, or two, or five—and the references.

You can learn a lot about a candidate from their own words, but there are certain things you can only learn from others. That’s why employers sometimes need a few recommendations from third parties as final confirmation that a candidate is a good choice.

Why include references?

References often aren’t optional. When an employer asks for them, you need to hand some over or it could greatly impact your application.

If you have prior work listed on your resume but you don’t have anyone that could act as a reference, it implies that you might have been fired, or that your manager refused to act as a reference for you. Those things can happen, but some employers may not overlook that.

Instead, it’s always best to prepare your references in advance and have them ready to send whenever the employer asks for them. This is the right way to look professional since the more experienced you are, the more people you know and the easier it is for you to get a few references.

Selecting the right references

There are a few rules you need to follow when it comes to picking references. There are three main types of reference and each has different relationships to you.

• Professional references: To list someone as a professional reference, they need to know you in a professional setting. This includes current colleagues, former colleagues, and managers. Some companies also deal with references through their HR department.
• Academic references: These are people that you know from school and college. It can include teachers, professors, academic advisors, academic counselors, and even classmates. You usually only use academic references as a fresh graduate and replace them with professional references once you get your first job or two.
• Character references: This type of reference can be a friend or a family member, and their role is to talk about your general character and personality. These aren’t always accepted by employers, and it’s important not to list a friend or family member if the employer explicitly asks for professional or academic references.

Common mistakes to avoid

Putting your references on your resume is really something you should only do if the employer asks for it directly. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid mentioning your references too early.

For most employers, checking references comes right at the end of the application process—because it would be too much work to check references for large numbers of candidates.

That’s why there’s usually no need to put your references on your resume. Some people like to put a line at the bottom of their resume saying “References available on request.” This isn’t a terrible idea, but it’s also not that necessary.

References are a requirement during many application processes so it’s assumed that anyone applying has references—it’s not something that really needs to be announced. They’ll ask you if they want them.

Preparing Your Reference List : Step-by-Step Instructions

There are a lot of things you need to think about when choosing your reference list. In this section, we’ll go over the best practices for picking references, asking permission, and formatting your reference list.

Choosing appropriate references

The first thing you need to think about is how many references you need. The most common number employers ask for is two or three, so it’s a good idea to prepare at least three.

The second thing to think about is reference types. If the employer asks for a specific type such as professional, academic, or character references, it’s best to comply with that request. If they don’t specify, your safest bet is to include only professional or academic references.

Now, as for who you pick, consider the following:

• Who they are
• What your relationship is
• What they’ll say about you
• How quickly they’re likely to respond

When you list someone as a reference, employers will contact them by email or phone to ask questions about you, so it’s important that they’re easy to get in contact with. If you choose someone busy like a CEO, there’s a chance they just won’t see the email or reply to it quickly enough.

How to ask for permission

Once you’ve decided who you want your references to be, you need to ask them if they’ll accept to do it. No one has to write you a reference if they don’t want to and it’s not very professional to list someone without asking them first.

You may have previously inquired whether someone could serve as your reference in the future—for instance, querying a manager upon leaving a job or a professor at graduation. However, it’s still necessary to reach out again with an email to confirm this arrangement.

In the email, include a quick reminder of who you are and how you’re acquainted, and then get straight to the point and ask if they’d be willing to be a reference for you. You can tell them a little about the opportunity you’re applying for and send your resume so they’re updated on what you’ve been doing.

One more important point is to give them room to refuse. It’s generally considered a responsibility to give references when requested—but sometimes people are busy, and you’re better off keeping them happy and primed for a different favor in the future than pushing them on this one now.

Formatting your reference list

Unlike when writing a cover letter or creating a resume , formatting a reference list is straightforward and very simple. All you need to include is:

• The reference’s name
• Their job title
• The company they work for
• Their phone number
• Their email address

A phone call is generally more inconvenient for references to take, so feel free to write “(preferred contact)” beside the email address to encourage the employer to use that.

Below the contact information, you should also add a short reference description. This literally only needs to be one sentence, explaining who they are, how you know each other, and how long you’ve known each other. Like this:

“Terry was my manager at Meta from 2019 to 2022 when I was working as a front-end developer.”

Showcasing References : Formats and Templates

There are two main ways to showcase your references: directly on your resume or on a separate sheet. In both cases, however, the format largely stays the same—just contact information and a reference description.

Reference List Templates

Here are some examples of how to format your reference list:

Contact Information

Reference Name:

Reference Description:

Reference Description: (In this case, use the reference’s full name)

Best practices in reference format

There isn’t really anything fancy you need to think about when it comes to reference formats. All that matters is clarity and organization. Clearly state who the reference is and provide their contact information.

One way to make the reference section match the rest of your resume (even if you’re using a separate sheet) is to use the same contact info format as you have for your own contact info at the top of your resume. By matching the order, font, bolding, and use of colons or titling, you can create a nice organized reference section that doesn’t look like it was added in a rush.

Tips for digital submission of references

Submitting your references digitally is often exactly the same as submitting them physically—just take the reference document you would have printed out and simply attach it to an email instead!

Some companies may have a special application portal that you’ve been using to submit other parts of your application, and if that’s the case, there might be a tab for references. The employer will likely tell you when and how to fill it in but in most cases, it will just involve filling in a contact form with the same information you’d usually provide. Just make sure to read the instructions carefully so you can fill everything in as the employer wants it.

Real-World Examples of Effective Reference Sections

To help you get a feel for what these sections look like and how you can write a good reference description, take a look at these resume examples . The reference list is on the second page of each example (which is recommended; there’s no need to take up valuable real estate on a resume) and closely matches the style of the resume.

Entry-Level Job Applicant

Mid-Career Professional

Senior-Level Executive

Sales Manager

School Teacher

Java Developer

In almost all cases, you should avoid putting your references directly on your resume because it takes up valuable space and isn’t useful in the early stages of the application. However, if the employer asks for references with your resume, you can include them—either on the resume itself or preferably on a separate sheet.

Most employers tend to ask for two or three references, so you want to have at least three you can use. This can feel like a lot for a fresh graduate or someone lacking experience but if you’re struggling, you can use academic references, ask people from part-time jobs you’ve worked at, or people you’ve volunteered with.

Family members can be used as a character reference but character references are not always accepted by employers. The easiest way to know if you can use a family member is to look at the type of reference the employer asked for. If they say “professional” or “academic” references, it means they don’t want character references.

Writing up your reference is easy, you just need their name, job title, company, phone number, and email address. Below, you can write a brief reference description that tells the employer how you know each other and for how long. It only needs to be one sentence, so make sure not to ramble!

You should ideally have at least one reference from every job you’ve had, so every time you get a new job, find a reference there and remove the oldest one you have from the list. If you’re at your first job, it could be a good idea to find multiple people in different roles to be your references so you don’t have to rely on academic references again.

In a normal situation, the best way to send your references is as an attachment to an email, when the references are asked for. If you prepare them in advance, you can shoot them over as soon as you get the email asking for them, and this will look professional and well-organized! Basically, references are something you don’t need to worry about until they’re asked for, which makes it pretty easy!

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