150+ Hobbies & Interests for Resumes

Key Takeaways:

To make your resume stand out, include hobbies and interests that align with the job requirements, highlight relevant skills, and reflect the company's values.
Showcase both soft and hard skills by selecting hobbies and interests from categories such as creative activities, technological skills, community involvement, and ongoing learning.
Keep your list concise, targeted, and customized for each position. Instead of writing "Playing sports," use "Active in a year-round pickleball league" to make it more memorable and relevant to employers.

Adding hobbies and interests to your resume can reveal the person behind the professional persona, but it must be done correctly.

After completing the essential parts of your resume, you might wonder, “Have I truly expressed who I am beyond my professional experience?”

This is where the "Interests" section comes in.

The secret is knowing how to emphasize hobbies in a way that adds personality without detracting from your qualifications.

We'll go over what to include, how to present it effectively, and give 150+ creative examples to inspire your job search below.

What are hobbies? Hobbies are particular activities you engage in for enjoyment or relaxation. For example, a graphic designer may enjoy painting or photography, while an accountant may enjoy puzzles or chess.

What are interests? Interests are a broader range of activities or topics that you find enjoyable or intriguing. For example, someone interested in technology may be interested in AI advancements or cybersecurity trends.

Hobbies vs. Interests: What's the difference? While hobbies and interests are closely related and often used interchangeably, there is a slight distinction. Hobbies are often more hands-on than interests, whereas interests refer to a wider range of activities or subjects that you enjoy or find engaging. While there is some overlap, interests are often more intellectual or broad-based, such as a marketer's interest in consumer behavior or a teacher's interest in child psychology.

Here are some examples of how hobbies and interests differ on a resume:

Hobbies are typically hands-on activities that people actively pursue. Interests can be more passive engagement with a topic or subject.
Hobbies are frequently pursued for relaxation or creative expression. Interests are pursued for intellectual stimulation or knowledge expansion.
Hobbies necessitate dedicated time for participation. Interests can be met through more flexible or sporadic engagement, such as reading or attending events.
Hobbies produce tangible results, such as a painting or a knitted scarf. Interests provide more intangible benefits, such as satisfying curiosity or gaining new perspectives.
Hobbies frequently entail a process or the development of skills. Interests are more about appreciation and understanding.

Adding Hobbies and Interests to a Resume: Your resume should do more than just list your professional achievements; it should paint a complete picture of you as a candidate. While your work experience and abilities are crucial, including carefully chosen hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other equally qualified candidates.

Should you include interests on a resume? The short answer is yes, most of the time. Including carefully chosen interests can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. When hiring managers review applications with similar qualifications, your interests can provide insights into your personality and potential cultural fit. For example, an interest in industry podcasts or professional networking groups demonstrates dedication to your field beyond the workplace, while interests in global cultures or language learning can demonstrate valuable perspective in an increasingly international business environment.

Include interests when:

They are consistent with the company's values or industry focus.
They demonstrate ongoing professional development (e.g., industry podcasts, networking groups).
They highlight relevant soft skills such as leadership or communication.
They indicate cultural awareness and a global perspective (e.g., language learning, global cultures).

Omit interests when:

They are irrelevant to the role or company (feel like filler).
They may be viewed as controversial or overly personal.
Space is limited, and they would cause your resume to exceed one page.
They are too generic to add value (e.g., "Playing football") or do not reflect professional growth.

Should you include hobbies on a resume? Hobbies can be valuable additions to your resume, particularly when they demonstrate practical abilities relevant to the position. This is especially crucial for early-career professionals or those changing industries, as hobbies can help bridge experience gaps. For example, a web developer who constructs model aircraft demonstrates attention to detail and precision, while a marketing manager's photography hobby demonstrates creativity and visual storytelling skills.

Include hobbies when:

They highlight abilities that are directly relevant to the role.
They demonstrate leadership or team collaboration.
They highlight problem-solving or technical abilities.
They demonstrate commitment and dedication through long-term pursuit.

Omit hobbies when:

They have no connection to the job or the employer's culture.
They may raise concerns (risky/dangerous activities or polarizing topics).
You already have considerable experience and limited space.
They are ambiguous, overused, or difficult to connect to workplace value (e.g., "hanging out with friends").

Ultimately, both interests and hobbies can provide enjoyment and fulfillment outside of work and other responsibilities. They can also provide opportunities for:

Personal development
Skill development
Stress reduction
Mental breaks from daily routines and challenges
Creativity
An enhanced sense of identity and self-awareness
Improving overall well-being

What kind of hobbies should you put on your resume? The simple answer is to include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job you're applying for and that demonstrate your value. Try to limit yourself to 3-5!

Here are some pointers on which hobbies to include:

Look for hobbies that correspond to the job requirements and highlight your strengths.
Demonstrate a range of personal hobbies that highlight various elements of your personality and abilities.
Consider the company culture and values, and select hobbies that are consistent with them.
Be mindful of the hobbies you include, and avoid those that may be contentious or seen as inappropriate.

While including hobbies can be a terrific way to stand out and show off your personality, it's important to keep it brief and relevant.

What kind of interests should you put on a resume? Your resume's interests, like your hobbies, should reflect who you are and how you fit the role. Try to limit yourself to 3-5!

Here are some pointers on which interests to include on your resume:

Look for interests that align with the job or industry and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the work.
Include a variety of interests that demonstrate diverse abilities and facets of your personality.
Consider the company culture and values, and choose interests that complement them.
Be mindful of the interests you list, and avoid those that may appear improper or controversial.

While listing interests can add depth to your resume, keep them brief and focused on what is relevant to the position.

With these guidelines in mind, let's look at some of the different types of interests and hobbies that would be acceptable for a resume.

The best hobbies for your resume will be determined by the role's nature, the organization's culture, and the types of experiences that matter for the position; you should always tailor your resume for each role. However, some hobbies and interests are strong indicators of different skill sets that can boost your candidacy in general.

Here are some excellent types of interests and hobbies that can be valuable additions to a resume:

Creative Pursuits: Creative hobbies such as painting, writing, or performing arts enrich your personal life and have a place on your resume if they are relevant to the role. These activities frequently necessitate critical thinking and problem-solving, which are essential in many professional settings. They demonstrate that you have a strong imagination, an eye for aesthetics, a desire to express yourself uniquely, and the ability to think outside the box.

Creative activities can add value to your resume by:

Highlighting your ideation and innovation abilities
Demonstrating project management proficiency
Highlighting the ability to complete tasks from beginning to end
Demonstrating a dynamic approach to obstacles
Demonstrating a passion for originality

Technology Proficiency: Including hobbies that demonstrate your technological proficiency, such as coding for personal projects, participating in maker communities, or building computers, can help your resume stand out. These abilities are highly prized in a world where technology is essential to the majority of jobs.

Technological proficiency can add value to your resume by:

Demonstrating your comfort with current tools and platforms
Suggesting strong problem-solving abilities
Indicating your capacity to self-teach, which is critical in fast-changing fields
Highlighting your adaptability to new technologies

Intellectual Challenges: Participating in activities that provide intellectual challenges, such as chess, strategic games, or problem-solving competitions, can be a great addition to your resume. They emphasize characteristics that are beneficial in roles requiring tactical planning and decision-making.

Intellectual challenges can add value to your resume by:

Indicating a propensity for critical thinking and analytics
Suggesting you enjoy overcoming complex problems
Demonstrating the ability to provide innovative solutions
Inferring you are a strategic thinker with sharp intellect

Community Involvement: Participating in community projects, volunteering, supporting local organizations, or mentoring youth demonstrates your concern for the well-being of others. Listing volunteer work or community service on your resume can highlight interpersonal skills such as empathy, compassion, and a desire to make a positive impact.

Community involvement can add value to your resume by:

Highlighting management abilities
Presenting event coordination abilities
Emphasizing public speaking abilities
Demonstrating empathy and social responsibility
Signaling a cooperative and compassionate team member

Continuing Education: Whether you're taking online courses, attending workshops, or earning additional certifications, continuing education demonstrates your commitment to professional growth. It implies you are dedicated to continuously improving your skills and knowledge.

Continuing education can add value to your resume by:

Demonstrating an investment in your professional development
Highlighting readiness to adapt to new information or technology
Demonstrating self-motivation and a competitive edge
Demonstrating initiative and a desire to improve
Indicating you are a lifelong learner who will continue to grow and contribute

Professional Development: Active participation in professional organizations, attendance at industry conferences, or participation in study groups related to your profession can all be excellent resume additions. These activities demonstrate your genuine interest in staying current with industry trends and best practices.

Professional development can add value to your resume by:

Highlighting your commitment to career advancement
Highlighting leadership qualities if you have held positions within professional organizations
Demonstrating a proactive approach to your career path
Demonstrating foresight and a strategic approach to your professional life

Cultural Awareness: Involvement in multicultural festivals, language learning, and international travel demonstrates your cultural awareness. This is especially valuable in today's globalized business environment, where understanding and respecting different perspectives is essential.

Cultural awareness can add value to your resume by:

Suggesting you are a global citizen
Highlighting your ability to navigate multicultural workplaces
Demonstrating strong communication skills
Demonstrating your potential to represent a company in a global market

Personal Interests: Adding personal interests to your resume can provide insight into your character, creativity, and ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Personal interests can also highlight valuable transferable skills. Choosing to include carefully selected personal interests on your resume can make you more relatable and memorable to potential employers while illustrating important soft skills that complement your professional qualifications.

Personal interests can add value to your resume by:

Demonstrating effective time management and work-life balance
Highlighting leadership and teamwork through group activities
Demonstrating creativity and innovative thinking
Indicating self-motivation and goal-setting abilities
Revealing adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills
Providing unique conversation starters during interviews
Illustrating commitment and dedication through long-term pursuits
Supporting claims of soft skills with concrete examples

Understanding how to effectively present your hobbies and interests on a resume can be difficult, but when done correctly, they can significantly improve your application. The following examples demonstrate how to strategically connect your personal pursuits to professional competencies. Each example highlights not only the activity itself, but also how these pursuits can demonstrate valuable workplace skills and capabilities.

Hobbies examples:

A web developer who enjoys building model aircraft, demonstrating attention to detail and precision in complex projects.
A marketing manager who practices photography on weekends, demonstrating creativity and visual storytelling skills.
A project manager who participates in local chess tournaments, highlighting strategic thinking and planning skills.

Why these examples of hobbies work: These examples of hobbies work well on a resume because they demonstrate direct correlations between hands-on activities and professional competencies, while also demonstrating how practical skills developed through hobbies can translate to workplace success. Each example establishes a clear link between the hobby and valuable workplace capabilities.

Interests examples:

An HR professional interested in psychology and behavioral science, demonstrating dedication to understanding human dynamics.
A sales representative passionate about public speaking and Toastmasters, demonstrating communication skills.
A financial analyst who follows global economics and market trends, indicating industry awareness and analytical thinking.

Why these examples of interests work on a resume: These examples of interests are effective to include on your resume because they demonstrate intellectual engagement with topics that directly enhance professional capabilities, while also demonstrating a commitment to personal growth that aligns with career advancement. Each interest reveals deeper insights into the candidate's professional motivations and capabilities.

Creating a carefully curated list of your own hobbies and interests and then choosing the ones that align closely with every unique role can help you save time during your job search in the long run. And while they should always be relevant to the role you're applying to, understanding everything you bring to the table before you get started can give you a significant advantage in tailoring your resume for every job you apply to. Below are some examples of interests and hobbies for a resume you can use as inspiration to highlight your transferable skills, add depth and dimension to your resume, and stand out as a qualified, well-rounded candidate.

Artistic interests:

Animation
Creative activities
Creative writing
Drawing
Filmmaking
Flower arranging
Furniture building
Furniture restoration
Illustration
Knitting
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Quilting
Restoring Furniture
Woodworking

Writing hobbies:

Blogging
Copywriting
Essay writing
Fan fiction
Fiction writing
Journaling
Memoir writing
Poetry writing
Screenwriting
Travel writing

Organization hobbies:

Bullet journaling
Budgeting
Calendar syncing
Digital organizing
DIY projects
Event planning
Feng Shui
Gardening
Home organizing
KonMari method
Meal planning
Organizing local meetups
Personal inventory

Reading hobbies:

Attending literary events
Book clubs
Book collecting
Book reviewing
Book swaps
Literary analysis
Reading challenges
Reading different genres
Reading for education
Translating books

Collecting hobbies:

Action figures
Comic books
LEGO sets
Record albums
Sports memorabilia
Stamps
Stickers
Vintage collectibles

Volunteering hobbies:

Animal rescue
Community gardening
Conservation
Disaster relief
Elderly support
Fundraising events
Habitat for Humanity
Homelessness support
International service
Literacy support
Mentoring
Teaching assistant
Youth sports coaching

Marketing interests:

Content creation
Creative writing
Data analysis
Exercise
Photography
Podcasting
Reading marketing books
SEO
Social media
Videography

Music, movies, and performing arts hobbies:

Acting
Composing music
Dancing
DJing
Juggling
Poetry
Playing a musical instrument
Magic tricks
Singing
Songwriting
Standup comedy

Finance interests:

Bargain shopping
Budgeting
Computer programs
Investing
Learning languages
Participation in investment clubs
Reading financial news and market reports
Trading
Volunteer work

Sales hobbies:

Acting
Building relationships
Cold calling
Networking events
Persuasion and influencing skills
Practicing negotiation
Role-playing games
Team sports
Traveling
Window shopping

Sports and outdoor hobbies:

Backpacking
Baseball
Basketball
Bodybuilding
Canoeing
Car racing
Coaching
Boating
Bowling
Football
Fantasy football
Fantasy baseball
Golf
Hiking
Individual sports
Kayaking
Martial arts
Mountain biking
Mountain climbing
Paintball
Pickleball
Pilates
Rock climbing
Running
Sailing
Scuba diving
Skydiving
Snowboarding
Skiing
Tennis
Whitewater rafting
Yoga

Technology interests:

3-D printing
App building
Artificial Intelligence
Computer programming
Podcasting
Robotics
Social media
Virtual reality
Web design
Web development

Unique hobbies and interests:

Astronomy
Astrology
Building models
Car restoration
Community activities
Cooking classes
Genealogy
Historic preservation
Learning languages
Networking groups
Personal development
RV traveling
Sign language
Stamp collecting
Traveling
Vintage shopping

Of course, all of these should be taken with a grain of salt, as they mainly depend on the type of job you're applying for! Here's the general rule:

Political or religious activities: Can be seen as controversial or polarizing
High-risk or violent pursuits: Extreme sports, firearms enthusiast, martial arts
Very time-consuming commitments: Online gaming 40 hrs/week, marathon streaming, which can suggest distraction
Generic hobbies with no impact: "watching TV," "listening to music," "reading" without giving any context
Anything inappropriate or unprofessional: Partying, gambling, or hobbies implying illegal/unsafe behavior

Hobbies and interests can significantly contribute to the development of both soft and hard skills. Soft skills, also known as interpersonal skills, are personal attributes that enable effective collaboration, while hard skills are technical capabilities necessary for specific job functions. The connection between hobbies/interests and soft/hard skills is strong; many individuals discover that their hobbies/interests aid in developing skills essential for career success.

When it comes to resume soft skills, hobbies and interests can offer chances to develop and enhance them. For instance, a passion for team sports can cultivate communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities. Similarly, engaging in volunteer work can refine problem-solving, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. These skills are indispensable in the workplace and can significantly impact one's success.

Resume hard skills can also be developed and enhanced through hobbies and interests. Numerous hobbies demand technical skills like programming, graphic design, or data analysis. These skills are valuable across various professions and can help candidates distinguish themselves. Even if a hobby isn't directly related to one's career, the skills acquired can be transferable to other aspects of life.

Ultimately, hobbies and interests offer a valuable avenue for cultivating both soft and hard skills. They enable individuals to explore their passions while developing skills that benefit them personally and professionally. When it comes to one's career, showcasing hobbies and interests on a resume or during an interview can demonstrate skills and make a candidate more appealing. Therefore, those seeking to develop new skills should consider pursuing a hobby or interest that aligns with their career aspirations.

When there isn't enough space on your resume to list interests, it's acceptable to omit them. Avoid altering your professional resume template's margins and font to accommodate them. Consider listing your unique interests on another professional platform, such as your optimized LinkedIn profile's "About" section.

Select three to five activities for your resume and be as specific as possible. For example, instead of "Playing team sports," list "Active in a year-round indoor pickleball league," or instead of "Reading," list "Part of a book group focused on historical fiction."

If you're seeking a position at a marketing agency that works with food and beverage brands, your cookbook collection may be more relevant than your interest in true crime podcasts. Interests related to musical instruments would also be inappropriate for that position. Highlighting relevant hobbies and experiences can positively reflect on you and help establish that you are an even better fit for the job. The best resume examples always closely match the target role, including your interests.

It should go without saying that you should avoid listing anything that could be considered polarizing. This could include political or religious affiliations, as well as potentially contentious personal interests such as gambling or hunting. Unless you're applying for a very specific role where those interests are expected, certain activities could harm the perception of you as a candidate and give other applicants an advantage.

Because these details aren't as crucial as your experiences, skills, and personal summary, the best spot for your hobbies and interests is at the bottom of your resume. However, you must ensure that your resume is not overcrowded, so limit your interests and hobbies to a maximum of five.

Many people will advise you to leave out more "personal" details from your resume, but business is personal. You shouldn't have to suppress your personality and the unique characteristics that define you just because you're interviewing for a job. In fact, highlighting a few of the things you enjoy doing when you're not working can provide a complete picture of who you are as a candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are interests?

Interests encompass activities, subjects, or passions that individuals enjoy or find engaging outside of their work or academic responsibilities. They evoke happiness or curiosity. Interests can be broad, spanning topics like history, science, literature, or art. They may involve reading, attending lectures or events, or simply delving deeper into a particular subject. Interests can also include physical pursuits like sports, exercise, or outdoor recreation.

What are hobbies?

Hobbies are specific activities or pursuits that individuals engage in during their leisure time for enjoyment or relaxation. Pursuing hobbies can also foster learning, growth, and social connections. Hobbies are typically more focused activities that provide a sense of creative expression or relaxation, such as crafting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or cooking.

How personal should you make your hobbies and interests section?

When including hobbies and interests on a resume, it's crucial to strike a balance between being personal and professional. Share enough information to provide potential employers with insights into your personality, values, and strengths, but avoid oversharing or making your resume too personal. Focus on hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or that demonstrate skills or qualities that would be valuable in the position. Use professional language that is relevant to the job when describing your hobbies and interests. Avoid overly personal or casual language, and focus on highlighting the skills or qualities that make you a strong candidate.

What are the best hobbies to put on a resume?

The best hobbies to include on a resume are those that align with the job you're applying for and demonstrate valuable skills. Examples include creative pursuits (like painting or writing), technology-related hobbies (such as coding or web development), intellectual challenges (like chess or puzzles), and community involvement (such as volunteering or mentoring). Tailoring your hobbies to the role and company culture is essential.

What are good interests to put on a resume?

Good interests to list on a resume are activities that highlight skills relevant to the job, such as continuing education, cultural awareness, or professional development. For example, listing an interest in staying current with industry trends, attending workshops, or learning new languages can show you're proactive and adaptable. Always ensure the interests reflect the company’s values and the role you're pursuing.