100+ Computer Skills for Resumes (and How to List Them)
130+ Hobbies to List on a Resume (Examples & Guide)
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Featuring hobbies and interests on your resume can enhance your work experience by highlighting job-relevant skills and demonstrating your cultural fit with a company.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about listing hobbies on a resume. Jump to the following sections to get started:
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Should You Put Hobbies on a Resume?
Including job-relevant hobbies on a resume can significantly improve your chances of capturing the attention of potential employers.
While it may seem unusual to showcase your personal interests, doing so can provide potential employers with valuable insights into your character and job-pertinent abilities.
Add hobbies and interests on a resume to demonstrate your time management skills, leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively.
For instance, participating in team sports exhibits teamwork abilities, while playing musical instruments showcases discipline and dedication.
You can use our Resume Builder to quickly and easily add a hobbies and interests section to your resume. Here is an example of a compelling resume with a hobbies section:
What Are Good Hobbies to Put on a Resume?
Your resume should include hobbies that reflect your individual passions while demonstrating qualities relevant to the position and beneficial to the workplace.
Good hobbies to list on a resume include volunteer work, community service, involvement in professional organizations and technical or creative activities related to your target role.
Here are a few examples of hobbies to put on a resume that convey a breadth of skills and professionalism across a range of industries and roles:
- Community involvement: Showcasing community service demonstrates that you are committed to helping others and can work with people from various backgrounds. It also provides an opportunity to highlight your project-management skills.
- Creative activities: Listing creative pursuits such as writing, photography and playing a musical instrument shows that you are willing to think outside of the box and can bring innovative solutions to the workplace.
- Multicultural interests: Adding multicultural hobbies to your resume such as international travel or language training can indicate that you have strong communication, collaboration and conflict-resolution skills.
- Intellectual pursuits: Strategic games like chess and competitions such as debates and spelling bees are excellent hobbies for a resume because they show that you are skilled at strategic and tactical thinking, analysis and problem-solving.
- Professional affiliations: If you are actively involved in a job-relevant professional organization, industry association, or informal group related to your desired job title or career, add those interests to your resume.
When to Include Hobbies and Interests on a Resume
Including hobbies on your resume can help bolster your job application if you lack certain professional skills required for a job or direct experience in a particular field.
Hobbies and interests on a resume work best when they are directly related to the job requirements and the company or team culture.
Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to list hobbies on your resume:
- Relevance to the job: If your hobbies relate directly to the job you're applying for, they can demonstrate applicable skills or knowledge. For instance, coding projects for a software development role or photography for a graphic design resume.
- Showcase soft skills: Hobbies can highlight soft skills that might not be evident from your employment history alone, such as teamwork (from playing a sport), creativity (from activities like painting) or leadership (from volunteer experience or clubs).
- Cultural fit: Some companies value cultural fit as much as technical skills. Hobbies can signal that you share the company’s values or would gel with the team, particularly in organizations that emphasize work-life balance or have a specific corporate culture.
- Filling gaps in work experience: If you're new to the workforce, returning after a gap or changing careers, hobbies can help you write a resume without experience and offer talking points that connect your personal experiences to the job requirements.
Examples of Hobbies to Put on a Resume
Adding hobbies to your resume will work in your favor if they align with your chosen job and the skills required for the industry. Below are resume hobby examples broken down by skill set.
Hobbies that showcase communication skills
Hobbies for a resume to demonstrate communication skills:
- Blogging
- Giving speeches
- Hosting parties and events
- Acting
- Improvisation
- Debating
- Singing
- Networking
- Storytelling
- Social media
Hobbies that demonstrate leadership skills
Hobbies to put on a resume to demonstrate leadership skills:
- Mentoring
- Coaching
- Habitat for Humanity volunteer
- Fundraising
- Organizing community events
- Animal rescue
- Planning parties
- Student government
- Running a book club
- Administering a neighborhood outreach
Hobbies that highlight interpersonal skills
Best hobbies for your resume to showcase interpersonal skills:
- Elder or child care
- Volunteering at a shelter
- Being part of a school or professional club
- Role-playing games
- Counseling others
- Mediation
- Group exercise
- Community gardening
- Tutoring
- Peace Corps
Hobbies that require problem-solving skills
Hobbies for a resume that demonstrate problem-solving skills:
- Chess
- Sudoku
- Coding
- Crosswords
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Magic tricks
- Logic games
- Word games
- Card games
- Cooking or baking
Hobbies that reflect teamwork skills
Hobbies to put on a resume that conveys teamwork and collaboration:
- Tabletop gaming
- Trivia
- Board game nights
- Team sports
- Creative writing
- Puzzle building
- Charades
- Dance classes
- Group art projects
- Volunteer neighborhood cleanup projects
Hobbies that indicate research skills
Hobbies and interests that demonstrate your strengths in research:
- Listening to podcasts
- Doing puzzles
- Watching documentaries
- Collecting data
- Interviewing people
- Making infographics
- Writing
- Taking online classes
- Reading
Hobbies that showcase creative skills
Hobbies to list on a resume that shows creativity:
- Photography
- Drawing
- Crafting
- Music composition
- Pottery
- Digital art
- Sewing
- Interior design
- Scrapbooking
- Poetry
Hobbies that emphasize technical skills
Hobbies to put on a resume that showcases your technical skills:
- Programming
- Web development
- Video game design
- Robotics/automation
- Database management
- Graphic design
- Cybersecurity
- Software development
- Mobile app development
- Animation
Hobbies that cultivate analytical skills
Hobbies and interests for a resume that demonstrates analytical skills:
- Science
- Model building
- Data visualization
- Astronomy
- Accounting
- Investing
- Logic puzzles
- Math
- Geocaching
- Video games
Hobbies that showcase organizational skills
Hobbies for a resume that showcases your organizational skills:
- Keeping a journal
- Managing a budget
- Creating business models
- Researching
- Project management
- DIY projects
- Feng Shui
- Meal planning
- Home repair
- Creating spreadsheets
Hobbies that build presentation skills
Hobbies to list on a resume that involves presentation skills:
- Vlogging
- Creating podcasts
- Audio journaling
- Videography
- Photojournalism
- Public speaking
- Theater
- Teaching yoga
- Drama club
- Creating websites
Hobbies that highlight adaptability
Hobbies for a resume that emphasizes your ability to adapt to new situations:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Extreme sports
- Winter sports
- Travel
- Learning new languages
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- Flying a plane
- Scuba diving
Hobbies that cultivate a strong work ethic
Hobbies and interests for a resume that highlights your strong work ethic:
- Volunteering
- Community service
- Networking
- Reading professional books or articles
- Learning new skills
- Taking online courses
- Joining professional organizations
- Creating or updating a portfolio
- Participating in mentorship programs
- Building a website
Explore our guide on how to write a resume for tips and examples on how to write a compelling resume that showcases your unique skills.
How to List Hobbies on a Resume
Understanding how to list your hobbies and interests on a resume is essential. Follow these steps to learn the best way to display your hobbies and interests on your resume.
Align your hobbies with the job description
Before you get started, review the job description to determine if your hobbies align with the requirements of the role.
Here’s how to add hobbies and interests on a resume that are relevant to the job you are applying for:
- Determine if your hobbies are relevant: If you are a job seeker with many years of work experience, then you might not need to add interests and hobbies on your resume unless potential employers require them. However, if you are changing careers, a student applying for an internship or you have little to no work experience, then hobbies and interests on your resume can make up for your lack of experience.
- Align your hobbies with desired skills: Match your hobbies and interests with the skills necessary to get the job. For example, if the job requires creative thinking, what skills and experience do you have to match? Maybe you won an award for innovation in product design at your last company, for example. Then tie them with some examples of hobbies and interests you have that support those skills and experience.
- Tailor your hobbies to the job: Read over the job description and make note of required and “nice-to-have” skills and experience. Then research the company for an idea of its values, mission and culture. Create a targeted resume by featuring any hobbies you have that align with the job description or showcase traits the company values.
Add hobbies to relevant sections of your resume
After matching your hobbies with the company’s needs and values and aligning them with your job-relevant skills, you’re ready to put hobbies and interests on your resume.
Explore the following examples, best practices and resume tips below to get started.
Add hobbies to your resume summary
A resume summary is where you summarize your pertinent experiences, skills and achievements, so it’s a great place to add your hobbies and interests to your resume. For example:
Here are a few examples of hobbies and interests in a resume summary or resume About Me section:
Motivated nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience providing compassionate and quality care to patients. Comprehensive understanding of patient care and the ability to provide an exceptional level of care. Extensive experience in managing clinical operations and providing quality health care to a diverse patient population. Dedicated to community service and fervent about fitness and nutrition.
Add hobbies to the education section
A creative way to display hobbies on a resume is to add them to your education section as “activities” and "interests." This is especially beneficial if you are a student applying for an internship.
You can display your interests separately to highlight them. For example:
EDUCATION
San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA
Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
Expected Graduation: May 2024.
- Relevant Coursework: Marketing 101, Consumer Behavior, Data Analytics.
- Activities: Digital Marketing Society secretary (current), LaCrosse team captain (current), New student mentor, 2021-2022
- Interests: Current events, World politics
Add hobbies to the work experience section
To align your hobbies and interests with your work experience, display them with your measurable accomplishments in your resume work history section, for example:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Fundraiser | ABC Community Center | Sacramento, CA
- Donated more than 1,500 hours of service to ABC Community Center.
- Raised more than $500 in donations to support the community center.
- Recruited 25 new volunteers to support the center’s outreach programs.
Create a separate section for hobbies
Create a section in your resume template for hobbies and interests if you have several to display and enough room on your resume to keep it to one page.
Your hobbies and interests section should appear at the very bottom of your resume, regardless of which resume format you use.
A good rule of thumb is to add no more than five hobbies or interests to this section and to format them with bullet points.
Here is an example of how your hobbies and interests resume section might look:
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
- Enthusiastic painter focused on landscapes and abstract art. Have taken five art classes and am currently enrolled in a painting workshop.
- Enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. Have traveled to 130+ countries.
- Interested in local community development and have spearheaded a senior youth activity program at my local library.
Examples of Resumes With Hobbies
If you choose to include a separate section for hobbies and interests on your resume, keep it brief and add it to the bottom of your resume. Below are a few examples to inspire you.
Medical Assistant
Business Development Associate
High School Student
Teacher
Tips for Listing Hobbies on a Resume
Now that you know the best hobbies and interests to put on a resume and how to display them, here are some tips for making them shine.
- Choose relevant hobbies: Select hobbies that are relevant to the job or demonstrate transferable skills that are applicable to the role. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires creativity, hobbies like painting or writing can be advantageous.
- Be specific: Rather than listing generic hobbies, be more specific to give a clearer picture of your interests and skills. For instance, instead of saying "reading," you might specify "reading historical nonfiction" or "reading contemporary American literature."
- Quantify achievements: If possible, quantify your hobbies to show tangible outcomes or commitment. For example, "Competed in regional chess tournaments, placing in the top 10%," shows both skill and dedication.
- Showcase soft skills: Use hobbies to highlight your soft skills. Activities like team sports can emphasize teamwork and leadership, while solo hobbies like blogging can highlight independence and communication skills.
- Keep it concise: Your hobbies should not overshadow your professional experience and skills. A brief, well-curated list of hobbies can enhance your resume without exceeding the ideal resume length.
- Tailor for the job: Tailor your hobbies section to each job application. Analyze the job description and company culture to choose hobbies that will most likely resonate with the employer.
Hobbies That Should Not Be Included on a Resume
While hobbies can enhance your resume by providing a more complete picture of who you are, some hobbies might be less beneficial or even potentially harmful to include. For example:
- Irrelevant hobbies: Hobbies unrelated to the job or that don't showcase transferable skills might not be worth including as they don't add value to your application and could distract from more important qualifications.
- Controversial or polarizing activities: Avoid hobbies that could be viewed as controversial or polarizing, such as political activities or controversial advocacy, unless you are certain they align with the company's culture or are relevant to the position.
- Common or vague interests: Generic hobbies like "reading," "traveling" or "watching movies" don't add much uniqueness or value unless you can present them in a way that highlights specific skills or exceptional involvement.
- High-risk activities: Sometimes, hobbies that involve high risk (like extreme sports) can be seen as a potential liability, especially if the job requires consistent physical presence and the hobby might lead to frequent injuries.
- Time-consuming hobbies: Hobbies that appear to take a lot of time might raise concerns about your availability and commitment to the job, especially if they seem like more than just casual interests.
The key is to tailor the hobbies section of your resume to reflect interests that enhance your candidacy, showcasing traits like dedication, creativity and a good cultural fit for the organization.
Key Takeaways
- Keep it relevant. Choose hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Avoid controversial or potentially divisive hobbies and focus on those that underscore your suitability for the role.
- Be brief and only list a few hobbies or interests and explain why they are important to you.
- Be selective only display hobbies and interests on a resume that aligns with your professional goals.
- Hobbies on a resume make the most impact if you have little to no work experience or you are unskilled in your field of interest.
- Only add hobbies on a resume if there’s enough room on one page.
FAQ
Should I include hobbies on my resume?
Whether or not you should include hobbies on your resume depends on the type of job you are applying for.
For certain roles, such as creative positions or customer service jobs, hobbies can be a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the job.
For example, if you are applying for a position in a creative field, such as graphic design, you might list drawing, crafting, or photography as hobbies on your resume.
It can be a good way to show potential employers that you are passionate about and knowledgeable about the field. For additional guidance, see what to put on a resume.
Hobbies and interests on a resume can also be useful if you are changing careers, a student applying for an internship, or you have little to no work experience.
What are good hobbies to include on a resume?
The best hobbies and interests on a resume are tailored to the job requirements and align with the job seeker’s experience, education and skills.
Here are some examples of the best hobbies for a resume:
- Team sports
- Music
- Painting and drawing
- Writing and blogging
- Cooking
- Photography
- Gardening and landscaping
- Volunteering
- Hiking/outdoor activities
- Crafting
- DIY projects
- Reading
- Playing an instrument
- Martial arts
- Yoga/meditation
- Acting and theater
Explore our U.S. resume guide for more tips and tricks from career advice experts on crafting a resume that stands out to recruiters.
How many hobbies should I include on my resume?
When it comes to listing hobbies on a resume, it is important to keep it to a select few. You want to make sure that you list only hobbies that are relevant to the job you are applying for and emphasize your skills.
Generally, three to five hobbies is a good number to list as it is enough to demonstrate your interests without taking up too much space on your resume. See what a resume should look like for design tips and examples from certified career experts.
Be sure to include hobbies that demonstrate qualities such as teamwork, leadership, creativity, and traits that align with the job. This will give the hiring manager a better understanding of who you are and what you offer.
If you are a teen applying for your first job, listing relevant hobbies is an excellent way to demonstrate the skills you’ve developed outside of traditional work experience. See our teen resume examples for templates and tips.
How should I format hobbies on my resume?
When listing hobbies and interests on your resume, it is best to use a bulleted list format for easy scanning.
This makes the information easy to read and allows the reader to quickly identify and focus on the most important details.
Make sure to keep your list concise and to the point, and to select hobbies and interests that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
What is the difference between hobbies and interests?
Hobbies and interests on a resume are both ways for a person to express their personality, character and skills, but there are differences between them.
Hobbies are specific and personal activities that a person does in their free time for pleasure, such as gardening, playing a musical instrument or cooking.
Interests are broader topics that a person may be passionate about, such as current events or specific social causes.
We recommend using our AI Resume Builder to quickly and easily add relevant hobbies or interests to your resume.
How do I describe my hobbies on a resume?
Describing your hobbies on a resume effectively involves presenting them such that they align with the job requirements and company culture and demonstrate your fit for the role.
Choose hobbies that are relevant to the job or that demonstrate skills and attributes valuable to the role. Focus on those that enhance your application and resonate with the company’s culture.
Whenever possible, mention any achievements or skills you’ve gained through your hobbies that are relevant to the job. For example, if you participate in team sports, you might mention “Developed leadership and teamwork skills through competitive basketball.”
Start descriptions with action verbs that convey action and involvement. For instance, “Organize monthly cycling tours to promote community involvement and physical fitness.”
Where should I list hobbies on my resume?
Hobbies should be listed in a separate section titled “Interests” or “Hobbies,” usually at the bottom of the resume.
This placement is ideal if you want to provide insight into your personality and soft skills. It’s best for those who have room on their resume after listing experience, education and key skills.
If your hobbies demonstrate leadership, teamwork or relevant skills, incorporate them into a broader skills section. This is helpful when the hobby directly ties to the job requirements.
If the hobby involves volunteering or organizing events, consider framing it as professional experience under a “Volunteer Work” or “Leadership Experience” section.
Can hobbies fill gaps in experience?
Yes, hobbies can showcase practical skills or initiatives. For example, volunteering, blogging or coding projects can compensate for limited work experience.
Some employers view hobbies as a way to learn more about a candidate’s personality, creativity, and cultural fit within the company.
This is particularly true for startups and creative industries that use skills-based hiring practices. Skills learned outside of traditional work experience can be just as impactful and sought-after.
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Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Sources
- Bentley University. Blog. Some Hobbies for Your Resume!
- Coursera. Article. Listing Hobbies on Your Resume: How to Add a Personal Touch
- Masterson Staffing Solutions. Article. Showcasing Your Hobbies and Soft Skills on Your Job Resume
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130+ Hobbies to List on a Resume (Examples & Guide)
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
More Articles by Kellie Hanna, CPRWOur customers have been hired at:*Foot Note
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