When crafting your resume, hobbies and interests might not be the first things that come to mind. After all, your professional experience and skills usually take center stage. But including the right hobbies can make your application stand out, especially when they highlight skills or qualities that are relevant to the role you’re pursuing.
Putting hobbies on a resume can give hiring managers a glimpse into your personality and show that you bring more to the table than just technical expertise. That said, not every hobby belongs on your resume. Choosing which ones to include requires some thought—you want them to support your candidacy, not distract from it.
In this article, we’ll explore when and how to include hobbies on your resume, offer examples of good hobbies to include, and outline what to avoid to make the best impression.
Should you include your hobbies on your resume?
Including hobbies on a resume isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it can work to your advantage in certain situations. For entry-level applicants or those with limited work experience, listing hobbies can help fill gaps in a resume while showcasing transferable skills.
“Hobbies can bring out characteristics that are not captured in the employment history including level of initiative, presence of leadership, and teamwork skills,” says Ofir Sahar, HR manager at Barter Insurance. “They help compensate for meager professional occupational experience and project the prospective employee’s capabilities.”
Creative industries sales-related positions, or roles where personality plays a critical role, such as marketing, design, customer service, are also prime opportunities to include hobbies. “As long as the applicant picks the right kind of hobby, it is likely to leave a lasting impression on the employer,” Sahar says. “This helps recruiters appreciate candidates as whole people.”
Hobbies vs. interests: What’s the difference?
At first glance, hobbies and interests might seem interchangeable, but they serve different purposes when it comes to your resume. Hobbies are activities you engage in regularly for enjoyment, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or hiking. They highlight dedication, discipline, and skills that can directly or indirectly relate to your professional abilities.
Interests, on the other hand, are subjects or fields that capture your curiosity and may not involve regular participation—think of things like sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), or urban design. Interests demonstrate areas where you’re eager to grow or develop expertise, potentially aligning with the role you’re applying for.
While hobbies on a resume are best used to showcase skills that make you a stronger candidate, interests can be effective when they align with the company’s goals or culture. For instance, if you’re applying for a role that requires creativity, listing photography or creative writing as a hobby can underscore your suitability. Meanwhile, expressing an interest in renewable energy might resonate with a green tech company and indicate long-term potential in that industry.
What makes a good hobby to put on a resume?
Not all hobbies deserve a spot on your resume—some can leave hiring managers unimpressed or puzzled. The key is to pick those that showcase valuable traits, align with the job, or resonate with the company’s culture.
It demonstrates relevant skills
A strong hobby reflects qualities that employers value, such as leadership, teamwork, or analytical thinking. “Team-oriented activities and volunteering work, for example, show initiative and the ability to work with other people,” Sahar says. “Those skills are highly sought by employers.” Examples:
- Organizing a local running club shows leadership and teamwork
- Competing in chess tournaments highlights strategic thinking and patience
It reflects dedication and commitment
Employers are drawn to candidates who can stick with something over time, as it suggests reliability and a solid work ethic. “Practices that take time signal a strong possibility for growth, which is appealing to employers looking for stable and long-term employees,” Sahar says.
Examples:
- Learning a second (or third) language demonstrates perseverance and adaptability
- Practicing martial arts indicates discipline and self-control
It relates to the job or company culture
If a hobby aligns with the role or company’s values, it can set you apart from other applicants. Employers want to see how your personal interests might translate into professional success or cultural fit.
Examples:
- A passion for photography when applying to a creative agency
- Interest in community gardening for a sustainability-focused company
8 best hobbies to put on a resume
When choosing hobbies for your resume, select those that highlight traits and skills that align with the job you’re applying for. The following examples of hobbies to put on a resume can strengthen your candidacy.
1. Team sports
What it shows: Teamwork, discipline, and dedication
Being part of a sports team indicates you know how to work with other people, take direction, and contribute to shared objectives. Team sports require a level of discipline—practices, games, and strategies all demand commitment and a results-driven mindset. Employers in industries that prioritize collaboration or require group problem-solving, such as project management or customer service, value these traits.
2. Creative pursuits (like painting, creative writing, music)
What it shows: Creativity, patience, and attention to detail
Creative passions are also good hobbies to put on a resume because they signal your ability to innovate and focus deeply on tasks, which are crucial skills in design, marketing, or research roles. For instance, painting or writing requires patience, imagination, and precision—qualities that translate well to brainstorming, solving complex problems, or creating impactful presentations. These hobbies also highlight your ability to see beauty or patterns in unexpected places, which employers often associate with forward-thinking candidates.
3. Public speaking or debate
What it shows: Confidence, communication skills, and an ability to handle pressure
If you participate in activities like Toastmasters, speech competitions, or debates, you’re showing employers you can articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. These hobbies demonstrate poise under pressure, a valuable trait in leadership, sales, or negotiation-heavy roles. Moreover, the ability to engage and influence an audience is a skill many organizations prize, especially in client-facing or management positions.
4. Volunteer work and community service
What it shows: Compassion, initiative, and commitment to social responsibility
Volunteer work suggests you’re driven by more than personal gain. Whether you’ve organized food drives, mentored students, or participated in environmental cleanup, these activities show leadership and a sense of purpose. Employers increasingly value socially responsible employees, as it indicates you can bring empathy and dedication to a team. Additionally, community service highlights initiative, showing you’re proactive about making a difference, even outside the workplace.
5. Learning new languages
What it shows: Dedication, cross-cultural awareness, and adaptability
Picking up a new language requires sustained effort, strong learning habits, and curiosity about different cultures, making it a good option for hobbies to write on a resume. Employers looking for candidates who can work in international markets or interact with diverse clients see this as a major asset. Additionally, it shows adaptability—learning a language means navigating challenges, making mistakes, and gradually improving, all of which reflect a growth mindset valued in the workplace.
6. Coding or web development as a hobby
What it shows: Analytical skills, problem-solving, and a passion for learning
Even if you’re not a professional programmer, dabbling in coding or web development shows you’re tech-savvy and eager to stay ahead in a digital world. Hobbies like building websites or creating small apps highlight your ability to analyze problems, write structured solutions, and embrace technical challenges. For non-tech roles in technology, finance, or data-driven industries, this hobby can make your resume stand out.
7. Blogging or content creation
What it shows: Writing skills, digital literacy, and commitment
Having a blog or creating online content shows your ability to organize ideas, communicate well, and engage an audience. Whether you write about personal passions, share tutorials, or discuss industry trends, it shows expertise, a passion for storytelling, and consistency. Employers in marketing, media, or any field that values strong communication skills will see this as a strength.
8 Traveling
What it shows: Open-mindedness, adaptability, and cultural awareness
Frequent travel highlights your curiosity and ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments. It reflects qualities like problem-solving, resourcefulness, and flexibility, which are crucial in roles that require navigating complex or rapidly changing situations. Travel experiences also show an appreciation for diversity, making it a great addition if you’re applying to companies with a global focus or teams with multicultural dynamics.
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What hobbies to avoid on a resume
While hobbies can add a personal touch to your resume, not all are suitable for a professional setting. “Hobbies that are less serious or too personal may detract from your overall professionalism,” Sahar says. “Focus instead on those that demonstrate growth, leadership, or a commitment to learning.” Additionally, if your resume already highlights robust skills and experiences, sacrificing valuable space for unrelated or distracting hobbies may not be worth it.
Here are some types of hobbies to avoid:
Highly personal hobbies (watching TV or reading)
Including generic or overly common activities, such as “watching TV” or “reading,” without providing context, can make your resume feel underwhelming. If these hobbies don’t showcase a specific skill or tie into the job role, they may dilute your professional image rather than enhance it. For instance, enjoying music could be relevant for a sound engineer or composer, but for most other roles, it comes across as filler rather than a meaningful addition.
Divisive interests (politics, religion, or controversial topics)
While political or religious engagement can reflect passion and commitment, these hobbies may unintentionally alienate hiring managers who hold differing views. Unless they are directly relevant to the role (e.g., applying for a non-profit organization or a political campaign), it’s best to steer clear of mentioning these interests to be neutral and professional.
Risky or dangerous activities (extreme sports, gambling)
Hobbies that might raise concerns about your reliability or physical well-being, such as high-risk sports or gambling, could lead employers to question your judgment or long-term availability. “Do not include hobbies that may raise issues of concentration or focus on responsibility, as these may lead to negative conclusions concerning reliability,” Sahar says. “Elect less-risky hobbies to maintain a professional image.”
Nightlife or socializing activities
Hobbies that focus on nightlife or heavy socializing can make your application appear unprofessional. “Stay away from hobbies that portray one's life as unprofessional, such as nightlife or passive entertainment, as they may discourage the candidate's appearance,” Sahar says. While there’s nothing wrong with these activities in your personal life, listing them on a resume might give the impression that you lack seriousness or focus in the workplace.
Tips for writing hobbies on your resume
Putting hobbies on a resume can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills, but it's important to do it in the best way. For instance, if you're short on space, focus on hobbies that are unique or noteworthy, showcasing rare traits that employers will remember.
- Be specific. Instead of just saying “sports,” give more detail, like “competitive soccer.” This provides a clearer picture of the type of commitment and teamwork involved, making it stand out more to recruiters. Specific hobbies allow you to tell a more compelling story. At the same time, keep listings brief, since providing too much detail can clutter your resume and distract from the more important sections.
- Use action words. Begin with action verbs to highlight your level of engagement. For example, instead of saying “enjoyed volunteering,” use “organized charity events” or “led a team of volunteers” to show your involvement and also add energy to your resume.
- Don’t overcrowd. Keep your hobbies section concise. Aim for two to four relevant hobbies. This helps you keep focus on the more essential sections of your resume, like experience and skills, without making your hobbies seem like an afterthought. The key is to make it neat and professional.
- Match with company culture. Research the company and its values before adding hobbies. For instance, if the company values creativity and innovation, mentioning hobbies like painting or writing can demonstrate you're a cultural fit. Tailor your list to align with the company's vibe and industry to make a stronger connection.
- Include metrics if possible. Whenever possible, add numbers or measurable outcomes to your hobbies. For example, saying “Founded a blog with 1,000+ monthly readers” gives recruiters tangible proof of your initiative, commitment, and success. This makes the hobby seem more professional and results-driven.
Bottom line
Writing hobbies on a resume can offer valuable insight into your personality, skills, and the qualities that make you stand out as a candidate. When chosen carefully, the right hobbies can highlight your dedication, leadership, creativity, and teamwork, making you a more attractive prospect to employers.
However, it’s important to select hobbies that are relevant and align with your career goals. Review your resume and think about how your hobbies reflect your strengths and how they might connect to the job you're applying for. The best hobby ideas for a resume are those that showcase the full range of your abilities.
FAQs
Should I include hobbies on my resume?
It depends on the role you’re applying for. If you're early in your career or applying to a creative or people-oriented position, including hobbies can help showcase valuable skills and personality traits. However, if your resume is already full of relevant experience, you may choose to leave hobbies off, especially if they don’t add much value to your application.
What are some examples of hobbies and interests for a resume?
When selecting hobbies and interests for your resume, focus on those that showcase relevant skills. Team sports demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and discipline, while creative pursuits reflect creativity and attention to detail. Volunteer work highlights initiative and commitment to social causes, while public speaking or debate shows strong communication skills. Learning new languages signals adaptability and cross-cultural awareness, and blogging or content creation showcases writing ability and digital literacy.
How many hobbies should I list on my resume?
It’s best to list two to four hobbies. Focus on those that reflect relevant skills or align with the company culture. This keeps your resume neat and ensures the hobbies section doesn’t overshadow more important sections.
Can unusual hobbies help my resume stand out?
Yes, unusual hobbies can help make your resume memorable, especially if they demonstrate unique skills or traits that are relevant to the job. For example, hobbies like coding or learning new languages can showcase your dedication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Just make sure they still align with the position you're applying for.