Do you think a hobby is worth adding to your resumé? While they aren’t necessary, your passion projects can lend valuable insight into you as a person. They’re a great way to add some personality to your resumé, show how you balance work and life and add dimension to you as a person, not just an applicant. Your hobbies can reveal what’s important to you, like how you keep fit, let your creativity flow, or commit to self-development. They paint you as a well-rounded person. Sometimes, they can be key factors to support your suitability to the role you’re applying for. But is it always okay to add hobbies to your resumé? And if so, which do you choose?
Why you should include hobbies and interests on your resumé.
The interests to put on a resumé should in some way relate to the role, even if it’s not obvious at first. This way, you’re showing what you’re passionate about while highlighting relevant skills. For example, say you’re in the tech industry and you love gaming and building PCs. You should include this in your hobbies as it shows you have a passion for technology and hardware and demonstrates practical skills in setting up IT systems. You’ll stand out from other candidates who have the same qualifications and experience, but no proof of their interest in the field outside of a professional setting.
How to choose the right activities for a resumé.
You probably enjoy doing a wide range of different things in your own time – but some are more suited to your resumé than others. So, which are the right activities for a resumé?
Start by looking at the job you’re applying for and consider which of your interests, hobbies or activities may be relevant. Think about the skills and qualities the employer is looking for, especially the ones directly referenced in the job ad. For example, they may say there is heavy lifting involved. If you regularly go to the gym or do weight training, this may be something you add to showcase your suitability. It should go without saying that you avoid mentioning any controversial, political, or risky hobbies and interests. It’s best to appear as neutral as possible, unless those hobbies are especially relevant to the role you’re going for.
Where to include your hobbies and interests on a resumé.
As a list in its own section at the bottom of the resumé, underneath the work history, education and skills sections. Keep the hobbies listed brief, and ideally in bullet points if used in a section of their own. They should add to your resumé, not distract from it.
How to write a brief description of each hobby or interest.
You may have space to add a few words about your hobbies and interests for resumé applications, especially if you’re still at the start of your career. Keep descriptions brief and try to connect them to the job, explaining how your hobby-related skills are a benefit to the company. Start by listing what the hobby or activity is, then provide a little more detail about it before linking it back to the role. For example, you could say you play soccer to keep fit, an important part of jobs in landscaping, emergency services or construction. If you’re a copywriter, you could mention the genre of books you read, any personal blogs you keep, or writing clubs you belong to that show that you are passionate about your craft.
Examples of hobbies and interests for a resumé.
If you’re stuck on what interests to include in your resumé, look at these examples to see what may work for you and the role you’re applying for.
Sports and fitness activities.
Mentioning sports and fitness activities on your resumé can be a good way to demonstrate you are fit, healthy and disciplined. They can be handy to add to resumés or applications for physically demanding jobs, like removalists, construction trades, personal training, teaching and more.
Creative pursuits such as painting, writing or music.
Creative hobbies like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument can demonstrate to a hiring manager that you not only have creative skills but also have passion and self-motivation. They show you are a person who can probably think outside the box and find creative ways to solve a problem. Applications for creative roles like graphic designers, art therapists, writers and content marketers could all benefit from listing creative pursuits. But you could also add them to other non-creative job applications too.
Volunteer work and community involvement.
Volunteer work and community involvement should be added to your resumé, as long as it’s relevant. It shows your passion for helping people (or animals or the environment), your sense of community and your empathy – traits most companies highly regard.
Let’s say you’re a carpenter who has donated time to help repair homes in disadvantaged communities. This addition to your resumé shows a personal, caring side to you, and gives you a point of difference that should stand out in the mind of the interviewer. Your experience could have been something more casual; you may have donated your time to work behind the counter at a charity shop, which demonstrates your altruism alongside customer service and cashier skills.
Travel and cultural experiences.
Including travel as an interest to put on a resumé can give you an advantage for many roles. If the job ad mentions specific language skills, travel requirements or knowledge of other countries or cultures, then travel-related hobbies and experiences may increase your chances of getting a callback.
Professional development and continuing education.
Every company benefits from their team bringing new skills to the table. If you’re currently studying or are interested in developing your skills, then this is something an interviewer would want to see on your resumé. Good education-related activities for resumés include skills you would put in an objective statement.
Personal projects and hobbies that demonstrate skills relevant to the job.
If you’re passionate about the work you do, it’s likely your career and your hobbies somewhat overlap. Tradespeople, decorators and real estate agents might renovate and flip houses in their spare time, while a content writer may write novels. If you have a personal project or hobby that demonstrates skills you can bring to the job, include them in your hobbies on your resumé. Just be prepared to elaborate on them in your interview.
How to talk about your hobbies and interests in an interview.
If you add hobbies and interests into your resumé, you’ll probably be asked about them in your interview. To prepare for these questions, make sure you consider how they would benefit your role in the company and why it’s something you prioritise in your life. When speaking about your hobbies and interests, show your passion for them. Enthusiasm is always a desirable quality in an employee. Keep your explanation positive and connect your passions back to your work and the job requirements.
Adding your hobbies and interests to a resumé can add a unique touch to your application. It’s a different way to stand out from the crowd, showing passion for what you do or unique skills you have that may not be obvious by reading your work experience or education. It’s all about how you connect your hobbies and interests back to the job. To showcase your hobbies and passions, be concise on your resumé and be ready to provide more explanation in your interview most effectively. Show your passion, discipline, and the extra skills you’ve picked up, and you’ve got a winning combination to land the role you want.