What Hobbies and Interests to Put on a Resume

Adding hobbies and interests to your resume might seem optional, but it can make your application more relatable and well-rounded. Employers don’t just hire skills — they hire people. Strategic interests can subtly highlight traits like curiosity, discipline, or leadership, helping you stand out in a competitive job market.

This guide explains which hobbies are worth including, how to tie them to your personal brand, and when it’s best to leave them out.

Why Hobbies and Interests Matter on a Resume

They offer a glimpse into your personality

Employers want to know who you are beyond your job title. Hobbies can reveal soft skills like creativity, determination, and teamwork. For example, involvement in theater can suggest confidence and presentation skills, while marathons can signal discipline and goal setting.

They can strengthen your cultural fit

Companies often look for candidates who align with their team culture. Apply to a company with a strong wellness or community service culture. Listing relevant interests (like hiking or volunteering) can help you appear more in tune with their values.

They help entry-level candidates and career changers

If you don’t have much work experience, listing hobbies is one way to demonstrate transferable skills. It can also fill your resume space while offering useful insight into who you are.

Best Types of Hobbies and Interests To Include

Choose activities that reflect valuable traits

Focus on hobbies that show qualities relevant to your target role. Here’s a breakdown of some common interest types and what they can imply:

How To List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

Use a separate section

Label it as “Hobbies and Interests” or “Additional Information.” After education and skills, place it at the bottom of your resume.

Keep it brief

List three to five interests, ideally in one line. Use commas or bullet points. If space allows and the hobby is especially relevant, include a short phrase explaining its value.

Align them with the job or industry

An excellent interest section should support your overall story. For instance, if you’re applying to a user experience (UX) designer role, mentioning sketching, photography, or digital art makes more sense than listing competitive eating or skydiving.

What Hobbies To Avoid Putting on a Resume

Don’t include controversial or divisive topics

Skip hobbies related to politics, religion, or other sensitive subjects unless directly relevant to the role or organization. They can unintentionally alienate the reader or raise unnecessary questions.

Skip vague or overly common interests

Generic hobbies like “listening to music” or “watching TV” don’t say much about you. Be specific and intentional. For example, instead of “travel,” try “solo backpacking through Southeast Asia” if it highlights independence or problem-solving.

Avoid anything that raises red flags

Leave it off if a hobby could be seen as dangerous or unprofessional. Examples include risky sports unless you’re applying for an outdoor leadership job.

Should You Include Hobbies on Every Resume?

It depends on the job, industry, and experience level

Not every resume needs a hobbies section. If you’re in a highly professional or traditional field (like law, accounting, or finance), it’s often better to focus on qualifications unless a hobby adds value. But a hobby section can show passion and personality for roles in design, tech, education, or nonprofits.

Make space for more important sections first

If you’re tight on space, prioritize work experience, achievements, skills, and certifications. Only add hobbies if there’s room and they genuinely add something to your profile.

Kara Dennison

Head of Career Advising

Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC is an Executive Career and Leadership Coach, Organizational Strategy Consultant, and CEO of Optimized Career Solutions. With certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and Encouragement Consultant (EC), Kara brings a unique blend of strategic insight, behavioral science, and personal development to her work. Her career began in corporate recruiting and HR leadership, where she partnered with C-suite executives to hire top performers and reviewed more than 500,000 resumes. That experience ignited her passion for helping high-achieving professionals clarify their path, tell their story with impact, and advance into roles they love.

Today, Kara coaches executives and consults with organizations on culture, communication, and leadership development. She’s been named a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement Influencer by Inspiring Workplaces for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and contributes regularly to Forbes on topics like career growth, leadership trends, and the evolving workplace. Her work has appeared in Fast Company, LifeHacker, Thrive Global, and other leading outlets. Through one-on-one coaching, brand strategy, and organizational consulting, Kara’s mission is simple: empower professionals and leaders to live impactful lives, showing up with clarity and confidence so they and their teams can thrive.