60+ Best Hobbies & Interests for Your Resume

In today’s job market, your resume is the first point of contact with potential employers. It is the gateway to show your professional experience, qualifications, skills and achievements. But going beyond this conventional way, you can include your hobbies and interests in it.

Not only will it distinguish you but also add depth and character to your profile. It will provide insights into your personality beyond your professional qualifications. Your hobbies and interests give hiring managers a holistic view of who you are. It also highlights the various soft and hard skills you have.

Now, are you wondering if including hobbies can boost your job prospects? Or which hobbies best fit your desired position? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, you'll uncover the perfect hobbies to enhance your resume. We'll provide some strategies, showcase examples, and explore best practices for adding hobbies.

Let's get started.

• Why include hobbies and interests on your resume?
• How to choose the right hobbies and interests for a resume
• How to format the hobbies and interests section on your resume
• Here are some tips for enhancing the hobbies and interests section of your resume
• Examples of hobbies and personal interests to include on your resume
• Common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume
• How to talk about your hobbies and interests in an interview
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why include hobbies and interests on your resume?

Listing hobbies and interests on your resume may not seem important. But they can increase your chances of being called for an interview. Here are other reasons why you should consider adding them:

1. Showcases your soft and hard skills

Hobbies and personal interests can display soft and hard skills that employers value. For instance, participating in team sports reflects teamwork, leadership skills, and resilience. A hobby in blogging or podcasting shows excellent communication skills. These insights can strengthen your application.

2. Demonstrates your personality traits

Your hobbies provide a glimpse into your personality. It helps them assess the cultural fit. Enjoying outdoor activities might show what an adventurous and active person you are. Engaging in community service could reflect empathy and unselfishness.

3. Acts as a conversation starter

Hobbies and interests can lead to engaging discussions with a potential employer. They allow you to reveal a bit about what you do in your free time or who you are outside work. And helps you break the ice and connect with them on a more human level.

4. Indicates passion and dedication

Engaging in hobbies needs passion and dedication. Adding them to your resume demonstrates your ability to commit. This is an important quality hiring managers look for. It also highlights your strong work ethic and your high level of motivation.

5. Differentiates you from other candidates

Employers go through a lot of resumes. And many times these have similarities in terms of qualifications and experiences. However, adding hobbies and personal interests can make you stand out. It adds a unique aspect to your profile, making it memorable.

Let us now explore how to choose the right hobbies to enhance your resume.

How to choose the right hobbies and interests for a resume

Putting hobbies and interests in your resume is not about filling up space. It is a strategic way to present a comprehensive picture of your candidacy. And it requires strategic thought. Here's a guide to help you make the right choices for your interests and hobbies section:

1. Consider the job you're applying for

Take a close look at the job description. What skills and qualities is the hiring manager looking for? Do any of your hobbies and personal interests help show these traits?

Say, you're applying for a job that requires teamwork. Include a team sport or community activity that shows your ability to be a team player.

2. Think about what skills and qualities the employer is looking for

Find a hobby that aligns with the company's culture. Research the company. Read their mission statement. Check their social media accounts and look at any leisure activities they promote. This will help you understand what specific skills and qualities the employer is looking for.

For instance, the company you are interviewing at promotes outdoor team-building activities. Showcasing your passion for community clean-up projects reflects your commitment to civic responsibility, teamwork, and community engagement.

3. Choose hobbies and interests that align with the job requirements

Mention hobbies that are relevant to the job. This can show your passion for the field. As an example, mention your interest in digital art when applying for a graphic design role.

4. Avoid controversial or potentially offensive hobbies and interests

Some hobbies and interests might be controversial. Others might be off-putting to an employer. Avoid including any hobby or a personal interest that is related to politics and religion. This helps maintain a professional and neutral tone in your resume.

For instance, mentioning strong political affiliations could potentially create bias and affect your chances.
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How to format the hobbies and interests section on your resume

The "Hobbies and Interests" section is typically placed at the end of your resume. It follows the sections like your work experience, education, and skills. This placement allows you to showcase your professional qualifications before sharing your personal interests.

When describing your hobbies and interests, keep it short and relevant. In a sentence or two, explain what each hobby entails. And, if applicable, highlight any skills or achievements related to it. This helps hiring managers understand how your personal interests may align with the qualities they are seeking.

Presenting your hobbies and interests in a clear and professional manner is essential.

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Here are some tips for enhancing the hobbies and interests section of your resume

1. Use bullet points

Bullet points make your hobbies and interests easier to read. Each of these hobbies or interests examples should have their own bullet point.

2. Be consistent

Your hobbies and interests section should follow the same format as the rest of your resume. A good hobbies section should use the same font, size, and line spacing as the rest of your resume. Keep the style consistent.

3. Add a brief description

Add this if the hobby or interest isn't self-explanatory. This will give the employer more context. It might also further showcase your skills and qualities.

4. Keep it short

While it's important to provide context, keep descriptions brief. Do not go into unnecessary detail.

5. Prioritise

If you have several hobbies and interests, prioritise them based on their relevance to the job. Start by listing the most relevant hobbies first.

6. Review and edit

A good hobbies and interests section should be free from typos and grammatical errors. This shows the hiring manager your attention to detail and dedication to perfection.

Proper formatting of your hobbies enhances rather than distracts from your professional qualifications. Present them as complementary aspects of your professional profile.
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Examples of hobbies and personal interests to include on your resume

Here are some examples of hobbies and interests that can be beneficial on a resume:

1. Team sports and fitness activities
   • Benefit: Demonstrates teamwork, discipline, resilience, and good health.
   • Example: Marathon runner - Completed four city marathons, exhibiting discipline and dedication to peak physical fitness.
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2. Creative pursuits
   • Benefit: Reflects creativity, innovation, and originality.
   • Example: Guitar player: Perform at various events, showcasing creativity and dedication to the craft.
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3. Volunteer work
   • Benefit: Shows empathy, interpersonal skills, and a sense of social responsibility.
   • Example: Community volunteer: Volunteer at a local shelter, demonstrating a commitment to community development.
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4. Travel and cultural experiences
   • Benefit: Indicates adaptability, curiosity, and an understanding of various cultures.
   • Example: World traveller: Travelled to over 10 countries, broadening cultural understanding.
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5. Personal projects
   • Benefit: Showcases initiative, passion, and relevant skills.
   • Example: Freelance writer: Hones writing and SEO skills, and growing an engaged audience.
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6. Public speaking
   • Benefit: Indicates strong presentation skills and confidence.
   • Example: Toastmasters club member: Participates in public speaking events, demonstrating communication skills.
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7. Gardening
   • Benefit: Displays patience, responsibility, and a caring nature.
   • Example: "Gardener: Maintain a vegetable garden, showcasing patience, responsibility, and a passion for nature.
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8. Coding
   • Benefit: Demonstrates logical thinking, persistence, and technical skills.
   • Example: Hobbyist coder: Engage in coding projects to improve problem-solving skills. Also stay updated with coding best practices.
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9. Cooking
   • Benefit: Reflects creativity, precision, and cultural awareness.
   • Example: Cooking enthusiast: Experiment with a variety of cuisines, demonstrating creativity, precision, and an interest in diverse cultures.
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10. Bee-keeping
    • Benefit: Reflects responsibility, commitment to environmental sustainability and attention to detail
    • Example: Beekeeping: Experienced beekeeper, managing hives for honey production, displaying responsibility and a passion for sustainability.
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11. Toy collecting
    • Benefit: Reflects organisational skills, research abilities, and a passionate dedication to personal pursuits
    • Example: Toy collector: Avid collector of vintage and rare toys, showcasing an appreciation for nostalgia, attention to detail, and historical knowledge.
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12. Podcasting
    • Benefit: Indicates good communication skills, digital savviness, and expertise in a certain field.
    • Example: Podcaster: Host a monthly podcast on environmental issues, displaying strong communication skills and depth of knowledge in the field.
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13. Photography
    • Benefit: Demonstrates creativity and a good eye for detail.
    • Example: Photographer: Engage in landscape photography, showcasing creativity, a keen eye for detail, and technical camera handling skills.
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14. Learning languages
    • Benefit: Reflects a love for learning, patience, and cultural sensitivity.
    • Example: Polyglot: Proficient in Spanish and French. This hobby demonstrates my love for learning and cultural exploration.
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15. Yoga
    • Benefit: Shows commitment to personal health and stress management.
    • Example: Yoga practitioner: Regularly practise yoga, showing a commitment to stress management.
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16. Dancing
    • Benefit: Shows creativity, rhythm, and a method of self-expression.
    • Example: Dancer: Attend weekly salsa classes and participates in local dance competitions, showing rhythm, creativity, and a love for self-expression.
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17. Magic and illusions
    • Benefit: Demonstrates creativity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to engage an audience.
    • Example: Amateur magician: Regularly perform at local charity events, demonstrating creativity, hand-eye coordination, and audience engagement skills.
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18. Animal care
    • Benefit: Shows empathy, responsibility, and a caring nature.
    • Example: Animal care volunteer: Regularly volunteer work at a local animal shelter, demonstrating empathy, responsibility, and a caring nature.
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19. Chess
    • Benefit: Indicates strategic thinking, patience, and decision-making skills.
    • Example: Chess player: Participate in local and online chess tournaments, showcasing strategic thinking, patience, and decision-making skills.
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20. Home brewing
    • Benefit: Demonstrates patience, precision, and a love for the craft.
    • Example: Home brewer: Regularly experiment with brewing different types of craft beer, showcasing patience, precision, and a passion for the craft.
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21. Mentoring
    • Benefit: Shows leadership, empathy, and coaching skills.
    • Example: Mentor: Volunteer as a mentor for students in a local high school, showcasing leadership, empathy, and effective communication.
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22. Playing musical instruments
    • Benefit: Demonstrates discipline, patience, and creativity.
    • Example: Pianist: Have been playing the piano for over 10 years, demonstrating discipline, patience, and a passion for music.
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23. DIY projects
    • Benefit: Shows creativity, problem-solving, and handyman skills.
    • Example: DIY enthusiast: Regularly engage in DIY home improvement projects, showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills.
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24. Video game playing
    • Benefit: Demonstrates strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork.
    • Example: Gamer: Regularly participate in online multiplayer games, demonstrating strategic thinking, teamwork, and hand-eye coordination.
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25. Reading
    • Benefit: Shows a love for learning, good language skills, and a wide range of interests.
    • Example: Avid reader: Regularly read books across various genres, showcasing a love for learning and a wide range of interests.
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26. Knitting
    • Benefit: Demonstrates patience, creativity, and attention to detail.
    • Example: Knitter: Enjoy knitting as a hobby, showing patience, creativity, and a keen eye for detail.
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27. Camping
    • Benefit: Shows love for adventure, outdoor skills, and adaptability.
    • Example: Camper: I go camping regularly, demonstrating a love for adventure, outdoor survival skills, and adaptability.
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28. Acting in community theatre
    • Benefit: Demonstrates creativity, public speaking skills, and teamwork.
    • Example: Community theatre actor: Perform in local theatre productions, showcasing creativity, public speaking skills, and teamwork.
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29. Wine tasting
    • Benefit: Demonstrates a sophisticated hobby, knowledge of various cultures, and attention to detail.
    • Example: Wine enthusiast: Regularly attend wine tasting events, showing a refined hobby, knowledge of various wine-producing regions, and a keen sense of taste.
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30. Blogging
    • Benefit: Demonstrates writing skills, digital savviness, and expertise in a certain field.
    • Example: Blogger: Manage a personal blog on digital marketing trends, demonstrating strong writing skills, digital savviness, and up-to-date knowledge in the field.
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31. Martial arts
    • Benefit: Shows discipline, resilience, and a commitment to health and fitness.
    • Example: Karate practitioner: A black belter in karate, showcasing discipline, resilience, and a commitment to fitness.
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32. Collecting (stamps, coins, etc.)
    • Benefit: Demonstrates patience, attention to detail, and a love for history or culture.
    • Example: Stamp collector: Maintain a collection of rare stamps from around the world, showcasing patience, attention to detail, and a love for history.
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33. Baking
    • Benefit: Shows creativity, precision, and a love for craft.
    • Example: Baker: Regularly bake for family and friends, showcasing creativity, precision, and a passion for culinary arts.
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34. Pottery
    • Benefit: Demonstrates patience, creativity, and discipline.
    • Example: Pottery Making: Engage in the craft of pottery making, demonstrating discipline, creativity, and patience.
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35. Writing poetry or short stories
    • Benefit: Shows creativity, excellent writing skills, and imagination.
    • Example: Writer: Regularly writes poetry and short stories, showcasing creativity, excellent writing skills, and a vivid imagination.
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36. Learning new technologies
    • Benefit: Shows a passion for learning, adaptability, and up-to-date skills.
    • Example: Tech enthusiast: Regularly learn and experiment with new technologies, demonstrating a passion for learning, adaptability, and up-to-date technical skills.
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37. Meditation
    • Benefit: Demonstrates focus, discipline, and a commitment to personal well-being.
    • Example: Meditation practitioner: Regularly practise meditation, showcasing focus, discipline, and a commitment to personal well-being.
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38. Origami
    • Benefit: Demonstrates patience, attention to detail, and creativity.
    • Example: Origami artist: Regularly engage in origami, showcasing patience, attention to detail, and creativity.
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39. Volunteering at animal shelters
    • Benefit: Shows empathy, responsibility, and a love for animals.
    • Example: Animal shelter volunteer: Regularly volunteer at a local animal shelter, demonstrating empathy, responsibility, and a love for animals.
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40. Online courses
    • Benefit: Shows a commitment to self-improvement, a passion for learning, and discipline.
    • Example: Online learner: Regularly take online courses on a variety of topics, showcasing a commitment to self-improvement, a passion for learning, and discipline.
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41. Antiques collecting
    • Benefit: Demonstrates respect for history, attention to detail, and perseverance.
    • Example: Antique collector: Regularly scout and collect vintage items from various eras, showcasing a respect for history, a keen eye for detail, and perseverance.
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42. Fishing
    • Benefit: Shows patience, resilience, and a love for nature.
    • Example: Angler: Enjoy fishing as a pastime, demonstrating patience, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.
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43. Social activism
    • Benefit: Demonstrates social responsibility, passion, and leadership.
    • Example: Social activist: Actively involved in campaigning for climate change, showing social responsibility, passion, and leadership skills.
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44. Learning magic tricks
    • Benefit: Shows dexterity, creativity, and an ability to engage people.
    • Example: Magic enthusiast: Enjoy learning and performing magic tricks, demonstrating dexterity, creativity, and an ability to engage and entertain others.
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45. Book club participation
    • Benefit: Shows a love for reading, being imaginative, and open-mindedness.
    • Example: Book club member: Regularly participate in a local book club, showcasing a love for reading, being creative, and open-mindedness in discussing diverse viewpoints.
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46. Bird watching
    • Benefit: Shows patience, a keen eye for detail, and a love for nature.
    • Example: Birdwatcher: Regularly observe and document local bird species, demonstrating patience, a keen eye for detail, and a love for nature.
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47. Running a YouTube channel
    • Benefit: Demonstrates digital skills, creativity, and a capacity to engage an audience.
    • Example: "YouTuber: Manages a personal lifestyle channel with over 20k subscribers, showcasing digital media skills, creativity, and a capacity to engage a broad audience."
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48. Foreign language learning
    • Benefit: Shows a love for learning, cultural sensitivity, and dedication.
    • Example: Language learner: Currently learning Japanese, showing a love for learning, cultural sensitivity, and dedication.
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49. Home decorating
    • Benefit: Demonstrates creativity, a good eye for detail, and practical skills.
    • Example: Home decorating enthusiast: Regularly take on home decorating projects, showcasing creativity, a good eye for aesthetics, and practical skills.
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50. Improv
    • Benefit: Shows quick thinking, creativity, and good humour.
    • Example: Improv performer: Regularly participate in a local improv group, demonstrating quick thinking, creativity, and a good sense of humour.
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51. Hiking
    • Benefit: Demonstrates a love for adventure, fitness, and resilience.
    • Example: "Hiker: Go on regular hiking trips, showcasing a love for adventure, commitment to physical fitness, and resilience."
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52. Drawing or painting
    • Benefit: Shows creativity, attention to detail, and patience
    • Example: Painter: Regularly create acrylic paintings, demonstrating creativity, attention to detail, and patience.
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53. Investing
    • Benefit: Shows financial literacy, risk assessment, and strategic thinking.
    • Example: Investor: Engage in stock and cryptocurrency investing, showcasing financial literacy, risk assessment skills, and strategic thinking.
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54. Graphic design
    • Benefit: Demonstrates creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail.
    • Example: Graphic designer: Regularly take on freelance graphic design projects, showcasing creativity, technical design skills, and attention to detail.
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55. Cooking new recipes
    • Benefit: Shows creativity, a love for learning, and cultural sensitivity.
    • Example: "Culinary explorer: Enjoys cooking dishes from various world cuisines, showcasing creativity, a love for learning, and cultural sensitivity."
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56. Community gardening
    • Benefit: Shows a love for nature, community involvement, and teamwork.
    • Example: Community gardener: Participate in a local community gardening project, demonstrating a love for nature, community involvement, and teamwork.
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57. Stand-up comedy
    • Benefit: Shows a sense of humour, creativity, and public speaking skills.
    • Example: Stand-up comedian: A Regular performer at local open-mic nights, demonstrating a sense of humour, creativity, and public speaking skills.
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58. Birdwatching
    • Benefit: Shows patience, attention to detail, and a love for nature.
    • Example: Birdwatcher: Go for birdwatching, demonstrating patience, a keen eye for detail, and a love for nature.
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59. Fundraising
    • Benefit: Showcases initiative, sales skills, and social responsibility.
    • Example: Charity fundraiser: Organise local fundraising events for various charitable causes, demonstrating initiative, persuasive skills, and a commitment to community service.
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60. Astronomy
    • Benefit: Indicates curiosity, patience, and a scientific mindset.
    • Example: Amateur astronomer: Observe astronomical events, showing curiosity, patience, and a passion for science.
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61. Teaching
    • Benefit: Shows patience, meticulousness, and social skills
    • Example: Swimming instructor: Meticulously plan curriculum for students, demonstrating patience and empathy for others.
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62. Arts and crafts
    • Benefit: Showcases creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
    • Example: Toy customiser: Customise action figures as commissioned work, demonstrating keen eye for detail, patience, creativity and aptitude for business.
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Common mistakes to avoid when including hobbies and interests on your resume

As with any other section of your resume, the hobbies and interests section must be crafted with care to avoid common mistakes. Your interests should reflect positively on the hiring managers, while still being closely related to the job scope. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Including unimpressive or irrelevant interests and hobbies
   ⁠“Watching TV” or “listening to music” are generic and irrelevant hobbies. They are so common that they do not add value to your resume.
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2. Being too vague or generic in your descriptions
   ⁠It's important to be specific and detailed when describing your hobbies. Instead of saying “Reading,” say “Reading historical nonfiction” to give a clearer picture.
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3. Including controversial or potentially offensive interests and hobbies
   ⁠Don't mention hobbies or interests that could be perceived as controversial or divisive. For instance political activism or hunting, might alienate some employers and should be avoided.
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4. Overemphasising hobbies and interests at the expense of your professional experience
   ⁠While hobbies enhance your resume, they should not overshadow the other sections. The professional qualifications should take up the majority of your resume.

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How to talk about your hobbies and interests in an interview

Discussing your hobbies and interests during an interview can show your personality and soft skills. Here are some tips on how to talk about your hobbies:

1. Prepare for questions about your hobbies and interests
   ⁠You should be ready to discuss your hobbies in detail with a hiring manager. This preparation can include thinking about why you're passionate about them.
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2. Tie your hobbies and interests to the job requirements
   ⁠If possible, relate your interests to the skills required for the job. For instance, if you're applying for a creative role, you can talk about how painting fosters that creativity.
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3. Prove your passion and dedication
   ⁠Do this by choosing relevant hobbies to show your enthusiasm and commitment. Discussing something you're passionate about can help you come across as more authentic.
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4. Use them to show cultural fit
   ⁠If your unique hobbies align with the company culture, highlight this connection. If the company prides itself on community activities, share your volunteering experiences.
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5. Be honest and genuine
   ⁠It's essential to be genuine when discussing your hobbies. Authenticity can help establish trust. This forms a more personal connection with the interviewer.
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Conclusion

Including hobbies and interests in your resume is an opportunity to show who you are outside work. It gives the hiring manager a glimpse into your personal qualities. And also a chance to assess whether you are a cultural fit or not. Having soft and hard skills can make you a valuable asset. Yet, this section needs careful crafting to ensure it complements your professional qualifications.

• List hobbies that highlight the skills relevant to the job you're applying for. If a hobby allows you to show a critical skill mentioned in the job description, it can be valuable to include it.

• Use the resume hobbies as a way to show qualities you assert elsewhere in your resume. For instance, if you mention teamwork as a strength, a hobby like playing team sports could be an excellent way to demonstrate this.

• When listing hobbies, remember you should be able to talk about them if asked. They must reflect authentic aspects of your personality.

• Keep your hobbies section concise, well-organised, and easy to read. Consistent formatting with the rest of your resume is crucial.

Learn more ways to stand out amid other job seekers with tips from our Career Advice page. You can also sign up for a JobStreet account to help you match your skills with prospective employers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I include hobbies and interests on my resume if they're not directly related to the job?
   ⁠While relevance to the job can make a hobby more valuable on a resume, it doesn't always have to be job-related. You can add hobbies that provide insight into your personality. That with reflect the interpersonal skills valuable in many jobs. Examples include teamwork, communication, or organisational skills.
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2. How many hobbies and interests should I include on my resume?
   ⁠A good rule of thumb is to include up to four interests and hobbies that provide insights into your skills or personality. Also, remember you should be able to talk about them if asked during the job interview.
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3. Can I include hobbies and interests that I don't actively take part in anymore?
   ⁠It's better to list hobbies that you're currently engaged with. But, if a past hobby is particularly relevant to the job or showcases an aspect of your soft skills, it can be worth including.
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4. Should I include hobbies and interests that are controversial or potentially offensive?
   ⁠Generally, it's best to avoid listing hobbies that are controversial on your resume. Do not include interests related to religion or politics. They may distract the hiring manager from your professional qualifications.
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5. How should I prioritise my hobbies and interests on my resume?
   ⁠Prioritise interests and hobbies that are most relevant to the job. Choose the ones that best showcase your skills and personality. Remember, the aim is to complement your professional qualifications with personal interests. This will provide a more holistic view of you as an applicant.