Including hobbies in your resume or CV can make a big difference. While your work experience and skills are crucial, hobbies offer a glimpse into your personality and interests. They can show potential employers that you’re well-rounded and have qualities that might not be obvious from your job history alone.
When done right, mentioning your hobbies can highlight traits like creativity, teamwork, and dedication. It can also help you stand out from other candidates by showing what makes you unique. However, it’s important to choose your hobbies wisely. They should align with the job you’re applying for and reflect positively on you as a candidate.
In this article, we’ll explore why hobbies are valuable on a resume, how to choose the right ones, and how to present them effectively. Let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Including Hobbies on Your Resume/CV
Including hobbies on your resume or CV can be more than just a personal touch. It has several benefits that can help you stand out to potential employers:
a. Showcasing Soft Skills
Hobbies can reveal a lot about your soft skills, which are personal attributes that help you work well with others. For example:
- Team Sports: Playing team sports like soccer or basketball can highlight your ability to work well with others and your leadership skills.
- Volunteering: Engaging in community service shows that you’re dedicated, responsible, and have a strong sense of commitment.
b. Demonstrating Cultural Fit
Every company has its own culture, and showing that you’re a good fit can be an advantage. If a company values creativity, mentioning a hobby like painting or writing can show that you align with their values. If they emphasize teamwork, sports or group activities can be a great way to demonstrate this.
c. Differentiating Yourself
In a competitive job market, anything that makes you stand out can be beneficial. Hobbies can add a unique element to your resume that sets you apart from other candidates. For instance, if you’re applying for a role in technology and you’re an avid gamer or coder, it can reflect your passion and technical skills.
d. Providing Conversation Starters
Hobbies can also be great conversation starters during interviews. They give you a chance to discuss something personal and share your enthusiasm for something outside of work. This can help build rapport with your interviewer and make you more memorable.
By highlighting the right hobbies, you can give potential employers a better sense of who you are, beyond just your work experience and skills. It’s about showing that you’re a well-rounded individual with interests and qualities that can contribute to their team.
How to Choose the Right Hobbies
Choosing the right hobbies for your resume or CV involves selecting those that best showcase your personality and align with the job you’re applying for. Here’s how to make the best choices:
a. Align Hobbies with Job Requirements
Think about what the job entails and choose hobbies that reflect skills or traits relevant to the role. For instance:
- Creative Roles: Hobbies like painting, writing, or photography can highlight your creativity.
- Management Positions: Hobbies that involve leading teams or projects, such as organizing events, can show your leadership skills.
b. Consider the Company Culture
Research the company’s culture and values to determine which hobbies might resonate with them. If the company has a strong emphasis on innovation or social responsibility, mentioning hobbies related to these values can be beneficial. For example:
- Tech Companies: If a company values tech innovation, including hobbies like coding or tech gadgets can be a good fit.
- Nonprofits: If the company is focused on community impact, volunteering or community service activities are great choices.
c. Highlight Transferable Skills
Even if your hobbies aren’t directly related to the job, they can still show valuable skills. For example:
- Problem-Solving: Playing strategic games like chess or participating in escape room challenges can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
- Time Management: Managing a blog or a side business can show your time management and organizational skills.
d. Avoid Controversial or Irrelevant Hobbies
Be mindful of including hobbies that might be controversial or seem irrelevant to the job. For example:
- Political Activities: These might not be suitable unless directly related to a political role.
- Irrelevant Hobbies: Including hobbies like collecting stamps might not add much value unless they relate to specific skills needed for the job.
By choosing hobbies that align with the job requirements, reflect the company culture, and showcase transferable skills, you can make your resume stand out and present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.
Where to Include Hobbies on Your Resume/CV
Deciding where to place hobbies on your resume or CV is important to ensure they enhance rather than clutter your document. Here’s how to effectively incorporate hobbies:
a. Best Placement: In a Separate Section
One common way to include hobbies is by creating a separate section titled “Interests” or “Hobbies.” This section should be located towards the end of your resume, after your professional experience and skills. Here’s how to format it:
- Title the Section Clearly: Use a heading like “Hobbies and Interests” to make it easy for employers to find.
- Keep It Concise: List 2-3 relevant hobbies with brief descriptions, focusing on how they relate to the job or your skills.
Example:
Hobbies and Interests
- Team Sports: Regularly participate in local soccer leagues, demonstrating teamwork and leadership.
- Volunteering: Active in community service projects, showcasing commitment and organizational skills.
b. When to Include Hobbies in a “Skills” Section
If a hobby directly relates to the skills required for the job, it might be appropriate to include it in the “Skills” section. For example:
- Technical Skills: If you’re applying for a tech role and you code as a hobby, you might include this in a “Technical Skills” section.
- Creative Skills: For a creative job, listing relevant hobbies like graphic design or writing can be part of your skills.
Example:
Skills
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Python and JavaScript (developed through personal coding projects).
- Creative Skills: Experienced in digital art and graphic design (developed through personal projects and freelance work).
c. Mentioning Hobbies in Your Cover Letter or Personal Statement
In addition to your resume, you can mention hobbies in your cover letter or personal statement. This can provide context and demonstrate how your interests align with the job or company. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect Hobbies to the Job: Explain how your hobbies have helped you develop skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Show Enthusiasm: Use this opportunity to express your passion and how it relates to the company’s mission or culture.
Example:
“My passion for volunteer work has honed my leadership and organizational skills, which I am eager to bring to your team as I align with your company’s commitment to community impact.”
By placing hobbies thoughtfully and strategically, you can enhance your resume and give employers a fuller picture of who you are.
How to Describe Hobbies on Your Resume/CV
Describing your hobbies on your resume or CV effectively is key to making them stand out and adding value. Here’s how to do it:
a. Keep Descriptions Brief and Concise
When including hobbies, it’s important to be brief. You don’t need to provide a detailed history of each hobby. Instead, focus on a few key points that show how the hobby is relevant to your skills or the job. Aim for a sentence or two.
Example:
- Team Sports: “Played as a team captain in local soccer leagues, demonstrating leadership and teamwork.”
b. Focus on Skills and Attributes
Highlight how your hobbies have helped you develop skills or attributes that are valuable in the workplace. This can help connect your personal interests to your professional capabilities.
Example:
- Blogging: “Maintained a personal blog on digital marketing, developing skills in content creation, SEO, and online engagement.”
c. Provide Context or Examples When Necessary
Sometimes a brief description isn’t enough, and a bit more context can be helpful. If a hobby involves specific achievements or notable experiences, include them to give a clearer picture.
Example:
- Volunteering: “Volunteered as an event organizer for a non-profit, successfully managing logistics and leading a team of 10 volunteers for fundraising events.”
d. Use Action Words
Start each description with strong action words to make your hobbies sound more dynamic and engaging. Words like “led,” “organized,” “designed,” or “managed” can make your hobbies sound more impressive.
Example:
- Photography: “Captured and edited high-quality images for local events, enhancing visual storytelling and creativity.”
e. Avoid Over-Explaining
Don’t go into too much detail about every aspect of your hobby. The goal is to give a snapshot that demonstrates relevant skills or qualities without overwhelming the reader.
Example:
- Playing the Guitar: “Play guitar in a local band, showcasing creativity and commitment.”
By describing your hobbies in a clear and concise way, you help potential employers see the value in your personal interests and how they contribute to your overall profile.
Customizing Your Hobbies to the Role
Customizing your hobbies to fit specific job roles can make your resume stand out and align your personal interests with the job requirements. Here’s how to tailor your hobbies effectively:
a. Aligning Hobbies with Specific Job Postings
When applying for a job, take a close look at the job description and identify key skills or qualities the employer is seeking. Choose hobbies that highlight these skills. For example:
- For a Creative Role: If the job requires creativity, emphasize hobbies like painting, writing, or graphic design. These hobbies showcase your artistic skills and imagination.
- For a Leadership Position: If the role involves leadership, highlight hobbies where you have taken on leadership roles, such as coaching a sports team or leading a volunteer group.
Example:
Job Posting: Marketing Manager seeking creativity and strategic thinking.
Customized Hobby: “Maintained a personal blog on digital marketing strategies, showcasing creativity and strategic insight.”
b. Removing or Adjusting Hobbies That Don’t Fit the Job Description
If you have hobbies that don’t align with the job you’re applying for, consider removing or adjusting them. You want to ensure that every section of your resume supports your application. For instance:
- Remove Irrelevant Hobbies: If you’re applying for a tech role, hobbies like gardening or cooking might not add value and could be omitted.
- Adjust Descriptions: If you must include a hobby that’s less relevant, adjust the description to highlight transferable skills or attributes.
Example:
Original Hobby: “Gardening”
Adjusted Description: “Gardening as a personal project that demonstrates patience, planning, and dedication.”
c. Using Hobbies to Fill Gaps in Experience When Necessary
If you lack specific professional experience, relevant hobbies can help fill the gaps and demonstrate your abilities. For example:
- If You’re New to the Field: Include hobbies that show relevant skills or knowledge you’ve gained outside of formal work experience, such as coding projects for a tech role or managing events for a project management role.
- Showcasing Soft Skills: Use hobbies to highlight skills that might not be evident from your work history, like teamwork from sports or leadership from volunteer work.
Example:
Lack of Professional Experience: Limited experience in project management.
Customized Hobby: “Organized and led several community events, demonstrating project management and organizational skills.”
By customizing your hobbies to align with the job you’re applying for, you make your resume more relevant and compelling. This not only showcases your skills but also shows that you’re a well-suited candidate for the role.
How Many Hobbies to Include
Deciding how many hobbies to include on your resume or CV is important for maintaining a balance between showcasing your personality and emphasizing your professional qualifications. Here’s how to determine the right number of hobbies to list:
a. Ideal Number of Hobbies (2-3 Relevant Hobbies)
The general guideline is to include 2-3 hobbies that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This helps keep your resume focused and ensures that your hobbies add value rather than cluttering your document. Here’s why this number works well:
- Conciseness: Listing 2-3 hobbies keeps your resume concise and easy to read, allowing you to devote more space to your work experience and skills.
- Relevance: By focusing on a few well-chosen hobbies, you can highlight those that best align with the job’s requirements and the company’s culture.
Example:
For a Marketing Role:
- Blogging: “Maintained a personal blog on digital marketing, showcasing creativity and analytical skills.”
- Public Speaking: “Participated in local Toastmasters events, developing strong communication and presentation skills.”
b. Balancing Professional Qualifications with Personal Interests
While it’s important to showcase your hobbies, they should not overshadow your professional qualifications. The key is to balance personal interests with the core elements of your resume. Here’s how to achieve that balance:
- Prioritize Professional Experience: Ensure that your work experience, skills, and achievements remain the focal points of your resume.
- Supplement, Don’t Replace: Use hobbies to complement your professional qualifications, not to replace them. Your hobbies should enhance your profile and demonstrate additional skills or traits, not distract from your main qualifications.
Example:
If you’re applying for a job in software development, your resume should primarily focus on your technical skills and experience. Hobbies like coding or participating in tech meetups can supplement your qualifications, while unrelated hobbies like knitting might be less impactful.
Example:
For a Tech Role:
- Coding Projects: “Developed personal software applications, demonstrating technical skills and problem-solving abilities.”
- Tech Meetups: “Regularly attend tech meetups to stay updated on industry trends and network with professionals.”
By including a limited number of relevant hobbies and ensuring they complement rather than overshadow your professional qualifications, you create a balanced and compelling resume that presents you as a well-rounded candidate.
Conclusion
Including relevant hobbies on your resume is a great way to showcase your personality and additional skills. It helps to provide a fuller picture of who you are beyond your professional experience. Make sure to choose hobbies that align with the job you’re applying for and reflect your true interests. Authenticity is key—select hobbies that genuinely represent you and complement your qualifications. Thoughtful inclusion of hobbies can enhance your resume and make you a more memorable candidate.
