how to write travelling as a hobby in resume

The Art of Including Travel as a Hobby on Your Résumé: How and Why

Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Lifevif Team and JC Franco

You like to travel and just so happen to be searching for a job too. Is there any way that your love of travel (and all of the experience you have gleaned from it), actually help you to land the perfect job? The good news is that if you do it right, you can use your extensive travel experience to give you a competitive edge against other applicants. If you have not thought about listing traveling on your résumé before, now is the time to start.

Listing traveling as a hobby in your résumé might be a good idea because it can make you more  employable . It indicates and demonstrates to employers that you have developed a set of skills (especially soft skills) that will make you a good fit for their companies. 

Candidates can stand out to employers if they can show they:

• have been exposed to other cultures, 
• have the desire to learn, 
• are comfortable in new experiences, 
• have knowledge of working with a budget, 
• have networking skills (people skills), and
• have the ability to speak a different language (or at least learn it),

All these can be learned and developed from travel experiences. 

Okay, so as it turns out, companies like to hire people who have travel experience. It shows a dynamic personality and provides them with the peace of mind that their new employee has what it takes to make it through all sorts of situations in life. As an avid traveler , you probably also feel ready to take on everything that life has to throw at you. Traveling also shows a desire to learn, expand, and grow – and all of these are great traits that an employer looks for in a new hire. 

If you want to learn how traveling makes you more employable, how to effectively list traveling as a hobby in your résumé, and what sort of jobs you can apply for using your travel experience, read through the tips below.

Table of Content

How Traveling Makes You More Employable

Traveling looks great on a CV – this much we know, but why? What is it about traveling that makes you more employable? What sets you apart from other applicants who have not had the opportunity or desire to travel? As an enthusiastic traveler myself, I personally feel well-equipped to take on just about any job that I set my mind to. At the end of the day, I do not have to convince myself; it is the interviewer I have to convince. 

Below are a few of the top reasons why employers prefer well-traveled employees:

• As a well-traveled person, it is understood that you know how to  deal with people of different cultures and backgrounds . This is particularly useful in the workplace. With so much diversity in the workplace, it is important to find employees who are a good fit and comfortable working with a diverse mix of people. This ensures a happy, comfortable workspace. 
• Well-traveled people usually know how to deal with strangers, and this often also means that you are, most likely, a “ people’s person ”. This is great for dealing with colleagues as well as customers in a work environment. The more easy-going you are with people, regardless of your differences, the  more employable  you seem.
• Traveling shows that you are  adaptable .  Adaptability  is essential in the workplace in times of stress or change. If you have to deal with a sudden change, travel has probably prepared you for dealing with the frustrations and feelings that are attached.
• As a regular traveler, you are bound to know  the importance of a budget . You also know how to deal with foreign exchange and different currencies. All departments in businesses have to work according to strict budgets. Budgeting knowledge and skills are therefore sought after. 
• If you are a regular traveler, you will have  confidence . There is no doubt about that. People who travel a lot (and often) have to develop confidence in order to get through their journey and deal with unusual situations. A reserved, nervous, or shy traveler will not get very far. You need to be comfortable dealing with new people, asking for what you want, and going places alone when you travel. This can really build confidence in a person. You can use this confidence in other areas of your life, including your  work life .

5 Ways to Include Traveling in Your Résumé

Now that you know that your travel experience can be a great inclusion in your résumé, how do you go about doing it in such a way that it is highly effective and makes the  right  kind of impact? Including travel in your résumé has to be done strategically. It has to grab the attention of the interviewer without coming across as overwhelming or like you are clutching at straws. To help you out, there are a few simple tips for you to include travel in your résumé and get the best possible results.

1. Let your cover letter tell your travel story.

If you want the employer to know that you have travel experience that is relevant, do not think that simply listing it in bullet points in your résumé is enough. It is not nearly enough. You really need to tell your interviewer a professional story that includes your travel experience and, in many cases, the best place to do that is in your cover letter. 

Your  cover letter  is the first bit of content that truly grabs the attention of the reader, so you really have to make sure that it works for you. Tell a professional story, speak of your travels, and make sure that the relevance of your travel experience to the position advertised is obvious. Of course, you should still list the travel experience in the pages of your résumé so that there is a record to work from.

2. Do not include it all – stay relevant. 

Not all of your travel experiences are relevant to the job that you are applying for. You do not want to overwhelm or bore the employer with lists of places you have been to and soft skills that you learned along the instead. Instead, keep the places you have traveled (to) relevant to the job and make sure that you state the relevance without sounding cheesy. 

3. Make clear mention of both hard and soft skills learned while traveling.

Hard skills are typically easy to mention on a CV. They are skills that you can be taught, such as learning a new language, financial skills, and similar. What most people overlook are the soft skills that they learned while traveling – and this is a mistake as soft skills are very useful in the work environment. Soft skills are actually quite critical as they help with all the finer dealings in business. Soft skills that you can acquire while traveling are:

• Adaptability (delayed flights, long waits, sleeping in airports),
• Negotiation skills.
• Planning and budgeting skills.
• Communication skills.
• Confidence.

These are just a few of the soft skills that traveling can earn you. If you put your mind to it and think about your specific travels, I am sure that you will be able to come up with a lot more.

4. Include any and all the studies you have done abroad.

While traveling abroad, did you do any studying? Have you completed any courses abroad? If you have, you need to make mention of them as they are seen as quite an important part of your personal development. Studying abroad is of great value on a CV as it is challenging to participate in a course that is outside your “comfort zone”. 

5. Include any volunteer work, projects, and programs.

If you traveled to a destination to get involved in a project or volunteer work, this is of high value on your CV too. Getting involved in projects and volunteer programs shows the ability to work hard. It also shows passion, dedication, and the ability to handle new situations. Working on a cause shows a lot about your personality and it is something that interviewers look for.

What Jobs Can You Get With Travel Experience? Use Travel Experience to Apply for These Jobs 

Is travel experience relevant to every job? In terms of hard skills, probably not, but in terms of soft skills, definitely, yes. But where does that leave you? What type of jobs can you apply for and expect great responses due to your travel experience? If there’s a particular job that having travel experience can help with, you should certainly capitalize on the opportunity. 

If you have traveled extensively, you can use your experience to apply for the following types of jobs (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Flight attendant
• Customer services agent
• Travel agent
• Diving instructor
• Online translation
• Travel blogger
• Graphic designer
• Travel photographer

Land Your Dream Job by Listing Your Travel Experience in Your Résumé

There is no denying that there are certain industries that keep an eye open for applicants who have extensive travel experience. If you can use your travel experience to your advantage , why not? You probably never thought that you could use your days wandering through international streets, meeting new people, and sipping on cocktails to your advantage – but now you know.

Lifevif Team

This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who share their experiences and knowledge about the "Seven F's of Life".

• Your First Tai Chi Class: 10 Key Insights for Beginners
• 14 Real Disadvantages and Downsides of Having Neighbors (Problems…)
• 16 Benefits / Advantages of Extended Family (#9 is so true!)
• Living in Your Car: 16 Compelling Benefits and Advantages

JC Franco is a New York-based editor for Lifevif. He mainly focuses on content about faith, spirituality, personal growth, finance, and sports. He graduated from Mercyhurst University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, majoring in Marketing. He is a certified tennis instructor who teaches in the New York City Metropolitan area. In terms of finance, he has passed the Level I exam of the CFA program.

Related Posts

Essential tips for first-time international travelers: 20+ must-know insights, embracing travel as a pastime: 21 unique benefits of traveling as a hobby, traveling (as a “tourist”) vs. backpacking: 14 key distinctions.

How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Learn when and how to professionally list your hobbies on your resume.

What are Hobbies?

Hobbies are activities that you do frequently and in your spare time. It can be anything from collecting postage stamps to working out to volunteering. The key here is that hobbies are activities you perform regularly -- they are more than an interest. An interest is more passive, it’s something you’re curious about but have yet to pursue. 

For example, perhaps you have it on your bucket list to scuba dive. That makes scuba diving an interest, because you’re in the research stage. It’s only a hobby if you’ve actually gone scuba diving, and continue to do so on a semi-frequent basis. 

It’s important to leave interests out since they can be misleading, and since you don’t yet have the skills associated with that interest.

What Hobbies Should I Include on My Resume?

Hobbies are a great way to show a company who you are and what you value. That being said, try to avoid listing potentially touchy hobbies, as you don’t want it used against you in the hiring process. 

• Political associations
• Controversial hobbies  
• Religious affiliations 
• Irrelevant hobbies

If you do have a hobby that fits in one of the above categories, “rebrand” it so that you can still convey your skills. For example, if you coach your church’s basketball team, leave out the religious component and just write that you coach youth sports. Similarly, if you campaign for a political candidate, note that you can rally your organization and fundraising skills to support an individual or mission.

See the infographic below for examples of hobbies to include on your resume.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume

‍ Have you ever thought about listing your hobbies on your resume? While it seems like “scuba diving” or “baking” may have no place on a resume, your hobbies can actually show that you're a strong candidate for the job by revealing hidden skills. 

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a writing position and you keep a personal blog in your spare time. Mentioning this hobby on your resume shows your passion for writing -- you do it even when you aren’t at work! -- your ability to manage time, to research, and to keep your creative juices flowing. 

Similarly, if you’re applying to work as a waiter and you’re an avid baker, you should add your love of cookies to your resume. It shows employers that you enjoy the food environment and have an understanding of the time and diligence that cooking requires. 

But before you start listing everything you’ve ever done on your resume, let’s break down a few do’s and dont’s. 

Why Include Hobbies on My Resume?

Hobbies impart some sort of skill, whether it’s implicit or actively learned. They can show a company what you have to offer. Your goal is to list your hobbies in a way that conveys these skills. 

In other words, think of your “hobbies” section like a more interesting “skills” section on your resume. 

For example, if you enjoy an endurance sport like running, it shows that you have diligence, determination, and patience -- all skills that cannot be taught through any job or educational opportunity. Skills like these are called “soft skills” because they are implicit in your personality.

Soft skills convey your communication and relational abilities. Some soft skills include:

• Adaptability
• Problem-Solving
• Responsibility 
• Interpersonal Skills such as conflict resolution, empathy or mentoring
• Time Management
• Leadership 
• Attention to Detail

In contrast, if you enjoy a hobby such as designing art using a software like Adobe Illustrator, this is considered a “hard skill.” Hard skills are those that are learned and gained through a degree, certificate, or another form of education. These include trainings and technical knowledge, such as accounting or software acumen or medical expertise. 

Examples of hard skills include:

• Technical Writing, such as email blasts, client relations and research 
• Computer Skills, including Microsoft Suite 
• Analytical Skills such as data analysis
• Marketing Skills like SEO, SEM, CMS
• Presentation Skills
• Management Skills like database management
• Project Management, include softwares that you are familiar with, such as Trello, Spredfast, and Zoho
• Copywriting
• Foreign Languages
• Design Skills, including Adobe Creative Suite, UX design, UI design 
• Mobile and Web Development
• Network Security such as encryption algorithms or authentication systems

When to Include Hobbies  

Not all resumes should include hobbies, and it depends heavily on the company to which you’re and its culture. For example, if you’re applying to a firm on Wall Street, it’s best to skip the hobby section. But if you’re looking to work for a local mom-and-pop store or for a more artistic company, then jot down a few hobbies. 

Let’s break it down a bit more below.  ‍

Only include hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you’re applying. Ask yourself, what skills does this hobby require, and how does it fit with this job?

For example, don’t include “drawing” on your resume if you’re pursuing a managerial position at an accounting firm, since the two have no common denominator. But, if you’re seeking a job as an event planner , a talent for drawing could help show that you are adept at bringing your ideas to life and communicating them to clients. 

Company Culture

A lot of companies today are concerned about their image -- they want to be a fun place for employees to work. If you feel that one of your hobbies shows that you “fit” right in, then list it. 

For example, if you’re applying to be a blog writer for a magazine, feel free to note that you love watching films. This could open the door for you to write movie review articles, or it may show that you fit right in with the entertainment-focused atmosphere of a magazine like Cosmopolitan or The New Yorker .

The best way to determine if you should list your hobbies on your resume is to research the company beforehand. Read their “about us” section on their website and browse what former employees have to say about their experience on sites like Glassdoor. 

Ice-Breaker and Networking 

Interviews are pretty awkward, and it’s hard to stand out when the tired interviewee has already seen dozens of hopeful job applicants. Listing an interesting hobby on your resume can make you memorable. The person interviewing you may even enjoy the same hobby, which will help break that awkward interview tension. 

Even if you don’t get the job, having a conversation with a company employee about a common interest is a great way to expand your network. They’re more likely to remember you if you happen to reach out in the future about another opening. 

What to Do Next

Brainstorm the hobbies that you enjoy and think about the skills they impart. Now, how well do they match the job that you’re applying to? Be sure to only include hobbies that are relevant to the job description or to the company’s culture. 

Customize your hobbies on our modern and professional templates . We also have more tools for writing the perfect resume , adding colors to your resume and listing your certifications . 

Good luck and happy writing! 

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to describe work experience on a resume in 2024 (examples & tips).

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

100+ Key Skills for a Resume in 2024 (Examples for any Job)

Learn how to professionally and efficiently list your skills on a resume.

How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience in 2024 (With Examples)

Don't worry, we've all been there. Thrown into the job world with little to none work experience and no idea how to start a resume. We're here to help.

How to List Accomplishments on a Resume in 2024 (Including Awards & Key Achievements)

Showcasing your achievements is what can be the cherry on the cake to help you stand out from the crowd as a top performer and really attract employers.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

50+ key technical skills to list on your resume in 2024 (with examples).

Including technical skills on a resume is an absolute necessity. These types of skills show employers your quantifiable qualifications. In this guide, we will cover exactly what a technical skill is and some of the best examples to include on a resume.

20+ Key Customer Service Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

To land a job in customer service, you need to showcase your best skills to employers. Customer service involves both technical and interpersonal skills. This makes a diverse skillset all the more important! In this guide, we will uncover the best customer service skills to include on a resume. Plus, we will provide you with tips and tricks for formatting.

What is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume in 2024?

If you’ve done any research into the different types of resumes, you’ve likely heard the term CV before. A CV is a type of document with a much more specific purpose than your standard resume. In this article, we will cover exactly what a CV is, how it differs from a resume, and when to consider using one.

How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

If this is your first time creating a resume in Microsoft Word, the process may seem overwhelming. Luckily, this article is here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we will cover how to create an effective resume from start to finish using Microsoft Word.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

Become a member by August 31st, 2024, and get +3 months free for travel!

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact

Plan your trip

• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts
• Personal Development

How to include (and leverage) travel on your resume

How to add travel to your resume. Including tips like where to put travel on your resume, which skills to emphasize, and how to effectively list Worldpackers experiences on your resume.

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Apr 01, 2023

With the competitive and intense atmosphere that sometimes accompanies finding a job in this day and age, young people can feel an insane amount of pressure while job-hunting. We want to create the perfect resume, nail the perfect interview and make the perfect impression on potential employers.

Some people may think that traveling is just a hobby, and therefore not a useful credential to include on a resume. But depending on the type of travel you have done, it may just be a special addition to an otherwise ordinary resume.

Traveling is one of the bravest, hardest and most eye-opening things a young person can do . 

Through traveling you can gain new knowledge of the world and its cultures, and you can gain valuable life experience. 

Research now shows what wanderlusters have known all along —  traveling changes you for the better . Especially if you travel using work exchange  experiences through Worldpackers , you can also gain international work experience , which always looks good on a resume .

Do you like? Read more about volunteer experience:  TOP 5 Reasons why you should volunteer abroad

Employers often look for people that are adaptable, well-rounded and confident. If traveling has made you more open-minded and helped shape you into a better person, chances are that will show in your future career.

So don't be afraid to add travel to your resume. Rarely does traveling detract from your list of skills; it supplements them. 

But you have to know how to add travel to your resume in a strategic manner so that it enhances your credentials in a professional way.

With this guide of how to add travel to a resume , I will explain how to include and leverage travel so it makes you look like a more valuable employee . 

I'll list 10 tips, including where to put travel on a resume, what types of experiences to share and which ones not to, types of travel skills to include, and how to effectively share  Worldpackers exchange experiences  on a resume. 

How to add travel to your resume

• Share valuable travel experiences
• Don't share travel experiences with no professional value
• Where to put travel on a resume
• Share special skills gained while traveling
• Always include language skills on a resume
• Share Worldpackers experiences effectively
• Mention studying abroad on your resume
• Include any digital media work experience
• Account for gaps in your resume
• Always keep the job you are applying for in mind

1. Share valuable travel experiences

Though all travel is valuable in some way, only list the travel experiences that have benefited you as a future employee in your career path. 

Sometimes we just travel for fun, and while that is an awesome life experience it isn’t useful to an employer. But traveling through eye-opening third world countries, volunteering abroad, and learning new languages and skills probably made you a more compassionate and culturally aware citizen of the world, so that is the type of thing you should highlight on a resume.

Maybe one trip you took opened your eyes to the field you are now trying to work in. Explain how traveling developed your passion and how you are now dedicated to that field of work. 

As long as your travel experience increases your value as a future employee, it can fit nicely into your resume .

2. Don't share travel experiences with no professional value

As I just mentioned, not all travel is beneficial to a career path. 

Traveling for fun without any sort of responsibility isn't appropriate for a professional resume. Don't write about trips where you just gallivanted around, partying and sunbathing. Employers don't care about your trip unless it gave you skills that will benefit their company.

So if you didn't learn anything new, gain any useful experience or feel like you matured or developed as a potential employee, don't write about it. Save that space on your resume for the valuable stuff.

3. Where to put travel on a resume

Where you include travel on your resume depends on the type of traveling you did .

If you actually worked, with set hours and a list of responsibilities and tasks, then include it in the " Work Experience " section. Even if it was volunteer work and you didn't get paid, but it is relevant to the job you are applying for, then include it under the " Work Experience " section of your resume. 

Employers want to see the most relevant information first, so if you volunteered somewhere that gave you similar experience to your potential new job, then list that at the top of your resume .

If you did international volunteer work that was very beneficial to you but still isn't relevant to the job, include it in a different section. 

You can always write a " Volunteer Work " section to list all your volunteer experience. Or if you did volunteer work that taught you a specific skill, you can include it under the " Special Skills " section of a resume.

4. Share special skills gained while traveling

Speaking of special skills, it is essential to note any skills that you gained while traveling the world . 

A huge part of learning how to add travel to a resume is learning how to showcase your skills in an attractive way to employers . 

To do this, you have to learn the difference between "hard skills" and "soft skills."

Hard skills are skills that can be taught , such as learning a sport, a craft or a language. They can usually be measured or graded and are very specific.

Soft skills are skills that you adapt throughout life , through interacting with other people and with certain life situations. Examples of soft skills include learning how to communicate, how to budget, how to organize a group, how to adapt, how to handle pressure or stress and how to negotiate.

Consider which skills are useful to the job and whether they should be mentioned on your resume . You should almost always mention hard skills, but sometimes soft skills aren't necessary .

For example, any leadership or organizational skills are usually valuable in any working environment, so you could mention those. Budgeting skills will only be useful if the job you're applying for has anything to do with money, otherwise it is irrelevant. Communication skills, like being a good speaker, negotiator, or writer, probably don’t need to be mentioned because they will become obvious through your interview and your resume itself.

Sometimes job listings have a list of skills or personality traits they look for in future employees. If traveling helped you develop any of these skills, you can mention them because the employer specifically asked for them.

5. Always include language skills on a resume

I included this tip as a separate point because language skills are incredibly valuable to any employer . The world is so international and multicultural these days, so you never know when language skills may come in handy.

Many businesses hire people specifically for foreign language skills, so any proficiency in a foreign tongue is a huge plus on your resume . 

When listing foreign language skills on your resume, include if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced in speaking, reading and writing. Never exaggerate your language skills, just in case you have to prove your skills at work and can't live up to the high standard your resume set.

6. Share Worldpackers experiences effectively

Worldpackers exchange experiences are amazing ways to learn new skills and gain work experience. 

Because work exchanges are usually pretty laid back, you can often get accepted for a position with no prior experience, which rarely happens in the professional work world. Take advantage of this opportunity to work a new job with no experience and learn it all from open-minded people. 

A work exchange might just be the first step in a lifelong passion and career .

You can find work exchanges in hospitality, digital marketing, agriculture, permaculture, construction, sports instruction, teaching English and much more. These types of work can actually be followed as career paths, so it is easy to gain relevant work experience through Worldpackers.

As I mentioned earlier, volunteer positions that gave you experience in the same field as the job you are applying for should be listed early on in your resume. Highlight that your Worldpackers travel experience  taught you not only about different cultures, but gave you valuable work experience and skills. 

Emphasize the "work" part of your work exchange because work experience in a foreign country is just as impressive, if not more impressive than work experience at home .

7. Mention studying abroad on your resume

Studying abroad is often the first time young travelers leave home for a long period of time. Of course you should include education on your resume, but if you spent a semester or a year abroad make sure you highlight that.

Studying abroad shows that you were able to successfully continue your education in a foreign country with foreign professors . 

Adapting to a different culture and educational system can be challenging, so no doubt you learned some hard or soft skills from that experience.

All you need is one line detailing where and for how long you studied abroad, but make sure it is on your resume in the " Education " section.

8. Include any digital media work experience

If you are applying for any sort of job that includes communications, marketing, public relations, writing or journalism, make sure you include any blogging, photography or social media you may have done while abroad. 

I don't mean mentioning Instagram posts you shared while traveling; I mean sharing any time you did a work exchange involving digital marketing or photography, or any time your writing was published on a study abroad blog or travel website.

If you gained any digital skills through traveling and volunteering abroad, which can also be proved through published work or photos, put it on your resume . 

These days, every business needs social media and digital content if it wants to succeed in the modern world. So even if your job doesn't relate to communications, your business may need an extra hand with photography or social media.

9. Account for gaps in your resume

Even after these tips, if you are still struggling to decide which top Worldpackers travel experiences to include in your resume and which ones to leave out, ask yourself this: Does the traveling I did make me look like a better potential employer than the gap it leaves in my resume?

If you traveled for a few weeks and did lots of partying and sightseeing, that doesn't provide more value than a short gap in your resume. But if you took a few weeks off to do a Worldpackers work exchange in South America , practicing Spanish and learning new skills, that definitely looks better than the gap in your resume.

If you backpacked around the world for six months to a year, the soft skills you gained during that time add more value than a very long gap in your resume. Especially if you did a few Worldpackers experiences during that long gap, you can show the skills and experiences you gained in that time.

Basically, just use traveling to account for the gaps in your resume. Employers won’t mind if you took some time off from work to immerse in new cultures , gain valuable life skills, and experience travel as education .

You just have to explain how traveling benefited you just as much as working would have . 

And if you did work while traveling, then you definitely benefited from that gap in your resume.

10. Always keep the job you are applying for in mind

No matter what type of travel experience you had, long or short, working or relaxing, always keep the job description in mind. 

Employers use resumes to see how suited you are to their company. Will you benefit their business more than the other applicants? What can you contribute to their business?

Think of the role you are applying for, and explain how your travel experience makes you a good candidate for that role . 

What if you did a work exchange as a yoga teacher in Bali but you are now applying for an office job in business or finance? List your yoga teacher job under the " Volunteer Experience " section and explain how that role helped you learn how to organize large classes and lead with confidence. Explain how your yoga teacher position taught you about public speaking, about teaching and instructing others, and about working well with others.

Even the most random work exchanges and travel experiences can be shown as beneficial to employers if you highlight the relevant skills. 

Make sure you understand the job you are applying for and showcase your travels accordingly .

My final thought for readers is this: never be afraid to travel because you think you have to follow a career path instead. If you are intrigued by the thought of traveling, but nervous that taking time off will hurt your chances of finding a job in the future, you need to re-evaluate what you want in life. If you want a stable career more than anything else, pursue that. If you want to explore the world, do it. And do it now, while you're young.

If you do decide to travel, travel with Worldpackers . The diversity of hosts and experiences offered are unparalleled, and the many exclusive  benefits of Verified Membership  are more than worth the subscription cost. 

Yes, backpacking and partying around the world is fun but volunteering abroad is a unique and useful experience. While seeing the world, you can also save money by working and gain new skills that will probably benefit you in your future job searches. 

Work exchanges are in-depth cultural experiences that enrich your life and enhance your skill set more than breezing through the tourist attractions does.

So take a risk and choose travel. You never know, you might discover a new passion or career path, and you might gain some skills that impress your future employers.

Keep reading about personal development with Worldpackers: 

•   What is a Staycation and why now is the best time to have one
• 4 reasons why traveling can make you better

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Aug 02, 2021

Hello Sir/madam, I am Abdul Hamid Issaka from Ghana and I am a dump truck Oparetor and am searching for a job, please how will you help me to get something to do in life I completed my training since 2012 till now I have no job so please I need your help or any kind of machines am ready to operate if only the company will train me to oparete that kind of machines. Thank you

[email protected]

More about this topic

6 ways traveling encourages self-development

How to practice self-care when traveling.

14 ways traveling stimulates inner growth

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

CVs & Résumés

• Jan 16, 2024
• 10 min read

How to Write about Hobbies and Interests on Your CV/Résumé

They can help you stand out from the crowd.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

“Never, ever include hobbies and interests in your résumé.” That has been the golden rule for  CV  or  résumé writing  for decades now.

But it’s a very narrow-minded rule. It doesn’t take into account the many situations when mentioning your hobbies and interests can actually add value to your application.

Of course, we’re not talking about things like long walks on the beach — your résumé is not a dating profile, after all. We’re talking about pastimes, activities and general interests that help you create a more rounded presentation of your skills and strengths, and that demonstrate your fit to the position you’re applying for.

So, how do you write about hobbies and personal interests on a résumé?

From when to include this section in your résumé to how to mention your hobbies and interests, this guide has you covered.

When to include hobbies and interests in your CV/résumé

Mentioning hobbies and interests on your résumé isn’t always appropriate or necessary. If you’re applying for a C-suite role, for example, mentioning your interest in fashion would only hamper your application. Likewise, “if you’re trying to save space, drop these off your [résumé],” says Matthew Warzel, CPRW, a certified résumé writing expert and the president of  MJW Careers .

That said, there are several situations where listing hobbies and interests can add value to your CV/résumé, including when:

• You have limited work experience
• You have little educational experience
• You are  switching careers or are new to the industry
• They show your fitness with the company culture
• They align with the job’s duties and responsibilities
• You have extra room on your résumé
• The employer specifically asks you to include your hobbies and interests
• The company is looking for candidates with unique traits and personalities

­Warzel sums it up by saying: “The only instance I find them to be useful is if they either relate to the targeted role or are so unique [that they stop] readers in their tracks.”

Types of hobbies and interests to list (and avoid)

Once you’ve decided to include hobbies and interests in your résumé, it’s important that you choose the right ones — particularly those that reflect positively on you, showcase the  skills and qualities that employers look for , and help you demonstrate your overall fitness for the job.

Modupe Sarumi, a career transition coach and the founder of  Learnable by Dr Mo , advises to always leverage hobbies and interests to your advantage: “Avoid listing hobbies that portray you more as a liability, and focus on the ones that present you as an asset.”

Here are some good examples of hobbies and interests for your résumé:

• Team sports, like bowling or football
• Solo sports, like cycling or swimming
• Artistic activities, like drawing or photography 
• Arts and crafts, like DIY or sewing
• Knowledge-based activities, like pub quizzes
• Creative activities, like  blogging or painting
• Outdoor activities, like gardening or hiking
• Cultural interests, like literature or cinema
• Academic interests, like psychology or sociology
• Community involvement, like volunteering for a local charity
• Musical activities, like singing in a choir or playing an instrument

And here are some bad examples to avoid:

• Activities that make you sound antisocial, like stamp collecting
• Activities that are violent, dangerous or, worse, illegal, like launching rockets into their air or hacking
• Activities that reveal political allegiances or ideals
• Activities that reveal religious affiliations or beliefs
• Activities that make you sound lazy, like watching TV
• Activities that may be controversial or polarising, like pole dancing or hunting
• Hobbies or interests intended as a joke that can be misinterpreted, like “Scheming for world domination”
• Hobbies or interests that go against the core values of the company you’re applying to

Where to list hobbies and interests in your CV/résumé

Your work history, education and achievements should be the focal point of your résumé. This means that if you choose to include hobbies and interests, they should  always  be placed at the very end of the document — no matter your level of experience or which  résumé format  you’re using.

You’ll need to separate these from everything else on your résumé and create a designated section for them. Make sure to give the section an appropriate name, like “Hobbies and Interests”, as you would with your résumé’s other sections.

Tips for writing about hobbies and interests

Here are a few things to keep in mind when putting your hobbies and interests section together:

1. Don’t add more than five

You want to keep this section as short as possible. It should only help the overall message you’re conveying to the employer: that you’re a good fit for the job and company.

A general rule of thumb is to list between two and five activities here — not every single hobby you ever picked up. Adding more than five hobbies and interests risks taking the focus away from what’s really important: your experience,  results  and achievements.

Likewise, if you’re just going to list a single hobby, you’ll end up wasting valuable real estate on your résumé, so you might as well leave out this section altogether.

2. Use bullet points

Recruiters are pushed for time, so they will usually only  spend a few seconds skimming your résumé  to determine whether it’s worth a more thorough review. And the more user-friendly your CV/résumé is, the better are the chances of this happening.

Your hobbies and interests (and everything else on your résumé, for that matter) should be skimmable, and this can be achieved by listing them as  individual bullet points . (Round bullets are the standard, but square bullets or even hyphens are fine, too. Whichever style you choose, though, make sure it’s consistent.)

3. Be specific

Rather than simply adding a list of hobbies at the end of your CV/résumé, provide a brief description for each one, explaining how it applies to the role or the company’s work culture.

For example, instead of simply listing travel among your hobbies and interests, say something like: “International travel to 25 countries to experience and learn about new cultures and traditions”. This can help you set yourself apart from the competition, particularly if the job you’re applying for involves  working with a diverse mix of people .

Always keep descriptions short, typically no longer than one line. “It doesn’t need to be a detailed biography,” says Nikki Thomas, founder of  Winning in Work .

4. Emphasize your transferable skills

Make sure that the hobbies and interests that you list in your CV/résumé somehow relate to the job you’re applying for.

“I recommend reviewing the job description and identifying the skills relevant to the day-to-day tasks,” says Tracy Cote, the Chief People Officer at  Zenefits .

This, of course, doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be directly related to the position, but they should at the very least be transferable and add value to your application. For example, playing chess might not seem very relevant to a job in  accounting , but it does demonstrate your  analytical thinking skills , which  are  relevant.

“The most important thing to keep in mind when listing hobbies in your résumé is to show recruiters and hiring managers that you are a multifaceted person with external interests and multiple skill sets,” says Cote.

5. Be honest

You might be tempted to add hobbies that you’re not actually invested in because you feel they will enhance your chances of getting an interview. But you should never embellish or downright  lie about anything on your résumé  — including something as seemingly trivial as your pastimes — because you  will  get caught.

The hiring manager will likely ask you about the hobbies you’ve listed, and you’ll be automatically disqualified from the pool of candidates when it becomes evident that you lied on your résumé. Dishonesty, after all, is  not  a quality that employers look for in employees.

Hobby examples for top professions

Listing hobbies on your résumé can help you stand out from other candidates, especially when they’re as relevant to the job as possible. Below are some examples for popular professions to give you an idea of what to put on your résumé:

• Reading extensively, both fictional and non-fictional works.
• Baking, participating in local bake sales (and treating my students!).
• Yoga and meditation, as a way to wind down and stay in shape.

2. Accountant

• Running, currently totaling 15k a week.
• Local chess club member.
• Camping and hiking, spending time outdoors.

3. Architect

• Street photography — I maintain an active Instagram page.
• Painting, as a means to relax and find inspiration for my work.
• Origami making, occasionally running my own workshops.

4. Software developer

• Solving jigsaw, Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
• Outdoor swimming throughout the year.
• Playing the violin in a local orchestra.

5. Bartender

• Theater group member, participating in amateur play productions.
• DJing as a way to relax after work and engage in something creative.
• Traveling as often as possible to learn about different cultures.

6. Copywriter

• Journaling, as a way to declutter the mind.
• Public speaking classes.
• Blogging — I maintain my own blog with resources and advice for fellow writers.

7. Marketing executive

• Weekly basketball practice, team captain.
• Learning Spanish through online tutoring.
• Digital art and 3D modeling — primarily on Adobe Photoshop and ZBrush.

8. Flight attendant

• Scuba diving and underwater exploration — working towards my certification.
• Writing short prose pieces on the places I visit and people I meet.
• Watching documentaries, particularly on sustainable travel and living.
• Gardening at home, including making my own floral arrangements.
• Crossfit, as a way to stay fit both mentally and physically.
• Singing in a local choir, often to fundraise for local charities.

10. Office administrator

• C++ coding challenges — yes, just for fun!
• Fostering dogs, until they find their forever homes.
• Listening to professional development podcasts and audiobooks.

CV/résumé example with hobbies and interests

So, what would a typical résumé with a dedicated hobbies and interests section look like?

Here’s an example we put together, using one of our professionally designed and  ATS-friendly résumé templates , to give you an idea:

Get the Transparent template

Want to try a different look? Stand out from the crowd with our 7-in-1 CV template bundle, plus get a free job application checklist! Get the bundle

Key takeaways

While many experts argue against adding your hobbies and interests on your CV/résumé, it is one of the most overlooked and underutilized  résumé sections .

With some careful thought and planning, mentioning what you do in your downtime can help you stand out from the crowd and is, as Thomas notes, “a chance to provide a human element to your CV”.

Some key things to remember when putting together this section on your résumé:

• Make sure it makes sense to mention your hobbies and interests.
• Be strategic with the ones you choose to include.
• Put them in a dedicated section at the end of your résumé.
• Use bullet points and brief descriptions.
• Emphasize your transferable skills.

Got a question? Whether you’re skeptical about listing a specific hobby or wondering if you should even include a hobbies section in your CV/résumé, we’re here to help — just drop us a comment below!

Originally published on October 18, 2017. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Hobbies and Interests

Résumé Sections

Can you put travel on your resume?

If you’ve spent any time travelling, you are probably wondering if you can add it to your resume.

The good news is that you definitely can (and probably should).

But knowing exactly what to include and how to write about it can be challenging.

So, this guide will show you everything you need to know about including travel on your resume and even has 7 examples of real-life resumes with travel sections added to them.

Resume templates 

Should you add travel to your resume?

You might be concerned that adding travel to your resume will make employers think you’ve just been off work, having a nice time in the sun.

However, there are a number of reasons why adding your travels to your resume can help you get hired.

Traveling experience can actually help you to gain and strengthen a number of transferable skills that will appeal to hiring managers.

For example, if you’ve travelled across the world, it can show that you’re organized, confident, and adaptable. Not only this, but it proves you can immerse yourself in new groups and cultures, as well as communicate with people from across the globe – a great selling point for any resume.

If you worked or volunteered while you were abroad, this is even better! This can be a particularly great way for students or junior professionals to highlight their skills and experience despite being new to the working world.

5 examples of travel on a resume

Here are 4 examples of job seekers who have successfully added travel to their resumes.

Gap year in Asia

Volunteering in Africa

Backpacking through South America

Working for a school in Europe

Studying for 6 months in Japan

What skills can travel demonstrate on a resume?

Traveling requires a range of skills and abilities that can be transferred to the workplace. Here are a some of the best ones to include in your resume.

• Organization – Planning a trip requires careful organization, particularly if you’re going for a long time or to multiple locations. Skills like budgeting, packing, planning itineraries, and booking transport, can easily be helpful into the workplace.
• Communication – Whether you’re making friends, chatting with the locals, or asking for help, communication is a vital skill while traveling. Showing you can communicate with people from all walks of life is a very desirable trait for employers.
• Adaptability – Unfortunately, not everything goes to plan while you’re traveling, and the same applies to the workplace. So, if you can prove your ability to adapt accordingly to different situations, you’ll make yourself more attractive in the job market.
• Confidence – It takes courage to travel to unknown  places and experience new things, particularly when you’re far from home. Showing this courage can prove you’re confident in new situations and around new people – a great trait for starting a new job.
• Social skills – Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, it’s likely that you’ll meet fellow travelers along the way, as well as locals. Being able to converse with a broad range of people proves you have the social skills require for the workplace.
• Cultural understanding – Spending time with people from different backgrounds, races, religions, and experiences can help to boost your cultural understanding. You can show empathy, respect, and intrigue for cultures that differ from your own.
• Languages – If you traveled to a country where the locals speak a different language to your own, and you’ve taken the time and effort to learn some key phrases, this can look great on your resume.
• Resourcefulness – When you’re presented with tricky situations whilst thousands of miles from home, you have to learn to navigate them and solve problems as best you can – another excellent ability that can be used in any job.

What type of travel should you include in your resume?

Of course, when we talk about adding travel to your resume, we don’t just mean the week-long family holiday you went on last summer, where you sat by the pool all day.

Resume-worthy travel needs to consist of meaningful experiences that contributes to your personal development and which have relevant applications to the working world.

So to ensure the travel experiences in your resume actually help to get you hired, include the following type of travel:

A gap year gives you a chance to take some time out after your studies to refresh, find out more about yourself, and gain some valuable life experiences.

With a whole year to travel, you can fully immerse yourself in new places and cultures, you can even take the opportunity to work or volunteer, and you’re bound to come away with a new perspective, as well as some new skills.

Therefore, a productive and interesting gap year can be a great addition to your resume and can give you lots of talking points during the interview stages.

Backpacking

There are lots of different ways to travel, but backpacking, in particular, is one style of travel that can really boost your skills and give you lots of talking points for interviews.

Often, these trips will last for a few months at a time and will test skills like flexibility, organization, budgeting, and compromise more than traditional travel will.

Being able to highlight how you implemented and strengthened your skill set whilst living out of a backpack can be great for your resume and is a testament to the type of person you are.

Working abroad

Highlighting valuable experience is always important on your resume, but if you’ve worked abroad, you could actually give yourself a competitive edge. This is particularly true if other candidates on similar footing have no such experience.

This is because working in another country can show your personal and professional growth, as well as showcase the different skills required to work in a country that isn’t your own. For example, being able to speak another language or even just having the confidence and drive to work internationally.

This is even better if the job you did abroad is related to your chosen field and gives you lots of relevant talking points.

Volunteering abroad

Volunteering looks great on your resume, as it proves that you’re proactive, caring, and you teaches you tons of valuable transferable skills. These are all desirable qualities in an employee and can boost your chances of getting hired.

So, if you’ve gone abroad to volunteer, this is a great way to show that you are kind and compassionate and you want to engage and help those from different cultures. It also shows you didn’t just travel for fun; you wanted to do something positive, and learnt some skills along the way.

Studying abroad

When you study abroad , you’re not just learning about your chosen subject but also about adapting to new surroundings and cultures. You’re expanding your knowledge, and you’ll also gain lots of other practical skills along the way. Of which, language skills are often some of the most beneficial.

Not only this, but you’ll meet lots of people from different walks of life and grow your personal and professional skills set as a result.

Proving you’ve got the skills needed to live and study away from home can be very desirable to employers – so it’s great to put study-abroad on your resume .

What travel should you avoid putting in your resume?

• Short vacations – Some types of travel won’t add any value to your resume, and a short vacation is one of them. Although you might have gone to a lovely destination, it’s unlikely that this trip was designed to boost your skills or immerse yourself in the culture. After all, people take holidays all the time to unwind, and telling recruiters about your 2 weeks in the Caribbean sipping Mojitos is unlikely to bag you an interview.
• Spring break – Similarly, you might have gone on spring break to blow off some steam and hang out with friends, and that’s OK. But even if you did go somewhere interesting, this experience doesn’t really belong to your resume or present itself as a career gap that needs filling, so it’s best to leave this out.

Where should you add travel on your resume?

If you’ve got some exciting travel experiences to share on your resume, you need to make sure you present these effectively and put them in the right place.

In your resume summary

For any experiences that you’re particularly proud of or that you think show skills closely related to the job you’re applying for, you could lead with these in your resume summary . For example, if your travels allowed you to practice your language skills and these are going to be important in the role, add a few words about into your profile.

E.g “Conversational Spanish learnt from my year working in Barcelona”

In the work experience section

There are several reasons you might want to include traveling in your work experience section;

Firstly, it explains any gap in your career, which is vital if you’ve been away travelling for 3 months or longer.

Secondly, if you had a job or did some volunteering during your travels, then it is perfectly suited to be included the work experience section as job. That way, you can then go into more detail about what you did and the skills involved.

In the additional information section

If you’ve got other relevant experiences to talk about that feel more important, but you still believe your travels can boost your application, then you might wish to include them under the additional information section.

This way, you don’t take up valuable space in your employment history or summary, but you can still showcase your skills and experiences from your time abroad.

How to include travel on your resume

Now you know where to include your travel experiences on your resume, here’s how to write about it in a way that will engage and impress recruiters.

Structure the experience like a job

When adding this to your work experience section, you should format this the same as you would a job. For example, put ‘traveling Asia’ or ‘gap year’ as your title and follow this with the dates you were away.

You can then add bullet points underneath that showcase your most important and relevant experiences and the skills you used.

Draw out workplace skills

Never just list the places you went to or the cool things you did there. You need to make sure you’re always drawing out the workplace skills and making these relevant to the role.

An example of this could be ‘had to quickly adapt and arrange new travel plans after disruptions due to dangerous weather conditions’.

Show contributions and achievements

Showing and quantifying your achievements is always important in your resume, and this still applies when including your travel experiences. Wherever you can, you should provide figures that show your contribution and what you have achieved.

For example, if you volunteered to teach English in a local school, how many pupils did you teach? Or if you had to do three months on a tight budget, what money-saving hacks did you use, and how much did you save?

• Travelled across South Asia for 3 months on a budget of $2,000, visiting a total of 9 countries.
• Learned a good level of conversational German in 6 months of living in Berlin

Tailor toward your target jobs

Make sure that when you’re picking highlights, skills, and achievements to include on your resume, these are as relevant to the role as possible.

If the employer is looking for someone organized, explain how you planned your itinerary, or if they want someone confident, discuss how you traveled solo for two months before meeting a group of like-minded travelers and asking them to join you.

40+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume [Updated for 2024]

“Hobbies and interests have no place on the resume.”

Done right, hobbies on a resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show a bit of your personality to the hiring manager, and potentially even get you the job!

That said, not every resume needs hobbies and interests, and at the same time, not every hobby belongs on a resume.

In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about hobbies on a resume, including when to list them, how to pick the right ones to mention, and more!

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Should You Mention Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
• 12 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

4 tips to keep in mind when listing hobbies and interests, 40 best hobbies and interests to put on your resume [complete list].

Let’s dive in!

Should You Mention Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

There’s no straight-up answer to this question as it depends on several factors.

For example, if you’re a professional with many years of experience in your field, you could probably do without a hobbies and interests section on your resume. 

As a seasoned professional, you probably have tons of skills, work experience , and certifications to fill your resume with and set yourself apart from the competition. 

If adding a “hobbies and interests” section will make your resume spill over to page two , then you should definitely leave it out. 

On the other hand, if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience, adding your hobbies and interests to your resume can help you stand out as a candidate, as well as help fill up your resume to take up an entire page.

But enough with the hypotheticals! Let us tell you exactly when to mention hobbies and interests on your resume and how they can benefit your job application.

What’s the Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

First things first - what are hobbies and interests? 

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing:

• Interests are topics, ideas, or subjects that interest you, fascinate you, and you want to learn more about. Culinary art, history, and classical music are all examples of various interests.
• Hobbies are activities you actually engage in. Some examples of hobbies may include cooking, playing basketball, or visiting museums.

Hobbies show the hiring manager how you spend your free time and what kind of additional skills you may possess. For example, if you include “basketball” as your hobby, you’re also telling the hiring manager that you have great teamwork skills. 

Interests , on the other hand, indicate what topics and ideas you’re currently interested in or you’d like to explore in the future. If, for example, you’re applying for a job that requires relocation and you list traveling as your interest, you may seem like a more relevant candidate because you enjoy traveling to new places. 

So, as you can see, hobbies and interests can add value to your resume if they’re relevant to the job and if they point to soft skills the company may be looking for. 

Which leads us to the million-dollar question: when exactly should you include hobbies and interests on your resume? 

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

You should include hobbies and interests on your resume when:

• You still have space after including all the essential resume sections (contact information, work experience, education, and skills).
• You have limited work experience, education, and skills related to the position you are applying for.
• The company puts emphasis on its employees’ personalities and unique traits.
• The company specifically asks to list additional hobbies and interests.
• Your hobbies and interests show that you’re good at your job. E.g. if you’re applying for a writing role, having Dungeons & Dragons as an interest might help (as it shows that you’re creative).

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

12 Top Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

So here’s the takeaway: for hobbies and interests to add value to your resume, they should be somewhat relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

In most cases, though, candidates list pastime activities that say nothing to the hiring manager reading their resume, like watching movies or listening to music. 

To help you avoid such a mistake, we’ve listed some of the best hobbies and interests to put on your resume, based on companies’ most commonly required skills and abilities: 

#1. Community Involvement

Volunteering and community involvement is probably the best hobby/interest you could be adding to your resume, as it’s associated with 27% higher odds of employment . 

In a nutshell, volunteering shows initiative, empathy, and the ability to see beyond your personal interests. On top of this, volunteering teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and leadership. 

#2. Writing

Communication skills - both verbal and written - are some of the most sought-after soft skills by companies . 

As such, having writing as a hobby can effectively show potential employers that your communication skills extend beyond the workplace and are, as such, stronger than other candidates. 

#3. Blogging

Blogging is another hobby that proves you’ve got excellent communication skills, which is essential for most roles.

At the same time, blogging as a hobby also shows that you’re a self-starter that can work on independent projects, which is another very in-demand skill for most roles.

#4. Learning Languages

It’s no secret that speaking foreign languages can improve your chances of getting a job . 

For starters, employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can communicate with people from different nationalities and can be an asset when dealing with international markets.

On top of that, learning languages is associated with improving valuable skills like problem-solving and dealing with abstract concepts, both of which are desirable employee skills. 

Some of the jobs where listing learning languages as a hobby can come in handy include social workers, human resources managers, flight attendants, community health workers, hotel managers, customer service agents, etc. 

#5. Photography

Just like all the other hobbies on this list, photography can represent you in more ways than “this candidate likes to take pictures.”

After all, photography takes creativity, interpersonal skills, and even technical skills ! 

This means that, in addition to all the jobs that require photography skills, there are many other positions out there that could benefit from a candidate who’s into photography. 

Traveling may not seem like the best hobby to include on your resume at first sight. After all, it simply involves picking a destination and being a tourist, right? 

Well, not exactly. 

Someone who loves traveling is also likely to be: 

• Curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people
• Well- organized and adaptable to new situations and people
• Not afraid to step out of their comfort zone

All of these personality traits make for an adaptable and flexible employee, something that employers appreciate!

Sports - and any kind of physical activity, really - are known to improve brain health and your ability to do everyday activities . 

Not only, but sports also help you develop self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills . 

All of these are essential skills that could help you “adapt” your resume to different kinds of jobs. 

#8. Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies to put on your resume, regardless of what types of books you like to read.

Reading exercises the brain, improves the ability to focus, increases general knowledge, can sharpen your communication skills, and helps relieve stress . 

#9. Making Music

Making music not only takes creativity, but also a lot of determination, patience, and endurance. Not to mention, studies show that playing an instrument can also improve your memory and focus . 

Showing such qualities can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers.

Yoga is known to create mental clarity , relieve chronic stress patterns, relax the mind, and sharpen concentration.

And - let’s be honest - who doesn’t want an employee who’s mentally clear, unstressed, and able to concentrate on their work? 

To do any kind of art, you need to be creative, which is among the most popular transferable skills companies are looking for in 2022. 

According to this Adobe study , creativity has gained the most value in driving salary increases in the past five years. That’s also because creativity is also linked to inventiveness, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. 

Dancing is more than just a fun pastime. It improves your cognitive abilities, and collaboration skills (especially if you’re dancing with a partner), and can help you unwind and keep your stress levels low. 

Top Soft and Hard Skills Related to Hobbies and Interests On a Resume

And here’s what the hiring manager is likely to read from including the hobbies and interests listed above to your resume in terms of soft and hard skills: 

Yep, you heard that right.

There IS a right and wrong way to list hobbies and interests on your resume.

In this section, we’ll teach you all you need to know to make your hobbies and interests section as effective as possible!  

#1. Decide whether you need them

The first thing you want to do is decide whether you’d benefit from adding hobbies and interests to your resume. As we already mentioned, hobbies and interests can be a breath of fresh air for your resume, but only in certain circumstances.  

If you’re a professional with many years of work experience under your sleeve, your resume can do without a hobbies and interests section.

You already have a lot of professional achievements , relevant skills, and qualifications to make your resume a full one-pager, while adding a hobbies section would mean removing some other critical section from your resume.

On the other hand , if you’re a student with almost no work experience or skills, or if you’re applying to a startup or to a company that puts more emphasis on company culture, then you could definitely benefit from listing your hobbies and interests. 

The optimal length for a resume is one page.

If including a hobbies and interests section spills your resume over to the second page, that means that you can probably just skip including the section in the first place.

#2. Research the Company

So, you’ve decided it’s a good idea to include your hobbies and interests on your resume. But, which ones do you actually include? 

To make the best possible choice, start by researching the company. See if they have any specific work culture, work retreats, and what qualities would complement your role.

Here’s exactly where you should look: 

• The job ad. Read the job ad and identify the type of skills that they’re looking for.
• The company website and any employee profiles you can find there.
• Their social media accounts . Specifically, their LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. 

#3. Choose the Right Skills

Once you’ve done this, you should think about how specific skills or requirements may transfer to a hobby or interest and tailor yours to the job accordingly. 

You may have dozens of exciting hobbies and interests, but your resume isn’t the right place to list them all. Just to reiterate - you want your hobbies and interests to be as relevant as possible . 

So, for example, if the job ad mentions the company’s looking for someone who’s “outgoing” or a “great team player,” then any kind of sport is a good hobby to list on your resume. 

Meanwhile, anything that involves you sitting alone and being introverted (e.g. reading or knitting) is not very relevant. 

An alternative approach to choosing the right hobbies and interests is to use them to fill your skill gaps.

Let’s say that you’re an entry-level professional and you’re applying for your first job as an illustrator. Chances are, you lack some of the technical skills required for the job, simply due to your lack of professional experience. 

In such a case, choosing a hobby that proves you’ve got an eye for design and aesthetics can help your application. Anything art-related, including photography, painting, drawing, etc., will show the hiring manager that you’re passionate about this line of work. 

#4. Create a Separate Section (and Push It Down) 

By now you should have a clear idea of what hobbies and interests to add to your resume. 

The rest is fairly easy. 

Simply create a separate section titled “Hobbies and Interests,” and place it at the end of your resume . It’s crucial that this section doesn’t overshadow the more important parts of your resume, like your contact information, work experience, education , or even any volunteer work or internships you’ve completed. 

Ultimately, adding a “Hobbies and Interests” section at the end of your resume is a great way to wrap up your resume. 

It can help you make an impression that extends beyond the professional aspect and give the recruiter a little extra something to remember you by. 

Want to start your resume in a way that will grab the hiring manager’s attention? Learn how to write a resume summary with our guide! 

#5. List Up to Four Interests or Hobbies

Last but not least, it’s important to list the right amount of hobbies and interests on your resume. 

We recommend listing 4-6 total, at most. Anything less, and your hobbies section will look too empty. Anything more, and it’ll look like you’re just trying to fill in space.

Here are some additional tips you should always remember when you’re creating the “Hobbies and Interests” section of your resume: 

#1. Find out what you specifically enjoy about your hobbies 

People enjoy hobbies for different reasons. 

For example, someone might enjoy photography because they love being outdoors and capturing beautiful landscapes, while someone else might enjoy it because it gives them an opportunity to remember every place they visit or every person they meet. 

By identifying exactly what it is that you enjoy about your hobbies, it can be easier to describe them on your resume and talk about them genuinely in case the hiring manager asks about them during the job interview . 

#2. Be honest

Just like with everything else on your resume, you should be honest about the hobbies you list. 

Meaning, don’t lie about hobbies just because you think they sound cool, and don’t over-exaggerate something that can come back and bite you later on during the interview.

Just because you like to go on walks sometimes, doesn’t mean you’re “passionate about hiking” . Imagine the hiring manager’s also a hiking enthusiast and they ask you about the latest trail you hiked, but the only thing you can mention is how you enjoy taking a one-hour walk around your neighborhood daily to clear your mind. 

In such cases, it’s better to be honest and write this: 

• Physical exercise: exercising daily for 45 minutes by taking a walk in nature.

Instead of this: 

#3. Be specific 

The more specific you can be about your hobbies and interests, the higher the chances to stand out from other applicants and make an impression on the hiring manager. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

• Learning languages: studying and practicing some of the most-spoken languages in the world, such as Mandarin and French. 

#4. Keep these hobbies OUT of your resume

A very thin line separates unique from weird, and you want to make sure not to cross it. 

To be on the safe side, avoid listing hobbies and interests that might be considered weird or controversial, such as any of the following:

• Hobbies that signal antisocial behavior or activities.
• Hobbies and interests that could be misinterpreted, even if you meant them as a joke (e.g. partying like there’s no tomorrow). 
• Hobbies and interests that reveal personal information such as your political or religious views. 
• Hobbies that could be considered violent or dangerous (e.g. lighting things on fire). 
• Hobbies and interests with little or no interactivity. 

Looking for inspiration?

Here are several hobbies you can include, by category, based on your personality type.

Sports Interest and Hobby Examples

Generally speaking, there are two types of sports you can include on your resume - individual and team-oriented .

Depending on the sport, they either show you work well with others, or that you have the self-discipline and perseverance to work alone (or both!) 

Endurance sports (like jogging) show your drive and discipline.

Team sports (like football, basketball, etc.) show that you’re comfortable working with others.

Which one you might want to include depends on you and the job. Here are some sports hobbies you could list that will paint you in a positive light:

• Marathon running
• Mountain climbing

Most of these sports are outside and physical activities. They show that you’re comfortable with working with other people and that you have discipline. Therefore, they’re relevant for most job roles that require you to be communicative and self-driven.

Analytical Thinking Interest and Hobby Examples

What’s a thought hobby?

Anything that points to your creative skills and imagination. 

If you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of out-of-the-box thinking, you can list the following hobbies:

• Playing a musical instrument
• Photography
• Blog writing

These all point to your analytical thinking and that you’re a creative person.

Possibly more calm and self-composed, and also that you think before you speak.

These qualities can be relevant depending on the job.

Though, your interest section doesn’t necessarily have to consist only of sports. 

Social Interest and Hobby Examples

Social hobbies are a great way to show you directly work well with others. Nowadays, most jobs require you to be in contact with other people, in one way or another

To show you work well with others and you’re adept at communicating, you can include:

• Creating and organizing a book club
• Networking events
• Local meetups
• Volunteering at a charity center
• Public speaking
• Exploring other cultures
• Language classes

Social hobbies are great because you’re going to be interacting with other people in most jobs - so one way or another, they’re going to help. Even more so if the job is in a leadership position.

Unique Interest and Hobby Examples

Do you have a particularly unique hobby that not a lot of people are into?

This can work in your favor and help you stand out, as long as it’s still in the unique area and not in the weird one.

The HR manager shuffling through a stack of resumes can remember your unique hobby and come back to your resume later. Or they could even ask about you during the interview, so be prepared to talk about it.

Some unique hobbies that can speak about your character may include:

• Stand-up comedy
• Calligraphy

How do these hobbies help?

Archery implies you might be a precise and focused person. And yoga shows that you can be calm and don’t lose your cool in stressful situations.

Though, just how effective those hobbies will be in your resume may depend on the job.

But as long as it’s not too weird, a unique hobby can help you get your foot in the door and show that you’re not afraid of being different.

Looking for tips on writing a CV instead of a resume? We've got you covered! Head over to our in-depth guide explaining how to write a CV !

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about hobbies and interests on a resume? Check out the answers below:

1. Should hobbies and interests be on a resume?

If you have the extra space to list them, then yes, you should include hobbies and interests on your resume.

Hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates by shining more light into your personality and can also highlight skills you may have that employers seek, such as creativity, organization, problem-solving, etc.

2. What are some good hobbies and interests to put on my resume?

Some of the best hobbies or interests you can put on your resume are community involvement, writing, blogging, learning languages, photography, traveling, doing sports, reading, and art.

3. What are some hobbies and interests for a student resume?

Some hobbies and interests you can put on your resume as a student include creative writing, blogging, volunteering, learning a new language, and singing and/or playing an instrument.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on a resume!

Before you go and start applying what you learned to your own resume, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article: 

• Hobbies and interests can help shine a light on a candidate’s personality and get them to stand out from other applicants with similar work experience and skills. 
• Include hobbies and interests on your resume if you still have space after listing all the essential sections, if you have limited work experience and relevant skills, if the company specifically requires it, or if the company puts emphasis on its employees’ character traits. 
• Some of the best hobbies to add to your resume include community service, writing/blogging, learning languages, traveling, doing sports, and reading. 
• Before creating a separate section for your hobbies and interests, first make sure that your resume would benefit from them, then research the company, and choose the right skills that could complement your skills and qualifications. 
• Four things to remember when you’re compiling your hobbies and interests are, to be honest, be specific, and keep hobbies that may be considered weird or antisocial out of your resume. 

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to List Hobbies and...

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume (With Examples)

18 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

Should you add personal interests to your resume?

A resume is a summary of your career that informs a future employer of your professional suitability. Personal interests and hobbies on a resume fall outside that traditional definition, but as employers become more interested in cultural fit, showcasing your personality in a job search is increasingly important.

However, how to include hobbies and interests on a resume is not straightforward. In this post, we consider:

How hobbies and interests are different

The benefits of including hobbies and interests on a resume

When you should include interests on a resume

When you should not include interests on a resume

How to include interests on a resume

Where to include hobbies and interests on a resume

The most common hobbies and interests to put on a resume and why they're relevant

Interests you should avoid including on a resume

What's the difference between hobbies and interests?

Though many use the terms “hobbies” and “interests” interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two.

Hobbies . Hobbies are activities you engage in regularly. They tend to be more hands-on activities that people participate in for enjoyment and relaxation. Hobbies require acquiring new skills and tend to need engagement and a time commitment. Examples of hobbies include engaging in a specific sport, writing, and cooking.

Interests . Interests are things - ideas, topics, activities - you're interested in learning more about or engaging in more often. Interests often have a broader focus than hobbies, tend to be more intellectually driven vs. hands-on, and expand your understanding. They also tend to require less of a time commitment, since they can be explored through things like reading or asking questions.  Examples of interests include airplanes, filmmaking, and photography. 

For some, interests eventually become hobbies. You might also note that a hobby for one person might be an interest for another, and vice versa. 

So, on your resume, should you call them hobbies or interests? It depends. If you only have relevant interests, you can call the section “Interests.” The same goes if you only have relevant hobbies - call the section “Hobbies.” However, if you're including both interests and hobbies, refer to the section as “Hobbies and Interests.” 

What are the benefits of adding hobbies and interests on a resume?

There are a handful of benefits to adding hobbies and interests on your resume, with several outlined below. 

Offers a chance to build rapport. Interests and hobbies on a resume offer the chance to build a rapport with an interviewer during an interview . They may even feel comfortable about revealing some insights into their personal life. This is the ideal scenario – you want to work out what makes them tick, too.

Brings depth to your application. Including your interests and hobbies on a resume brings depth to your application, but only if they're relevant to the role. The best candidates get creative about how they position their hobbies and interests to enhance their career story.

Shows you're more than just your work persona. Including a couple of brief one-liners about your hobbies and interests shows that there's more to you than your work persona. As work-life boundaries blur, people want to collaborate with interesting colleagues. 

Highlights hard and soft skills. Hobbies and interests require and enhance soft and hard skills that can be highly relevant to open positions.  

Fills gaps. Hobbies and interests on a resume can help to fill in work experience and skills gaps you might have for the job you're seeking. 

When should you include hobbies and interests on your resume?

Here are examples of when it might be appropriate to include personal interests on your resume:

Entry-level professional. If you're an early-career professional with minimal work experience, including interests is a great way of outlining your motivations and giving the hiring manager a better idea of who they are employing. Two or three lines of personal interests are expected and will add to the application, but you still need to hint at why they are relevant for the role.

Experienced professional. The decision to include interests is less clean-cut for a more senior applicant. In most cases, you'll likely have plenty of relevant work experience to include on your resume. Still, most careers contain skills that can be developed outside of the workplace. If you genuinely have a hobby or interest that contributes to your effectiveness at work, there is no rule that says you shouldn't include it.

Career changer. If you're changing careers and have limited practical work experience, skills, or education related to the position for which you're applying, adding interests and hobbies could help fill in these gaps. 

Interests and hobbies emphasize your abilities. If you happen to have an interest or hobby that indicates you're good at the type of job you're applying for, include them. For example, suppose you're applying for a position that requires a lot of public speaking. In that case, you might include your interest in acting, as it highlights your ability to perform in front of audiences. 

It's requested in the job description. As is the case for any request listed in the job posting, if the employer requests for you to include your hobbies and interests, be sure you do!

The organization puts a lot of focus on employee qualities and traits. If you notice on a company's website that they tend to highlight their employees' extracurricular activities and personalities frequently, then adding hobbies or interests on a resume could help you to stand out. 

When should you not include interests or hobbies on a resume?

And now, here are the reasons you should not include hobbies and personal interests on a resume:

Lack of space. If you're finding that space is tight on your resume, the Hobbies and Interests section is the first that should be cut. Even the section header can take up valuable space. You should always prioritize your work experience if you have more to say. Remember that you may get a chance to mention your interests during an interview.

Lack of relevance. To reiterate, only include hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job. As much as you might like someone to know you can walk a tightrope like a champ, unless it adds value and is applicable, don't include it. 

How to include hobbies and interests on your resume

There are several ground rules in terms of adding interests on a resume. Let's discuss the main ones.

Research the requirements of the role

Before you work out whether you're including relevant interests, make sure that you understand the specifics of the role. Making a link with an interest and an obscure requirement of the job is a great way of showing that you know what you're getting yourself into.

Choose interests that match your workplace skills

Once you have a list of skills that your employer desires, be creative in how you match your hobbies with the role. The hiring manager will be reading a lot of resumes, so don't assume that they will automatically make the connection. Be clear about exactly why you're including your interest.

You never know when you might run into an interviewer who knows more about your hobby than you do. Resist the temptation to exaggerate the level of your participation, or it might become an embarrassing situation that will torpedo your chances of getting the job. Honesty is the best policy in a job search.

You can include hobbies and interests on a resume in one of three places:

In a separate “Hobbies and Interests” section

In your Work Experience section

In your Skills or Competencies section

Hobbies and Interests section

If you choose to include hobbies and interests on your resume, the most obvious place to include them is in a stand-alone “Hobbies and Interests” section. In most instances, this should be the very last section you include on your resume. 

Work Experience section

While you might have space for a separate Interests and Hobbies section on a two-page resume, there's also the option of slipping an interest or hobby into bullet points or paragraphs around your work experience. If it fits with the point that you are making, it won't seem out of place.

Include bullets with an intriguing description. Just listing “swimming” or “horticulture” as a personal interest will be ignored. If your interest is relevant to the role, include a brief description that offers more detail to fire the hiring manager's imagination. You don't need to write this in full sentences. Include context and quantify with detail if possible. For example, if you're applying for a team lead or training position, you might include the following:

• Swimming. Won the state U23 200m backstroke title. Trained 100+ juniors at the local club.

Skills or Competencies section

If you have one or two hobbies or interests that relate to a specific skill required for the job or would add value to the role, you could choose to include it in your Skills or Competencies section. For example, if graphic design is a hobby of yours and you're applying for a marketing or communications role, adding graphic design as a competency or skill could prove valuable in such a role. 

Hobbies and interests to put on a resume - examples

Now, let's get into the details of the interests to put on a resume that may be worth including and why. In this section, we highlight:

Different categories of hobbies or interests

A brief description of why each category can be relevant

The hard and soft skills related to the category that could add value

Specific hobbies and interests examples that you might include on your resume

In the competitive world of work, countless lessons can be transferred from sporting activities. Whether you are playing in a team or dedicated to individual glory, the drive to win and the experience of losing are two sides of the same coin. 

In general, including sports on a resume can speak to the following soft skills:

Self-discipline

Communication

Interpersonal abilities

Collaboration

Determination

Ability to handle stress

Examples of sports hobbies and interests to put on a resume are:

Baseball. Everyone has different roles on any sports team. If one person is not doing their job, then the team is weaker. This is collective responsibility at its most basic.

Swimming. Swimming requires hours of dedication and preparation. Any endurance sport offers ample time to think about other aspects of your life.

Skydiving. Extreme sports indicate a risk-taker who is not afraid to push their limits. Perfect when you're figuring it out as you go along in an innovative industry sector.

Yoga. Any interest that involves looking within and clearing your mind of unwanted distractions should be beneficial. Yoga practitioners are often clear-headed decision-makers.

Fitness. The ability to maintain a regular fitness regime should never be underestimated. There are times when you won't want to hit the gym but you overcome your lethargy, which is also a valuable approach to work. 

Outdoor pursuits

Venturing outdoors into an uncertain world means that you often need to react to whatever nature throws your way. There's a reason why company away days are often held in outdoor activity centers. Outdoor adventures can teach us a multitude of lessons.

Some soft skills that those who face the great outdoors might have are:

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Working well under stress

Adventurous

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Risk-conscious 

Examples of outdoor interests to put on a resume include:

Fishing. Patience is a key requirement for many roles. When the long-anticipated opportunity arrives, you need to reel it in confidently and with skill. The chance may not come again.

Orienteering. Working out and agreeing on a path forward is a common sticking point in many corporate settings. Orienteering teaches communication skills and teamwork.

Horticulture. Spending countless weeks preparing the ground for a flower that may only bloom for a short time requires attention to detail and visionary planning.

Camping. The ability to put the hustle and bustle of everyday life to one side and lose yourself in the great outdoors is incredibly good for your mental health. It also shows you have the ability to take time away to balance your work and personal life. 

The dedication and creativity that come with learning a musical instrument or training a singing voice can be put to good use in any workplace. The journey is similar when it comes to mastering a new skill at work. Practice makes perfect.

Soft skills relevant to many positions that are often highlighted by musical ability include:

Of course, the technical skills of playing an instrument or being able to sing would be highly relevant in sectors like theater and filmmaking, as well. 

Some music-focused hobbies or interests to put on a resume include:

Songwriting. Even writing an email requires filling a blank space with something meaningful. Songwriters understand how to make other people feel a certain way.

Singing or gigging. Standing in front of a crowd and performing are skills that will be useful at work. You will communicate confidently in any meeting or presentation.

Playing an instrument. The process of mastering an instrument never ends. Perfection has no limits. There's always a more difficult piece to play that you can't quite nail.

Volunteering

Every hiring manager wants to hire a selfless employee who will share duties and help others, even when it isn't specified in their job description. Someone with an interest in volunteering will be naturally inclined to make a difference to those around them.

When you showcase volunteer work on your resume, you're often emphasizing the following soft skills, as well:

Charitability

Originality

Abstract thinking

Community-focus

Examples of volunteer work that candidates might choose to include are:

Charity work. The charity that you choose to support will offer an insight into your character. It may also provide a chance to bond with a hiring manager. 

Environmental activism. This is bordering on a controversial topic for some people, so include details about your environmental activities with care. If the company you're applying to is environmentally or green-focused, then you'll likely be safe to include it. 

Being a mentor. Mentoring outside the workplace is a fantastic source of positive energy. It will teach a multitude of influencing and people management skills.

Community work. Selflessly helping others is a trait of a valuable team player – so long as you know your limits. Sometimes, you need to be selfish and focus on your tasks.

Many creative dilemmas are solved outside of the workplace environment. Do you have the ability to think through a problem laterally when you're taking a shower or during your commute? Creative interests help the right side of your brain to see things differently.

Those with a hobby or interest that requires creativity often possess the following soft skills in addition to creativity:

Detail-orientation

Some creative interests to put on a resume include:

Painting or drawing. While painting is a leisurely pursuit that has little to do with many careers, are we discounting the observational skills of the perceptive artist?

Photography. An appreciation for how visuals can convey a message to make the required impact is central to marketing and sales-related roles. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Graphic design. As business moves increasingly online (and eventually into the Metaverse), graphic design skills come in handy in many careers. 

Blogging. Sharing your thoughts in a blog not only benefits your writing skills. As companies increasingly rely on employee advocacy, you can become a champion for their cause. Written communication skills are also a highly-sought after commodity. 

Poetry. Brevity lies at the heart of every successful team. Say what you want to say. Make sure that everyone gets it. Move on. Most workplaces could do with more succinct poets.

No one wants to hire a technophobe who is constantly asking colleagues for advice about how to use the basic functions of Excel. Sharing an interest in technology means that you may be the go-to person to ask when such questions crop up.

When including technology-focused interests, you're not only highlighting hard skills that employers eagerly seek, but soft skills, as well, like:

Openness to change

These are just a few of the technology-focused hobbies you might include on your resume:

Programming. An appreciation of coding and programming languages will soon be required in many non-technical industries. The future is digital. Are you ready?

Trading. Dabbling in stocks or crypto requires a level of risk tolerance that is rarely tested in a career. When you're investing your own money, you'll develop critical thinking skills.

Artificial intelligence. If you are this interested in the future of work, it's likely that you will have countless other fresh perspectives to bring to the workplace.

Online activity

While not every industry is dependent on an online presence, there are many functions where online activity is central to success. Sales, marketing, PR, human resources, and recruiting require employees with solid social media credentials and hard skills. 

In addition to the technical skills required for online activities, some of the soft skills include:

Creativity 

Communication 

Decisiveness

Examples of online activity hobbies include:

Social media. As social media evolves into a second life for so many of us, people who have developed an online audience can bring countless transferable skills to an employer.

E-sports. Split-second decisions in a virtual environment (alongside a team) mirror many jobs. Your job might not be a game, but your brain won't know any different.

Vlogging. Building an audience on YouTube or another similar platform requires creativity to work out what to say and the courage to put it out into the world.

Entertainment

Captivating a crowd has been a prized skill for millennia, and it's highly valued in the modern workplace. The ability to keep a screen of Zoom listeners engaged on an hourly basis is a skill that shouldn't be underestimated. Entertaining a crowd is a superpower. 

A few soft skills required for entertainment-related hobbies include:

Confidence 

Ability to improvise

Below are a few entertainment-related hobbies and interests to put on a resume:

Acting. While we might try to be true to our authentic selves at work, there are occasions where acting skills are required. The ability to play a part is important to maintain unity.

Comedy. If you have the God-given talent to make someone laugh, making friends and influencing others will come that little bit easier. 

Dance. Concentration and physical preparation are required to master a dance routine. Sometimes, you only get one chance to make an impression. Dancers can also perform under pressure.

Miscellaneous hobbies

Some hobbies might not fall neatly into a category, though they still offer fascinating insights into your personality and are worth mentioning.

Language learning. Choosing to learn a foreign language as a hobby is no small undertaking. You need a stellar memory and an organized mind to piece together the puzzle of language. Plus, many employers value bilingual candidates. 

Home improvement. Project management is ubiquitous in the workplace. Ensuring that a home improvement project runs smoothly demands many of the same project management skills.

Mindfulness. Slowing down and immersing yourself in mindfulness allows the tumult of worldly thoughts to fall into place. Prepare for success from a mindset of calm emptiness and focus. 

Which interests should you avoid adding?

When considering interests to put on a resume, avoid these types:

Illegal ones. Okay, you can laugh, but it's still worth mentioning. An employer might question your judgment if you tell them about your late-night parkour running across the city – avoid anything even remotely illegal. 

Religion or politics. As mentioned earlier, even environmental activities can be polarizing. Avoid anything with the potential to cause an argument. 

Ones requiring complex explanations. Omit any obscure activities that require a detailed explanation. Keep it simple and make sure that the employer will understand the workplace impact of the hobby.

Including hobbies and interests can add value

Now you know when it's okay to put hobbies and interests on a resume and when it's not. You also have plenty of examples of the types of interests to put on a resume that could help you to stand out and highlight vital soft and hard skills. Given that you likely have many relevant interests to put on your resume that might be worth mentioning, be selective in your choices and creative in how you present them using the guidelines above!

Still wondering if you should include hobbies or interests on your resume? And if you are, are you doing it appropriately? Why not upload your resume for a free review from our resume experts and find out?

This article was originally written by Paul Drury and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

Recommended reading:

What is a Resume? It's Much More Than You Think

How to Decide If You Should Turn Your Hobby into Your Life's Work

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-friendly for Free

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How To List Hobbies And Interests On A Resume (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Resume Skills Section
• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
• Resume Summary Section
• Resume Summary Example
• Resume Interests Section
• Address On Resume
• Relevant Work Experience
• Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
• Accomplishments On Resumes
• Awards On Resume
• Dean's List On Resume
• Study Abroad On Resume

Adding your hobbies and interests to your resume shows hiring managers who you are, what you’re interested in, and what you’re passionate about. It can even give them clues about your work ethic and personality. This is especially valuable if you don’t have a lot of work experience or are changing career paths .

It can be tricky to know which hobbies and interests to include on a resume and where to put them, so we’re going to show you how to do that. You’ll also see examples of hobbies and interests on a resume. Key Takeaways

Share hobbies and interests that emphasize your soft and hard skills.

Tailor the hobbies and interests you share on your resume to the culture of the company you’re applying to.

Avoid including hobbies and interests that are controversial, illegal, or dangerous.

How to list interests and hobbies on your resume

When to include a list of interests and hobbies on your resume, examples of interests and hobbies to list on a resume, how to decide whether to include a hobby or interest on your resume, tips for including hobbies and interests on your resume, hobbies vs. interests, resume hobbies and interests faq, final thoughts.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

To list your interests and hobbies on your resume, start by making sure you understand the company and role you’re applying for, then choose hobbies that relate to those and emphasize your skills. Put the hobbies you choose in a bulleted list at the end of your resume.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to including interests and hobbies on your resume:

Research the company . Before you can know what hobbies will be valuable to the hiring manager or recruiter , you have to know what the organization values. Check out the company’s “About Us” page , its LinkedIn profile, and any other public communications the company puts out.

Understand the role. Next, turn to the job description . Pay special attention to the soft skills and personality traits that are listed as essential or preferred within the job requirements section. Then, think of how your hobbies relate to those desired qualities.

Choose hobbies that emphasize your skill set. The hiring manager has already perused your resume’s skills section — now it’s time to further highlight your proficiency with outside-of-work activities that also leverage your skill set. Use your research from the above two steps to inform which skills are most valuable to focus on.

Title a separate section, at the end of your resume. Call this section “Hobbies and Interests” and place it as the last section of your resume. Typically this will come after either your education or skills section.

Make a bulleted list of 2-5 hobbies. Each hobby should be one bullet point and ideally a single line long, so as not to take up too much space. You should list at least two but no more than five hobbies.

Here’s an example of what this looks like:

Hobbies and interests Hiking – Started weekly hiking group to improve fitness. Bass guitar – Play with band at local gigs once a month. Cooking – Cooked through The Joy of Cooking in one year with roommate.

Include a list of interests and hobbies on your resume when you don’t have much experience, when it’s required, or when your hobbies and interests align closely with the job description.

Since no two job openings are the same, it won’t always be necessary (or useful) to include this information on your resume. Here are some examples of instances when you should consider adding interests and hobbies to your resume:

When you have little background experience in the industry, department, or role that you’re applying to.

When you’re just getting started in the job market and you therefore have little to no professional experience at all.

When the job description explicitly requests that job applicants include a list of their interests or hobbies in their job applications.

When the requirements and responsibilities of a given job description align well with your interests and hobbies.

When an employer mentions in a job posting that they’re interested in learning about applicants’ personalities (in addition to their work experience and background).

Okay – now that we have an idea of how (and when) to list your interests and hobbies, let’s now turn our attention to some examples of how they might look on a finished resume.

Here are some examples that you can use as a guide when listing your personal interests and hobbies on your next job application:

10+ years of experience playing violin, with an additional three years of experience playing with a small band of local musicians.

Regularly compete in chess competitions at the local and state levels as a means of sharpening my skills as a strategist and problem-solver.

Passionate hiker and mountaineering guide who has led individuals and groups of all ages to the summits of more than two dozen 14,000-plus-foot peaks.

International travel

Annually plan and organize overseas trips to expand my language skills and my cultural worldview.

Dedicated yoga practitioner with more than five years of experience studying Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in a group setting.

Founder and sole contributor of the “Denver Food Hub” blog, which focuses on the city’s up-and-coming culinary culture and has attracted more than 25,000 subscribers since its initial launch in 2015.

Volunteering

Regular volunteer at local soup kitchens, food banks, and community shelters, with experience coordinating groups of local volunteers for the annual Thanksgiving 5k outdoor sporting event.

Stage theater

Actor with 4 years of experience producing and performing in stage productions at the local Albrington Theatre.

Long-time hockey player (left winger) with a passion for the sport, and three years of experience as a volunteer coach with the local youth girls’ hockey league (ages 6 to 12).

Photography

Photographer with eight years of experience taking family, graduation, and other portrait photos for clients. Have also had several nature photographs published in local tourism publications.

Foreign language

Studying and practicing Spanish by taking college classes, practicing during my travels to Spanish-speaking countries, and volunteering as an assistant translator at a local hospital.

Create clay vases and bowls and take classes to strengthen my creativity and problem-solving skills.

Compete in biannual team robotics competitions across the country.

Consistently bike 14+ miles three times a week with my local mountain and road biking club.

To decide whether to include a hobby or interest on your resume, you should make sure it is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Before you mention an interest or a hobby on your resume, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

Is this interest or hobby (or the skills I learn from it) valued within this employer’s workplace culture?

Does this interest or hobby match well with the particular job requirements of the position that I’m applying to?

Will the hiring manager (i.e., the person who will be reading the resume) be familiar with what I’m talking about?

If the answer to each of those questions is “yes,” then go ahead and add that interest or hobby to your list. If the answer to one or more of them is “no,” then you should consider choosing a different hobby or interest that will be more relevant to the purposes of your job application.

Good types of interests and hobbies to put on your resume

Here are a few examples of interests and hobbies that will be useful to list on almost any job application:

Travel. Travel experience conveys a sense of adventure and an eagerness to explore new places, cultures, and ideas. Plus, the ability to adapt and fit into a new environment proves that you have the power to adjust to your new role as well.

Exercise. A job candidate who’s committed to taking care of their physical health through regular exercise can also be depended upon to take care of their professional responsibilities.

Writing for a public audience. A love of writing, particularly when it’s shared with others (as in a blog, for example), demonstrates curiosity, a passion for learning new things, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

Yoga. This practice is gaining huge popularity as a means of maintaining a calm, cool, and collected state of mind within a group setting.

Art (painting, music, drawing, sculpture, dance, etc.). A passion for artistic pursuits conveys creativity and independence, as well as a willingness to be outgoing and to try new things.

Volunteer work . A job applicant who routinely volunteers within their local community can be relied upon to be a strong team player and a compassionate member of the workplace.

Outdoor activities. A job candidate who spends a significant amount of time outdoors usually has strong problem-solving skills and is adventurous and curious, all of which employers value in employees.

Bad interests and hobbies for a resume

In contrast, here are some examples of interests and hobbies that should never be mentioned on a professional resume:

Coin collecting

Watching cartoons

Eating ice cream

Scrolling through Instagram

While these activities aren’t necessarily bad, they don’t convey anything about who you are and what you bring to the table as a professional. Space on your resume should be reserved for information that builds on why you’re the best candidate for the job, and these hobbies don’t do that.

In addition, to avoid giving hiring managers a negative impression of you, you should avoid mentioning any interests or hobbies that:

Involve no interaction or cooperation with other people

Are controversial or polarizing

Could be interpreted as unnecessarily dangerous

Are in any way illegal

Communicate sensitive personal information, such as your political affiliations, religious beliefs, or medical history

When including hobbies and interests on your resume, make sure you’re truthful, avoid controversy, and are specific about the extent of your hobby.

Don’t lie. You shouldn’t lie on any part of your application, but choosing to lie about your hobbies is especially silly. One of the big points of including a section on your hobbies and interests is to establish a connection with the hiring manager. If you’re caught red-handed as a total novice , it could very well sink your chances of landing the job.

Avoid controversial topics. There’s no reason to include hyper-partisan topics in your resume (unless you happen to be applying to a hyper-partisan organization).

Be specific. If you really want to give the hiring manager a glimpse at your life outside of work, it pays to be a bit more specific than simply writing “cooking” as a hobby. Instead, say “Amateur chef working on learning and improving recipes inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.”

Don’t force it. If you can’t think of appropriate hobbies and interests to put on your resume or simply don’t have room for them, leave them off. Unless you’re specifically asked about them in your application or interview, they’re not a must-have for your resume or cover letter .

Tailor them to the interviewer. We already mentioned the importance of matching the hobbies and interests you choose to share with the company and position, but you can also take this one step further and tailor them to individual people as well.

Keep things concise. The hiring manager reviewing your resume does not need a comprehensive explanation of how you originally took up a hobby or how your skills have progressed over time.

While hobbies and interests are closely intertwined, they’re not exactly the same thing.

Interests are passive and don’t automatically entail participation. For example, you could be very interested in Spaghetti Westerns, but you’ve never engaged in an activity related to filmmaking or critical film theory.

Hobbies require active participation on your part. It’s something that you do for free, during your free time, to have fun. To use the same example, if you actively write screenplays for your own version of Spaghetti Westerns or produce animated shorts that unpack old movies, you’re engaged in a hobby.

Generally speaking, every hobby is related to a more general interest, while not all interests have associated hobbies.

When you include hobbies and interests in your resume, focus on your interests that have hobbies to go along with them. This shows hiring managers that you’re actively growing and learning, not just thinking about it.

Is it professional to put hobbies on a resume?

Yes, it is professional to put hobbies on a resume. This is especially true if you don’t have much relevant work experience.

Just make sure that the hobbies you include relate in some way to the job you’re applying for. This could be a technical skill like photography, or it could be a soft skill like the teamwork or tenacity that you learn in a sport.

How do you write your hobbies and interests on a resume?

Write your hobbies and interests on a resume by creating a section at the end titled “Hobbies and Interests.” In this section, make a bulleted list of two to five hobbies, each with a line describing them and the skills you’ve obtained from them.

Adding a short list of interests and hobbies to the end of your resume is a simple and effective way to stand out from the competition.

When you’re composing your list, remember to limit each bullet point’s explanation to a single sentence, and be sure to only emphasize those details that will be directly relevant to the role, department, and company that you’re applying to.

No matter what industry or field you’re trying to excel in, listing your interests and hobbies in a resume can increase your chances of being invited to a job interview and advancing to the final stages of the hiring process!

University of the Cumberlands – 11 Hobbies That Will Look Good to Future Employers

Utah State University – How Hobbies Improve Mental Health

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

Related posts

How To List Internships On Your Resume (With Examples)

How To Write A Resume In 7 Steps (With Examples)

How To Put Dean’s List On Your Resume (With Examples)

How To Create An Infographic Resume (With Examples)

• Career Advice >
• Resume Structure >
• Parts Of A Resume >
• Interests On Resume

With fierce competition for the same jobs these days, it’s very easy to get swept up in the mindset of “I’ll travel later”, not wanting to leave a gap in your resume.

It’s long been thought that a large gap in your resume will mean being treated unfavorably by a prospective employer – especially if your explanation for the gap is “I was traveling the world”.

Though here’s some news – travel may actually boost your employability . As long as you can explain the benefits of your travel experience to a potential employer it could actually help your resume stand out, and improve your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.

But travel isn’t as novel as it used to be, so how can you properly market your time abroad to make your skills and experiences look good?

You can use professional cv services , or you can put together your own based on these tips. Screenshot of my actual personal resume, after traveling for 7 years, is at the end of the post.

Pro tip: Some countries are now offering special visas to digital nomads, allowing them to work legally while exploring a new destination. If you’re interested in joining the growing community of digital nomads, it’s important to find the right remote work opportunities. One helpful resource for finding remote work is Lensa remote jobs , where you can browse through a variety of remote job listings and find the perfect job to support your digital nomad lifestyle.

5 Ways to Make Travel Look Good on Your Resume

Make it relevant to the job.

For travel to look good on your resume, your experiences and skills should have a direct relationship with the position you’re applying for. It needs to be relevant to the job.

Sit down with the job criteria, and identify which skills could be matched with the experiences you’ve gained abroad.

For instance, are they looking for a candidate who has excellent skills in communication, negotiation, or cross cultural understanding? Is self sufficiency and independent decision making required?

Your resume should create a professional story , and every statement you make needs to support this. If you don’t feel like your travel applies to the job description, put it in the section of your resume for additional information, or hobbies, as opposed to the main section.

Creating an eye-catching resume that fits the job position you are applying to may be overwhelming considering there are many ways to summarize your experience into one document. Sifting through good resume examples will empower you to find the most suitable resume for the industry you want to work in.

Tell a Professional Story

Putting together a resume is all about marketing yourself, so you should think about the type of information you share, and they way you share it. As we mentioned above, your resume needs to tell a professional story.

For instance, highlighting a gap in your resume as “International Experience” sounds a lot more noteworthy than calling yourself a world explorer.

You should always aim to keep the information you’re sharing as professional as possible, and use your travel experience to demonstrate situations, actions and results.

“Remember that 90% of your travels aren’t really “experience,” but soft skills you picked up on the road: people skills, confidence, and independence. Though you may be tempted to write that stuff on your resume , don’t. You’ll sound cheesy and as though you are just putting in useless filler.” – Matador Network.

International Experience

• Ten months of travel to India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, from October 2008 to May 2010.
• Activities included volunteer work at Mother Teresa Mission Charities in Kolkata with disabled women and teaching English to street children in Jaipur.
• Designed and authored three travel blogs during these multi-month solo trips. Currently editor of Takeyourbigtrip.com .

Example:   Kristin Zibell

Know the Difference Between Hard and Soft Skills

So what’s the difference between hard and soft skills ?

Hard skills are teachable, like having learnt a language  ( definitely  highlight any language skills) .

Soft skills are subjective interpersonal skills, like communications, leadership, or motivational skills. These skills are important, but much harder to quantify.

People like students, who take a gap year after graduation, may find they have more soft skills than hard skills, so when you’re highlighting things like self growth, make sure that these experiences demonstrate situations, actions and results.

And do highlight them; studies have shown that employers do want to know about your soft skills, and that experiences like a gap year can have a positive effect on your CV and employability. For example:

Other Experience

Gap Year 2007-2008

• Developed negotiation skills through daily contact with sellers in markets and vendors throughout Asia.
• Learned how to adapt to unanticipated situations and improvise new plans due to periodic travel mishaps and unexpected events.
• Developed budgeting and planning skills by financing, planning, organizing my year around the world. This involved using various spreadsheets and keeping a record of expenses.
• Cultivated language and communication skills through contact with people from around the world. Learned to use non verbal and verbal communication to overcome communication and language barriers.

Example: Matt Kepnes

Work Experience and Volunteering

If you’re traveling for a long period of time, there may come a point where you need to work abroad to pick up extra cash . And many popular jobs, like working at a hostel reception, teaching English as a foreign language, or working as an au pair, often have skills that are directly transferable.

So include any and all relevant work experiences on your resume; even if it was an unpaid work exchange. It’s a good habit to get into to ask your boss to write you a reference before you leave the job.

Volunteer work will also earn favor from employers because it demonstrates your commitment to education, and shows that you have a strong motivation and work ethic to be contributing your time without pay.

If you’re not keen on volunteering, or jumping on a plane without work in place, many careers have opportunities for work exchange, which will allow you to continue your career in another country and give you the opportunity to travel at the same time.

Start Your Own Digital Business

Another option if you’re traveling for a while, is to set up and start your own digital business. This has never been easier with the technology we have access to these days, and it won’t leave a gap on your resume. 

Digital Nomads are increasingly common, where you work for yourself, remotely. This allows you to freely travel the world, while working from your laptop, and there are remote business opportunities available for almost every skill set.

For instance, jobs that may allow for this lifestyle could be teaching English as a second language, content creation like social media or blogging, or publishing an ebook. If you have professional skills in accounting, design, etc you can set up a business in those fields.

This is so common that companies like Xolo will set up your remote business for you , handle all your paperwork, invoicing, accounting – you need zero experience to set up a business these days and everything is now done online.

Xolo is great for one-person-businesses like designers, copywriters, translators, software developers and consultants, and they take care of everything from business set up to accounting. But even if you want to develop your own brand and own a real company, they’ll get you set up with a real EU company registered in Estonia (no need to travel since company setup and management is done 100% online).

Xolo Go vs Xolo Leap

Click here to read more about easy business set-up.

I’ve been blogging for 7 years now, while traveling, I’m registered as a sole trader business, and that space on my resume is filled as 7 years of ‘Digital Marketing and Content Creation’. You can view my actual resume here on my Linkedin page  (screenshot below).

A Gap on Your Resume Looks Worse Than Travel…

When it comes down to it, you might still be apprehensive about listing your travel experiences on your resume. But don’t be. Many companies are quite happy to employ someone who has been traveling.

Use the above tips to make your international experience a positive part of your CV; ultimately, “it looks worse to have nothing shown for a long period of time than it does to say you were travelling the world.”

If you do list travel on your resume, some employers may ask you in your interview why you no longer want to travel. They will want security in knowing that you’re not planning on taking off on them anytime soon.

So have a good answer to this ready … because you will get that interview!

➡ Use Xolo for setting up a remote business while you’re traveling to avoid gaps in your resume.

➡ Feel free to check out my own resume on Linkedin . My resume (below) now only includes work experience from the time I’ve been traveling, being that I’ve been creating content while traveling full time for 7 years.

TO HELP YOU WRITE YOUR RESUME. CLICK PHOTO ↓

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

3 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad

Destinations to Run Off to When You Decide toWrite a Book

I Quit My Life of Full Time Travel to Buy a House and My Previously Sold Stuff

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind  Waking Up Wild ; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

If you enjoy getting social, you can follow their journey on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  YouTube ,  Pinterest  and  Instagram .

32 Comments

Awesome advice. I’m gearing up to take some time away from full time work, and one of the things that kept me from doing this for so long was my fear of a gap on my resume. Travel is relevant to what I do and so much of my travel is about having experiences that I will later bring into my professional life. It’s not just about going on an extended vacation!

Glad the post was helpful for you! Yes, absolutely, don’t be put of from travel for fear of the dreaded gap on the resume, especially if the experience is relevant to what you do. There are so many situations where travel experiences can be beneficial to a career nowadays :)

Happy travels!

thank you for the great tips! never thought about adding travels to my CV, but you are totally right, it looks better than gaps.

You’re welcome, I’m glad that the post was helpful! And absolutely, there are quite a lot of ways to list travel as a positive boost to a CV, so no reason to leave a gap :)

Lovely employment tips for travelers, Megan! Although I have no plans to be employed again (at this time), I still get the importance of being marketable and ‘desirable’ for potential employers. You’ll never know if the corporate world will start calling you again. :D

This is so good to know, especially for people who are going through gap years or maybe taking a break from all the hustle and bustle a 9-5 work brings you. I think volunteering is such a great way to still be socially active and aware as well as picking up odd jobs now and then. This will make your CV more favourable as it will see how responsible you are.

Thanks Marvi, I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I’m probably in the same boat as you – now that I’ve been working as a digital nomad for a couple of years I hope I don’t need to be filling out a resume anytime soon! But there are definitely ways to make them see your break from the traditional world of work as a positive thing :)

Volunteering really is such a fabulous experience to mix into your travels every now and then. And, bonus, it looks good on your CV :D

This is a very relevant post for me. My day job is not related to travel or blogging, but I have been working as a freelance contractor (in IT) for over 15 years and have always tried to take anything from a few weeks to several months off between contracts, if I can afford to. Because of what I do, it’s unlikely I can paint the travel in such a way that it is relevant for my job, and thus far I’d not included it, but thinking it may well be worth adding it under a Hobbies area, to make it clear that the periods not working were not through lack of being able to find work but a deliberate decision to take time off for non-work projects and travel.

It can definitely be something you add to a hobbies section if it’s not directly relevant to your job. A lot of employers recognize that people have hobbies outside of their career, and if you can show that you’ve been working reliably for the past 15 years while maintaining travel as a hobby, I don’t see how that would be seen as a bad thing. If anything it makes you interesting! :D

And you’re right – it answers any possible questions about why there might be continued gaps there :)

Although these are some really great tips Meg, and I completely agree that a gap in the resume looks worse than travelling and talking about the soft skills you’ve acquired, unfortunately in certain markets such as India, ‘travelling’ is still frowned upon as something that you do in your leisurely time and it does not really add to you in any way. I have struggled with some many hiring people to explain to them how key it is, for people to venture out of their routines and comfort zones, to explore new places, meet new people, open their minds but things are still not there where people in Indian companies can consider that as a positive thing. Basically, it’s as bad as a gap in your resume. I hope it can change soon though!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the working culture in India Medha. Sorry to hear that travel hasn’t become recognized as a positive experience yet. I guess cultural mindsets of a society will always differ, and perhaps I should have made mention to my experience coming from a US / Aus / Europe perspective.

I hope that mindsets in India towards travel will change soon too :)

I have had the same experience in India, people have still looked at it negatively

I really hope this perception changes, unfortunately widespread societal attitudes like that never seem to change overnight though :(

I guess in that situation it would be making a decision as to whether you think travel or a gap in the resume would put you in a better position.

It’s so great that you wrote this! When I first quit my job in marketing to travel, I was really worried about the gap in my resume. Especially since I was trying to break into freelancing and it was taking much longer than expected…but I’ve totally embraced it as part of my life experience. Totally agree with the last point especially!

Glad the post was helpful Sofia! And congrats on embracing your travel experiences as life experience – ultimately we only live once, and we’re not born to just pay bills and die! Two cliches there into one, but I live by both of them :D

I’ve never really thought of adding travel to my resume, to be honest. I work as a translator and only now I realize that being able not only to translate literally but also to understand the slang and localize the stuff I’m translating, thanks to my international experience, can definitly boost my activity as well. I will be adding more soft skills to my resume, thank you!

As a translator I would think that travel experiences would be highly relevant to your job, especially if you can use it to demonstrate using your fluency. Obviously there’s a difference between being fluent in a language and as you said, being fluent enough to account for the local slang. So I would definitely list it on your resume :)

A really educational and informative guide especially the part of the hard/soft skills and how to highlight them! It really helps when it comes to preparing a good Resume.

So glad that our tips are helpful for you Efthimis! Hope it helps you draft an awesome resume!

Such a great set of ideas to combine travel into work experience…I guess it is all a matter of perspective! :D

Absolutely Rachael – glad the post was helpful for you!

What an interesting topic! Things that can be included are 1) direct work experience in a private company, 2) volunteer work at an NGO, 3) stringent management of time and finances on a self-financed trip, 4) sponsored trip due to special skills and perspective, and/or 5) travel writing in a professional blog or freelancing. You are so right…better than an unexplained gap.

Thanks Carol! Glad the post was interesting for you :) And absolutely, all your points make for valid things to list on a resume. There’s always a positive spin!

Meg, this is such a useful and practical post! I know when I was looking for a part-time job back in New Zealand a few years ago, I struggled to answer the questions about why they should hire someone who loves to travel so much. I wish I had your post back then. I know a lot of people struggle with this topic too. Great post!

Thanks Anita, so glad you enjoyed the post! The biggest thing is to be confident in your travel experience and not doubt that you don’t deserve the job because of it :) Definitely a positive life experience, and something employers do value!

Being from a Marketing background, I can definitely vouch for this. Travel does look good on your resume. The interviewer will perceive you as a person with more exposure and hence this can tip the scales in your favour. The other important aspect is that gaps do look bad in a resume. If you can account for it with travel, then it not only plugs the gap but enhances the resume as well.

Awesome Sandy! Fabulous to hear from an employers perspective :)

Amazing article!! actually now a days companies hiring those candidates who fits their work culture by checking hobbies and interests as key indicator on resume and i think you have enlisted some nice and interesting hobbies which will be very helpful for job seekers. Thank You. Going to bookmark this for sure.

Thanks Ritesh, glad you enjoyed the post! I agree, I think that now that the workplace has become so competitive, hobbies are actually what make you stand out from the crowd, and give you a personality.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions when drafting your resume :)

Thank you for the great advice.

You’re welcome – glad the post was helpful :)

This is an interesting article.

I have been working for the last 3 years after graduating from my masters and have just qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. I am going to be taking a 12-month break from work to travel the world (14 countries in total) and am quitting my job with the intention of applying to another job in the same field when I return.

Admittedly, I am slightly concerned about how this will look on my resume after leaving my job having been qualified for less than a year, but in all honesty taking the time out and seeing / exploring the world will teach me so much more than just sitting at my desk for the next 12 months.

Hopefully any future employer will recognise this and understand that doing such a thing can only serve as a benefit in the long-run.

After all, I have the next 30 years to sit at a desk and become more experienced in the field!

Thanks for reading Jack, so glad you enjoyed the article.

Congrats on making the decision to take a career break! Ultimately traveling truly does teach you so much more about the world in general, and I do think that travelers come back more grounded, well educated people, ready to dive back into work and be more productive employees.

I think the employment culture is starting to move towards acknowledging that a work / life balance is necessary for a positive work environment, and with so many people nowadays taking career breaks it’s becoming a pretty normal thing to do.

Have an amazing time overseas! Thanks for sharing your story :)

Post a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search This Site

I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!

Recent Posts

• How to Prepare for Remote Adventures with Minimal Gear
• Best Food & Wine of Tuscany, Italy
• 5 Essential Road Safety Tips for Adventurous Travelers
• How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring or Wedding Band for Your Travel Lifestyle
• 6 Tips for Minimizing Moving Costs on an International Journey

Popular posts

• International Love: Maintaining a Long Distance Relationship
• Illegal Ink – 11 Countries Where Showing Your Tattoos Could Get You Kicked Out!
• 7 Things To Know Before Travelling by Overnight Train in Vietnam
• A Travelers Guide to Tap Water: Countries Where The Drinking Water is Unsafe
• Countries That Don’t Celebrate Christmas

• Career Blog

How to List Hobbies on a Resume? Full Guide for 2024

As a job seeker, you might have come across the “Hobbies and Interests” section of a resume, and wondered why this section is included. Though some may view hobbies as irrelevant, this section can be a valuable asset in showcasing skills and personal qualities that make you stand out from the competition.

The following article will explore how listing hobbies and interests on a resume can improve your job prospects, and offer tips on how to present this section effectively. Our goal is to help job seekers understand the importance of highlighting their hobbies and interests and to demonstrate how doing so can add additional value to their candidacy.

So let’s dive in!

Understanding the Role of Hobbies on Your Resume

Hobbies can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially when listed correctly. They can showcase important skills, add personality to your application, and distinguish you from other candidates. In this section, we will explore the various ways hobbies can enhance your resume and how to present them effectively.

How the Hobby Section Adds Skills

Listing your hobbies on your resume can do more than show your extracurricular interests. They can also highlight skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a sales position, your skills in public speaking and networking can be showcased through your hobby of Toastmasters. Similarly, if you are applying for a freelance writing role, sharing your blogging hobby can help to demonstrate your writing skills and expertise.

Most Effective Ways to Present Hobbies

When listing hobbies on your resume, it’s important to present them in a structured and organized manner. Here are some of the effective ways to list hobbies:

• Bullet Points: List your hobbies as bullet points under your “Interests” or “Activities” section. This makes them easy to read and scan by hiring managers and recruiters.
• Grouping: Group your hobbies based on category, such as sports, volunteering, or creative pursuits. This helps to highlight the diversity of your interests and skills.
• Relevance: Only list hobbies that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Avoid hobbies that may be controversial or unrelated to the job.

How Hobbies Can Show Personality

Sharing your hobbies on your resume can also reveal your personality to potential employers. These interests can help to add personality to your otherwise dry, professional application. For instance, if you are applying for a creative or arts-based role, sharing your love for film and theater can demonstrate your passion for the arts.

Importance of Selecting the Right Hobbies

Lastly, it’s crucial to select the right hobbies when listing them on your resume. The wrong hobbies can be detrimental or irrelevant to your application. When selecting hobbies, consider its relevance to the job, whether it showcases transferable skills, and whether it can be a conversation starter during the interview process. It’s critical to remember that your hobbies can make or break your resume, so choose them wisely.

Listing hobbies on your resume can be an excellent strategy to enhance your application. It can showcase your skills, add personality, and help you stand out from other applicants. By following the tips we’ve shared in this section, you can present your hobbies in the best way possible and improve your chances of landing your dream job.

Choosing the Best Hobbies to Add on Your Resume

When listing your hobbies on your resume, it’s important to consider how relevant they are to the job you’re applying for. This is especially important if you’re hoping to use your hobbies to showcase skills or traits that are valuable in the workplace. A hobby that’s irrelevant to the job or the skills required for the job might not add much value to your resume.

Importance of Relevancy

Relevant hobbies can show an employer what you’re passionate about, and how that passion might translate to your work. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires strong leadership skills, listing hobbies that involve leading a group of people or managing a project could give you a leg up.

How to Identify Relevant Hobbies

Think about the particular skills or traits that are required for the job, and consider how your hobbies might demonstrate those skills or traits. If you’re not sure what the job requires, take a look at the job description or do some research on similar roles.

Tips to Pick the Best Hobbies

When selecting which hobbies to include in your resume, it’s helpful to choose those that demonstrate achievement, leadership, or creativity. These hobbies show that you are a well-rounded individual with a diverse set of skills. It’s also important to choose hobbies that you’re passionate about, as this passion is often evident in how you talk about and engage with the activity.

How to Enhance Hobbies to Make Them More Fitting for the Job

If you’re passionate about a hobby but don’t feel like it directly relates to the job, you can enhance it in a way that makes it more fitting for the role. For example, if you enjoy playing video games but you’re applying for a job in data analysis, you could emphasize the analytical skills required to strategize and win games.

When choosing the best hobbies to list on your resume, ensure they are relevant to the job, demonstrate valuable skills or traits, and showcase your passions. If you have a hobby that seems unrelated to the job, find creative ways to demonstrate how it can be applied to the role.

Format of the Hobbies Section on Your Resume

When drafting your resume, it’s important to consider whether or not to include a hobbies section. This section can help showcase your personality and interests, but it’s crucial to format it effectively. Here’s a closer look at the format of the hobbies section and what to include:

Where to Add the Hobbies Section

The best place to add your hobbies section is toward the end of your resume, after your work experience and education sections. While the hobbies section isn’t always necessary, it can benefit job seekers who are looking to show off their well-roundedness and unique interests.

What to Include and What to Avoid Including

When drafting your hobbies section, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be brief and to the point. Avoid trying to list every hobby or interest you have, as it can come off as unfocused and unprofessional. Instead, choose two or three hobbies that could be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you could mention that you enjoy exploring branding techniques or attending industry conferences. On the other hand, avoid mentioning anything too controversial or divisive, such as political affiliations or religious beliefs.

How to Write it Effectively

It’s important to remember that the hobbies section shouldn’t be the focus of your resume. Keep it brief, and use it as an opportunity to introduce yourself in a positive light. When formatting your hobbies section, consider using bullet points or short sentences to keep it organized and concise.

Different Resume Formats and How They Include a Hobbies Section

Different resume formats can vary in how the hobbies section is presented. In chronological resumes, the hobbies section may be placed at the bottom after work experience and education, while functional resumes may include it at the top as a way to highlight skills and interests.

The key takeaway is to keep the hobbies section brief and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It can be a great way to add some personal flair to your resume, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t distract from your professional experience and qualifications.

Top Hobbies to Add on Your Resume

Your hobbies can say a lot about you as a person and a potential employee. They offer a glimpse into your personality, interests, and skills. Including hobbies on your resume can make you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique strengths. Here are some popular hobbies to consider adding to your resume, and how they can benefit your job prospects.

List of popular hobbies to include

• Running or participating in marathons:  This shows dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
• Volunteer work:  This demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community and the ability to work with others towards a common goal.
• Creative pursuits (e.g. painting, writing, music):  These hobbies highlight your artistic side and can demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to think outside the box.
• Team sports (e.g. basketball, soccer):  This shows that you work well within a team, can communicate effectively, and understand the importance of collaboration.
• Traveling:  This can represent a global perspective, cultural awareness, and adaptability to new situations and environments.

How each hobby can benefit the job prospects

• Running or participating in marathons:  Demonstrates perseverance, goal orientation, and discipline, which are qualities that can transfer to the workplace.
• Volunteer work:  Shows a commitment to helping others and the ability to work well with diverse groups of people – qualities that are highly valued in many work environments.
• Creative pursuits (e.g. painting, writing, music):  These hobbies can reflect a broader set of skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and creativity, attributes highly valued in industries like marketing, advertising, and even finance.
• Team sports (e.g. basketball, soccer):  Shows the ability to work as part of a team, communication skills, and a competitive nature. All these attributes are highly sought after by employers looking for team-oriented individuals who can work together to accomplish common objectives.
• Traveling:  Demonstrates a global perspective, cultural awareness, and the ability to be adaptable and open to new experiences – all highly desirable qualities in today’s multicultural workplaces.

How to discuss the listed hobbies in the interview

During a job interview, discuss your hobbies in a way that will show how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Be authentic and enthusiastic about your hobbies, but don’t go overboard. Don’t let your hobbies detract from your professional qualifications, but rather add an extra dimension to your overall profile that can make you a more memorable candidate.

• Running or participating in marathons:  Explain how this hobby has helped you build endurance and discipline, which could translate well into a driven and focused team member.

Hobbies and Your Job

When it comes to crafting a strong resume, listing your hobbies may not initially seem like a priority. However, incorporating your hobbies can actually be a valuable addition to your job application in several ways.

One way hobbies can enhance your job application is by showing how they match the job description. For example, if you’re applying to be an outdoor educator, including hiking or kayaking as a hobby can demonstrate your experience and passion for working outdoors.

Additionally, the inclusion of hobbies can increase your chances of getting a job. Many employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who are passionate about life outside of work. If you share a hobby with the hiring manager or recruiter, it can create a connection and make you stand out among other applicants.

Finally, hobbies can convey passion and interest, showcasing traits that are highly sought after by employers. For example, if you’re an avid reader, it may suggest that you have strong critical thinking and analytical skills. If you’re a musician, it could indicate your creativity and ability to think outside the box.

Including hobbies on your resume can be a compelling way to demonstrate your personality, interests, and skills beyond your work experience. However, it’s important to remember to keep it relevant and professional. If your hobbies don’t align with the job you’re applying for, it’s best to leave them off.

Unique and Creative Hobbies to Add on Your Resume

In today’s competitive job market, job seekers are always looking for ways to stand out from the competition. One way to do this is by adding unique and creative hobbies to your resume. Not only do they catch the eye of potential employers, but they can also show off your multitasking and adaptability skills.

Here are some creative yet professional hobbies that you can add to your resume:

• Photography:  Photography is not only a great hobby but also a useful skill to have in many industries. It shows that you have an eye for detail and can capture and edit images to create a desired effect.
• Writing:  If you enjoy writing short stories or blogging, consider adding it to your list of hobbies. Writing not only shows your creativity but also your communication skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteering:  Volunteering for a local charity or organization shows that you are committed to making a difference in your community. It also shows that you can work well with others and can adapt to new situations.
• Foreign language:  If you are fluent in a foreign language or learning one, make sure to include it in your hobbies section. Knowing a foreign language is an invaluable skill in today’s global economy and can open up many job opportunities.
• Cooking:  Cooking is not only a relaxing hobby but also shows your ability to multitask and think on your feet. It also demonstrates that you are capable of following instructions, improvising when necessary, and adapting to new scenarios.

These hobbies show that you have skills that can be applied to various job positions. They also show your multitasking and adaptability skills, which are essential in any workplace. By adding creative and unique hobbies to your resume, you are proving to potential employers that you are a well-rounded individual who can handle anything that comes your way.

Adding unique and creative hobbies to your resume is an excellent way to stand out from the competition. Make sure to include hobbies that show your skills, such as photography, writing, volunteering, foreign language, and cooking. These hobbies not only demonstrate your creativity but also showcase your multitasking and adaptability skills, making you a valuable addition to any workplace.

Example of Listing Hobbies on a Resume

If you’re considering including a hobbies section on your resume, it can be helpful to see some examples of how other job seekers have approached this section. Here are some sample resumes featuring hobbies sections and explanations of each listed hobby:

Sample Resume #1

Hobbies Section:

• Photography

This job seeker has taken a straightforward approach to listing their hobbies. They have included three interests that are relatively common and don’t require in-depth explanations. The running hobby can suggest that the candidate is committed to their fitness and well-being, while the reading and photography hobbies suggest that they enjoy spending time in solitary activities.

Sample Resume #2

• Competitive swimming: 5-time national champion
• Playing guitar in a local band
• Volunteering at the animal shelter

This job seeker has used their hobbies section to showcase some impressive achievements related to their interests. The mention of being a 5-time national champion in competitive swimming could catch the attention of a potential employer and suggest that this candidate is highly driven and dedicated. The mention of playing in a local band suggests that they have a creative outlet outside of work. Finally, the mention of volunteering at the animal shelter shows that they have a giving nature and are willing to give up their free time for a good cause.

Sample Resume #3

• Hiking and camping
• Traveling to new countries
• Learning languages

This job seeker has used their hobbies section to highlight their adventurous spirit and curiosity. The hiking and camping hobby suggests that they are comfortable with physical challenges and enjoy spending time in nature. The traveling hobby suggests that they have a desire to explore new cultures and see new places. Finally, the language learning hobby suggests that they have a drive to constantly learn and improve themselves.

When listing hobbies on a resume, it’s important to consider how they might be perceived by a potential employer. Are they relevant to the job you’re applying for? Do they demonstrate qualities like dedication, creativity, or a willingness to learn? By carefully selecting and explaining your hobbies, you can use this section to further showcase your strengths and interests to a prospective employer.

Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Hobbies on Your Resume

When it comes to listing hobbies on your resume, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can not only make your resume look unprofessional and cluttered but can also impact your chances of getting the job. This section will discuss these errors and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes

Including Irrelevant Hobbies: One of the common mistakes that many job seekers make is including hobbies that are not relevant to the job they are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a job in Finance and list “Baking” as a hobby, it may not be pertinent to the role.

Listing Too Many Hobbies: Listing too many hobbies can make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional. It is recommended to list only 2-3 hobbies that are relevant to the job and showcase your skills.

Being Too Vague: Being too vague about your hobbies can make it difficult for the recruiter to understand how they relate to the job. For instance, listing “Traveling” as a hobby may not provide a clear picture of your skills.

Impact on your Job Application

Listing irrelevant or too many hobbies can have a negative impact on your job application. Recruiters may consider your resume as disorganized, unprofessional, and may put your application into the “no” pile. Furthermore, if the job requires certain skills and you list hobbies that do not support those skills, it can indicate that you are not the right candidate for the role.

How to Avoid these Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes and increase your chances of getting the job, here are some tips:

Tailor your Hobbies to the Job: Consider the job requirements, company culture, and industry trends when listing your hobbies. Choose hobbies that showcase your skills, personality, and interests and demonstrate how they relate to the job.

Be Specific: Instead of being too vague, provide specific information about your hobbies. If you list “Running” as a hobby, mention that you have completed a half-marathon or regularly participate in charity runs.

Limit the Hobbies Listed: List only 2-3 hobbies that are relevant to the job and highlight your skills. This will make your resume look organized, clean, and professional.

Listing hobbies on your resume can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills, but it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your job application. By tailoring your hobbies to the job, being specific and limiting the hobbies listed, you can increase your chances of getting the job.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Hobbies on a Resume

If you’re wondering about how to list hobbies on your resume, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries about including hobbies on a resume:

Common queries about including hobbies in a resume

Q:  Should I include hobbies in my resume at all? A:  It depends on the company culture and the position you’re applying for. In some cases, hobbies can be seen as irrelevant or even distracting. However, in some fields, certain hobbies could demonstrate your relevant skills or traits. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, mentioning that you enjoy photography might be beneficial. Always consider the company culture and requirements of the position before including hobbies.

Q:  How much detail should I include about my hobbies? A:  Keep it brief and to the point. You don’t want to dedicate too much space on your resume to your hobbies. It’s generally enough to provide a short description of your hobby and maybe mention any awards or achievements related to it.

Q:  Can I mention controversial hobbies? A:  Use your discretion. If your hobby is something that could be seen as offensive or unprofessional, it’s better to leave it out. Remember that your resume is a reflection of you as a person and a professional.

How to handle potential awkwardness when discussing hobbies

Sometimes, the idea of discussing personal interests or hobbies in a professional setting can feel awkward. Here are some tips to handle that potential awkwardness:

• Emphasize the relevance of your hobbies to the position you’re applying for. This will help the hiring manager see your hobbies in a different light.
• Don’t worry too much about it. Remember that everyone has hobbies, and there’s nothing wrong with sharing yours.

How to figure out the relevance of the hobby

When you’re deciding whether to include a particular hobby or not, it’s important to consider its relevance to the position you’re applying for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Is there a clear connection between your hobby and the skills required for the position?
• Will including this hobby add value to your resume, or will it detract from it?
• Does this hobby speak to your overall character or work ethic?

By answering these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether to include the hobby on your resume.

Tips to Maximize the Impact of Your Hobbies Section

Your hobbies section may seem like a small and inconsequential part of your resume, but it can actually be a valuable tool in showcasing your personality and highlighting skills that may not be immediately apparent from your work experience. Here are some tips to make your hobbies section top-quality and stand out to potential employers:

1. Choose your hobbies carefully

When selecting hobbies to include on your resume, think about what skills and interests you want to emphasize. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, listing hobbies like painting or writing can demonstrate your creative abilities. If you’re applying for a job in a team-oriented industry, including hobbies like sports or volunteering can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.

2. Be specific and descriptive

Avoid listing generic hobbies like “reading” or “watching Netflix.” Instead, be specific about the types of books you read or the genres of movies and shows you enjoy. This can give potential employers a better idea of your interests and personality.

3. Highlight unique hobbies

If you have hobbies that are less common or unique, don’t be afraid to include them. This can make you stand out from other applicants and show that you have interests beyond the typical ones.

4. Tailor your hobbies section to the industry

Different industries may value different hobbies, so make sure to customize your hobbies section to match the industry you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying for a job in the tech industry, including hobbies like coding or building computers can demonstrate your technical skills and interest in the field.

5. Show how your hobbies relate to the job

When listing your hobbies, try to find ways to connect them to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a marketing manager, including hobbies like blogging or social media management can demonstrate your marketing and communication skills.

Your hobbies section can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. By choosing your hobbies carefully, being specific and descriptive, highlighting unique hobbies, tailoring your hobbies section to the industry, and showing how your hobbies relate to the job, you can create a top-quality section that stands out and sets you apart from other applicants.

Related Articles

• Intern Architect Resume: Sample for 2023
• Videographer Job Description: Career Guide for 2023
• 7 Resume Introduction Examples to Follow in 2023
• Resume Contact Information Tips: Complete Guide for 2023
• Property Manager Resume: 30 Examples and Expert Tips

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Your favourite senior outside college

Home » Job Tips » Resume Writing Tips » How to Write Hobbies in a Resume: For Different Jobs & Professions

How to Write Hobbies in a Resume: For Different Jobs & Professions

Your resume is more than a list of your skills and experience. It’s an opportunity to show who you are as a person. Your hobbies can give you an advantage over others by showcasing unique skills and passions. In this blog, we’ll show you how to write hobbies in a resume strategically and transform them into lively works of art. We’ll also explore mistakes to avoid when adding hobbies to your resume.

Table of Contents

When is it Necessary to Include Hobbies in Your Resume?

Adding hobbies to your resume can be advantageous if they contribute value or relevance to the position you are seeking. Here are some situations where including hobbies could be beneficial:

• To Demonstrate Job Relevant Proficiencies, Skills, and Abilities: For example, including creative writing as a hobby would be more impressive when applying for a writing role. 
• If the Company Directs You to Do So: When specifically asked by the company to include additional hobbies and interests. This becomes your chance to let your personality shine through.
• If the Company is Interested to Know: If the company places significance on its employees’ personalities and individual traits. In this case, showcasing some of your hobbies can give them a glimpse into who you are as an individual.
• Limited Work Experience: When you have limited work experience or education. In such cases, mentioning any related interests or hobbies could make you stand out.

Hobbies for Different Job Profiles & Domains

Engaging in certain hobbies can cultivate valuable skills and critical thinking beneficial for professional settings. Here are some hobbies that go well with certain job roles:

Content Writer

Hobbies for writers come in many forms, each offering a unique way to enhance your craft. Here’s how to include hobbies in a resume as a writer: 

• Traveling: This expands your perspective and improves your storytelling skills.
• Journaling: It promotes self-reflection, reduces stress, and organizes thoughts.
• Copywriting: This helps you prepare marketable stories for different platforms.
• Reading: Reading a variety of genres enhances your storytelling abilities beyond just enjoying tales.
• Creative Writing: This helps you express yourself creatively.
• Letter Writing: This allows for a realistic and meaningful way to communicate.
• Blogging: This lets you share your thoughts with people around the world and build connections.

 You can also check out this creative writing course to sharpen your skills.

Professor/Teacher

Here are some of the hobbies you can include in your resume while applying for teaching jobs.

• Reading: Helps you learn about the different perspectives of life, inspiring students.
• Writing: This sharpens your communication skills to enhance lesson plans and convey expertise successfully through articles.
• Public Speaking: This helps you captivate students with engaging storytelling and confident communication.
• Traveling: This expands viewpoints and enhances teaching by incorporating global experiences into lessons.
• Blogging: This helps showcase expertise and reach students effectively, amplifying teaching impact.

Web Developer

Here are some of the hobbies you should add to your resume as a web developer: 

• Writing/Journaling: This helps develop important thinking abilities needed for coding, boosts creativity and communication skills, and assists in solving problems. 
• Animation Creation: Creating animations helps you practice how to add dynamic elements to websites.
• Board Games: Playing games helps you think smarter, solve problems better, be more creative, and remember things easier. It also lets you make social connections and relax.
• Game Development: This sharpens your problem-solving abilities.

If you are applying for the role of an artist, here are some of the hobbies you should include in your resume:

• Painting: Shows the ability to tell a story and convey emotions through art.
• Photography: Highlights your attention to detail and visual storytelling.
• Writing: Displays talent for creating engaging narratives and effective communication.
• Knitting/Crocheting: Demonstrates patience, attention to detail, and ability to create complex designs. 
• Jewelry Making: Showcases design skills with precision.

Executive Manager

If you are applying for a leadership/manager position, you should include hobbies that show people management skills. These include:

• Traveling: Exposes you to different cultures, which enriches your leadership capabilities through diverse experiences.
• Reading: Expands knowledge in areas such as leadership to gain valuable insights.
• Yoga: Cultivates a calm mindset needed for critical decision-making.
• Exercising: Demonstrates the importance of maintaining efficiency and well-being.

10 Best Hobbies to Put On Your Resume

When deciding what hobbies to include in your resume, there are some excellent choices that stand out from the rest. Below is a list of some of the best hobbies you can put in your resume.

• Writing & Blogging: Being able to write in different styles, such as novels, scientific papers, or blogs, demonstrates strong communication abilities important for any company. It is also highly appreciated by employers.
• Podcasting: Hosting a podcast shows off what you know, how good you are at getting people to listen, and how organized you are.
• Composing Music: Music composition requires both imagination and dedication, as well as endurance. Additionally, research suggests that playing an instrument can enhance your ability to remember things and concentrate better.
• Learning Different Languages: Learning different languages is a great hobby to have on your resume. It shows that you’re good at solving problems and that you’re open to learning.
• Photography: Photography is a great hobby for your resume as it helps you look more creative. It also shows your attention to detail and ability to capture stories.
• Traveling: Travel is a great hobby to put on your resume as it shows that you’re open-minded and love trying new things. It suggests that you’re exposed to different cultures and experiences.
• Sports: It helps you learn how to be disciplined and resilient in a team. These are all valuable skills for any job.
• Yoga: Yoga is another great hobby to have on your resume as it shows that you’re mindful of relaxing your body and mind, which can really improve how well you do at work.
• Reading: Having reading as a hobby on your resume shows that you are focused, constantly learning, have good communication skills, and can handle stress well.
• Volunteering: It shows employers that you take initiative, have strong values, and possess important organizational and leadership skills. In fact, 82% of managers actually prefer candidates with volunteer experience.

Tips While Adding Hobbies to Your Resume

Picking the best hobbies for your resume can make a big impact. Here are some tips for how to write hobbies in a resume successfully.

• Match Your Hobbies with What the Company Wants: Let your hobbies reflect what the company wants and stands for. Begin by checking out their website, social media, and reviews to get an idea of their style. Pay attention to any qualities or values that match yours. Then, create a resume that highlights how your hobbies line up with their requirements, showing why you’re just right for the role.
• Make a List of Most Important Hobbies: Create a list of 5 to 10 hobbies that reflect your personality. Choose the best 3 to 5 from this list and feature them in your hobbies section using bullet points or short sentences, separated by commas.
• Move Them to the Bottom: Hobbies can add a personal touch, allowing potential employers to connect with you on a different level. They’re important, but not the main focus. Keep them at the bottom so the attention is on your top qualities, i.e., education, experience, achievements, and skills.
• If There’s No Space, Leave it Out: When deciding whether or not to include your hobbies, remember that they should flow naturally and not look forced. If there’s no space left on your resume, think of your online portfolio as an alternative to showcase all of your hobbies. You can place them in an engaging “About” section without overcrowding the professional appearance of your actual resume.
• Keep it Honest: Be honest about your hobbies on your resume, just like with your job experience or cover letter. Don’t exaggerate or make up interests to seem impressive. Keep it real and genuine for better connections in interviews.

Things to Avoid While Adding Hobbies to Your Resume

When deciding how to put hobbies on a resume and what to include, it is important to think about how they may affect the way others see you professionally. Here are some things that should be avoided:

• Avoid Personal Affiliations: Be careful not to mention your political, religious, or extreme sports connections. For example, talking about supporting certain politicians may not be wise.
• Skip Risky or Time-Consuming Hobbies: Don’t talk about hobbies that are dangerous, take up too much time, or could put you at risk. Things like rock climbing and bungee jumping can make employers worried about how healthy and available for work you will be.
• Don’t Lie About Your Interests: Don’t pretend to have interests just to impress potential employers. They might find out the truth later and think less of your honesty.
• Don’t Overload: Keep the number of hobbies you list on your resume to a reasonable amount so it’s not too cluttered. Too many hobbies might give the idea that you can’t focus or don’t have time for work responsibilities. Therefore, stick to relevant interests only.

Adding hobbies to your resume can be helpful if they relate to the job or highlight useful skills or aspects of yourself. When deciding how to write hobbies in a resume, make sure your hobbies fit with what the company values. However, remember to be careful with your choices so that they don’t distract from important parts of your resume, such as education and work experience.

What’s your most interesting hobby and how do you think it can impact your career positively? Share your answers with us in the comments. Also, check out how to make a resume for any job profile .

• ← Previous
• Next →

Harshita is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi with 3 years of experience in Content Writing and Editing. Dedicated to her craft, she loves creating magic with words. She is a big fan of hoarding cute planners and journals and can be seen watching FRIENDS (almost EVERYTIME) in her spare time. Her meticulous attention to detail makes her stand out from the crowd. A typo epidemic is her worst nightmare!

Related Post

How to Add Internship Experience to Resume?

According to research, approximately 63% of hiring managers prefer receiving resumes tailored to the specific job role. Therefore, when applying for an entry position, endeavor to structure and tailor your

How to Upload a Resume on Internshala? A Quick & Easy Guide

If you are a job-seeker looking for job or internship opportunities on Internshala, you can add your resume to the website and apply for jobs easily. Uploading a well-crafted resume

Cover Letter For Finance Interns [with Template & Samples]

Securing a finance internship can be a crucial step in launching a successful career in the financial industry. However, getting hired for these positions can be tough, but having an

Cover Letter for a Teacher Position-  A Complete Guide

Are you ready to take the first step towards landing your dream teaching job? Crafting a standout cover letter is your key to making a positive and lasting impression on

How to Represent Travel on Your Résumé

What do you do when you come back home? How do you explain the gap in your employment to the hiring person in front of you? How do you make travel seem like a win? Those are all valid questions people who take a career break have so I invited career break expert Sherry Ott to tell us when (and when not) to use travel to boost our resume.

You’ve just finished your life-changing travels and now you’re back home and considering how you are going to find work again. Whether you’re travels were a career break, gap year , or sabbatical, you will need to figure out how you account for the time and experiences on your résumé.

Normally you need to account in some way for the time spent away from work. If employers see a gap in your resume that isn’t explained, you may not make it through the first cut of résumés.

I often work with travelers who are re-entering the workforce and are faced with the following questions when trying to update their résumé.

Travel: Where should it go on my résumé?

It depends. Do you think the experiences you had traveling apply to you finding a new job in your field? If so, then place it in the main part of your résumé. If you don’t feel like it applies, then it probably belongs in a section reserved for “Additional Information” or “Hobbies.”

Kristin Zibell of Take Your Big Trip is a frequent career breaker and she keeps her résumé flexible, saying, “I found the recruiters and hiring managers were looking for the professional story in my résumé. Every statement on my résumé needed to support this story and show the situation, action, and results. If my travels and experiences had a direct relationship to the position, like my blogging or volunteering abroad, then I listed it like a position: ‘ Travel Blogger’  or ‘English Teacher.’ Most of the time, I found that travel was an interesting fact about me and explained the time gaps, but not directly related to the positions. In this case, I placed my travel experiences at the bottom in an ‘Additional Activities’ section that colored who I was and what I had done.”

Kristin’s résumé highlights her travels as international experience:

• Ten months of travel to India, Nepal, Southeast Asia , the Middle East, and Europe , from October 2008 to May 2010.
• Activities included volunteer work at Mother Teresa Mission Charities in Kolkata with disabled women and teaching English to street children in Jaipur.
• Designed and authored three travel blogs during these multi-month solo trips. Currently editor of Takeyourbigtrip.com.

What type of information should I share?

It’s probably not  a good idea to put that you were a beach bum for 12 months, or that you traveled the Full Moon Party circuit. Instead, think about what you did on your travels that had to do with education, skill building, volunteering, and business, and highlight them in a professional manner. But there are some other skills you might want to consider:

1. Volunteering One should always represent any volunteering done while traveling on a résumé. For me it demonstrated my commitment to education, giving back to other cultures, and global experience. You should always include where your volunteering took place, what your responsibilities were, and if there was any end result. The end results could be tangible things such as building a house, cleaning up after a natural disaster, or restoring wetlands. Example:

• Extensive international travel background, comfortable working with and in different cultures.
• Volunteered with Cross-Cultural Solutions in New Delhi, India, teaching computers, conversational English, and interview skills in order to assist young adults entering the workforce.

If not covered somewhere else in your résumé, also consider including any résumé-building, intangible results, such as improved leadership skills, proven ability to take initiative, and listening and communication skills. Finally, if your volunteering was for an extended period of time, such as six months to a year, then consider putting this experience in your work or education history.

I highlighted my various work experiences as international work experience:

ESL Instructor: ILA Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

• Teaching adults English as a Second Language (ESL)

Consultant: CAMENAE, Singapore

• Delivered a usability analysis of the e-commerce site and led subsequent redesign
• Conducted tests and created a regression test plan
• Consulted with owners on their business vision and ensured that it can be supported on the site. Offered guidance on short- and long-term business plans and their technical implementation.

3. Blogging Did you blog , write for publications , or do photography ? All of these things illustrate that you took your travels seriously. Think about the new skills you learned when maintaining your blog. Did you increase your knowledge about search engine optimization, marketing or sales of affiliate programs, coding, or social media tools?

Laura Keller did a career break with her husband Ryan and blogged about it at Round We Go . She represented her blogging in the following way:

Digital Entrepreneur, Travel Blogger & World Explorer

• Expanded economic and cultural views while exploring 20 countries in 14 months of extensive travel across six continents
• Created, launched, and hosted the travel website RoundWedGo.com, attracting 10,000 unique monthly visitors
• Governed online traffic, social media, and SEO to create advertising and sponsorship revenue for RoundWeGo.com
• Contributed travel articles to leading lifestyle and travel websites and blogs

Be sure to talk about the soft skills

Even if all you did was lounge around a beach all day and drink beer, you picked up some business skills while traveling around the world. It’s hard to think about mundane day-to-day experiences as skill building, but they are.  There are a lot of business skills you can learn without actually having gone to business school. In fact, these “business skills” are simply important life skills that can give you an edge:

Negotiation skills – All that time spent in markets haggling over the cost of a magnet was beneficial. You were exposed to and employed various negotiation tactics that can be highlighted. Businesses want people who are sharp negotiators and can make deals, not people who are pushovers.

Budgeting and planning – You most likely had to plan and save for your career break. In addition, you continued to monitor your budget and assessed any financial risks.

Adaptability – When you travel, things go wrong, plans change, there are mudslides that you can’t predict. As a traveler, you are forced to change plans constantly. You handle the issues that hurdle your way quickly after a few months on the road. In the ever-changing world of business, the ability to adapt is important.

Communication skills – When trying to converse in foreign cultures, verbal and nonverbal communication is necessary to overcome language and cultural barriers. This skill is helps you deal with people, which is an important aspect of any job. Workers with good communication skills are the ones who rise fast.

All of these new skills belong on your résumé. And when you are asked about them in an interview, you’ll be able to share an amazing story about “that time in  Vietnam …” when a skill came in handy and how it can help you in your job. As Kristin Zibell says, “In an interview, I used travel stories to illustrate soft skills, like dealing with adversity or ambiguity. I shared my travel experience as a part of my professional story. This technique made me a more memorable and interesting candidate.”

Use your travel to make you stand out. Keep in mind that many of these experiences, if described in a professional manner, will make you stand out from other candidates.

Don’t hide your travel when searching for a job — embrace it!

Sherry Ott is a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer at Ottsworld . She’s also a co-founder of Meet, Plan, Go!, a website and national travel event teaching you how you can take your very own traveling career break or sabbatical.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!