Ah, who doesn’t want a magic formula for landing a job interview?
Sadly, listing hobbies and interests on your resume isn’t one of them.
Whilst they may be handy on some occasions, a recruiter will rarely invite you for an interview solely based on your personal interests.
Read on to find out what hobbies say about you on a resume, when you can include them, and when they should be totally avoided.
Is There a Difference Between Hobbies and Personal Interests?
There are some key differences between hobbies and personal interests.
A hobby is an activity you partake in for enjoyment, such as playing a sport, yoga, meditation, fishing, surfing, etc.
Or for the more eccentric readers amongst you, you may be a lover of beetle fighting or extreme ironing (yes those are real things).
Conversely, personal interest is something you have an awareness or curiosity about and often involves research and gathering knowledge.
However, you frequently find that they become combined as people become more involved.
For example, scuba diving can start out as a fun hobby to enjoy the outdoors and see beautiful underwater scenery.
This can spark curiosity, and you could develop a desire to understand marine life, so you begin to research and read up on marine biology.
Another example is that you volunteer at a local charity mainly to socialize with people who have the same interests. But your involvement opens your eyes to injustices in society, leading to a keen interest in studying, supporting, and lobbying for change.
The easiest way to know the difference is in how you would explain what you do. For instance, if you’d verbalize it as “I play tennis” or “I collect recipes”, it’s likely a hobby because it ends there.
On the other hand, personal interests are much more descriptive. “I play tennis and also coach a team of 8 to 10-year-old tennis enthusiasts”. Or “I have a keen interest in clean food and healthy eating, so I’ve started a blog to grow awareness”.
While these examples are great, and it’s vital we have an active life outside of work, they only belong on a resume if they have relevance to the job you’re applying for.
Will Including Hobbies and Interests Hurt My Chances?
Your resume is your opportunity to get noticed and secure an interview.
See it as a sales document, only that the product being sold is yourself.
It also offers only one chance to be seen for each job application. This means you must get it right every time (fortunately, an online resume builder makes this effortless).
Keep in mind that any hobbies and personal interests you add to your resume will be regarded as a reflection of who you are and what you have to offer.
They won’t be viewed separately.
So if they’re inappropriate or controversial, the reader will project that back onto you. And considering they don’t know you personally, their conclusions might end up being farfetched and invalid.
For professions that are qualification-heavy, such as healthcare, it’s often advisable to prioritize qualifications, publications, conferences, and professional memberships over hobbies and interests.
If you find that your resume is already dense with pertinent information, it might be best to leave off the hobbies and interests section.
On the other hand, an ex-Google recruiter actively advocated for including hobbies on a resume in an interview with CNBC. Basically, it’s essential to use common sense and consider the specific industry and role you’re applying for.
Remember that resumes in the early stages of the hiring process are only briefly scanned by a recruiter or passed through resume parsing software. Both are looking for keywords and experience — nothing else, and it takes no more than a few seconds.
So make sure the minimum job requirements are on your resume so that it gets moved to the shortlist; if not, your application will be discarded from the process.
Even if you make it onto the shortlist, there are usually several people in a hiring team. If you list hobbies and personal interests on a resume that any of them don’t like, they might decide against you.
Where the reader is biased, even unconsciously, it can influence their decision to invite you for an interview, so your application gets binned.
That’s why you need to be careful about hobbies and personal interests clouding the reader’s judgment and costing you a career opportunity.
Examples of Potential Bias
While religion, politics, and sex are obvious topics to avoid, even innocent hobbies and personal interests on a resume can see it getting thrown in the bin.
Let’s say an applicant lists hunting as a hobby and the reader is vegan — personal prejudice may step in, and the application process ends there.
Or the recruiter can decide that someone who coaches children in the evenings must be a clock-watcher who’ll be keen to pack up at day end. Another opportunity gets lost without the applicant ever knowing why they didn’t make it any further.
Even including that you like to watch TV could see you labeled as a lazy couch potato, whist the complete opposite might be true.
You’ll never know what preferences and prejudices the reader has.
Knowing all that, here is the question: should interests and hobbies be on a resume? To play it safe, avoid listing hobbies and personal interests on a resume unless you’re 100% certain they’ll add value to your application.
What Hobbies Should I Not Put on My Resume?
While it’s true that personal interests can offer a glimpse into your personality and potentially connect with a recruiter, some hobbies might raise eyebrows or inadvertently lead to bias. It’s essential to tread carefully and consider the potential implications of each hobby you list.
To guide you, here’s a list of hobbies that you might consider avoiding on your resume:
- Political activism: While being politically active is commendable, it can lead to potential biases.
- Hunting: This can be polarizing, especially if the recruiter has strong feelings about animal rights.
- Religious activities: Religion is a personal matter and might not be relevant to the job.
- Extreme sports: They might suggest you’re a risk-taker, which isn’t always a desired trait.
- Gambling: This can raise questions about your judgment and decision-making skills.
- Collecting weapons: Even if it’s historical or for sport, it might be perceived negatively.
- Watching TV or movies: It might come off as passive or unproductive.
How Do I Add Hobbies and Personal Interests to My Resume
There are 2 golden rules to remember when listing hobbies and personal interests on your resume:
- Is it relevant to the job requirements?
- Will it enhance my application?
Unless the answer is a resounding “yes” to both questions, leave personal interests and hobbies off your resume.
Where you have hobbies and interests that align with the job requirements or company culture, always list them briefly at the end of your resume. It’s almost like a closing statement.
Also, elaborate on them using only a few words in concise bullet points. That way, the reader understands why they’re there. In addition, keep the interests or hobbies you include to a minimum — a maximum of two or three at the most.
Here are a few examples of how to list interests and hobbies to add to a resume, depending on your professional profile:
Interest
I actively engage in local dance workshops and have collaborated with local musicians for my videos.
This shows that the candidate has developed great networking skills and knows how to promote local talent.
Hobby
I participate in ethical hacking competitions and have a personal blog where I discuss the latest cybersecurity trends.
Not only are they developing their skills outside the workplace, but they are demonstrating that they are actively continuing their learning.
Hobby
I design and develop indie games in my free time, with two of my creations available on app stores.
The fact that they design indie games shows they have a specific passion for something within their industry. If their games are popular in app stores, have strong download rates, and good reviews, even better!
Interest
I volunteer at a local wildlife conservation group and document my experiences on my YouTube channel.
The above entry shows how dynamic the applicant is. Not only have they managed a volunteer position alongside their studies, but they have developed digital media skills alongside it.
Professional Interests to Highlight on Your Resume
While hobbies often reflect personal passions and pastimes, professional interests are more aligned with career aspirations and industry involvement.
These interests can give potential employers insight into your dedication to the field, your desire for growth, and where you see your career heading.
Consider the following examples for your resume:
- Industry conferences and workshops: Attending or even speaking at these events shows dedication to staying updated in your field.
- Certification courses: Pursuing additional certifications indicates a commitment to skill enhancement.
- Trade journals and publications: Regular reading or contributions show you’re in tune with industry trends.
- Networking groups: Being part of professional networks like LinkedIn groups or industry-specific associations.
- Mentorship: Either being a mentor or seeking mentorship demonstrates a commitment to professional growth.
- Research and development: Engaging in R&D projects or interests shows innovation and forward-thinking.
- Public speaking: This can be in the context of your industry, showcasing expertise and confidence.
- Consulting or freelancing: Shows initiative, expertise, and a proactive approach to your career.
Remember, while personal hobbies give a glimpse into your personality, professional interests can provide a clearer picture of your career trajectory and dedication to your field.
Attractive Hobbies for Your Resume
While the primary focus of your resume should be your qualifications and professional experience, the right hobbies can provide an additional layer of insight into your personality and skills. Some hobbies can be particularly appealing as they indicate transferable skills, dedication, or unique perspectives.
Here are some hobbies that can be considered attractive for various resumes:
- Content creation: Whether it’s TikTok, YouTube, or podcasting, creating content showcases creativity and a grasp of modern digital platforms.
- Digital art and design: Demonstrates creativity and proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
- Coding or app development: Even basic coding skills can be a huge asset in many industries.
- E-sports or gaming: Reflects strategic thinking, teamwork, and an understanding of the gaming industry’s booming market.
- Social media management: Shows an ability to build and engage with online communities, crucial for many marketing roles.
- Sustainable living or urban gardening: Indicates environmental awareness and a proactive approach to modern challenges.
- Online courses or workshops: Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.
- Digital music production: Reflects creativity and familiarity with digital audio workstations and modern music trends.
On a Final Note
Hobbies and personal interests in a resume are only a good idea when you’re absolutely confident they’ll enhance your application and not jeopardize it.
It’s really not worth the risk if you’re unsure.
When in doubt, an online resume builder is an excellent option. Not only do you receive guidance on including these extra sections in your doc, but there are resume templates and examples to help you get hired fast.
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