What Hobbies and Interests To Put on a Resume
- Should I Include Hobbies and Interests on a Resume?
- When Should I Include Hobbies and Interest on a Resume?
- How Can I Highlight My Hobbies and Interests in a Compelling Way?
- What Are Other Unique Ways To Put Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
- Independent Projects & Research
- Certifications & Associations
- Hobbies & Interests
- Examples of Hobbies and Interests To Put on a Resume
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hobbies and Interests To Put on a Resume
In today’s competitive market, job seekers are constantly searching for creative ways to differentiate themselves from other candidates and make a lasting impression on prospective employers. Including a list of hobbies and interests is one approach used to help personalize your resume and provide compelling insights into who you are. Throughout this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of featuring hobbies on your resume and how they can impact your job application.
Should I Include Hobbies and Interests on a Resume?
In general, it’s best to avoid including hobbies on your resume. The purpose of this document is to show hiring managers that you have the qualifications and experience to bring value to their team. Highlighting your personal interests doesn’t explain why you’re qualified for the position or how you can help an organization excel.
For example, say that you’re targeting a role as a financial analyst. Mentioning that you have a passion for skiing or gardening isn’t likely to make a positive impression on the reader. Even if they share those particular interests, these details aren’t relevant to a job application. Some hiring managers may even find the inclusion of a hobbies section distracting and unprofessional.
When Should I Include Hobbies and Interest on a Resume?
While a hobbies section should be avoided in most cases, there are situations where highlighting these details may be acceptable. If you’re a high school student or recent college graduate, you may struggle to fill out a full page of content. Including personal interests can help you eliminate empty space on your resume and paint a clearer picture of who you are. Featuring hobbies may also benefit you if you’re pursuing a role at a startup company with a less formal work culture.
How Can I Highlight My Hobbies and Interests in a Compelling Way?
Rather than simply including a list of hobbies, consider framing your personal interests as independent projects. This approach is more professional, allowing you to illustrate desirable attributes and transferable skills that might be relevant to the job you’re targeting. Let’s explore this strategy more thoroughly by reviewing the examples below.
Example #1
Independent Project
Film Director | Rosenberg Productions | June 2024 – January 2025
- Directed, wrote, and produced an independent film, “Echo Chamber,” exploring the story of a young graffiti artist grappling with fragmented memories and hidden trauma through the creation of street murals
- Captured dynamic cinematography to enhance the film’s atmospheric tension, working closely with actors to bring out nuanced and emotionally charged performances
- Led post-production efforts, including scene sequencing, sound design, color grading, and precision editing in Adobe Premiere Pro to achieve a polished final cut
In this example, the candidate is pursuing a role as a videographer. Although they aren’t currently pursuing a position as a film director, this project captures their artistic passion while featuring their cinematography and video editing skills. It communicates why they’re qualified for the opportunity and how they can bring a unique perspective to video production that differs from other applicants.
Example #2
Independent Project
Game Developer | Freelance | June 2023 – December 2024
- Collaborated with a team of developers to create an indie RPG using pixel graphics, created engaging character animations using Python, and performed comprehensive gameplay testing to deliver a high-quality gaming experience
In this example, the candidate is a junior software developer who highlights their programming experience uniquely engagingly. While this is a passion project, developing an indie game from the ground up is a great way to showcase their Python knowledge. It captures their interest in the gaming industry while demonstrating how their talents as a programmer could be an asset to potential employers.
What Are Other Unique Ways To Put Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
Another way to highlight your personal interests is to feature associations or significant achievements related to your hobbies. This allows you to illustrate your leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and other traits that might grab the hiring manager’s eye. For more guidance, let’s look at the examples below.
Example #1
Associations
Club President | Temple University Chess Club | June 2022 – December 2024
Hobbies and Personal Interests
International Master (IM) | International Chess Federation (FIDE) | Awarded October 2023
In this case, highlighting the candidate’s remarkable chess achievements are worth mentioning on the resume. Chess is well-known for nurturing creative and tactical thinking, which could attract potential employers. Even without the international title, emphasizing their experience serving as president of a university club speaks to their leadership capabilities.
Example #2
Athletic Achievements
Running Back | University of Colorado | June 2020 – December 2024
- Served as team captain for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, leading by example on and off the field.
- Rushed for 720 yards and scored nine touchdowns in the 2017 season, contributing to the team’s winning record.
- Earned recognition as a standout performer in a conference rivalry game, receiving a nomination for player of the week honors.
Rather than listing football or sports as a personal interest on their resume, the applicant features their accomplishments as a college athlete to make a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Not only is this a great conversation starter for an interview, but it also speaks to the candidate’s exceptional work ethic in an authentic and engaging way.
Example #3
Volunteer Experience
Community Outreach Volunteer | Bright Futures Initiative | Denver, CO | March 2018 – Present
- Collaborate with a team of volunteers to organize and execute community outreach programs for a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth education and mentorship programs in underserved communities
- Built relationships with local businesses, schools, and organizations to secure over $150,000 in funding and resources for student scholarships and after-school programs
- Coordinate with media outlets and social platforms to promote fundraising events and increase awareness of educational disparities affecting local youth
In this example, the candidate showcases their passion and commitment to social justice and activism by highlighting their volunteerism experience. This speaks volumes about who they are while demonstrating many transferable skills that can help them succeed in the nonprofit sector and other industries.
Here’s a full resume example with hobbies and interests:
Lab Technician Resume Example
John Smith
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
Professional Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented lab technician with five years of experience in sample analysis, diagnostic testing, and equipment maintenance. Proven ability to improve testing accuracy, implement quality control measures, and adhere to strict laboratory safety protocols. Passionate about continuous learning and process optimization in laboratory environments.
Key Skills
- Diagnostic Testing & Sample Preparation
- Equipment Calibration & Maintenance
- Laboratory Quality Assurance
- Compliance with Safety Regulations
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Research & Development Support
Professional Experience
Medical Lab Technician
Central Diagnostics | Dallas, TX | January 2022 – Present
- Conduct diagnostic tests with 98% accuracy and ensure timely reporting to physicians.
- Implement a quality control program that reduced testing errors by 15%.
- Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Train junior lab technicians on proper sample handling procedures and safety protocols.
Lab Assistant
Health First Clinic | Fort Worth, TX | May 2019 – December 2021
- Prepared samples for diagnostic testing while maintaining strict laboratory protocols.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.
- Managed inventory of laboratory supplies, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency.
Independent Projects & Research
Microbiology Research Assistant
University Research Lab | June 2023 – Present
- Conducted bacterial culture studies to analyze resistance patterns in environmental samples.
- Developed protocols for improved sample storage and handling, reducing contamination risks.
- Collaborated with a research team to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
DIY Home Lab Project
Independent Research | March 2022 – Present
- Designed a home-based microbiology lab to conduct safe and ethical experiments on bacterial growth patterns.
- Developed a blog documenting experiments, safety procedures, and findings to educate aspiring lab technicians.
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology
Dallas College | Dallas, TX | Graduated May 2019
Certifications & Associations
- Certified Laboratory Technician (CLT) | American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) | June 2019
- Member, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
- Volunteer, Local Science Education Outreach – Conducts lab demonstrations for high school students interested in STEM careers.
Hobbies & Interests
- DIY Science Experiments – Passion for home microbiology projects and understanding microbial behavior.
- Blogging & Science Communication – Writes educational content on lab techniques and industry trends.
- Chess – Enjoys strategy-based gameplay that enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Community STEM Outreach – Participates in workshops to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Examples of Hobbies and Interests To Put on a Resume
- Animal rescue
- Blogging
- Chess
- Coaching
- Community activism
- Community theater
- Creative writing
- Culinary arts
- Dance
- Drawing
- Gardening
- Guitar
- Hiking
- Learning new languages
- Literature
- Painting
- Piano
- Photography
- Recreational or competitive sports
- Role-playing games
- Travel
- Yoga
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hobbies and Interests To Put on a Resume
It’s generally advised to avoid highlighting your personal interests on a resume unless they can bring genuine value to your application. Students and recent graduates may benefit more from having a hobbies section than seasoned professionals, especially if there isn’t enough content to fill out the page.
Your opening summary is your first opportunity to make a positive impression on the hiring manager. Featuring your personal interests in your profile can draw attention away from your relevant qualifications and career achievements. If you decide to include hobbies on your resume, it’s best to feature them in a separate section.
If you feature hobbies on your document, focus on personal interests that can invite conversation or demonstrate positive attributes. For example, emphasizing your commitment to volunteerism and community service is a great way to show empathy, interpersonal skills, and leadership traits.