Ask a Resume Writer: Should You Put Hobbies on a Resume?

Your resume’s job is to convince employers that you’re a great fit for their open position and should be contacted for an interview. Your career history, educational qualifications, skills, and achievements are all great things to include on your resume, but what about personal information like hobbies and interests? Are there any good hobbies to put on a resume, or should you leave them off entirely?

We asked Certified Master Resume Writer Freddie Rohner for his thoughts on putting hobbies on your resume.

Including Hobbies on Your Resume

“When deciding whether or not to include a personal hobby or interest on your resume, or any piece of information for that matter, always ask yourself this question: Will this detail help me get hired?” Rohner said. “Is your hobby related to the position you’re applying for in any way, and could it help you stand out for the right reasons?”

If your hobbies and interests really aren’t relevant at all, leave them off your resume and wait to share them during the interview if asked. You should also consider whether you have space on your resume to include this extra information – in most cases, your resume should never be longer than two pages.

Good Hobbies to Put on Your Resume

So, what would make a hobby or interest relevant?

“Let’s say you’re applying for entry-level software developer positions. In your spare time, you’ve been working on code for a new game that you’re designing from scratch. Because that hobby requires relevant skills and experience, it would be worth including it on your resume,” Rohner explained.

Other examples include mentioning that you’re an avid runner if you’re applying for a marketing job with a sporting goods company, or that you’re an actor with a local theatre company if you’re applying for a job that requires strong presentation or public speaking skills.  

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

“There are a few ways to include hobbies and interests on your resume, with the most straightforward approach being to add a separate short-and-sweet section at the end of your document,” Rohner said.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Mountain Biking | Antique Restoration | Photography | Cartography

“If your hobby is something more involved, like an ongoing volunteer position or highly relevant personal project, you could include that experience in more detail within your career timeline. Just be sure to label it accurately as a volunteer or unpaid position,” Rohner continued.

If you decide to include your hobbies on your resume, also be prepared to discuss them in the interview and how they relate to your career goals. This is a great way to be memorable and set yourself apart from other candidates who might have similar professional backgrounds.

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