“Should I include interests and hobbies on my resume?”
Including hobbies on your resume is one of the most debated practices in resume writing, particularly at the management and executive levels.
If you ask 100 recruiters whether to add interests to your resume, you’ll likely get 100 different opinions.
Resume writing is both an art and a science; there’s rarely one definitive answer—it largely depends on your unique circumstances.
In this article, we’ll explore whether you should include interests, hobbies, and extracurricular activities on your resume. I’ll also walk you through the benefits and limitations, share examples and success stories from my clients, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision for yourself.
5 Benefits Of Including Hobbies On Your Resume
Is it worth putting hobbies on your resume? In my humble opinion, absolutely! Here’s why including hobbies can make a positive impact on your application:
1. Make your application stand out.
In a sea of applicants, adding hobbies can help catch the eye of recruiters. Unique interests can spark curiosity and set you apart from other candidates.
2. Share your personality.
Including hobbies gives you a chance to showcase your personality. Your resume isn’t just about your professional skills; it’s also about who you are as a person. For example, if you’re passionate about gaming, mentioning it can resonate with companies in the gaming industry.
3. Develop a personal connection with the recruiter.
Hobbies can create a personal connection with the recruiter. If you share a common interest, it can serve as an icebreaker during interviews and help build rapport.
[Read: How To Best Prepare For An Interview With A Recruiter]
4. Showcase your experience and skills beyond work.
Your hobbies often reflect valuable experiences and skills that go beyond traditional work. Whether it’s involvement in creativity through artistic pursuits or leadership in a nonprofit organization, these activities demonstrate attributes that employers typically value.
5. Screen out companies that may not be a fit.
Including specific hobbies can help you filter out companies that may not align with your values. For instance, if you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, mentioning related activities can attract like-minded employers while distancing you from those that don’t share your values.
Examples of Clients Who Benefited from Including Hobbies
Here are a few examples of clients who found success by including hobbies on their resumes:
- Gaming Enthusiast: One client applied to a gaming company and highlighted their passion for gaming, which helped them connect with the recruiter and hiring team despite not having prior industry experience.
- D&D Master: Another client was an avid Dungeons & Dragons player. This unique hobby showcased their strategic thinking and teamwork skills, making them memorable to employers, including several who also played tabletop role-playing games.
- Industry & Community Involvement: Several clients have mentioned memberships in organizations such as Young Presidents Organization, Women Who Code, Lesbians Who Tech, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, which demonstrates their commitment to professional development and specific communities.
Thoughtfully including hobbies on your resume can not only bolster your application but also provide insights into who you are beyond your professional attributes.
What Hobbies Are Good To Put On A Resume?
The following is a breakdown of hobbies that can enhance your resume across the tech sector. Select those that not only align with your strengths and passions but also resonate with the role you’re applying for.
A quick heads-up: while not all of these hobbies are tech-specific, I wanted to share inspiration based on what my clients have found effective.
Hobbies To Include On A Tech Resume
- Custom PC Building
- Flying Drones
- Scuba Diving
- Krav Maga
- Calligraphy
- Stand Up Comedy
- Improv
- Metalworking
- Small Batch Brewing
- Website Development
Hobbies To Include On A FinTech Resume
- Investing and Stock Trading
- Learning Data Analytics
- Real Estate
- Microlending
- Poker
- Cryptocurrency
Hobbies To Include On A HealthTech Resume
- Teaching Yoga
- Instructing Pilates
- CrossFit
- Spartan Races
- Running Marathons
- Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
- Surfing
Hobbies To Include On An EdTech Resume
- Blogging
- Fiction Writing
- Podcasting
- Learning New Languages
- Chess Competitions
- Hackathons
Hobbies To Include On A Gaming Resume
- Multiplayer Gaming
- Coding
- Geocaching
- Streaming
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Esports
When Should I Remove Interests From My Resume?
Not all hobbies and interests belong on your resume. While they can accentuate your personality, you want to consider their relevance to the position you’re applying for.
If you’re limited on space, prioritize relevant experience, career accomplishments, and skills over hobbies or interests. Recruiters typically focus on qualifications that directly relate to the job, so ensure your resume adequately reflects those elements.
Sometimes, you can mention your relevant passions and extracurricular activities without explicitly having a section labeled “Hobbies” or “Interests.” For example, you might include them in your career summary or mention relevant memberships in professional organizations. This approach allows you to highlight your interests while keeping the focus on your professional qualifications.
The specific hobbies you choose to include on your resume will depend on your industry, the company and position you’re targeting, and your personal interests.
Tips For Including Hobbies On Your Resume
If you decide to incorporate hobbies into your resume, the following are a few final tips to keep in mind:
- Stay relevant: Choose hobbies that align with the job you’re applying for. While relevance is subjective, try to highlight interests that demonstrate your fit with the company and role.
- Be memorable: Select hobbies that stand out and reflect your personality. Unique interests can spark conversations and help you leave a lasting impression on recruiters.
- Don’t overdo it: Keep it concise. Including too many hobbies can dilute the impact of your resume. Aim for 3 to 5 well-chosen interests that complement your professional experience.
- Keep them appropriate for the workplace: Be mindful of the appropriateness of the hobbies you include. Avoid any that may be controversial or perceived as inappropriate in a professional setting.
- Use them for small talk: Consider how your hobbies might serve as conversation starters during interviews. Engaging in small talk about shared interests can help build rapport with potential employers.
By following these best practices, you can effectively showcase your hobbies in a way that enhances your resume and reflects your professional and personal brand.
Final Thoughts On Including Interests And Hobbies On Your Resume
Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to including extracurricular activities on your resume. You will want to consider both your target roles and the relevance of the interests and hobbies when you’re trying to decide whether you include them in your document.
On a final note, if you’d like the support of a trained professional as you write your resume, please feel free to reach out or contact me. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
