Interests and Hobbies: How to Include Them When Updating Your Resume

When updating your resume, don’t just focus on education and work experience. Adding your interests and hobbies can transform a standard resume into a vibrant display of your personality. In a competitive job market, showcasing your passions can set you apart.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to effectively include your interests and hobbies in your resume. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, these personal touches can reveal much about your character and abilities that qualifications alone can’t convey.

What Are Interests and Hobbies?

Hobbies are activities you enjoy in your free time, like cooking, traveling, or playing chess. They offer a relaxed way to showcase your skills outside a professional setting. Interests, on the other hand, are activities you like but don’t always engage in regularly, such as volunteering or joining social groups.

Understanding this difference helps you use your resume update wisely. Hobbies show your daily passions, while interests reflect broader aspirations and occasional pursuits.

How to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

Adding hobbies and interests isn’t just about filling space. It’s about painting a fuller picture of who you are. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Research the Company: Learn about the company’s culture and values through job descriptions and social media. This will help you choose hobbies that align with their ethos.
• Match Your Interests to Job Requirements: Pick hobbies that reflect the traits and skills needed for the job. For example, if teamwork is important, highlight a team sport to show your collaborative spirit.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Use hobbies to showcase skills related to the job. For instance, if you freelance write, mention it to highlight your writing skills, even if it’s outside formal work experience.
• Create a Dedicated Section: Add a ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section at the end of your resume. List up to five hobbies with a brief description. Make it engaging—e.g., “Passionate about writing short stories, which enhances my creativity and storytelling skills.”

What Do Your Hobbies Reveal About You?

Your hobbies can say a lot about your personality and skills. For instance, solving puzzles may show strong problem-solving abilities, while team sports can reflect teamwork and leadership skills. These personal insights make you stand out to potential employers.

Choosing the Right Hobbies and Interests

When selecting hobbies to include, think about these categories:

• Professional Relevance: Hobbies related to the industry, like blogging for a content role or coding for a tech position.
• Soft Skills: Activities that demonstrate qualities like teamwork, leadership, or creativity.
• Cultural Fit: Interests that align with the company’s values or culture

What If You Don’t Have Relevant Hobbies?

If your hobbies aren’t directly related to the job, focus on transferable skills or omit them if they don’t add value. It’s better to leave out unrelated hobbies than to include ones that might seem irrelevant or distracting.

Ready to Revamp Your Resume?

Crafting a standout resume goes beyond listing qualifications. It’s about presenting a holistic view of who you are. At The Talent Point, we can help you refine your resume to include impactful hobbies and interests, ensuring you shine in a competitive job market.

Let’s make your resume unforgettable!