When crafting a resume, many professionals focus solely on work experience and skills. However, including a list of relevant hobbies and interests can significantly enhance your resume, giving employers a deeper understanding of your personality and values. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the best hobbies and interests to feature on your resume, and why they matter.
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Why Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
While some professionals advise against including hobbies on your resume, there are times when it can work to your advantage. Including the right hobbies and interests can:
- Showcase your personality: Hobbies can provide insight into your character and reveal qualities such as creativity, discipline, or teamwork.
- Create a conversation starter: Hobbies often lead to more engaging interviews, allowing recruiters to connect with you beyond your work experience.
- Enhance your cultural fit: Some companies prioritize finding employees whose values align with their organizational culture. For example, a tech company may appreciate a candidate who actively participates in coding clubs or hackathons.
- Demonstrate transferable skills: Hobbies like volunteering, playing sports, or writing can showcase leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are valuable in the workplace.
If you’re unsure of which hobbies and interests to include, take a look at our comprehensive list of top 100+ hobbies to consider for your resume.
The Best Hobbies and Interests to Include on Your Resume
1. Volunteering and Community Involvement
- Volunteering not only shows your commitment to social causes but also demonstrates initiative, leadership, and organizational skills. These qualities are highly valued by employers.
- Example: Volunteer Coordinator at Local Animal Shelter
2. Writing
- Writing can be an excellent hobby to include if you’re applying for a position where communication is key. Whether you write articles, short stories, or blogs, it shows creativity and strong writing skills.
- Example: Frequent Contributor to Medium on Business Topics
3. Blogging
- Running a blog shows that you have an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to create valuable content. It also demonstrates communication and technical skills.
- Example: Founder of a Personal Finance Blog with Over 10,000 Monthly Readers
4. Podcasting
- Podcasting shows that you’re comfortable with public speaking and media production. It’s especially beneficial for jobs that require speaking or broadcasting.
- Example: Host of Weekly Podcast on Tech Innovations
5. Marketing
- Experience in managing social media accounts or digital marketing can be very beneficial. It shows that you understand modern marketing strategies and tools.
- Example: Managed Instagram Account with 5,000+ Followers
6. Learning New Languages
- Learning languages is a valuable hobby for global companies. It demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to adapt to new cultures.
- Example: Currently Learning Spanish (Intermediate Level)
7. Photography
- Photography demonstrates attention to detail and creativity. It also shows that you can work with different software and technologies, such as Adobe Photoshop.
- Example: Passionate about Landscape Photography and Photo Editing
8. Traveling
- Traveling is a great way to highlight your adaptability and cultural awareness. Employers value individuals who are open-minded and flexible.
- Example: Travelled to 15+ Countries, Experience in Cross-Cultural Communication
9. Sports
- Playing team sports demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and discipline. It’s particularly useful for jobs that require collaboration.
- Example: Captain of Local Basketball Team
10. Yoga
- Yoga shows that you have a strong sense of discipline and mindfulness. It can also highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Example: Certified Yoga Instructor, 3 Years of Practice
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11. Dance
- Dance reflects creativity and collaboration, particularly in team settings. It also requires discipline and focus.
- Example: Advanced in Ballet and Hip-Hop Dance Styles
12. Art
- Engaging in art shows creativity and an eye for design. It can be particularly valuable in creative fields such as graphic design or marketing.
- Example: Member of Local Art Collective
13. Reading
- Reading demonstrates your ability to focus and your commitment to personal growth. It’s especially useful for jobs that require continuous learning.
- Example: Avid Reader of Business, Philosophy, and Psychology Books
14. Music
- Playing an instrument or being involved in music can demonstrate creativity, dedication, and focus.
- Example: Piano Player with 10+ Years of Experience
15. Cooking
- Cooking can highlight your creativity and your ability to plan and execute tasks.
- Example: Amateur Chef Specializing in Italian Cuisine
16. Chess
- Chess demonstrates strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate challenges and make decisions under pressure.
- Example: Active Member of Chess Club, Competed in Regional Tournaments
How to List Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
When adding hobbies and interests to your resume, consider the following guidelines:
1. Be Selective
Include only hobbies that are relevant to the job and company culture. Tailor your interests to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job, listing blogging or social media management would be ideal.
2. Keep It Concise
Limit your list to 3-5 hobbies or interests. Too many can clutter your resume and distract from your professional qualifications.
3. Be Honest
Never exaggerate or list hobbies you don’t actually pursue. It’s important to be authentic, as the recruiter might ask you questions about your interests during the interview.
4. Avoid Controversial Topics
Stay away from hobbies related to politics, religion, or anything that might be perceived as controversial. Keep your list lighthearted and neutral.
5. Focus on Transferable Skills
Choose hobbies that showcase transferable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving. These skills are valuable in any workplace.
How to Improve Your Resume with the International English Test
If you want to make your resume even stronger, consider taking the International English Test (IET). An official English certification can enhance your resume by demonstrating your proficiency in the language, making you stand out from other candidates.
Whether you’re applying for a job in an international company or one that requires strong communication skills, an IET certificate can help you showcase your English abilities effectively. With customizable validity periods for your certificate, IET is a flexible and affordable way to prove your language proficiency.
Conclusion
Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be an excellent way to demonstrate your personality, creativity, and relevant skills. By following the tips and examples in this article, you can select the best hobbies that will resonate with employers and complement your professional qualifications.
For further improvements, consider taking the International English Test to gain a certification that reflects your English proficiency, making your resume even more appealing. Happy resume writing, and good luck with your job search!
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