When you’re building your resume, hobbies might seem like an afterthought. But in the right context, they can actually make your profile more memorable — especially when you’re applying for your first job or switching industries. The key is knowing which hobbies to include and how to link them to the job you're targeting.

Let’s break it down.

Why Include Hobbies on a Resume?

Hobbies aren’t required, but they can help you:

• Show personality beyond your experience

• Stand out when many candidates have similar qualifications

• Demonstrate soft skills like teamwork, creativity, or persistence
  
  

Especially for entry-level positions, hobbies can fill in the gaps and give hiring managers a better sense of who you are.

First Things First: Should You Include Hobbies on Your Resume?

Before you list your passion for rock climbing, let's be clear: a hobbies section is not for everyone. Its value depends entirely on your career level and situation.

When It’s a Great Idea 

• You're a recent graduate or have limited work experience. Hobbies can demonstrate skills like discipline, teamwork, and creativity that aren't yet reflected in your work history.

• You're changing careers. A relevant hobby can show genuine passion and transferable skills for your new field (e.g., a personal coding project when moving into tech).

• The hobby is directly relevant to the job. Applying for a job at a cycling company? Your passion for mountain biking is a huge asset.

• The company has a strong, unique culture. If you're applying to a startup that values work-life balance and personality, a well-chosen hobby can show you're a good cultural fit.

  
  

When It’s a not a Great Idea 

• You have extensive, relevant work experience. Let your professional achievements speak for themselves.

• Your hobbies are very generic (e.g., "watching movies," "reading").

• They are potentially controversial (e.g., political activities).

  
  

Best Hobbies to List (With Examples)

Here are categories of hobbies that work well on a resume — and why they matter.

1. Team Sports or Group Activities

Examples: Soccer, basketball, improv, dance troupes
They show teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

2. Creative Hobbies

Examples: Photography, creative writing, design
They highlight originality, attention to detail, and initiative.

3. Volunteering or Community Work

Examples: Organizing events, tutoring, animal shelter work
These reflect empathy, responsibility, and real-world commitment.

4. Tech & Digital Skills

Examples: Coding projects, app building, gaming with analytics
They showcase curiosity and technical mindset — great for digital roles.

5. Solo Pursuits That Build Discipline

Examples: Long-distance running, playing an instrument, language learning
These show self-motivation, focus, and growth mindset.

How to List Hobbies on Your Resume (With Formatting Examples)

Where and how you list your hobbies matters. This section typically goes at the very end of your resume. Keep it short and clean.

Bad Example:

• Interests: Reading, hiking, cooking, video games.

Good Example:

Interests & Activities

• Marathon Running: Completed the 2024 Chicago Marathon after a 6-month dedicated training regimen.

• Chess: Active member of the American Chess Federation with a competitive online rating.

Finding the right place for a custom section like "Interests" without disrupting your resume's professional flow can be tricky. A well-designed template is key. Our resume builder - Super Candidate - offers flexible layouts that allow you to easily add and format custom sections, ensuring they look intentional and polished, not like an afterthought.

Where to List Hobbies on Your Resume

The hobbies section usually goes at the bottom of your resume, after work experience and education. Keep it short — a simple list or 1–2 lines is enough. If possible, group similar interests together (e.g., “Outdoor sports: hiking, rock climbing, trail running”).

Should You Adapt Hobbies to Each Job?

Yes — especially if you’re applying to different types of roles. A marketing job might benefit from your video editing hobby, while a nonprofit position might align better with your volunteering experience.

Our resume builder makes it easy to personalize your resume to each job offer. You can switch hobbies, change tone, and export in seconds.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Personality Support Your Pitch

Hobbies won’t get you the job on their own — but they can support your case and help a recruiter remember you. If they add value or reinforce traits the company is looking for, include them with intention.

Writing a resume brings up all sorts of questions — like whether to include your address or if it should be in past tense. It’s normal to wonder, and the key is to stay focused on what really helps you stand out.