Ultimate List of 150+ Hobbies and Interests for Your Resume [+Examples & How-to Guide]

As you work through all of the “must-have” sections on your resume, you may find yourself getting to the end and thinking, “Have I given the hiring team any information or insight into who I am as a person?”

Enter: the “Interests” section of your resume.

How do you add your interests and hobbies for resume details without drawing attention away from the most important details? And what should you even include? Read on for helpful resume tips on all of the above, in addition to 150+ creative hobbies you can use as inspiration throughout your job search. 

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What are hobbies?‍

Hobbies are specific activities that you pursue for enjoyment or relaxation. For example, someone in a creative field like graphic design might have hobbies like painting or photography, while someone in a more analytical role, like accounting, might enjoy puzzles or playing chess.

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What are interests?‍

Interests refer to the broader range of activities or subjects that you enjoy or find engaging. For instance, a person interested in technology may stay curious about AI developments or cybersecurity trends.

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‍‍How are hobbies and interests different from each other?

Interests and hobbies are closely related and often used interchangeably, but there is some subtle difference between the two. Hobbies tend to be more hands-on than interests, while interests tend to refer to a broader range of activities or subjects that you enjoy or find engaging. 

While there is some overlap between interests and hobbies, interests tend to be more intellectual or broad-based, like a marketer’s interest in consumer behavior or a teacher’s interest in child psychology

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Examples of how hobbies and interests for a resume are different

Hobbies tend to be more hands-on activities that someone actively pursues
Interests can be more passive engagement with a topic or subject area

Hobbies are often done for relaxation or creative expression
Interests are pursued more for intellectual stimulation or expanding one's knowledge

Hobbies require setting aside time specifically to engage in the activity
Interests can be satisfied through more flexible or occasional engagement, like reading or attending events

Hobbies produce tangible results like a painting, knitted scarf, or piece of furniture
Interests produce more intangible rewards like satisfying curiosity or gaining new perspectives

Hobbies tend to have a process or involve developing skills
Interests are more about appreciation and understanding

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Adding hobbies and interests on a resume

Your resume needs to do more than list your professional accomplishments—it should paint a complete picture of who you are as a candidate. While your work experience and skills are crucial, including select hobbies and interests can set you apart from equally qualified candidates.

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Should you put interests on a resume?

Including thoughtfully chosen interests on your resume can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. When hiring managers review applications with similar qualifications, your interests can provide valuable insights into your personality and potential cultural fit. For instance, an interest in industry podcasts or professional networking groups shows dedication to your field beyond the workplace, while interests in global cultures or language learning can demonstrate valuable perspective in an increasingly international business environment.

Your interests can be particularly valuable on your resume when:

• They align with the company's values or industry focus
• They demonstrate ongoing professional development
• They showcase relevant soft skills like leadership or communication
• They indicate cultural awareness and global perspective

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Should you put hobbies on a resume?

Hobbies can be valuable additions to your resume, especially when they demonstrate practical skills relevant to the role. This is particularly important for early career professionals or those changing industries, as hobbies can help fill experience gaps. For example, a web developer who builds model aircraft demonstrates attention to detail and precision, while a marketing manager's photography hobby showcases creativity and visual storytelling abilities.

Consider including hobbies on your resume when:

• They showcase skills directly relevant to the role
• They demonstrate leadership or team collaboration
• They highlight problem-solving or technical abilities
• They show commitment and dedication through long-term pursuit

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Benefits of having hobbies and interests

At the end of the day, both interests and hobbies can provide a source of enjoyment and fulfillment outside of work or other obligations. They can also offer opportunities for:

• Personal growth
• Skill development
• Stress relief
• Mental breaks from daily routines and challenges  
• Creativity
• An enhanced sense of identity and self-awareness
• Boosting overall well-being

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What kind of hobbies should you put on your resume?

The simple answer: include hobbies and interests relevant to the job you're applying for and that show your value.

Here are a few tips on what kind of hobbies to include:

• Look for hobbies that align with the job requirements and highlight your strengths.
• Show a range by including a mix of personal hobbies that demonstrate different aspects of your personality and skills.
• Think about the company culture and values and choose hobbies that fit with them.
• Be mindful of the hobbies you include and avoid ones that may be controversial or could be perceived as inappropriate.
• While including hobbies can be a great way to stand out and showcase your personality, it's important to keep it concise and relevant.

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What kind of interests should you put on a resume?

Just like hobbies, the interests on your resume should reflect who you are and how you fit the role.

Here are a some tips on what resume interests to include:

• Look for interests that align with the job or industry and show your passion for the work.
• Include a variety of interests that demonstrate different skills and aspects of your personality.
• Consider the company culture and values, and choose interests that complement them.
• Be mindful of the interests you list and avoid those that might seem inappropriate or controversial.
• While listing interests can add depth to your resume, keep them brief and focused on what's relevant to the position.

With these tips in mind, let’s take a look at some of the different types of interests and hobbies that would be suitable for a resume. 

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Best types of interests and hobbies for a resume

The best hobbies for your resume will ultimately depend on the nature of the role, the organization’s culture, and which types of experiences matter to the position—you should always tailor your resume for every role. But generally speaking, there are certain hobbies and interests that are strong indicators of different skill sets that can strengthen your candidacy.

Here are some great types of interests and hobbies that can often be strong additions to a resume:

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Types of hobbies

Creative Pursuits

Creative hobbies like painting, writing, or performing arts not only enrich your personal life but also have a place on your resume if they're relevant to the role you're applying to. These pursuits often require critical thinking and problem-solving, which are key in many professional settings. They show that you have a strong imagination, an eye for aesthetics, a desire to express yourself uniquely, and the ability to think outside the box.

Creative pursuits can add value to your resume by:

• Underscoring your ideation and innovation skills
• Showcasing proficiency in project management
• Highlighting the ability to see tasks through from start to finish
• Demonstrating a dynamic approach to obstacles
• Showing a passion for originality

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Technology Proficiency

Including hobbies that demonstrate your technological proficiency, like coding for personal projects, engaging with maker communities, or building computers, can make your resume stand out. In a world where technology is integral to most jobs, these skills are highly valuable.

Technological proficiency can add value to your resume by:

• Showing that you're comfortable with modern tools and platforms
• Suggesting strong problem-solving skills
• Indicating your ability to self-teach—important in rapidly changing fields
• Highlighting your adaptability to new technologies

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Intellectual Challenges

Participating in activities that present intellectual challenges, like chess, strategic games, or problem-solving competitions, can be an excellent addition to your resume. They highlight attributes valuable in roles requiring tactical planning and decision-making.

Intellectual challenges can add value to your resume by:

• Indicating a penchant for critical thinking and analytics
• Suggesting you enjoy overcoming complex problems
• Demonstrating an ability to bring innovative solutions to the table
• Inferring you're a strategic thinker with sharp intellect

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Types of interests

Community Involvement

Engaging in community projects, volunteering, supporting local organizations with your time, or youth mentorship shows that you're concerned about the well-being of others around you. Listing volunteer work or community service on your resume can showcase interpersonal skills like empathy, compassion, and the desire to make a positive impact.

Community involvement can add value to your resume by:

• Highlighting management capabilities
• Presenting event coordination skills
• Emphasizing public speaking abilities
• Showcasing empathy and social responsibility
• Signaling a cooperative and compassionate team member

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Continuing Education

Whether you're taking online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing additional certifications, continuing education is a testament to your commitment to professional growth. It suggests you're dedicated to enhancing your skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis.

Continuing education can add value to your resume by:

• Reflecting an investment in your professional development
• Highlighting readiness to adapt to new information or technology
• Showcasing self-motivation and a competitive edge
• Demonstrating initiative and desire to improve
• Indicating you're a lifelong learner who will continue to grow and contribute

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Professional Development

Active participation in professional organizations, attending industry conferences, or joining study groups related to your profession can be excellent resume additions. These activities signify your genuine interest in staying connected with industry trends and best practices.

Professional development can add value to your resume by:

• Underscoring your commitment to your career growth
• Highlighting leadership qualities if you've taken on roles within professional affiliations
• Demonstrating a proactive approach to your career trajectory
• Showing foresight and a strategic approach to your professional life

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Cultural Awareness

Involvement in multicultural festivals, language learning, and international travel speaks to your cultural awareness. This is particularly valuable in today's globalized business environment, where understanding and respecting different perspectives is key.

Cultural awareness can add value to your resume by:

• Suggesting you're a global citizen
• Highlighting your ability to navigate multicultural workplaces
• Indicating strong communication skills
• Showcasing your potential to represent a company in a global market

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Personal Interests

Adding personal interests to your resume can  offer insight into your character, creativity, and ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Personal interests can also highlight valuable transferable skills. Choosing to include thoughtfully selected personal interests on your resume can make you more relatable and memorable to potential employers while illustrating important soft skills that complement your professional qualifications.

Personal interests can add value to your resume by:

• Demonstrating effective time management and work-life balance
• Highlighting leadership and teamwork through group activities
• Showcasing creativity and innovative thinking
• Indicating self-motivation and goal-setting abilities
• Revealing adaptability and willingness to learn new skills
• Providing unique conversation starters during interviews
• Illustrating commitment and dedication through long-term pursuits
• Supporting claims of soft skills with concrete examples

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Hobbies and interests examples for a resume

Understanding how to effectively present your hobbies and interests on a resume can be challenging, but when done right, they can significantly strengthen your application.

The following examples demonstrate how to strategically connect your personal pursuits to professional competencies. Each example showcases not just the activity itself, but also illustrates how these pursuits can demonstrate valuable workplace skills and capabilities.

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Hobbies examples

• A web developer who enjoys building model aircraft, demonstrating attention to detail and precision in complex projects
• A marketing manager who practices photography on weekends, showcasing creativity and visual storytelling abilities
• A project manager who participates in local chess tournaments, highlighting strategic thinking and planning skills

Why these examples of hobbies work:

These examples of hobbies work well on a resume because they demonstrate direct correlations between hands-on activities and professional competencies, while showing how practical skills developed through hobbies can translate to workplace success. Each example builds a clear bridge between the hobby and valuable workplace capabilities.

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Interests examples

• An HR professional interested in psychology and behavioral science, showing dedication to understanding human dynamics
• A sales representative passionate about public speaking and Toastmasters, demonstrating communication skills
• A financial analyst who follows global economics and market trends, indicating industry awareness and analytical thinking

Why these examples of interests work on a resume:

‍These example interests are effective to include in your resume because they show intellectual engagement with topics that directly enhance professional capabilities, while also demonstrating a commitment to personal growth that aligns with career advancement. Each interest reveals deeper insights into the candidate's professional motivations and capabilities.

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List of hobbies and interests

Creating a carefully curated list of your own hobbies and interests and then choosing the ones that align closely with every unique role can help you save time during your job search in the long run.

And while they should always be relevant to the role you're applying to, understanding everything you bring to the table before you get started can give you a significant advantage in tailoring your resume for every job you apply to.

Below are 150+ examples of interests and hobbies for a resume you can pull from or use as inspiration to highlight your transferable skills, add depth and dimension to your resume, and stand out as a qualified, well-rounded candidate.

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Artistic interests for a Resume

• Animation
• Creative activities
• Creative writing
• Drawing
• Filmmaking
• Flower arranging
• Furniture building
• Furniture restoration
• Illustration
• Knitting
• Painting
• Photography
• Pottery
• Quilting
• Restoring Furniture
• Woodworking

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Writing hobbies for a resume

• Blogging
• Copywriting
• Essay writing
• Fan fiction
• Fiction writing
• Journaling
• Memoir writing
• Poetry writing
• Screenwriting
• Travel writing

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Organization hobbies for a resume

• Bullet journaling
• Budgeting
• Calendar syncing
• Digital organizing
• DIY projects
• Event planning
• Feng Shui
• Gardening
• Home organizing
• KonMari method
• Meal planning
• Organizing local meetups
• Personal inventory

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Reading hobbies and interest for a resume

• Attending literary events
• Book clubs
• Book collecting
• Book reviewing
• Book swaps
• Literary analysis
• Reading challenges
• Reading different genres
• Reading for education
• Translating books

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Collecting hobbies examples for a resume

• Action figures
• Comic books
• LEGO sets
• Record albums
• Sports memorabilia
• Stamps
• Stickers
• Vintage collectibles

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Volunteering hobbies for a resume

• Animal rescue
• Community gardening
• Conservation
• Disaster relief
• Elderly support
• Fundraising events
• Habitat for Humanity
• Homelessness support
• International service
• Literacy support
• Mentoring
• Teaching assistant
• Youth sports coaching

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Marketing interests and hobbies for a resume

• Content creation
• Creative writing
• Data analysis
• Exercise
• Photography
• Podcasting
• Reading marketing books
• SEO
• Social media
• Videography

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Music, movies, and performing arts hobbies for a resume

• Acting
• Composing music
• Dancing
• DJing
• Juggling
• Poetry
• Playing a musical instrument
• Magic tricks
• Singing 
• Songwriting
• Standup comedy

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Finance hobbies and interests for a resume

• Bargain shopping
• Budgeting
• Computer programs
• Investing
• Learning languages
• Participation in investment clubs
• Reading financial news and market reports
• Trading
• Volunteer work

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Sales hobbies examples for a resume

• Acting
• Building relationships
• Cold calling
• Networking events
• Persuasion and influencing skills
• Practicing negotiation
• Role-playing games
• Team sports
• Traveling
• Window shopping

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Sports and outdoor hobbies for a resume

• Backpacking
• Baseball
• Basketball 
• Bodybuilding
• Canoeing
• Car racing
• Coaching
• Boating
• Bowling
• Football
• Fantasy football
• Fantasy baseball
• Golf
• Hiking
• Individual sports
• Kayaking
• Martial arts
• Mountain biking
• Mountain climbing
• Paintball
• Pickleball
• Pilates
• Rock climbing
• Running
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Skydiving
• Snowboarding
• Skiing
• Tennis
• Whitewater rafting
• Yoga

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Technology hobbies and interests for a resume

• 3-D printing
• App building
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer programming
• Podcasting
• Robotics
• Social media
• Virtual reality
• Web design
• Web development 

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Unique hobbies and interests for a resume

• Astronomy
• Astrology
• Building models
• Car restoration
• Community activities
• Cooking classes
• Genealogy
• Historic preservation
• Learning languages
• Networking groups
• Personal development
• RV traveling
• Sign language
• Stamp collecting
• Traveling
• Vintage shopping

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How soft and hard skills relate to hobbies and interests

Hobbies and interests can play a significant role in developing both soft and hard skills.

Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, are the personal skills that help you work effectively with others, while hard skills are the technical abilities required to perform a specific job.

The relationship between hobbies and interests and soft and hard skills can be quite strong, and many people find that their hobbies and interests have helped them develop the skills they need for success in their careers.

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Soft skills

When it comes to resume soft skills, hobbies and interests can provide opportunities to develop and improve them.

For example, if you're passionate about team sports, you might have developed communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Or, if you're interested in volunteer work, you may have honed your problem-solving, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills. These skills are essential in the workplace, and they can make a significant difference in your success.

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Hard skills

Resume Hard skills can also be developed and enhanced through hobbies and interests.

Many hobbies require technical skills, such as programming, graphic design, or data analysis. These skills can be valuable in a variety of professions, and they can help you stand out from other job applicants. Even if your hobby isn't directly related to your career, the skills you develop can be transferable to other areas of your life.

Ultimately, hobbies and interests can provide a valuable avenue for developing both soft and hard skills. They allow you to explore your passions and interests while developing skills that can benefit you both personally and professionally.

When it comes to your career, showcasing your hobbies and interests on your resume or during an interview can demonstrate your skills and make you a more compelling candidate for the job. So, if you're looking to develop new skills, consider exploring a new hobby or interest that aligns with your career goals.

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Customize the skills and interests on your resume

Manage both the "Skills" and "Interests" sections on your resume with a great level of control to tailor your resume for each individual job you apply for.

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How to list interests on your resume

1. Use space wisely

"How long should a resume be?" is a common question among job seekers. If there just isn't room on your resume for listing interests, it's okay to leave them off. Don't adjust your professional resume template's margins and font just to squeeze these in.

Consider putting your unique interests on another piece of professional real estate—your optimized LinkedIn profile's “About” section, for example.

A great way to check your LinkedIn profile for optimization is to download Teal’s Free Chrome Extension, which includes an automated LinkedIn Profile Review. Once you install the extension, just go to your profile page and click on the Teal logo. You’ll see a list of recommendations on optimizing your profile, and you can make updates as needed.

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2. Keep your hobbies and interests list short yet detailed 

Choose three to five activities for your resume, and be specific if you can.

For example, you can list “Active in a year-round indoor pickleball league” instead of “Playing team sports” or “Part of a book group focused on historical fiction” instead of “Reading.”

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3. Tailor your list of interests based on the job posting you're applying for

Your collection of cookbooks may be more relevant than your love of true crime podcasts if you're applying for a role at a marketing agency that works with food and beverage brands. Interests related to musical instruments would also not be the most appropriate for that role.

Choosing relevant hobbies and experiences to highlight can reflect positively on you and help establish that you're even more of a fit for the job position you're applying for. The best resume examples always align closely with the target role, including the your interests.

Use Teal's Resume Builder to quickly compare the skills and keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. Make sure to add any relevant experience to your customized resume and to your application answers.

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4. Stay away from controversial and irrelevant hobbies

It most likely goes without saying, but avoid listing anything that might be considered polarizing. That could include political or religious affiliations—or potentially controversial activities of personal interest like gambling or hunting.

Unless you're applying for a very specific role where those interests are expected, certain activities might harm the perception of you as a candidate and give other applicants an advantage.

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5. Create an interests section on your resume

Since these details aren't as critical to your experiences, skills, and personal summary, the ideal place for your hobbies and interests is at the very bottom of your resume. However, you want to make sure you don't overcrowd your resume, so try to limit your interests and hobbies to a maximum of 5.

If you'd like to take the guesswork out of this section, build your resume with Teal to create and customize the interests section of your resume, and take advantage of the built-in "Skills and Interests" section where you can easily add and edit your details. 

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Highlight your hobbies, skills and interests on your resume with Teal

There are plenty of people who will tell you to leave more “personal” details out of your resume, but business is personal. 

You shouldn't have to shut down your personality and the unique details that make you who you are just because you're interviewing for a job. In fact, showcasing a few of the things you like to do when you're not working can offer the entire picture of who you are as a candidate.

Using the Teal AI Resume Builder, you can create a master list of interests and hobbies to put on a resume, then customize your content with relevant details for every role—adding value and clarity to your candidacy.  

Sign up for Teal for free and craft a resume that showcases your unique personality, interests, and professional achievements.