When employers post a job ad, many want applicants to include hobbies and interests information as part of their resume. Jobseekers should carefully watch for this request and refrain from including this information unless an employer specifically asks for it.
Those applying for a job that requests such a list should follow best practices while putting together their hobbies for a resume to ensure this section is interesting, yet not over the top. Read on for some tips, tricks, and writing guidelines on how to write the best hobbies section for your resume possible, so you come off as a well-rounded, interesting applicant during your job hunt.
How To Write Hobbies for a Resume
Most importantly, your hobbies for a resume should compel employers to want to know more about you without displaying your entire life’s history. For this reason, this section should be engaging and interesting, but it shouldn’t be lengthy. Stick to a few lines for the best possible result.
If you include this section as part of your resume, pick a few key hobbies or interests to focus on. For example, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, state that you enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping. Then choose another interest. You might mention you have a passion for creating culinary masterpieces in the kitchen on weekends and especially holidays.
You should only include work-appropriate hobbies and refrain from going into too much detail about yourself. This section is simply for employers to get to know a bit more about you, not to understand exactly what you do every day when you get off of work.
For example, you should not mention that you spend weekends with your children because you just went through a lengthy divorce. Rather, merely state you enjoy spending time with your children and try to do different activities on the weekends. Limiting the details will keep your hobbies section light, interesting, and easy to read.
Avoid mentioning topics that could be divisive or could make hiring managers uncomfortable, such as politics or strong religious beliefs. But be open and honest about yourself, who you are, and what you like to do. Chances are that employers will find your hobbies interesting as well and they may even share some of your interests, which could lead to a beneficial connection. Check out these examples for ideas:
• Jog to prepare for running half-marathons and marathons
• Volunteer weekly at the Paws Animal Shelter, introducing people to adoptable pets
• Take classes in oil painting at local community center
5 Hobbies for a Resume Must-Haves
1. Keep your hobbies section short and sweet
Your hobbies for a resume are simply an opportunity for employers to better understand who you are without detracting from your professional accomplishments, experiences, and skills. For this reason, you should keep your this section short and to the point.
Generally speaking, you should include two to three hobbies in this section and briefly explain what you like to participate in during your free time or on weekends. A good rule of thumb is to keep this section to a few quick lines near the bottom of your resume.
2. Stick with positive, interesting information
Your hobbies section should be upbeat and interesting, so keep your wording and information positive and compelling. Only mention hobbies that have positive connotations and do not include any information that is illegal in nature. For example, if you enjoy mountain biking, you could state you like to do this on weekends but refrain from mentioning you only rarely trespass while on your bike.
3. Be open and honest
Your resume should showcase your genuine skills, accomplishments, and interests. Only include true information in this section and do not list hobbies that you do not actually participate in. While it may be tempting to include extraordinarily exciting activities or interests, stick with true information about who you are and what you like to do.
4. Focus on a few key hobbies
If you have many diverse hobbies, only include a few of them on your resume and group them together if possible. For instance, if you enjoy crafting, mention that you like to create and quilt, paint, and draw inspiration from the outdoors regularly. You should refrain from using the hobbies section of your resume as a laundry list of all your interests.
5. Try to find common ground
Other employees or employers may share some of your hobbies and interests. Try to include information about hobbies you have that many people also enjoy. For example, if you enjoy the outdoors, mention you are an avid camper and hiker. Balance this information with unique interests you have, such as origami, fencing, or other hobbies and activities other people may not know about or participate in regularly.
Top Hobbies for a Resume Takeaways
Writing up your hobbies for a resume can be an enjoyable part of the resume creation process. Overall, make sure that this section is short and simple and that it showcases your additional abilities and interests. You should include information about hobbies others might enjoy as well as your unique pastimes.
Keep this resume section to the point and do not include too much information about your personal political or religious beliefs, family issues, or other sensitive information. If you stick to these guidelines, creating a compelling, interesting hobbies section to add to your resume can be a simple process.