Gone are the days of adding your social security or identity number, full street and postal addresses, personal email address, references, and more to your resume.
We live in a time where you should only have the necessary information on your professional resume that will attract HR managers and future employers to look at your qualifications.
But two interesting questions that keep popping up from job seekers are “Should I put hobbies on my resume?” and “What hobbies to put on resume?”
The answer isn’t clear-cut, but one thing’s for certain: Note only hobbies that are value-add to the job and work culture you are applying for.
I’ve got everything you need to know about putting hobbies on your resume, including the 41 best hobbies (and why they are attractive to grab the attention of a potential employer).
Why List Your Hobbies on Your Resume? (And Should You?)
Some CEOs and HR managers would say, yes, do list your hobbies on your resume because it tells us something about you.
It makes you more human, because when you just list your qualifications, skills, and work experiences, you may look like a working machine (which is good, but that doesn’t fit in with all company cultures).
And yet, others will think listing hobbies and personal interests unprofessional and (at best) irrelevant.
So what’s right?
Every employer will have their own thoughts on the hobbies on resume question, but the benefits of including a relevant few of your interests are:
Tips for Putting Hobbies on a Resume
Of course, how you put hobbies on a resume matters just as much as which hobbies you showcase.
Here are the best tips when adding hobbies to a resume:
41 Hobbies to Put on Resume
Here are the 41 best hobbies for your resume:
1. Playing a Musical Instrument (Or Writing Music)
Almost everyone listens to music, so that’s too generic to list on your resume. But if you play a musical instrument (or are learning), or you compose jingles or music, do note these music-related hobbies.
According to research, learning how to play an instrument boosts your ability for math and science, while it also improves your cognitive performance.
Skills you showcase a potential employer when you list composing music or playing an instrument are commitment, creativity, dedication, and self-discipline.
Resource: How to learn a musical instrument all by yourself
2. Reading
Not everyone reads, but when you list your reading hobby on your resume for a potential employer, ensure you note what kind of reading you are interested in.
By reading, you foster various skills, from decoding, vocabulary, reasoning, fluency, and comprehension to critical thinking and personal development. Plus, the more you read, the better you write and the more you learn.
Resource: 50 best books of all time
3. Traveling
Traveling is freeing and very educational, so if you enjoy visiting new places – locally and internationally, you show future employers that you are brave, curious, flexible, confident, independent, and able to plan and organize trips (and be spontaneous).
You are okay stepping out of your comfort bubble, able to problem solve, and overcome challenging situations.
You also meet new people on your travels, enabling you to learn about their histories, culture, and language, which broadens your life perspective.
This is an essential hobby to list if you’ll work with an international or multicultural team.
Resource: World’s best places to visit
4. Photography
When you are into photography, you know it’s more than simply pointing a camera at a scene and pressing a button. You develop technical expertise, composition, and conceptual skills, and you even learn about collaboration when you work with other photographers.
As a photographer, you learn to be patient (waiting for that perfect shot, right?), work solo and in a team, dedication, and how to focus on detail (while being aware of the bigger picture).
Resource: Photography basics: A beginner’s guide
5. Learning and Speaking a Few Languages
You may need to know another language if you want to develop in your career, or you may just have a knack for learning languages. Regardless of your reasons for learning a new language, you gain various benefits, such as learning problem-solving abilities and improving your memory skills.
Moreover, you also show an HR manager or interviewer that you have good communication skills, can take initiative, and are dedicated.
Resource: How to speak a new language fluently faster
6. Playing Sports and Exercising
Playing sports and working out develops several skills that are worth mentioning in your resume. These hobbies foster patience, resilience, team spirit, self-motivation, and self-discipline, as well as interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Your potential employer will also know that you are healthy (or working toward being healthier), which is a plus!
Resource: How to start exercising
7. Podcasting
Hosting podcasts are popular, and you can easily host a podcast on a topic you are passionate about.
Showcase your industry or topic expertise and authority, your ability to market and connect with influencers and thought leaders (research skills and networking), and skills at speaking clearly and logically about the subject.
Resource: How to start a podcast
8. Writing and Blogging
In pretty much any job, you need to communicate with your boss, colleagues, clients, and customers. It’s the heart of every company and a significant factor that determines a company’s success. So practice your writing skills by writing a novel, poetry, essays, fan fiction, blogs, or reports.
Skills you demonstrate by listing writing as a hobby include good communication skills, ability to engage an audience, story-telling, SEO if you write blogs and landing copy, tech savvy, and research skills. You’ll be an asset to any team!
Resource: Blogging for beginners
9. LARPing
Mentioning LARPing (live action role playing) as a hobby may raise a few eyebrows, but it is a value-added hobby on a resume. Why? Well, when you do LARPing, you dress and act as your favorite character from a book, comic strip, novel, movie, or video game.
You learn about improvisation, role-playing, how to make costumes and props, and how to interact with other characters while staying true to your character.
Resource: A guide to what is LARPing and how it works
10. Volunteering and Community Involvement
Did you know that more than 80% of managers would choose a candidate or job applicant with volunteer or community involvement experience? So this is definitely a hobby to start engaging with if you haven’t already.
The skills you learn when you volunteer and become involved in your local community are taking initiative, leadership, time management, and organizational skills, social responsibility, and compassion.
Psst … You also tell your future employer that you have strong morals and are generous, which are good things.
Resource: 13 steps to start volunteering in your community
11. Yoga
Yoga can fall under exercise in my hobbies to put on a resume list, but this one is special enough to warrant its own section.
When you practice yoga, you do more than just stretching, balancing, and strengthening your core and muscles; you also concentrate and focus on your breathing, which helps you relax.
And when you are calm, you are less likely to quit your job, a benefit for recruiters and employers since their turnover rate will be lower.
Resource: Yoga for everyone: A beginner’s guide
12. Dancing
Dancing can also be quite the workout that focuses on your artistic and creative sides. It’s also a social activity that helps you unwind, improves your brain function, and teaches you to focus and collaborate with your dance partner(s).
The kind of dancing you are interested in also gives hiring managers insight to what you bring to the employment table. For example, all dancing styles tell your potential employer that you are dedicated, but being part of a troupe or dance group means you are a good communicator and team player.
Resource: 10 basic dance moves anyone can learn
13. Painting, Drawing, and Other Types of Art
Art is a broad topic, so mention the exact type of art you are passionate about. It could be painting, drawing, diamond art, or crafty arts.
The job you are applying for may require creativity, so doing art is a great way to showcase that you have an imaginative and inventive streak, while you can also think critically (a skill more than 90% of employers value above your undergrad).
Art also requires attention to detail and trend awareness.
Resource: Painting tips and tricks for beginners
14. Cooking and Baking
You may be into cooking and baking, or just one of the two. If you just cook your family dinner every night, this isn’t a hobby. You need to be more dedicated to the craft by trying out new recipes, experimenting and trying new methods and ingredients, and learning as much as you can about your passion.
When you talk about cooking or baking on your resume, you show your ability to follow instructions, improvise, and manage your time.
Resource: Beginner baking recipes
15. Fundraising and Charity
Another aspect of paying it forward and helping your community is to plan, organize, and host fundraisers or make time to help out a local charity.
Your potential employer will see that you are committed to a cause, while you show that you are adaptable, honest, and determined. Other great skills that charity work and fundraising help cultivate are resilience, having integrity, and being compassionate.
Resource: Planning a charity event: A beginner’s guide to fundraising
16. Solving Puzzles and Strategy Games
Playing strategy games like chess and solving jigsaw and other types of puzzles illustrates your ability to plan and think strategically. You also develop creativity, focus, and memory.
Beware though that employers may think you aren’t open to working in a team when you list these kinds of solo hobbies on your resume.
Resource: Chess for beginners
17. Computing and IT
It’s essential to be tech savvy in today’s world, and tinkering around with technology outside of work doesn’t do any harm. You can engage with coding, programming, developing and designing websites, and keeping up with the latest tech trends and security measures.
If you are passionate about technology, companies will realize that you are creative and have technical and organizational skills.
Resource: How to start coding
18. Designing
Digital design is quite a cool hobby as you can play around with computer-aided design (CAD) software like the Adobe apps or Canva to create art, posters, cards, templates, and more. You can even take it further and do animation.
You cultivate creativity, tech skills, attention to detail, storytelling, and listening and communication skills (especially if you design for friends, family, and companies).
Resource: Graphic design for beginners
19. Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities, like camping, hiking, fishing, and climbing, are great additions to your resume. Future employers will see that you are active and like to stay healthy, while you also learn patience, navigation, problem solving, creativity, logic, and an eye for detail.
Resource: Camping for beginners
20. Gaming
Some hiring managers may not be impressed that you spend your leisure time playing video games, but many will admit that gaming fosters problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.
Be aware that writing gaming as a hobby on a job application to a traditional law firm is probably a big no-no, while if you are applying to a tech company or a new startup, it can be a value-add to your resume and attract the attention of the recruiter.
Resource: Best video games for beginners
21. Club and Social Activities
You can form a club, which definitely speaks to your skills in leadership and organization, but even being a member of a club or other organized social activity speaks volumes when you mention this on your resume.
Hiring managers like that you are an active member in and part of your community and that you have interpersonal skills, are people-oriented (especially in this extrovert-friendly world we live in), and can be part of a team.
Resource: How to find networking events worth going to
22. Robotics
You can ideate, design, make, or operate robots in your spare time to help you with simple tasks. When you are passionate about robotics, you need to be super tech savvy and smart.
Other skills your future and potential employer will learn that you’ve cultivated include:
Resource: Robotics for beginners
23. Videography
Videography is a hobby you can use to design videos to share on social media platforms and YouTube, or you can focus on video editing or production for various projects.
Besides the technical know-how, you also need to be creative, see the bigger picture while being able to focus on the smaller and individual elements, have an eagle eye, and be adaptable and thorough.
Resource: A beginner’s guide to videography
24. Tutoring and Mentoring
It’s likely that you have skills you’d like to share, so you can take up tutoring or mentoring and teach others. In your resume, share how you tutor or mentor, what you share (the niche), and with whom.
You demonstrate leadership and teaching skills, the ability to advise, guide, and give feedback, and develop skills like patience, empathy, topical knowledge, active listening, communication, and confidence while building trust and connecting with your students or mentee.
Resource: Tutoring vs mentoring: Which is best for you?
25. Child Care
If you want to work in the service or care industries, listing child care and related hobbies looks good on your resume.
You can babysit your friend’s children or volunteer as a camp counselor, illustrating that you have patience, empathy, and awareness. A hiring manager will also see that you are trustworthy, responsible, and reliable.
Resource: 10 tips every summer camp counselor needs to know
26. Collecting
You can collect various items, from stamps, coins, and teacups to dolls, books, antiques, and model cars, as a hobby.
Your potential employer will see that you are interested in more than just work (which is good), and you can share your great networking and organizational skills, which are handy in many professions.
Resource: 30+ awesome things to collect as a hobby
27. Pet Care
Many people own pets but not everyone is great at it. If you are passionate about your bunny, horses, dogs, tetra fish, or beardie, do list pet care as a hobby.
You show that you are dependable, caring, compassionate, warm, trustworthy, friendly, and able to follow a schedule.
Resource: A beginner’s guide to being a pet parent
28. Motivational Speaking
You can give motivational speeches on the side. Maybe you have a story to share that’ll inspire children, teens, or adults?
When you share your motivational speaking hobby on your resume, the hiring manager learns that you have storytelling, leadership, presentation, interpersonal, and marketing skills.
You are communicative, confident, articulate, and adaptable, all of which are great abilities, especially if you want to move up the professional ladder into management or leadership roles.
Resource: How to become a motivational speaker
29. Drama, Theater, and the Performing Arts
The performing arts refer to acting in theater and drama productions, being part of a marching band, storytelling (at your local library, perhaps?), cheerleading, doing flash mobs, or singing in a choir.
You are front and center with an audience, illustrating that you are self-confident, committed, disciplined, productive, creative, and have good organizational and time management skills.
Resource: A simple guide to performing arts for beginners
30. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is only really a hobby if you don’t work in this field. If you want to change careers, this is an excellent hobby to start as you learn valuable skills that’ll benefit you.
In digital marketing, you could focus on search engine marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, marketing automation, or digital advertising. Perhaps practice your skills by offering free marketing services to friends and family, NGOs, and charitable organizations.
Nonetheless, you show that you are analytical, strategic, creative, technology savvy, adaptable, and tenacious.
Resource: A beginner’s guide to social media marketing
31. Jewelry Design and Other Visual Arts
Visual arts is quite a broad category, so if any of your personal interests fall under this “umbrella,” be specific. Visual art hobbies include jewelry design, technical drawings, film production, cinematography, making sculptures, and more.
Skills you demonstrate by doing visual arts are composition, style, creativity, attention to detail, and various technical skills. You may also have experience collaborating with other artists or managing or organizing events in this space.
Resource: Understanding the fundamentals of visual art
32. Meditating
Meditating has many benefits for you, from reducing stress and bringing clarity and focus to increasing self-awareness and living in the present moment. There are many companies, like Google, HBO, Nike, and Salesforce, that see the value of meditation as they offer on-site meditation spaces and courses.
Writing a bit about why you meditate on your resume indicates that you have self-discipline and a good strategy for managing stress, two attributes that are essential for a managerial or team leader position.
Resource: How to properly meditate
33. DIY
Undertaking do-it-yourself (DIY) projects where you assemble something or make it from scratch can be really fun as you can make candles, brew beer, make furniture and decorative items, epoxy your kitchen floor in funky colors, and so much more.
When you add DIY hobbies and some specifics, you show your future employer that you are active, handy, willing to learn new skills (and not just the easy stuff either), and thrifty (so you won’t just spend a project’s budget because you can).
Resource: 24 Geeky DIY hobbies
33. Upcycling
When you upcycle, you use materials that are old and/or not in use currently to make something new, more valuable, or better quality – essentially, giving new life to the object.
An interviewer or HR manager will appreciate your efforts to live green as you reduce what ends up in landfills, while you also showcase creativity, an ability to think out of the box, work with your hands, and more.
Resource: Upcycling for beginners
34. Gardening
Depending on the job you are applying for, gardening as a hobby on your resume can be a real value add.
While you learn about horticulture methods and materials, landscaping, using power and hand tools, and more, you also learn how to be patient, persevere, make decisions, and manage your crop of flowers, herbs, veggie or fruit plants, or trees.
Resource: 10 Gardening tips for beginners
35. Horse Riding
If you are a horse rider, you either go for riding lessons and use the trainer’s horse or you own a horse. You’ll know that you don’t just climb on and sit there looking pretty while the horse does all the work.
Horse riding is hard work that uses many muscles, develops persistence and logical thinking, and requires patience and empathy. Plus, you learn to let go and trust your horse too.
All of these are valuable skills for a horse rider and a job seeker.
Resource: How to ride a horse (for beginners)
36. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is really fun as you can create memorable albums or books with your photos, memorabilia, and the other creative elements you add. You can even create a scrapbook junk journal and unleash your creativity.
When you add scrapbooking to your resume, you showcase that you are organized and can tell stories, focus, and curate items to fit together (even creatively).
Resource: How to scrapbook guide
37. Bushcraft
When you take up bushcraft as a hobby, you learn all about how to survive in the wild. In terms of soft skills, this hobby teaches you to be aware of your surroundings, to pay attention to what you can use to help you survive (and what’s safe to use), identify threats, and more.
I’d imagine you’d pass the “airplane test” with flying colors.
Resource: The beginner’s guide to bushcraft
38. Handicraft
Handicrafts include embroidery, quilting, knitting, making clothes, cross-stitch, crochet, and anything else you usually create by hand. These hobbies aren’t just for grandma.
Taking up something like knitting teaches you patience, precision, hand-eye coordination, and focus – soft skills that add value to your resume.
Resource: How to knit guide
39. Side Hustling
Many people have side hustles going on these days. It’s a way to earn extra money (to make ends meet) and fast track their financial goals, while they chase their passion and creative ideas.
Adding your side hustle to your resume shows that you have an entrepreneurial spirit, that you are a hard worker, and that you are innovative. Who wouldn’t want to hire you now?
Resource: 30+ best side hustles
40. Coffee Brewing
Many people cherish their cup of java, and they’d say there’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee to wake you up, boost your mood, and get you through the day.
So you can take up coffee brewing as a hobby as it shows that you can pay attention to detail and that you like to follow certain brewing methods while you’re also interested in exploring and experimenting with new flavors and aromas. This showcases that you can follow the rules when necessary but also veer off if needed.
Resource: Beginner’s guide to brewing coffee
41. Being a Foodie
Imagine what a great ice breaker it could be to share your foodie experiences with the interviewer.
When you become a foodie, you eat delicious food from all cuisines, and you are fascinated by the different tastes, textures, and flavor combinations.
Showcase your passion for food and how you practice this hobby on your resume. Do you have a YouTube channel or TikTok account where you share your experiences? Have you written a blog or book or guide?
Resource: Beginner’s guide to becoming a foodie
Final Thoughts on Hobbies to Put on Resume
It’s become a trend to include hobbies and personal interests on resumes, and it’s something that hiring managers want because it makes you more interesting. Plus, would you pass the “airplane test” if they wonder, “Would I want to be stuck with this person on a bus ride or flight?”
Remember to exercise caution about which hobbies you list in your resume. They should add to your skills and ability to do the job (and showcase more of who you are as a person).
Once your resume is ready and has been sent, you may land a job interview (or a couple). Use these affirmations to give you a confidence boost so you can crush that interview! Or if you are looking for more hobby inspiration, check out these 13 things to be passionate about or these 33 fun outdoor hobbies.
And if you're still looking for more fun and interesting hobbies, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 25 Productive Hobbies to Upskill Your Life
- 51 Fun Hobbies for Teens to Get Them Away from Devices
- 21 Fun Hobbies for Seniors & Retirees to Enjoy
