Did you know that one in four job seekers mention their hobbies and interests on their resumes? Although it may not seem like a crucial aspect, including your interests can bring several advantages. Let's delve into the benefits of adding your hobbies and interests to your resume.
While it may not always be necessary, there are some situations where mentioning your interests can positively impact your resume. Below are some scenarios where including your hobbies and interests can be beneficial:
1. They Showcase Your Personality
One of the most compelling reasons to add your interests on a resume is to highlight your unique personality. It allows you to break the ice and showcase your individuality before even stepping into an interview.
Example: As a writer, I spend most of my time in front of a computer screen. To balance this, I make sure to attend Pilates classes at least twice a week to promote a healthy lifestyle.
2. They Demonstrate Cultural Fit
If the company values specific personality traits, including your interests can communicate how you would be a good fit for their culture.
3. They Align You with the Desired Job
Listing your interests and hobbies can also help you match with specific industries or positions. For instance, if you have a passion for home renovations, it could be relevant for a construction or design job.
4. They Show Enthusiasm and Skills with Limited Experience
If you're a recent graduate or transitioning into a new career, you may not have much relevant work experience to add to your resume. In this case, mentioning your interests and hobbies can help an employer get to know you and your skills, even with limited experience. The key is to connect the dots between your interests and the job you're applying for.
1. Pilates
Why it works: A regular exercise routine showcases a healthy work-life balance.
2. Home renovations
Why it works: This hobby can be a great conversation starter and demonstrates skills like problem-solving, creativity, and attention to detail.
3. Vintage collecting
Why it works: It's another excellent talking point that showcases your interest in unique and unconventional finds.
4. Book clubs
Why it works: This hobby demonstrates continued education and organizational skills.
5. Supporting small businesses
Why it works: It showcases your knowledge and interest in small businesses, which can be relevant for roles in companies catering to this demographic.
6. iPhone photography
Why it works: Photography demonstrates an interest in the world around you. You can even specify the type of photography, such as iPhone, film, or product photography.
7. Video games
Why it works: Playing video games can demonstrate skills like strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
8. Musical instruments
Why it works: Playing an instrument showcases dedication, discipline, and creativity.
9. Volunteering
Why it works: Adding volunteer work to your resume can demonstrate your passion for specific causes and showcase your involvement in your community.
10. Painting or drawing
Why it works: These activities exercise creativity and show your artistic skills.
11. Cooking or baking
Why it works: These hobbies demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and attention to detail.
12. Gardening
Why it works: A love for gardening showcases patience, nurturing skills, and an appreciation for nature.
13. Languages
Why it works: Speaking multiple languages can demonstrate a curiosity for other cultures and communication skills.
14. Writing
Why it works: This hobby can showcase your communication and research skills, as well as your creativity.
15. Hiking
Why it works: Hiking showcases a passion for the outdoors and physical fitness.
If you're looking to stand out in a competitive job market, consider adding some of these unique hobbies and interests to your resume. Not only do they show your multi-faceted nature, but they can also demonstrate valuable skills and traits that employers are looking for.
If you have ever made a career change, don't hesitate to include it in your interests section. This can be a great conversation starter and show your versatility. For example, if you're applying for a social media role, mentioning your love for reading and involvement in #BookTok displays your knowledge of current social media communities.
Playing video games is another hobby that can be relevant to a variety of job positions. It showcases your interest and expertise in various elements such as the technical aspects, graphics, and strategy.
Writing is a timeless skill in any workplace, making it a valuable interest to include on your resume. Even if graphic design is not your focus, having skills in this area can enhance your resume and show your adaptability.
Don't be afraid to showcase your unique interests and hobbies on your resume. They can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate valuable qualities that employers are looking for. So go ahead and add some personality to your resume - you never know, it may just be the thing that catches the hiring manager's eye.
In today's competitive job market, it can be challenging to make your resume stand out, especially if you have limited experience. However, one effective way to showcase your personality and make yourself a more appealing candidate is by including your interests. Here are some creative ways to effectively incorporate your interests into your resume:
Customize your interests for each job application to make them more relevant to the specific role. For example, if the job involves creativity, mention your passion for painting or musical instruments. This demonstrates that you possess skills and interests that align with the job requirements.
Think about how your interests can contribute to the job. If the role requires social media skills, mention your experience in photography and editing, especially if you have a personal account where you showcase your work. This highlights your skills and interests in a meaningful way.
Including your interests on your resume can also show that you have a life outside of work and can maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can be appealing to employers who value work-life balance in their company culture. It also demonstrates that you have a diverse range of interests and are not solely focused on work.
Interests that span across various industries can showcase your versatility and adaptability as a candidate. For example, if you have an interest in real estate, it can benefit not only traditional real estate roles but also positions in personal finance, demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of a significant financial decision.
Mentioning interests related to ongoing education or new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, can show a commitment to expanding your skills and knowledge. This can make you a more attractive candidate for future roles, as these are highly sought-after skills in today's job market.
Incorporating your interests into your resume can help you stand out and showcase your unique qualities as a candidate. Remember to customize them for each job application and connect them to the job requirements to make them more relevant and impactful. By doing so, you can boost your resume and increase your chances of landing your desired job.
Your resume is more than just a list of your work experience and qualifications. Adding a section for your interests can make you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. But don't just include any random hobbies or activities - choose ones that are relevant and showcase your skills. Here are 10 examples of interests you can add to impress potential employers.
Remember, the key is to choose interests that are relevant to the job and highlight your qualities in a positive light. Don't underestimate the power of including this section on your resume - it can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of landing the job. So next time you update your resume, make sure to add some of your interests - you never know, it might just make all the difference.
