The Benefits of Including Your Interests on a Resume

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.

When to Add Your Interests on a 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:

• To showcase your personality
• To demonstrate cultural fit
• To align with specific industries or positions
• To enhance your resume if you have limited experience

How Interests Can Boost Your Resume

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.

40 Interests That Can Enhance Your Resume

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.

Exploring New Horizons: 40 Unique Interests to Include on Your Resume

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.

• Traveling - Showcase your interest in exploring new places and cultures.
• Hiking or outdoor activities - Prioritize your physical and mental health and show your adventurous spirit.
• Podcasts - Demonstrate your love for learning and staying informed.
• Blogging - Showcase your writing skills, ability to research and organize information, and creativity.
• Film or TV production - Highlight your interests and skills in the entertainment industry.
• Fishing or hunting - Demonstrate your patience, focus, and appreciation for nature.
• Running or marathon training - Showcase your commitment and discipline in achieving goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Comedy or improv - Display your sense of humor and quick thinking skills.
• Chess or other strategic games - Showcase your problem-solving abilities and ability to think ahead.
• Wine or beer tasting - Demonstrate an interest in food and drink, as well as social skills.
• Cosplaying - Showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and passion for a particular fandom.
• Collectibles - Demonstrate attention to detail and an eye for valuable or unique items.
• Meditation or yoga - Show your commitment to maintaining a healthy mind and body.
• DIY projects - Demonstrate skills like problem-solving, creativity, and self-sufficiency.
• Psychology or personal development - Showcase your curiosity about human behavior and self-improvement.
• Teaching or tutoring - Demonstrate your ability to explain concepts and patience.
• Motorcycling or racing - Show your love for speed and adventure, as well as discipline in learning and following safety protocols.
• Knitting or sewing - Display your creativity and craft skills.
• Karate or martial arts - Demonstrate discipline, self-control, and physical fitness.
• Surfing or other water sports - Showcase your love for adventure, discipline, and physical fitness.
• Horseback riding - Demonstrate skills like balance, control, and a calm demeanor.
• Genealogy - Showcase your interest in history and research skills.
• Board games or card games - Demonstrate social skills, problem-solving abilities, and a competitive spirit.
• Music production or DJing - Showcase your passion and skills in the music industry.
• Astronomy - Demonstrate an interest in science and learning.
• Investing or trading - Showcase your financial knowledge and decision-making abilities.

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.

Highlighting Your Interests on Your Resume: Creative Ways to Stand Out

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:

1. Tailor Your Interests for the Job

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.

2. Connect Your Interests to 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.

3. Showcase a Healthy Work-Life Balance

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.

4. Demonstrate Your Versatility and Adaptability

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.

5. Highlight Continuous Learning

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.

10 Interests to Boost Your Resume and Stand Out

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.

• Sports: Playing team sports or participating in individual physical activities show that you are competitive, disciplined, and have good teamwork skills.
• Volunteering: Giving back to the community demonstrates empathy, compassion, and a willingness to contribute to society.
• Blogging: If you have a blog, include it on your resume. It highlights your writing and communication skills, and shows that you are knowledgeable in a particular area.
• Traveling: Mentioning your travels can show that you are open-minded, adaptable, and have a global perspective.
• Photography: This interest can showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and technical skills.
• Cooking: If you enjoy cooking, it can demonstrate your ability to follow instructions, plan and organize, and work well under pressure.
• Gardening: This hobby can highlight your patience, attention to detail, and ability to nurture and care for something.
• Reading: Mentioning your love for reading can show that you are curious, well-informed, and have a thirst for knowledge.
• Learning new languages: Being bilingual or multilingual is a valuable skill in today's globalized world. It demonstrates your ability to adapt, communicate, and understand different cultures.
• Art: Whether it's painting, drawing, or sculpting, this hobby can showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box.

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.