best way to write hobbies in resume

40+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume [Updated for 2024]

“Hobbies and interests have no place on the resume.”

Done right, hobbies on a resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show a bit of your personality to the hiring manager, and potentially even get you the job!

That said, not every resume needs hobbies and interests, and at the same time, not every hobby belongs on a resume.

In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about hobbies on a resume, including when to list them, how to pick the right ones to mention, and more!

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Should You Mention Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
• 12 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

4 tips to keep in mind when listing hobbies and interests, 40 best hobbies and interests to put on your resume [complete list].

Let’s dive in!

Should You Mention Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

There’s no straight-up answer to this question as it depends on several factors.

For example, if you’re a professional with many years of experience in your field, you could probably do without a hobbies and interests section on your resume. 

As a seasoned professional, you probably have tons of skills, work experience , and certifications to fill your resume with and set yourself apart from the competition. 

If adding a “hobbies and interests” section will make your resume spill over to page two , then you should definitely leave it out. 

On the other hand, if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience, adding your hobbies and interests to your resume can help you stand out as a candidate, as well as help fill up your resume to take up an entire page.

But enough with the hypotheticals! Let us tell you exactly when to mention hobbies and interests on your resume and how they can benefit your job application.

What’s the Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

First things first - what are hobbies and interests? 

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing:

• Interests are topics, ideas, or subjects that interest you, fascinate you, and you want to learn more about. Culinary art, history, and classical music are all examples of various interests.
• Hobbies are activities you actually engage in. Some examples of hobbies may include cooking, playing basketball, or visiting museums.

Hobbies show the hiring manager how you spend your free time and what kind of additional skills you may possess. For example, if you include “basketball” as your hobby, you’re also telling the hiring manager that you have great teamwork skills. 

Interests , on the other hand, indicate what topics and ideas you’re currently interested in or you’d like to explore in the future. If, for example, you’re applying for a job that requires relocation and you list traveling as your interest, you may seem like a more relevant candidate because you enjoy traveling to new places. 

So, as you can see, hobbies and interests can add value to your resume if they’re relevant to the job and if they point to soft skills the company may be looking for. 

Which leads us to the million-dollar question: when exactly should you include hobbies and interests on your resume? 

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

You should include hobbies and interests on your resume when:

• You still have space after including all the essential resume sections (contact information, work experience, education, and skills).
• You have limited work experience, education, and skills related to the position you are applying for.
• The company puts emphasis on its employees’ personalities and unique traits.
• The company specifically asks to list additional hobbies and interests.
• Your hobbies and interests show that you’re good at your job. E.g. if you’re applying for a writing role, having Dungeons & Dragons as an interest might help (as it shows that you’re creative).

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

12 Top Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

So here’s the takeaway: for hobbies and interests to add value to your resume, they should be somewhat relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

In most cases, though, candidates list pastime activities that say nothing to the hiring manager reading their resume, like watching movies or listening to music. 

To help you avoid such a mistake, we’ve listed some of the best hobbies and interests to put on your resume, based on companies’ most commonly required skills and abilities: 

#1. Community Involvement

Volunteering and community involvement is probably the best hobby/interest you could be adding to your resume, as it’s associated with 27% higher odds of employment . 

In a nutshell, volunteering shows initiative, empathy, and the ability to see beyond your personal interests. On top of this, volunteering teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and leadership. 

#2. Writing

Communication skills - both verbal and written - are some of the most sought-after soft skills by companies . 

As such, having writing as a hobby can effectively show potential employers that your communication skills extend beyond the workplace and are, as such, stronger than other candidates. 

#3. Blogging

Blogging is another hobby that proves you’ve got excellent communication skills, which is essential for most roles.

At the same time, blogging as a hobby also shows that you’re a self-starter that can work on independent projects, which is another very in-demand skill for most roles.

#4. Learning Languages

It’s no secret that speaking foreign languages can improve your chances of getting a job . 

For starters, employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can communicate with people from different nationalities and can be an asset when dealing with international markets.

On top of that, learning languages is associated with improving valuable skills like problem-solving and dealing with abstract concepts, both of which are desirable employee skills. 

Some of the jobs where listing learning languages as a hobby can come in handy include social workers, human resources managers, flight attendants, community health workers, hotel managers, customer service agents, etc. 

#5. Photography

Just like all the other hobbies on this list, photography can represent you in more ways than “this candidate likes to take pictures.”

After all, photography takes creativity, interpersonal skills, and even technical skills ! 

This means that, in addition to all the jobs that require photography skills, there are many other positions out there that could benefit from a candidate who’s into photography. 

Traveling may not seem like the best hobby to include on your resume at first sight. After all, it simply involves picking a destination and being a tourist, right? 

Well, not exactly. 

Someone who loves traveling is also likely to be: 

• Curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people
• Well- organized and adaptable to new situations and people
• Not afraid to step out of their comfort zone

All of these personality traits make for an adaptable and flexible employee, something that employers appreciate!

Sports - and any kind of physical activity, really - are known to improve brain health and your ability to do everyday activities . 

Not only, but sports also help you develop self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills . 

All of these are essential skills that could help you “adapt” your resume to different kinds of jobs. 

#8. Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies to put on your resume, regardless of what types of books you like to read.

Reading exercises the brain, improves the ability to focus, increases general knowledge, can sharpen your communication skills, and helps relieve stress . 

#9. Making Music

Making music not only takes creativity, but also a lot of determination, patience, and endurance. Not to mention, studies show that playing an instrument can also improve your memory and focus . 

Showing such qualities can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers.

Yoga is known to create mental clarity , relieve chronic stress patterns, relax the mind, and sharpen concentration.

And - let’s be honest - who doesn’t want an employee who’s mentally clear, unstressed, and able to concentrate on their work? 

To do any kind of art, you need to be creative, which is among the most popular transferable skills companies are looking for in 2022. 

According to this Adobe study , creativity has gained the most value in driving salary increases in the past five years. That’s also because creativity is also linked to inventiveness, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. 

Dancing is more than just a fun pastime. It improves your cognitive abilities, and collaboration skills (especially if you’re dancing with a partner), and can help you unwind and keep your stress levels low. 

Top Soft and Hard Skills Related to Hobbies and Interests On a Resume

And here’s what the hiring manager is likely to read from including the hobbies and interests listed above to your resume in terms of soft and hard skills: 

Yep, you heard that right.

There IS a right and wrong way to list hobbies and interests on your resume.

In this section, we’ll teach you all you need to know to make your hobbies and interests section as effective as possible!  

#1. Decide whether you need them

The first thing you want to do is decide whether you’d benefit from adding hobbies and interests to your resume. As we already mentioned, hobbies and interests can be a breath of fresh air for your resume, but only in certain circumstances.  

If you’re a professional with many years of work experience under your sleeve, your resume can do without a hobbies and interests section.

You already have a lot of professional achievements , relevant skills, and qualifications to make your resume a full one-pager, while adding a hobbies section would mean removing some other critical section from your resume.

On the other hand , if you’re a student with almost no work experience or skills, or if you’re applying to a startup or to a company that puts more emphasis on company culture, then you could definitely benefit from listing your hobbies and interests. 

The optimal length for a resume is one page.

If including a hobbies and interests section spills your resume over to the second page, that means that you can probably just skip including the section in the first place.

#2. Research the Company

So, you’ve decided it’s a good idea to include your hobbies and interests on your resume. But, which ones do you actually include? 

To make the best possible choice, start by researching the company. See if they have any specific work culture, work retreats, and what qualities would complement your role.

Here’s exactly where you should look: 

• The job ad. Read the job ad and identify the type of skills that they’re looking for.
• The company website and any employee profiles you can find there.
• Their social media accounts . Specifically, their LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. 

#3. Choose the Right Skills

Once you’ve done this, you should think about how specific skills or requirements may transfer to a hobby or interest and tailor yours to the job accordingly. 

You may have dozens of exciting hobbies and interests, but your resume isn’t the right place to list them all. Just to reiterate - you want your hobbies and interests to be as relevant as possible . 

So, for example, if the job ad mentions the company’s looking for someone who’s “outgoing” or a “great team player,” then any kind of sport is a good hobby to list on your resume. 

Meanwhile, anything that involves you sitting alone and being introverted (e.g. reading or knitting) is not very relevant. 

An alternative approach to choosing the right hobbies and interests is to use them to fill your skill gaps.

Let’s say that you’re an entry-level professional and you’re applying for your first job as an illustrator. Chances are, you lack some of the technical skills required for the job, simply due to your lack of professional experience. 

In such a case, choosing a hobby that proves you’ve got an eye for design and aesthetics can help your application. Anything art-related, including photography, painting, drawing, etc., will show the hiring manager that you’re passionate about this line of work. 

#4. Create a Separate Section (and Push It Down) 

By now you should have a clear idea of what hobbies and interests to add to your resume. 

The rest is fairly easy. 

Simply create a separate section titled “Hobbies and Interests,” and place it at the end of your resume . It’s crucial that this section doesn’t overshadow the more important parts of your resume, like your contact information, work experience, education , or even any volunteer work or internships you’ve completed. 

Ultimately, adding a “Hobbies and Interests” section at the end of your resume is a great way to wrap up your resume. 

It can help you make an impression that extends beyond the professional aspect and give the recruiter a little extra something to remember you by. 

Want to start your resume in a way that will grab the hiring manager’s attention? Learn how to write a resume summary with our guide! 

#5. List Up to Four Interests or Hobbies

Last but not least, it’s important to list the right amount of hobbies and interests on your resume. 

We recommend listing 4-6 total, at most. Anything less, and your hobbies section will look too empty. Anything more, and it’ll look like you’re just trying to fill in space.

Here are some additional tips you should always remember when you’re creating the “Hobbies and Interests” section of your resume: 

#1. Find out what you specifically enjoy about your hobbies 

People enjoy hobbies for different reasons. 

For example, someone might enjoy photography because they love being outdoors and capturing beautiful landscapes, while someone else might enjoy it because it gives them an opportunity to remember every place they visit or every person they meet. 

By identifying exactly what it is that you enjoy about your hobbies, it can be easier to describe them on your resume and talk about them genuinely in case the hiring manager asks about them during the job interview . 

#2. Be honest

Just like with everything else on your resume, you should be honest about the hobbies you list. 

Meaning, don’t lie about hobbies just because you think they sound cool, and don’t over-exaggerate something that can come back and bite you later on during the interview.

Just because you like to go on walks sometimes, doesn’t mean you’re “passionate about hiking” . Imagine the hiring manager’s also a hiking enthusiast and they ask you about the latest trail you hiked, but the only thing you can mention is how you enjoy taking a one-hour walk around your neighborhood daily to clear your mind. 

In such cases, it’s better to be honest and write this: 

• Physical exercise: exercising daily for 45 minutes by taking a walk in nature.

Instead of this: 

#3. Be specific 

The more specific you can be about your hobbies and interests, the higher the chances to stand out from other applicants and make an impression on the hiring manager. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

• Learning languages: studying and practicing some of the most-spoken languages in the world, such as Mandarin and French. 

#4. Keep these hobbies OUT of your resume

A very thin line separates unique from weird, and you want to make sure not to cross it. 

To be on the safe side, avoid listing hobbies and interests that might be considered weird or controversial, such as any of the following:

• Hobbies that signal antisocial behavior or activities.
• Hobbies and interests that could be misinterpreted, even if you meant them as a joke (e.g. partying like there’s no tomorrow). 
• Hobbies and interests that reveal personal information such as your political or religious views. 
• Hobbies that could be considered violent or dangerous (e.g. lighting things on fire). 
• Hobbies and interests with little or no interactivity. 

Looking for inspiration?

Here are several hobbies you can include, by category, based on your personality type.

Sports Interest and Hobby Examples

Generally speaking, there are two types of sports you can include on your resume - individual and team-oriented .

Depending on the sport, they either show you work well with others, or that you have the self-discipline and perseverance to work alone (or both!) 

Endurance sports (like jogging) show your drive and discipline.

Team sports (like football, basketball, etc.) show that you’re comfortable working with others.

Which one you might want to include depends on you and the job. Here are some sports hobbies you could list that will paint you in a positive light:

• Marathon running
• Mountain climbing

Most of these sports are outside and physical activities. They show that you’re comfortable with working with other people and that you have discipline. Therefore, they’re relevant for most job roles that require you to be communicative and self-driven.

Analytical Thinking Interest and Hobby Examples

What’s a thought hobby?

Anything that points to your creative skills and imagination. 

If you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of out-of-the-box thinking, you can list the following hobbies:

• Playing a musical instrument
• Photography
• Blog writing

These all point to your analytical thinking and that you’re a creative person.

Possibly more calm and self-composed, and also that you think before you speak.

These qualities can be relevant depending on the job.

Though, your interest section doesn’t necessarily have to consist only of sports. 

Social Interest and Hobby Examples

Social hobbies are a great way to show you directly work well with others. Nowadays, most jobs require you to be in contact with other people, in one way or another

To show you work well with others and you’re adept at communicating, you can include:

• Creating and organizing a book club
• Networking events
• Local meetups
• Volunteering at a charity center
• Public speaking
• Exploring other cultures
• Language classes

Social hobbies are great because you’re going to be interacting with other people in most jobs - so one way or another, they’re going to help. Even more so if the job is in a leadership position.

Unique Interest and Hobby Examples

Do you have a particularly unique hobby that not a lot of people are into?

This can work in your favor and help you stand out, as long as it’s still in the unique area and not in the weird one.

The HR manager shuffling through a stack of resumes can remember your unique hobby and come back to your resume later. Or they could even ask about you during the interview, so be prepared to talk about it.

Some unique hobbies that can speak about your character may include:

• Stand-up comedy
• Calligraphy

How do these hobbies help?

Archery implies you might be a precise and focused person. And yoga shows that you can be calm and don’t lose your cool in stressful situations.

Though, just how effective those hobbies will be in your resume may depend on the job.

But as long as it’s not too weird, a unique hobby can help you get your foot in the door and show that you’re not afraid of being different.

Looking for tips on writing a CV instead of a resume? We've got you covered! Head over to our in-depth guide explaining how to write a CV !

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about hobbies and interests on a resume? Check out the answers below:

1. Should hobbies and interests be on a resume?

If you have the extra space to list them, then yes, you should include hobbies and interests on your resume.

Hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates by shining more light into your personality and can also highlight skills you may have that employers seek, such as creativity, organization, problem-solving, etc.

2. What are some good hobbies and interests to put on my resume?

Some of the best hobbies or interests you can put on your resume are community involvement, writing, blogging, learning languages, photography, traveling, doing sports, reading, and art.

3. What are some hobbies and interests for a student resume?

Some hobbies and interests you can put on your resume as a student include creative writing, blogging, volunteering, learning a new language, and singing and/or playing an instrument.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on a resume!

Before you go and start applying what you learned to your own resume, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article: 

• Hobbies and interests can help shine a light on a candidate’s personality and get them to stand out from other applicants with similar work experience and skills. 
• Include hobbies and interests on your resume if you still have space after listing all the essential sections, if you have limited work experience and relevant skills, if the company specifically requires it, or if the company puts emphasis on its employees’ character traits. 
• Some of the best hobbies to add to your resume include community service, writing/blogging, learning languages, traveling, doing sports, and reading. 
• Before creating a separate section for your hobbies and interests, first make sure that your resume would benefit from them, then research the company, and choose the right skills that could complement your skills and qualifications. 
• Four things to remember when you’re compiling your hobbies and interests are, to be honest, be specific, and keep hobbies that may be considered weird or antisocial out of your resume. 

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List of 50 Hobbies & Interests for Your Resume in 2024

• Hobbies/Interests Examples
• Should Hobbies/Interests Be on a Resume?
• Interests/Hobbies to Avoid
• Adding Hobbies/Interests
• Hobbies/Interests Tips
• Hobbies/Interests FAQs

Imagine: You’re a hiring manager for an athletic clothing brand considering two candidates—both with great resumes . You’re having trouble deciding which of the two to move forward.

During your review, you notice one of the applicants is an avid runner. So, you decide to pick the one you think will be a slightly better cultural fit since the applicant likely aligns with the fitness-related clothing products your brand offers based on their running hobby.

But, why “running hobby” instead of “running interest?” Great question. There is a difference between hobbies and interests. Hobbies are things you actively participate in, whereas interests are your dreams or topics you’re fascinated by. That said, they can both be used effectively on a resume to make your already excellent skill set more personable and relevant.

We’ll dive into interests and hobbies to include on your resume and show you how to list them to gain a leg up in the application process.

Hobbies & Interests Examples for a Resume

Example resume, why these hobbies/interests work.

• Always choose hobbies and interests for your resume that relate to your field. 
• Don’t be afraid to include something cool and credible, like being a Jeopardy contestant. 
• Thought-provoking activities like helping troubled youths can effectively display your compassion and adaptability in difficult situations.

Most Common Hobbies & Interests for Resumes in 2024

Knowing the value of hobbies/interests on a resume, you may wonder which ones are the most popular in the US. Here’s a quick overview.

• At the top of the list, 40% of US adults have cooking/baking as a hobby or interest. This is a great one to list on resumes for culinary positions or when working around food. It also shows you can follow instructions precisely.
• Want to show some expert research abilities? Reading is an excellent hobby for resumes when applying to jobs involving scientific research or business analysis, to name a couple.
• Everyone’s interested in their pets. Plus, positions like vet techs or even care-based nursing roles can see directly translatable abilities from individuals who love and cherish their animals.
• Applying to a tech-related role? Video games are a potential hobby/interest you could list. It can also show unique problem-solving abilities for analytical positions.
• Nearly half of all jobs require outdoor work. So whether you’re applying to construction, agriculture, or other similar roles, many outdoor activities will be applicable. For instance, a gardening hobby could be great for an aspiring landscaper.

List of Hobbies & Interests for Your Resume

Here’s an extensive list of hobbies and interests to potentially include on your resume.

Volunteering

What better way to demonstrate you’re a caring, civic-minded person than by including your volunteer efforts on your resume?

People want to work with kind people. Not to mention, many companies now give employees time off each year to volunteer for efforts they care about.

Volunteering ideas

• Fostering animals
• Serving within your religious organization
• Firefighter/ EMT
• Coaching youth sports teams
• Volunteering with organizations that help the homeless
• Assisting at local meetups or hackathons
• Volunteering at an animal shelter
• Working for local committees or organizations in your community (like the Board of Education, for example)

Mentioning how you exercise as one of your interests or hobbies can be a great way to build a quick bond with the person reviewing your resume.

However, saying something like “sports” in your interests section is not worth including. What sport do you play?

Exercise can be anything that gets the heart pumping. If you dance or do karate, those are unique hobbies that you should definitely mention on your resume.

Exercise ideas

• Running (if you run events like 5Ks, say so!)
• Weight lifting
• Dance (salsa? square dancing?)
• Basketball (do you play in a league?)
• Rock climbing
• Skiing/ snowboarding

Most companies would benefit by having a creative person join their company. If you’re looking for a career in marketing or design, that’s especially true.

Even if you’re looking for a job as a programmer or data scientist, creativity can still be an invaluable skill.

Listing “music” is not a particularly unique hobby. Saying you play guitar, however, may catch the employer’s eye.

If you have a portfolio of your work, you should link to it in your resume, too, if you’re really proud of it.

Creative ideas

• Photography
• Comic books
• Classic films
• Instruments (guitar, violin, piano, etc.)
• Interior decorating
• Writing (fiction? slam poetry?)
• Calligraphy
• Stand-up comedy

Puzzles/Games

Much like your artistic endeavors can showcase your creativity to a prospective employer, an interest in strategic games indicates that you can strategize and plan.

We likely sound like a broken record but remember to be specific. Saying “video games” is not going to add value to your resume, whereas “PC gaming” might (do your research on the company to make sure this would be appropriate).

Puzzle/games ideas

• Dungeons and dragons
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Crossword puzzles

Your hobbies or interests don’t have to be (and likely aren’t) confined by neat category distinctions. Just ask yourself whether your passion has the potential to showcase a valuable skill.

For example, in the list below, you’ll see brewing beer as a hobby. As long as the business you’re applying to is a more modern company, this could be appropriate to include. To be a successful brewer, you need to be precise and thorough—both great traits in a prospective employee.

Other ideas

• Learning languages (which/how many languages have you learned?)
• Foodie (talking about local restaurants can be a great way to break the ice in an interview)
• Brewing beer
• Cooking (which cuisine is your specialty?)
• Baking (who doesn’t love the person who bakes for office parties?)
• BBQing (this would grab our attention)
• Social media (if you run a successful social account for a local cause, that can be an invaluable skill)

We know! That’s a lot of examples to look through! You can always list a slew of things you enjoy on your  resume outline  and narrow it down when you create a resume . We’ve also got some simple resume templates from Google Docs  with a section just for hobbies and interests.

Remember, your hobbies are supposed to be for your enjoyment. If you don’t think you have any hobbies for your resume that will work, that’s okay, too!

Should Hobbies and Interests Be on a Resume?

Before we dive into the types of hobbies and interests you should add to your resume, we first need to answer the question of whether you should include them at all.

The primary factor in determining whether you should include a hobbies and interests section on your resume is the type of role and company you’re applying to .

While older, more established businesses are less likely to be intrigued by what you do outside of work, modern tech companies or startups will likely be interested in learning about your prospective cultural fit. One great way to demonstrate that on your resume is through your hobbies.

• Entry-level candidates can approach  resume writing  with a “small but mighty” mindset.
• For example, mentioning that you’re a World Sudoku Championship Competitor for not just one but  three  years in a row shows dedication and laser-like focus.
• If you’re applying for a web development job, try adding a related side project like apps; alternatively, If you’re playing up your artistic side, talk about your interest in web graphics!

How to know whether you should list hobbies/interests

• Read the  job description  of the role you’re applying to.
• If the answer is “yes,” that’s a good indication that you should list hobbies and interests.
• Visit the company’s website. Read their “about us” section as well as their employment pages.

When it comes to your resume,  not all hobbies and interests are created equal ! For example, some of us here at BeamJobs are expert television show binge-watchers. If there was a binge-watching championship, we think we could win gold. 

Still, this is a hobby we would leave off our resumes. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this hobby; it’s just that it’s neither particularly unique nor noteworthy. Remember— the goal of your hobbies and interests are to help you stand out . If the hobby you include is something the hiring manager has seen hundreds of times, it won’t accomplish what you want it to on your resume.

This means you should be as specific as possible when describing your hobbies or interests. “Sports” is not the same as “captain of co-ed basketball team.”

Here are a few more examples of what we mean:

• Wrong: Cooking
• Right: Cooking Middle Eastern cuisine
• Wrong: Travel
• Right: Backpacking through Europe
• Wrong: Music
• Right: Electric guitar
• Wrong: Volunteering
• Right: Volunteering at local ASPCA
• Wrong: Puzzles
• Right: Expert at Sudoko

Interests and Hobbies to Avoid on a Resume

If you’re on the fence about whether you should include a particular interest or hobby on your resume,  err on the side of caution . The last thing you want to do is turn a “yes” into a “no” by including something taboo on your resume. This means you shouldn’t list anything about politics on your resume (unless, of course, you’re applying for a job in politics).

This is not to say you should avoid talking about your volunteer experience through your local church if that’s your hobby! Just imagine you’re meeting someone you’d like to make a good impression on. If it’s a topic you’d avoid in that conversation, leave it off if you’d like to present a  professional resume . With that said…

BeamJobs’ co-founder, Stephen, knows a thing or two about including a hobby that, under different circumstances, would have been better left off his resume

Before I started BeamJobs with my brother and dove head-first into the world of resumes, I was a data analyst at a company called Chegg.

At that time, one of my biggest hobbies was playing poker. Now, as a data nerd, I took a very data-driven approach to playing poker. I studied the game religiously to develop a deep understanding of winning strategies and probabilities.

Since I was applying for jobs as a data analyst, I thought that would be worth including as an interest on my resume.  I also understood poker would likely not be appropriate for all of my job applications .

When it came time to apply to Chegg, I learned that the role I was applying for would be as an early employee for their recently acquired company, Imagine Easy Solutions. I researched the founders and learned they had a history of entrepreneurship.

As such, I included poker as a hobby on my resume. That gamble (poker pun intended) paid off. I learned during my interview that one of my interviewers was a big poker player.  This gave me an opportunity to elaborate on my data-driven approach to the game and how I would take a similarly quantitative approach to my job .

We hope this illustrates the potential positive impact of including unique interests or hobbies in your job applications.  They help humanize you and give you a potential common interest with your interviewers .

Stephen’s anecdote also highlights two important points:

• Do your research on the company and role you’re applying for; make sure what you’re including as a hobby is relevant.
• Don’t lie. By his own admission, Stephen would have been quickly exposed by a much better poker player in his interview had he told a lie!

How to Add Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

Before we dive into the best way to include hobbies or interests on your resume, let’s start with an example.

• Have outdoor interests like kayaking? These kinds of hobbies can suggest experience in nailing the perfect photography shot and other design strengths.
• Hobbies like fly fishing and comic art can suggest sociability and interconnectedness with others—good  soft skills to list on your resume .
• You can use hobbies and interests to express that you’re well-rounded, but the way to really rock this section is by displaying those that directly or indirectly relate to the job you’re after. 

Guidelines for adding hobbies/interests to your resume

• Add a specific section to your resume called “Hobbies,” “Interests,” or “Hobbies & Interests.”
• Limit the number of hobbies you include to five at most.
• We have brand-new  Google resume templates  and  Word resume templates  that already have this section built in. 
• Be as specific as possible.
• Don’t let this section be the reason your resume extends to two pages.

All of these rules follow the principle that your interests/hobbies shouldn’t be the focus of your resume.  They’re on your resume to add color.  Sadly, some hiring managers won’t put much or any weight on this section of your resume. That’s the reason you shouldn’t make it so prominent.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to land a job as a surgeon with your hobbies alone—you still need to have the right qualifications for the role! With that said, the more specific you are with your hobbies and interests, the more likely what you list will resonate with the person checking out your AI cover letter and resume . 

You also want to be able to relate your hobbies or interests to what makes you a particularly good fit for the role you’re applying to. Let’s look at a few examples.

Job title: Marketer

Hobby: Painting

How it relates: This demonstrates an eye for creativity and design—both important characteristics for a marketer.

Job title: Manager

Hobby: Long-distance runner

How it relates: Committing to improving at long-distance running requires dedication without the ability to see immediate results, which can happen in management as well.

Job title: Software engineer

Hobby: Baking cakes

How it relates: To be an effective baker, you need to be exact with measurements, temperatures, and time but also need a high degree of creativity. To be a strong developer, you must be creative and rigorously logical.

Job title: HR manager

Hobby: Volunteering as an EMT

How it relates: Much like an EMT, to be a good HR manager, you must be caring and empathetic while staying calm in tense situations.

Hobbies and Interests Resume Tips

Most people don’t live to work; they work to live. Therefore, most of your time is likely going to be spent outside of your office.

Including your hobbies and interests on your resume is a great way to humanize yourself and become more than just a resume  to the hiring manager.

Tips for adding hobbies and interests to your resume

• Research the company and job description for the role you’re applying for to determine if you should include hobbies.
• Remember: Interests are related to topics you find interesting, while hobbies are activities you participate in and enjoy.
• Keep this section short (four to five interests at most ) and move it to the bottom of your resume.
• Your hobbies are for you—don’t take up a hobby just to please a potential employer.

A hobbies/interests section works great for entry-level candidates who want to include additional relevant abilities or when applying to companies that emphasize workplace culture in the job description. For example, many retail organizations emphasize their culture, so someone applying to be an entry-level retail clerk could benefit from a hobbies/interests section.

A hobby is something you actively do, whereas an interest is something you may be fascinated by or dream about. For example, someone who actively reads an hour per day could consider reading a hobby. On the other hand, someone fascinated by psychology could consider that an interest. You could even combine the two to say you enjoy reading about psychology, which could work great for an aspiring therapist.

Between one to three hobbies/interests works best for most resumes . It typically shouldn’t be the focus of your resume, but moreso act as a way to provide a bit more information or personability to your already excellent skill set.

Either the bottom or the left-hand side margin beneath your education and top skills is the best place for hobbies/interests. This placement leaves room for your work experience, education, and achievements to remain the primary focus of your resume.

Volunteer work is one of the best things to put in a hobbies/interests section when you don’t have work experience since it’s the most similar to a work-related environment. Otherwise, aim for things that are the most relevant to the position. For example, listing a favorite sport or fitness activity, such as rugby or HIIT training, could be great when applying for an entry-level job at a gym.

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How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Learn when and how to professionally list your hobbies on your resume.

What are Hobbies?

Hobbies are activities that you do frequently and in your spare time. It can be anything from collecting postage stamps to working out to volunteering. The key here is that hobbies are activities you perform regularly -- they are more than an interest. An interest is more passive, it’s something you’re curious about but have yet to pursue. 

For example, perhaps you have it on your bucket list to scuba dive. That makes scuba diving an interest, because you’re in the research stage. It’s only a hobby if you’ve actually gone scuba diving, and continue to do so on a semi-frequent basis. 

It’s important to leave interests out since they can be misleading, and since you don’t yet have the skills associated with that interest.

What Hobbies Should I Include on My Resume?

Hobbies are a great way to show a company who you are and what you value. That being said, try to avoid listing potentially touchy hobbies, as you don’t want it used against you in the hiring process. 

• Political associations
• Controversial hobbies  
• Religious affiliations 
• Irrelevant hobbies

If you do have a hobby that fits in one of the above categories, “rebrand” it so that you can still convey your skills. For example, if you coach your church’s basketball team, leave out the religious component and just write that you coach youth sports. Similarly, if you campaign for a political candidate, note that you can rally your organization and fundraising skills to support an individual or mission.

See the infographic below for examples of hobbies to include on your resume.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume

‍ Have you ever thought about listing your hobbies on your resume? While it seems like “scuba diving” or “baking” may have no place on a resume, your hobbies can actually show that you're a strong candidate for the job by revealing hidden skills. 

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a writing position and you keep a personal blog in your spare time. Mentioning this hobby on your resume shows your passion for writing -- you do it even when you aren’t at work! -- your ability to manage time, to research, and to keep your creative juices flowing. 

Similarly, if you’re applying to work as a waiter and you’re an avid baker, you should add your love of cookies to your resume. It shows employers that you enjoy the food environment and have an understanding of the time and diligence that cooking requires. 

But before you start listing everything you’ve ever done on your resume, let’s break down a few do’s and dont’s. 

Why Include Hobbies on My Resume?

Hobbies impart some sort of skill, whether it’s implicit or actively learned. They can show a company what you have to offer. Your goal is to list your hobbies in a way that conveys these skills. 

In other words, think of your “hobbies” section like a more interesting “skills” section on your resume. 

For example, if you enjoy an endurance sport like running, it shows that you have diligence, determination, and patience -- all skills that cannot be taught through any job or educational opportunity. Skills like these are called “soft skills” because they are implicit in your personality.

Soft skills convey your communication and relational abilities. Some soft skills include:

• Adaptability
• Problem-Solving
• Responsibility 
• Interpersonal Skills such as conflict resolution, empathy or mentoring
• Time Management
• Leadership 
• Attention to Detail

In contrast, if you enjoy a hobby such as designing art using a software like Adobe Illustrator, this is considered a “hard skill.” Hard skills are those that are learned and gained through a degree, certificate, or another form of education. These include trainings and technical knowledge, such as accounting or software acumen or medical expertise. 

Examples of hard skills include:

• Technical Writing, such as email blasts, client relations and research 
• Computer Skills, including Microsoft Suite 
• Analytical Skills such as data analysis
• Marketing Skills like SEO, SEM, CMS
• Presentation Skills
• Management Skills like database management
• Project Management, include softwares that you are familiar with, such as Trello, Spredfast, and Zoho
• Copywriting
• Foreign Languages
• Design Skills, including Adobe Creative Suite, UX design, UI design 
• Mobile and Web Development
• Network Security such as encryption algorithms or authentication systems

When to Include Hobbies  

Not all resumes should include hobbies, and it depends heavily on the company to which you’re and its culture. For example, if you’re applying to a firm on Wall Street, it’s best to skip the hobby section. But if you’re looking to work for a local mom-and-pop store or for a more artistic company, then jot down a few hobbies. 

Let’s break it down a bit more below.  ‍

Only include hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you’re applying. Ask yourself, what skills does this hobby require, and how does it fit with this job?

For example, don’t include “drawing” on your resume if you’re pursuing a managerial position at an accounting firm, since the two have no common denominator. But, if you’re seeking a job as an event planner , a talent for drawing could help show that you are adept at bringing your ideas to life and communicating them to clients. 

Company Culture

A lot of companies today are concerned about their image -- they want to be a fun place for employees to work. If you feel that one of your hobbies shows that you “fit” right in, then list it. 

For example, if you’re applying to be a blog writer for a magazine, feel free to note that you love watching films. This could open the door for you to write movie review articles, or it may show that you fit right in with the entertainment-focused atmosphere of a magazine like Cosmopolitan or The New Yorker .

The best way to determine if you should list your hobbies on your resume is to research the company beforehand. Read their “about us” section on their website and browse what former employees have to say about their experience on sites like Glassdoor. 

Ice-Breaker and Networking 

Interviews are pretty awkward, and it’s hard to stand out when the tired interviewee has already seen dozens of hopeful job applicants. Listing an interesting hobby on your resume can make you memorable. The person interviewing you may even enjoy the same hobby, which will help break that awkward interview tension. 

Even if you don’t get the job, having a conversation with a company employee about a common interest is a great way to expand your network. They’re more likely to remember you if you happen to reach out in the future about another opening. 

What to Do Next

Brainstorm the hobbies that you enjoy and think about the skills they impart. Now, how well do they match the job that you’re applying to? Be sure to only include hobbies that are relevant to the job description or to the company’s culture. 

Customize your hobbies on our modern and professional templates . We also have more tools for writing the perfect resume , adding colors to your resume and listing your certifications . 

Good luck and happy writing! 

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CVs & Résumés

• May 19, 2022

200 Hobbies and Interests to Include in Your Résumé

Need some inspiration on what hobbies and interests to include in your résumé? We’ve got you covered.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

Isn’t it inappropriate to list my hobbies and interests on my résumé?

Well, sometimes. But not always.

In fact, including your pastimes when writing your résumé can help you show employers that you’re a great cultural fit and present yourself as a more well-rounded candidate.

Okay, sold. But what exactly should I list?

Well, that’s what this article is for. Here you’ll learn when to include hobbies and interests in your résumé and how to choose suitable activities — plus 200 suggestions to consider adding that will help you stand out from the crowd .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Should you include them?
• How to choose
• List of 200 hobbies and interests

Should you include hobbies and interests in your résumé?

For the most part, no. You shouldn’t include hobbies and interests in your résumé.

Although they give employers a better idea of your personality and what additional skills you may have, they generally provide little value to your overall application. Employers are far more interested in your qualifications and accomplishments than in how you spend your free time outside work.

That said, there are a select few situations where mentioning your hobbies and interests on your résumé is perfectly acceptable — and even encouraged — such as:

• You’re just starting out in your career and you have limited work and educational experience.
• Your hobbies directly align with the duties listed in the job posting.
• The employer specifically asks about your hobbies in the job posting.
• You have limited skills that directly relate to the job you’re applying for.
• The employer is looking for unique candidates.

Most importantly, you should only list hobbies and interests in your résumé if you have the space for them.

How to choose hobbies and interests for your résumé

If you’ve decided to add a section for your hobbies and interests to your résumé, it’s important that you’re strategic in what you choose to list. Here’s how to do just that:

Step 1: Research the company

Before you start listing your hobbies and interests, do some research into the company that you’re applying to so you can better understand their culture. You can do this by reading the job description, browsing through the company website and checking out their social media pages.

This will, essentially, help you tailor your interests to the job. For example, if the company arranges regular hikes for its staff, it’s a no-brainer that you should mention your love of hiking (provided, of course, that it’s applicable). Remember: the more tailored your résumé , the better your chances are of getting noticed.

Step 2: Focus on your transferable skills

When choosing which hobbies and interests to list, think about the specific transferable skills and personal qualities that they demonstrate, and how these can be translated to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer-facing role, then you’ll want to showcase your confidence and interpersonal skills — and hobbies like acting and improvisation can help you achieve this. Likewise, sports-related hobbies are perfect if you want to demonstrate your teamwork abilities .

Step 3: Show variety

It’s always a good idea to have some variety between the hobbies and interests you list.

Not everyone is musically inclined, for example, so mentioning that you enjoy songwriting, playing the guitar and collecting vinyl records limits you to a very specific audience. But by listing a variety of interests and activities, you can relate to different people — not only the hiring manager reading your résumé but also your future coworkers and clients.

Step 4: Make sure you’re memorable (for the right reasons)

Don’t be afraid to list unusual hobbies and interests, such as African drumming or collecting keychains — as long as you can relate them to the job, of course. This will further demonstrate your personality to employers, and it helps you stand out from other applicants who have chosen more traditional hobbies.

That said, there are some no-go areas, including hobbies and interests that:

• are controversial
• are potentially dangerous, violent or illegal
• reflect antisocial behavior
• are listed as a joke that could be misinterpreted
• reveal political or religious affiliations

Get more information on résumé hobbies with this video:

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List of résumé hobbies and interests to include

Need some inspiration? We’ve compiled a list of 200 hobbies and interests to consider adding to your résumé.

Arts and crafts

• Architecture
• Calligraphy
• Candle making
• Fashion design
• Furniture building
• Glass painting
• Home decorating
• Jewelry making
• Photography
• Scrapbooking
• Soap making
• Woodburning
• Woodcarving
• Woodworking
• Action figures
• Amateur geology
• Comic books
• Model diecast cars
• Movie memorabilia
• Music memorabilia
• Sports memorabilia
• Sports trading cards
• Vinyl records

Food and drink

• Beer tasting
• Coffee roasting
• Sushi making
• Whiskey tasting
• Wine making
• Wine tasting
• Arcade games
• Board games
• Crossword puzzles
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Table tennis
• Video games
• Word scrambles

Model, electronic and tech

• App building
• Car restoration
• Model airplanes
• Model railroading
• Model rockets
• Model ships
• Programming / Coding
• RC helicopters
• Scale miniature building
• Choir singing
• Composing music
• Playing a musical instrument

Performing arts

• Breakdancing
• Historical reenactments
• Line dancing
• Magic tricks
• Standup comedy

Pets and animals

• Animal breeding
• Animal rescue
• Animal training
• Dog walking
• Fishkeeping
• Pet fostering
• Pet grooming

Spiritual and mental

• Freelance writing
• Neurolinguistic programming
• Novel writing
• Online classes
• Play writing
• Screenwriting
• Sign language
• Songwriting
• Speed reading
• Volunteering

Sports and outdoors

• Backpacking travel
• Base jumping
• Birdwatching
• Bodybuilding
• Fantasy football
• Figure skating
• Hang gliding
• Horse racing
• Horseback riding
• Ice skating
• Marathon running
• Martial arts
• Mountain biking
• Mountaineering
• Paragliding
• Rock climbing
• RV traveling
• Scuba diving
• Sightseeing
• Skateboarding
• Snowboarding
• Water skiing
• Weight training
• Windsurfing

Key takeaways

To sum up, here’s everything we covered about including hobbies and interests in your résumé

• Only list hobbies and interests if it makes sense to do so (they’re directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, for example) and you have space for them.
• Research the company, and tailor your hobbies and interests around their culture.
• Choose hobbies and interests that demonstrate your transferable skills and unique personality traits.
• Stay away from controversial hobbies or potentially illegal activities (such as gambling, pole dancing, hunting and hacking) or interests relating to your political or religious affiliations.

Meanwhile, if you decide to include your hobbies and interests in your résumé, keep these things in mind:

• Add a dedicated section for them at the end of your résumé.
• List them as separate bullet points and, ideally, briefly expand on each one in up to one sentence.
• Don’t list more than five hobbies and interests.

Got a question about including hobbies and interests in your résumé? Let us know in the comments section below.

Originally published on 31 October 2019.

Hobbies and Interests

Résumé Sections

• CV Examples
• CV Templates
• Cover Letter
• Job Interview

BEST Examples of Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV (2024 Guide)

Putting hobbies and interests on your CV is a great way to make your CV stand out from the crowd and impress the employer.

What you spend your free time on tells the employer a great deal about you, your values, your motivations, and in some cases, your skills and intelligence. This information can add real value to your job application and improve your chances of being shortlisted for a job interview.

David Littleford et al. , (2004) in their book Career Skills (pg. 14-15) mention under “other interests”:

“You should include hobbies and other interests, especially if they involve social and community activities. These activities are important – cover membership of societies, sports clubs/teams, etc. All these activities and the extent of your involvement give the recruiter clues about the real you and your interests.”

Use the guide and examples below to find out more about hobbies and interests and how to include them on your CV – let’s begin!

What are hobbies and interests?

Should i put hobbies and interests on my cv, what your hobbies “say” about you, what kind of hobbies should i put on my cv, examples of good personal interests to put on a cv, examples of best hobbies to put on a cv, how to write hobbies on a cv, location of the hobbies section on a cv, examples of different cv hobbies sections, things to avoid when writing your hobbies section.

A hobby is an activity that you regularly  pursue for enjoyment purposes, particularly during your leisure time. These are activities that generally relieve you from stress, tension or fatigue.

Examples of hobbies for a CV:

• Playing sports (football, tennis, hockey, cricket, etc.)
• Playing chess and solving puzzle games
• Reading and writing books, articles and publications
• Travelling and meeting new people
• Designing, drawing, sketching and painting
• Cooking and baking

An interest is an activity that you want to do or are currently doing on an  irregular  basis.

Examples of personal interests for a CV:

• Volunteering at local companies, clubs and organisations
• Organising events in the community
• Participating in fundraising events for charity
• Joining a professional, social or environmental group

The answer is, yes! Research has shown that adding relevant hobbies to your CV can make your CV more interesting, strengthen your job application and increase your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview. Putting your personal interests on your CV also shows the employer that you are a whole human being with a satisfactory life outside work and not a work robot.

If you lack work experience, your interests may show your suitability for the job in other ways. For example, they may give valuable information on your leadership potential or ability to work in a team.

Interviewers also use your interests to come up with ‘relaxing’ questions if the interview gets too hot or heavy; something which can help calm your nerves and improve your performance during the interview.

The benefits of including your personal interests on your CV:

• It will give the recruiter a fuller and more complete picture of you
• Extracurricular interests tell the employer that you are an all-rounded person who, besides just working, also enjoys having a good time
• They form a great basis for discussion at the interview stage
• Sporting activities indicate that you are fit, healthy and outgoing
• Involvement in the community suggests good interpersonal skills
• School leavers
• College students
• University graduates
• Candidates with little or no work experience
• Candidates who have blank space in their CVs that can be utilised

Remember that your CV is your personal marketing tool, and you should make the most out of using the totality of your CV, including the interests section, to “sell yourself” to the prospective employer.

• Senior professionals including managers and executives
• Candidates with a lot of work experience
• Candidates whose CVs are overflowing to more than 2 A4 pages

It’s not always appropriate to add this section to a senior CV. The more experience you have, the less important the hobbies and interests section becomes. Managers, executives and other experienced professionals are expected to show their skills and personal qualities from their work experience, achievements and educational background, without the need to resort to outside interests.

Phrases such as ‘Playing football’ , ‘solving puzzles’ , and ‘fixing computers’ are not generic terms without any meaning, rather; they carry a deeper message.

Here’s what the prospective employers will be subconsciously asking themselves when reading through the candidates’  CVs :

What do statements such as, “I play football on a regular basis”, “I enjoy solving puzzles” or “I like fixing computers” tell me about this candidate and their suitability for the job?

Many candidates do not realise that the hobbies and interests they include in their CVs can reveal a lot of information about them and their personalities.

Below is a list of some personal interests and activities and what they tell employers about the candidate:

List of hobbies and interests for a CV

Ask yourself: how do these interests add value to my application? Try to highlight your ability to interact, help and/or communicate with others.

Answer: Those that are relevant and add value to your application!

When deciding which interests to include, the golden rule to apply is;

Will it help me get the job?

Only include relevant hobbies, sports and leisure activities that display you in a positive light and strengthen your application; for example; interests which show that you are active, sociable and responsible.

Martin Yate, a best-selling careers author, outlines three broad categories of leisure activities to include on your CV in his book The Ultimate CV Book (Pg.35):

• Team sports (football, cricket, basketball, etc.)
• Determination activities (running, swimming, cycling, climbing, etc.)
• Brain activities (chess, reading, etc.)

However, not every one of the above categories may be suitable for your situation and the job that you are applying for. Only select the hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job and add value to your application.

• Bain activities (such as playing chess) are a good match for jobs which are technical or analytical in nature  (e.g. jobs in IT or science).
• Team sports (such as playing football) are a good match for jobs which require working with people on a daily basis (e.g. jobs in business or marketing).

Example of relevant and irrelevant hobbies for a web developer:

NOTE: Different activities can be interpreted differently depending on the job you are applying for. For example, “playing computer games” as a hobby is irrelevant to most jobs and may sometimes portray you as a self-absorbed individual living in their own little cyber world. However, the same hobby can add tremendous weight to your CV if you apply for a job as a video game developer, graphics designer or shop assistant at your local games shop!

How to match your interests with the job you are applying for:

There are thousands of hobbies and interests that people include in their CVs. Selecting the correct hobbies to include will depend on a number of factors, including the job sector and the job role/specifications.

Use the guidelines below to select the correct interests for your CV:

For example, if the job holder must have “excellent people skills” , you could mention your volunteering, team sports or socialising activities – all of which develop your communication, interpersonal and people skills. Don’t mention playing chess or jogging as that would be irrelevant.

If, on the other hand, the job specification states that the person must possess “outstanding technical skills” , you would mention playing chess, building computers and upgrading computer networks – things that indicate that you are technically competent and analytical-minded. Don’t mention socialising events because that would be less relevant.

Many companies have a ‘culture’ in the way they operated and how employees of that organisation behave. Google, for instance, is now famously known for allowing employees to play games, take a walk or do sports in order to relieve stress or become more productive during working hours. When applying for a job at a company like Google, there is no harm in showing a little bit of your fun, playful and human side because that fits in nicely with their company culture.

It is always a good idea to write down the list of skills and abilities that you possess and see which of these would add value if you include it in your CV. Skills and abilities are closely related to your hobbies and interest; therefore, you may include them in this section too.

List of interests and their relevance to different jobs

Interests enhance your CV because they show the employer that you are an all-round person with a passion and determination to undertake activities outside work.

The following personal interests will make your CV shine:

• Involved in local clubs, classes and groups. Involvement in clubs and student societies demonstrates that you have excellent interpersonal and people skills, traits that are highly valued by employers. Don’t forget to make mention any professional bodies you are a member of.
• Volunteering at local companies and organisations. Research has shown that the most important part of a candidate’s CV is their work experience section. If you don’t have any relevant work experience, it is highly recommended to take up some voluntary work to improve your skills, gain exposure to your industry and give your CV a great boost!
• Attending events, shows and exhibitions. Attending events, whether they are for business or pleasure, demonstrates to the employer that you are keen to learn about the latest trends in an industry or on a subject. It also shows that you are confident and enjoy meeting new people; two personal traits that are highly desired in almost all jobs.
• Organising events in the community. Employers love candidates that show initiative and take on additional responsibilities to further their skills and experience. Having experience in helping with community events is particularly useful if you want a job in events management, marketing or business management.
• Involved with charities (including campaigning and fundraising). Employers value charity work because it shows that you are socially conscious, compassionate and caring. It also demonstrates that you have great people skills and are capable of dealing with the public.

These interests enhance your CV because they inform the employer that you possess excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills which enables you to undertake these activities. It also confirms that you are motivated and determined about the things you are passionate about.

The following hobbies will give a boost to your CV:

• Exercise and sports. Adding sports to your CV will portray you as a healthy and fit individual. There are two types of sports; individual sports such as running, swimming and cycling, and team sports such as football, basketball, cricket and tennis. Individual sports portray you as a determined, passionate and strong-willed individual whereas team sports show that you have excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Playing brain games. Brain activities are great hobbies to add to any CV, especially if you pursue a career in computing, mathematics or science because they demonstrate excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Playing chess or puzzle games also tells the employer that you are intelligent, thoughtful and capable of overcoming challenges.
• Writing. Writing as a hobby indicates that you have excellent written communication skills, a key requirement for copywriters, editors, public relations professionals, marketers and journalists. You don’t necessarily have to be writing voluminous books to mention this hobby on your CV! You can also include writing poems, short articles and blog posts.
• Mentoring and coaching. Employers highly value mentoring because they understand that teaching, advising or supervising someone requires great skill, patience and determination. This hobby is particularly useful to add to your CV if you’re applying for a job as a teacher, tutor, mentor, teaching assistant, sports coach or fitness instructor.
• Computing and IT. If you’re applying for a job in the information technology (IT) industry, you can add the following activities to your CV to enhance it; coding and programming, building and fixing computers, designing and developing websites, setting-up computer networks and keeping up with the latest developments in technology.
• Designing. Designing is an essential requirement if you’re looking to apply for a job in a creative industry such as marketing or design. Activities that you could add to your CV include designing art, drawing, sketching and painting by hand, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Cooking, baking and eating. Who doesn’t like food, right? Cooking new dishes and baking cakes are great hobbies to add to your CV if you’re applying for a job in the hospitality and catering industry. You could also mention things like, ‘going out and eating at restaurants’ or ‘watching Food Channel or other food-related TV programmes (e.g. MasterChef)’. Passion for food goes a long way in this industry!

Below are the guidelines for writing a perfect hobbies section of your CV:

• Keep this section short and to the point as it is an extra/optional section; one to three interests are usually sufficient.
• Only include interests that are relevant to the job. For example, what value does “stamp and coin collecting” as a hobby add to the application of someone who applies for the logistics manager position? The answer: none. However, stamp collecting would be a very valuable hobby to mention when applying for a job as a stamp appraiser .
• Don’t use the usual lines about enjoying walking, reading or swimming; be more specific and describe them in sentences. For example, change “I enjoy reading” , to “I enjoy reading non-fiction and current affairs books” ), or change “Travelling” to “I have visited most major European cities,” etc.)
• Try to list interests that show a balance . A healthy interest in sports and the outdoors should be counterbalanced by other, more intellectual pursuits.
• Keep it real and don’t lie or exaggerate.

The interests section should be placed at the end of the second page , just before the CV references section :

Remember: This section is optional so placing it higher up on your CV will give the prospective employer the impression that you do not understand how to prioritise things. Think about it, how can your personal interests be more important to the employer than your work experience or qualifications?

Example 1 – Economist

Example 2 – teaching assistant.

Note: The example below is a bit long because the candidate had blank space in their CV and utilised it accordingly.

Example 3 – Civil Engineer

Example 4 – credit controller.

Example 5 – Journalist

It is best to avoid putting anything controversial or sensitive on your CV. Humans are by their nature very judgemental, so be wise about what you disclose on your CV. For example, some recruiters may judge you negatively if you included heavy metal as your favourite music genre.

Avoid mentioning interests that could reveal your private beliefs.

Stating that you are an “active member of the local church” may harm your chances of being invited to an interview, especially when the potential employer reading your CV is a strict atheist. Similarly, stating that you “volunteered on a number of Labour election campaigns” or that you are a “huge fan of Manchester United” is also not a very good idea.

Don’t mention very risky, dangerous or time-consuming hobbies such as rock climbing, deep sea diving, bungee jumping, parachuting and boxing. It is in the employer’s best interest that you are fit and well when you’re working for them!

One recruitment expert commented, “Personally alarm bells go off for me when I read about people jumping out of perfectly good aircraft or hanging off tall buildings on the thinnest of ropes!”

Interviewers use the interests section of your CV to identify any conflict of interest if your hobbies demand too much of your time that could interfere with your ability to do your job or meet deadlines. A potential conflict of interest could arise, for example, if you state that you run two part-time businesses alongside your day job.

You may think it’s a good idea to make up some hobbies to impress the employer but this is not a good idea.

One unfortunate applicant had put ‘theatre’ as one of their interests but was left speechless and embarrassed at the interview when they were asked about the kind of theatre they liked and the name of the last play they saw.

Make sure that you know enough to talk about every interest you list on your CV at the interview. Don’t include “Karate” as your hobby if the nearest you ever got to karate was watching a martial arts film! What if the interviewer is a black belt and asks you about the style of karate you have studied?

Over the years, recruiters have documented the many weird and inappropriate interests that they have seen on CVs, including:

• Eating pizzas
• Handling guns
• Frog dissection
• Swimming with saltwater crocodiles

Needless to say, none of these candidates was invited for a job interview!

Adding too many hobbies to your CV fills up valuable space that could be used for more important information. The following is a sample of a CV’s interests section that contains too many activities:

At this stage, the prospective employer will most likely be wondering: “Gosh, when will this person have any time to do some work?!”

Putting hobbies and interests on your CV is an excellent way of enhancing your CV and improving the chances of being shortlisted for a job interview. Regardless of your job or industry, you should only include hobbies or interests that are relevant and add value to your application.

If you’re still undecided on what to include, have a look at the great examples below to see which of these you can add to your CV.

The best personal hobbies and interests to put on a CV:

• Sports such as football, basketball and swimming.
• Exercise such as walking or going to the gym.
• Volunteering and participating in the community.
• Reading books, magazines or publications.
• Writing books, poems, articles or blog posts.
• Designing or drawing by hand or computer (CAD).
• Building things such as computers and product prototypes.
• Coaching, teaching, tutoring or mentoring someone.
• Organising events/activities for local charities or organisations.
• Learning a new skill such as public speaking or new technology.
• Cooking and baking when applying for food-related jobs.
• Playing brain games, puzzles, riddles and solving quizzes.
• Travelling to experience new cultures and meet new people.
• Learning a new language.

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List of Hobbies and Interests to Put on Your Resume

Last updated by Utkarsh Sahu on Apr 01, 2024 at 01:09 PM | Reading time: 15 minutes

While making your resume or revamping it, the only thing that appears necessary is your professional experience, education, and background. We often leave out hobbies and interests in the resume because they don’t quite seem important.

As such, including your interests and hobbies supports your case when you have no professional experience, or just a few years of work history. Some organizations especially take note of your personal interests to understand how quickly you would be able to adjust in the workplace environment. Hence, it only seems logical to add your personal interests and  hobbies to your resume .

Below, we’ve discussed everything you need to know about this section on your resume. We’ve discussed examples of hobbies and interests and how you should add them in your resume.

Here's what this article will cover:

What are hobbies and interests, the difference between  hobbies and interests, reasons to include list of interests and hobbies in a resume, who should include this section on their resume, when you should avoid including this section, what do your interests and hobbies say about you, what type of hobbies and interests should you include, how to match this section with your profile, how to write this section, top hobbies and interests to include on your resume, things to avoid including on your resume, what to do when you don’t have relevant interests and hobbies, how many pointers to include in this section, factors to keep in mind for this section, examples of hobbies and interests, mistakes to avoid when writing this section.

Before we start exploring anything else, let’s understand what are interests and hobbies.

A hobby is something you enjoy doing in your free time. It is an activity that  helps you relieve stress and tension. For example, playing chess, reading books, writing, cooking, traveling, etc. are prominent examples of hobbies.

An interest includes activities which you enjoy but only pursue sometimes. Examples include  volunteering for an NGO, joining social groups, organizing community meetings, etc.

A lot of individuals confuse hobbies with interests. These two terms are not synonymous. They are closely related but aren’t the same. Your hobbies include activities that you do on a regular basis, such as making food. Your interests include activities that you would like to do more - they’re more like your passive ideas. For instance, you like to travel occasionally. You may not do it every month but you enjoy this activity.

As a professional just entering the industry, it is good to include hobbies and interests in a resume for a fair number of reasons. It improves your job application and builds the interest of recruiters in your profile. Every recruiter is willing to hire employees who have additional interests outside work. Hiring employees with rich and interesting hobbies can help lighten up a work environment and perhaps even enhance employee productivity.  

Here’s why including personal interests on your resume is a good idea:

• It will allow the recruiter to understand your personality better. This section reveals who you are.
• Having some extracurricular interests and hobbies only indicates that you are an all-rounder. It shows that you enjoy activities other than work.
• Sometimes, the list of interests and hobbies on your resume becomes a topic of discussion during the interview.
• Activities, such as sports, indicate that you look after your wellbeing.
• If you include community involvement, then it shows your interpersonal skills.
• This section is also important to highlight your transferable skills, which are necessary for multiple job roles.
• Hobbies and interests in resume also help in differentiating yours from other candidates or applicants.

Above all, interests on your resume simply portray you as a person who has a pleasant personal life. Today, no one hires an employee based on their technical skills alone. That said, your interests and hobbies help in understanding how you are as a person in your professional and personal life.

Here’s a list of professionals who should have the interests and hobbies section in their CV:

• College students looking for internships
• Candidates looking for their first jobs
• Applicants who have some blank space in the CV
• School and college drop-outs

Here’s a list of professionals who can avoid adding personal interests to their resume:

• Senior professionals, such as executives
• Candidates with multiple years of experience
• Applicants with multiple CV pages

Your personal interests in your resume say a lot about you.

If you say you like writing or solving puzzles , it speaks a lot about how you like to spend your free time. Personal interests in your resume often hold deeper meanings.

For example, if you write that you like solving puzzles , this could indicate that you have excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Similarly, playing certain games as hobbies also hold deeper meanings. For instance, if you like playing chess , you could come across as a strategist, a skill which could be useful to your job as well as your employer.

Here’s what certain activities could say about you:

• A writer is creative
• A designer is also creative
• A traveler is adventurous
• Someone who likes swimming is healthy
• Someone who likes computers has a grasp on technology

If you are trying to highlight a skill on your resume, it would be great to add a l ist of interests and hobbies related to it.

You can strategically add your hobbies and interests depending on your application. If you wish to add value to your CV, here’s what you should do:

• If you are applying for a marketing or business job, then adding activities like sports is the right choice. These activities show that you enjoy daily activities that include other people.
• If you are applying for technical roles, include more brain activities like playing chess. This shows your interest in analytical tasks.
• You should avoid including something irrelevant such as playing Xbox. This is not useful in any job and could portray you in a bad light.

From the above discussion, it is obvious that you should include a list of interests and hobbies which are related to your job. Read on to synchronize this section with the rest of your CV.

Check the specifications of the role

Firstly, check the specifications on the job application. If there’s a section including must-haves or good-to-have, then relate these skills. For example, if the application says that you should have good people skills, then add socializing or sports activities.

On the other hand, if the application requires analytical skills, then add hobbies such as playing chess or solving puzzles.

Check the company’s culture

You can also check the company’s culture to know what should go in your interests section. If the company’s culture is more inclined towards helping employees de-stress from time to time, then you can show your fun side as well, such as playing football or computer games.

Make a list

The best way to write interests in your resume is to make a list of hobbies and interests you have and then match these one-by-one with the application, company’s culture, and other CV sections. You would automatically find out activities worth including in your resume.

Now, let’s figure out how to actually write hobbies and interests in the resume :

Although you may have multiple hobbies to put in your resume, always select the ones that highlight your abilities related to the job role.

• Your hobbies should be relevant to the application
• Add only 1-2 interests in your resume
• Select hobbies which highlight you as an all-round individual

Let’s see some tips to decide interests to put on your resume:

• Keep this section short. There’s clearly no point in dragging or bragging. Two to three  lines are more than enough.
• Be clear about your interests. Instead of I like writing , you should use I like writing poetry .
• Don’t add a list with words. It is best to describe these interests as sentences
• Pick relevant interests only.
• Include only three or four interests. The more, the merrier doesn’t quite work here.

There are three types of hobbies and interests that you can include in your CV:

• Sports, such as cricket and football.
• Determination tasks, such as cycling and swimming.
• Brain tasks, such as reading and playing chess.

Some people may be able to include all three types in their resume and others would be able to include only one. It depends on your career choices and interests.

Check the examples of hobbies that you can add to your interests and hobbies section:

• Something intellectual, such as following financial activities and news, or reading financial magazines.
• Being a regular member of the professional community, NGO, or other groups.
• Interest in activities, such as playing puzzle games, chess, and other sports like swimming cricket and basketball. Here, you can add team sports like tennis and football or individual sports like cycling.
• There are other activities that portray you as a leader, such as mentoring, teaching, or coaching.
• If you wish to show your technical skills, then add activities like fixing computers, building computer programs, or developing WordPress websites. This can also include setting up computers and exploring technical blogs, magazines, etc.
• For people who are innovative and artistic, they can include hobbies like designing, sketching, drawing, painting, and DIY handmade items.
• Multiple individuals also include photography as their interests. This is beneficial if you are entering the field of digital marketing.
• In some job roles, depicting your interest in baking, cooking, exploring food places, and reading food magazines can help you.
• Especially people in creative roles can benefit a lot from adding writing and reading as their personal interests on resume.
• Traveling is also a favorable hobby and interest in your resume. It says that you love exploring new places.
• Some people also add that they regularly do volunteer work, attend fundraising events, etc.
• Adding a link to your blog says a lot about you. If you are a writer, then the recruiter would be able to figure out a lot about your writing skills through this blog.

These hobbies allow your employer to understand the organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills that you have.

For this reason, it is imperative to strategically add interests to your resume. You don’t want the recruiter to believe that you are irresponsible or self-engrossed.

While the above discussed has some attractive hobbies for your resume , the following are the ones you should avoid.

When you are adding a list of interests and hobbies to your resume, it should invoke positive thoughts about your application. If there’s an activity, which might allow the employer to think otherwise, then you should not include this personal interest on your resume.

• Hobbies that may be violent or risky, such as collecting knives.
• Interests that are antisocial, such as avoiding meetings or community gatherings.
• Adding a joke, which can easily become offensive for others.
• Including personal beliefs, such as political views, etc.

It is possible that you don’t have relevant interests to put on your resume. In this case, you can use transferable skills , such as time management, prioritization, and leadership.

There’s no point in adding anything, which might not interest your employer. For example, folk dancing should not be present in the resume of an engineer. It just doesn’t make sense.

Everything in your resume should be inverted towards the job application. In every way, you should come off as the perfect candidate. If there are interests in your resume that might go against your job role, avoid adding it.

If there’s nothing that you can add to this section, then don’t add this section. Just filling up space might only distract your employer from the point.

As already discussed, just add 4-5 skills to your list of interests and hobbies. Anything more than that can be seen as bragging and exaggerating. Stick to only relevant pointers, and remember, less is always better here. Focus on making this section more valuable, not more lengthy.

When you are writing this section, here are tips you can utilize to add attractive hobbies to your resume:

As we have already discussed, your interests in the resume should be relevant. No one would like to read that you are a dancer if you are applying to be a quality analyst.

• The length of this section should not be more than 3-4 lines. Just add the most relevant hobbies and interests to keep it short.
• Place this section at the bottom of your resume. It is important but not more important than your qualifications.
• Label this section correctly. You don’t really have to use hobbies and interests. Get creative; especially if your job requires it. For example, use Personal Interests or Activities as the label.
• Be professional! Even if you like partying, that’s not something you put on your resume.

I enjoy volunteering for the local paper. I also occasionally enjoy reading business magazines and socializing at economist events.  

Teaching assistant

I like meeting new people and having a valuable conversation with them. Along with making connections, I frequently take interest in volunteering at the community center.

Credit controller

I like keeping myself updated with the latest news in the field. Therefore, I frequently read Financial Times and other such sources for the latest data.

As an engineer, I keep exploring how to advance my career. I enjoy exploring new methods of building websites and utilizing a new technology.

In my free time, I enjoy attending literary events. I also keep myself updated with current news through various online sources.

There are some mistakes that you should avoid when writing your resume. Check out what are these:

• Eliminate any sensitive and controversial tone and language. It is only human to judge what you write in your resume. Hence, consider that your recruiter is judging your every move. Don’t put things like you enjoy the heavy metal genre.
• Don’t put your political views on the paper. There’s no point in adding that you have volunteered for election campaigns. The personal choices of the recruiter might clash with yours.
• It is best to avoid adding time-consuming activities as your interests. Don’t let the interviewer think that you may go rock climb for weeks.
• Exclude irrelevant activities, such as stamp collecting, from your resume.
• As a senior-level professional, you can completely eliminate this section on your CV.
• Don’t lie! You can’t add hobbies and interests that you don’t actually enjoy. That’s out of the question! You would only face embarrassment if you lie on your resume.

Depending on your experience and the length of your resume, it may be interesting to add a list of interests and hobbies. Just utilize the above tips and factors to make this section worth your recruiter’s time. There’s no point in adding irrelevant pointers here, as that would put you in a bad light. Hence, check the above guide, find relevant hobbies, and include this section.

Utkarsh Sahu

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How to List Hobbies on a Resume? Full Guide for 2024

As a job seeker, you might have come across the “Hobbies and Interests” section of a resume, and wondered why this section is included. Though some may view hobbies as irrelevant, this section can be a valuable asset in showcasing skills and personal qualities that make you stand out from the competition.

The following article will explore how listing hobbies and interests on a resume can improve your job prospects, and offer tips on how to present this section effectively. Our goal is to help job seekers understand the importance of highlighting their hobbies and interests and to demonstrate how doing so can add additional value to their candidacy.

So let’s dive in!

Understanding the Role of Hobbies on Your Resume

Hobbies can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially when listed correctly. They can showcase important skills, add personality to your application, and distinguish you from other candidates. In this section, we will explore the various ways hobbies can enhance your resume and how to present them effectively.

How the Hobby Section Adds Skills

Listing your hobbies on your resume can do more than show your extracurricular interests. They can also highlight skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a sales position, your skills in public speaking and networking can be showcased through your hobby of Toastmasters. Similarly, if you are applying for a freelance writing role, sharing your blogging hobby can help to demonstrate your writing skills and expertise.

Most Effective Ways to Present Hobbies

When listing hobbies on your resume, it’s important to present them in a structured and organized manner. Here are some of the effective ways to list hobbies:

• Bullet Points: List your hobbies as bullet points under your “Interests” or “Activities” section. This makes them easy to read and scan by hiring managers and recruiters.
• Grouping: Group your hobbies based on category, such as sports, volunteering, or creative pursuits. This helps to highlight the diversity of your interests and skills.
• Relevance: Only list hobbies that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Avoid hobbies that may be controversial or unrelated to the job.

How Hobbies Can Show Personality

Sharing your hobbies on your resume can also reveal your personality to potential employers. These interests can help to add personality to your otherwise dry, professional application. For instance, if you are applying for a creative or arts-based role, sharing your love for film and theater can demonstrate your passion for the arts.

Importance of Selecting the Right Hobbies

Lastly, it’s crucial to select the right hobbies when listing them on your resume. The wrong hobbies can be detrimental or irrelevant to your application. When selecting hobbies, consider its relevance to the job, whether it showcases transferable skills, and whether it can be a conversation starter during the interview process. It’s critical to remember that your hobbies can make or break your resume, so choose them wisely.

Listing hobbies on your resume can be an excellent strategy to enhance your application. It can showcase your skills, add personality, and help you stand out from other applicants. By following the tips we’ve shared in this section, you can present your hobbies in the best way possible and improve your chances of landing your dream job.

Choosing the Best Hobbies to Add on Your Resume

When listing your hobbies on your resume, it’s important to consider how relevant they are to the job you’re applying for. This is especially important if you’re hoping to use your hobbies to showcase skills or traits that are valuable in the workplace. A hobby that’s irrelevant to the job or the skills required for the job might not add much value to your resume.

Importance of Relevancy

Relevant hobbies can show an employer what you’re passionate about, and how that passion might translate to your work. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires strong leadership skills, listing hobbies that involve leading a group of people or managing a project could give you a leg up.

How to Identify Relevant Hobbies

Think about the particular skills or traits that are required for the job, and consider how your hobbies might demonstrate those skills or traits. If you’re not sure what the job requires, take a look at the job description or do some research on similar roles.

Tips to Pick the Best Hobbies

When selecting which hobbies to include in your resume, it’s helpful to choose those that demonstrate achievement, leadership, or creativity. These hobbies show that you are a well-rounded individual with a diverse set of skills. It’s also important to choose hobbies that you’re passionate about, as this passion is often evident in how you talk about and engage with the activity.

How to Enhance Hobbies to Make Them More Fitting for the Job

If you’re passionate about a hobby but don’t feel like it directly relates to the job, you can enhance it in a way that makes it more fitting for the role. For example, if you enjoy playing video games but you’re applying for a job in data analysis, you could emphasize the analytical skills required to strategize and win games.

When choosing the best hobbies to list on your resume, ensure they are relevant to the job, demonstrate valuable skills or traits, and showcase your passions. If you have a hobby that seems unrelated to the job, find creative ways to demonstrate how it can be applied to the role.

Format of the Hobbies Section on Your Resume

When drafting your resume, it’s important to consider whether or not to include a hobbies section. This section can help showcase your personality and interests, but it’s crucial to format it effectively. Here’s a closer look at the format of the hobbies section and what to include:

Where to Add the Hobbies Section

The best place to add your hobbies section is toward the end of your resume, after your work experience and education sections. While the hobbies section isn’t always necessary, it can benefit job seekers who are looking to show off their well-roundedness and unique interests.

What to Include and What to Avoid Including

When drafting your hobbies section, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be brief and to the point. Avoid trying to list every hobby or interest you have, as it can come off as unfocused and unprofessional. Instead, choose two or three hobbies that could be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you could mention that you enjoy exploring branding techniques or attending industry conferences. On the other hand, avoid mentioning anything too controversial or divisive, such as political affiliations or religious beliefs.

How to Write it Effectively

It’s important to remember that the hobbies section shouldn’t be the focus of your resume. Keep it brief, and use it as an opportunity to introduce yourself in a positive light. When formatting your hobbies section, consider using bullet points or short sentences to keep it organized and concise.

Different Resume Formats and How They Include a Hobbies Section

Different resume formats can vary in how the hobbies section is presented. In chronological resumes, the hobbies section may be placed at the bottom after work experience and education, while functional resumes may include it at the top as a way to highlight skills and interests.

The key takeaway is to keep the hobbies section brief and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It can be a great way to add some personal flair to your resume, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t distract from your professional experience and qualifications.

Top Hobbies to Add on Your Resume

Your hobbies can say a lot about you as a person and a potential employee. They offer a glimpse into your personality, interests, and skills. Including hobbies on your resume can make you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique strengths. Here are some popular hobbies to consider adding to your resume, and how they can benefit your job prospects.

List of popular hobbies to include

• Running or participating in marathons:  This shows dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
• Volunteer work:  This demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community and the ability to work with others towards a common goal.
• Creative pursuits (e.g. painting, writing, music):  These hobbies highlight your artistic side and can demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to think outside the box.
• Team sports (e.g. basketball, soccer):  This shows that you work well within a team, can communicate effectively, and understand the importance of collaboration.
• Traveling:  This can represent a global perspective, cultural awareness, and adaptability to new situations and environments.

How each hobby can benefit the job prospects

• Running or participating in marathons:  Demonstrates perseverance, goal orientation, and discipline, which are qualities that can transfer to the workplace.
• Volunteer work:  Shows a commitment to helping others and the ability to work well with diverse groups of people – qualities that are highly valued in many work environments.
• Creative pursuits (e.g. painting, writing, music):  These hobbies can reflect a broader set of skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and creativity, attributes highly valued in industries like marketing, advertising, and even finance.
• Team sports (e.g. basketball, soccer):  Shows the ability to work as part of a team, communication skills, and a competitive nature. All these attributes are highly sought after by employers looking for team-oriented individuals who can work together to accomplish common objectives.
• Traveling:  Demonstrates a global perspective, cultural awareness, and the ability to be adaptable and open to new experiences – all highly desirable qualities in today’s multicultural workplaces.

How to discuss the listed hobbies in the interview

During a job interview, discuss your hobbies in a way that will show how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Be authentic and enthusiastic about your hobbies, but don’t go overboard. Don’t let your hobbies detract from your professional qualifications, but rather add an extra dimension to your overall profile that can make you a more memorable candidate.

• Running or participating in marathons:  Explain how this hobby has helped you build endurance and discipline, which could translate well into a driven and focused team member.

Hobbies and Your Job

When it comes to crafting a strong resume, listing your hobbies may not initially seem like a priority. However, incorporating your hobbies can actually be a valuable addition to your job application in several ways.

One way hobbies can enhance your job application is by showing how they match the job description. For example, if you’re applying to be an outdoor educator, including hiking or kayaking as a hobby can demonstrate your experience and passion for working outdoors.

Additionally, the inclusion of hobbies can increase your chances of getting a job. Many employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who are passionate about life outside of work. If you share a hobby with the hiring manager or recruiter, it can create a connection and make you stand out among other applicants.

Finally, hobbies can convey passion and interest, showcasing traits that are highly sought after by employers. For example, if you’re an avid reader, it may suggest that you have strong critical thinking and analytical skills. If you’re a musician, it could indicate your creativity and ability to think outside the box.

Including hobbies on your resume can be a compelling way to demonstrate your personality, interests, and skills beyond your work experience. However, it’s important to remember to keep it relevant and professional. If your hobbies don’t align with the job you’re applying for, it’s best to leave them off.

Unique and Creative Hobbies to Add on Your Resume

In today’s competitive job market, job seekers are always looking for ways to stand out from the competition. One way to do this is by adding unique and creative hobbies to your resume. Not only do they catch the eye of potential employers, but they can also show off your multitasking and adaptability skills.

Here are some creative yet professional hobbies that you can add to your resume:

• Photography:  Photography is not only a great hobby but also a useful skill to have in many industries. It shows that you have an eye for detail and can capture and edit images to create a desired effect.
• Writing:  If you enjoy writing short stories or blogging, consider adding it to your list of hobbies. Writing not only shows your creativity but also your communication skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteering:  Volunteering for a local charity or organization shows that you are committed to making a difference in your community. It also shows that you can work well with others and can adapt to new situations.
• Foreign language:  If you are fluent in a foreign language or learning one, make sure to include it in your hobbies section. Knowing a foreign language is an invaluable skill in today’s global economy and can open up many job opportunities.
• Cooking:  Cooking is not only a relaxing hobby but also shows your ability to multitask and think on your feet. It also demonstrates that you are capable of following instructions, improvising when necessary, and adapting to new scenarios.

These hobbies show that you have skills that can be applied to various job positions. They also show your multitasking and adaptability skills, which are essential in any workplace. By adding creative and unique hobbies to your resume, you are proving to potential employers that you are a well-rounded individual who can handle anything that comes your way.

Adding unique and creative hobbies to your resume is an excellent way to stand out from the competition. Make sure to include hobbies that show your skills, such as photography, writing, volunteering, foreign language, and cooking. These hobbies not only demonstrate your creativity but also showcase your multitasking and adaptability skills, making you a valuable addition to any workplace.

Example of Listing Hobbies on a Resume

If you’re considering including a hobbies section on your resume, it can be helpful to see some examples of how other job seekers have approached this section. Here are some sample resumes featuring hobbies sections and explanations of each listed hobby:

Sample Resume #1

Hobbies Section:

• Photography

This job seeker has taken a straightforward approach to listing their hobbies. They have included three interests that are relatively common and don’t require in-depth explanations. The running hobby can suggest that the candidate is committed to their fitness and well-being, while the reading and photography hobbies suggest that they enjoy spending time in solitary activities.

Sample Resume #2

• Competitive swimming: 5-time national champion
• Playing guitar in a local band
• Volunteering at the animal shelter

This job seeker has used their hobbies section to showcase some impressive achievements related to their interests. The mention of being a 5-time national champion in competitive swimming could catch the attention of a potential employer and suggest that this candidate is highly driven and dedicated. The mention of playing in a local band suggests that they have a creative outlet outside of work. Finally, the mention of volunteering at the animal shelter shows that they have a giving nature and are willing to give up their free time for a good cause.

Sample Resume #3

• Hiking and camping
• Traveling to new countries
• Learning languages

This job seeker has used their hobbies section to highlight their adventurous spirit and curiosity. The hiking and camping hobby suggests that they are comfortable with physical challenges and enjoy spending time in nature. The traveling hobby suggests that they have a desire to explore new cultures and see new places. Finally, the language learning hobby suggests that they have a drive to constantly learn and improve themselves.

When listing hobbies on a resume, it’s important to consider how they might be perceived by a potential employer. Are they relevant to the job you’re applying for? Do they demonstrate qualities like dedication, creativity, or a willingness to learn? By carefully selecting and explaining your hobbies, you can use this section to further showcase your strengths and interests to a prospective employer.

Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Hobbies on Your Resume

When it comes to listing hobbies on your resume, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can not only make your resume look unprofessional and cluttered but can also impact your chances of getting the job. This section will discuss these errors and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes

Including Irrelevant Hobbies: One of the common mistakes that many job seekers make is including hobbies that are not relevant to the job they are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a job in Finance and list “Baking” as a hobby, it may not be pertinent to the role.

Listing Too Many Hobbies: Listing too many hobbies can make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional. It is recommended to list only 2-3 hobbies that are relevant to the job and showcase your skills.

Being Too Vague: Being too vague about your hobbies can make it difficult for the recruiter to understand how they relate to the job. For instance, listing “Traveling” as a hobby may not provide a clear picture of your skills.

Impact on your Job Application

Listing irrelevant or too many hobbies can have a negative impact on your job application. Recruiters may consider your resume as disorganized, unprofessional, and may put your application into the “no” pile. Furthermore, if the job requires certain skills and you list hobbies that do not support those skills, it can indicate that you are not the right candidate for the role.

How to Avoid these Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes and increase your chances of getting the job, here are some tips:

Tailor your Hobbies to the Job: Consider the job requirements, company culture, and industry trends when listing your hobbies. Choose hobbies that showcase your skills, personality, and interests and demonstrate how they relate to the job.

Be Specific: Instead of being too vague, provide specific information about your hobbies. If you list “Running” as a hobby, mention that you have completed a half-marathon or regularly participate in charity runs.

Limit the Hobbies Listed: List only 2-3 hobbies that are relevant to the job and highlight your skills. This will make your resume look organized, clean, and professional.

Listing hobbies on your resume can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills, but it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your job application. By tailoring your hobbies to the job, being specific and limiting the hobbies listed, you can increase your chances of getting the job.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Hobbies on a Resume

If you’re wondering about how to list hobbies on your resume, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries about including hobbies on a resume:

Common queries about including hobbies in a resume

Q:  Should I include hobbies in my resume at all? A:  It depends on the company culture and the position you’re applying for. In some cases, hobbies can be seen as irrelevant or even distracting. However, in some fields, certain hobbies could demonstrate your relevant skills or traits. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, mentioning that you enjoy photography might be beneficial. Always consider the company culture and requirements of the position before including hobbies.

Q:  How much detail should I include about my hobbies? A:  Keep it brief and to the point. You don’t want to dedicate too much space on your resume to your hobbies. It’s generally enough to provide a short description of your hobby and maybe mention any awards or achievements related to it.

Q:  Can I mention controversial hobbies? A:  Use your discretion. If your hobby is something that could be seen as offensive or unprofessional, it’s better to leave it out. Remember that your resume is a reflection of you as a person and a professional.

How to handle potential awkwardness when discussing hobbies

Sometimes, the idea of discussing personal interests or hobbies in a professional setting can feel awkward. Here are some tips to handle that potential awkwardness:

• Emphasize the relevance of your hobbies to the position you’re applying for. This will help the hiring manager see your hobbies in a different light.
• Don’t worry too much about it. Remember that everyone has hobbies, and there’s nothing wrong with sharing yours.

How to figure out the relevance of the hobby

When you’re deciding whether to include a particular hobby or not, it’s important to consider its relevance to the position you’re applying for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Is there a clear connection between your hobby and the skills required for the position?
• Will including this hobby add value to your resume, or will it detract from it?
• Does this hobby speak to your overall character or work ethic?

By answering these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether to include the hobby on your resume.

Tips to Maximize the Impact of Your Hobbies Section

Your hobbies section may seem like a small and inconsequential part of your resume, but it can actually be a valuable tool in showcasing your personality and highlighting skills that may not be immediately apparent from your work experience. Here are some tips to make your hobbies section top-quality and stand out to potential employers:

1. Choose your hobbies carefully

When selecting hobbies to include on your resume, think about what skills and interests you want to emphasize. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, listing hobbies like painting or writing can demonstrate your creative abilities. If you’re applying for a job in a team-oriented industry, including hobbies like sports or volunteering can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.

2. Be specific and descriptive

Avoid listing generic hobbies like “reading” or “watching Netflix.” Instead, be specific about the types of books you read or the genres of movies and shows you enjoy. This can give potential employers a better idea of your interests and personality.

3. Highlight unique hobbies

If you have hobbies that are less common or unique, don’t be afraid to include them. This can make you stand out from other applicants and show that you have interests beyond the typical ones.

4. Tailor your hobbies section to the industry

Different industries may value different hobbies, so make sure to customize your hobbies section to match the industry you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying for a job in the tech industry, including hobbies like coding or building computers can demonstrate your technical skills and interest in the field.

5. Show how your hobbies relate to the job

When listing your hobbies, try to find ways to connect them to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a marketing manager, including hobbies like blogging or social media management can demonstrate your marketing and communication skills.

Your hobbies section can be a great way to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. By choosing your hobbies carefully, being specific and descriptive, highlighting unique hobbies, tailoring your hobbies section to the industry, and showing how your hobbies relate to the job, you can create a top-quality section that stands out and sets you apart from other applicants.

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The 7 Best Hobbies Employers Like to See on Resumes

When prepping your resume, choose hobbies with care—some are worth more than others! Sure, binge-watching shows might be great for relaxation but won’t land you the job. So what hobbies and interests are the best to list on your resume?

There are certainly more than three hobbies that get employers to take notice , but 7 hobbies, in particular, check the box every time. Before we dive into each, let’s discuss whether hobbies should be included in a resume or not.

DO HOBBIES MATTER ON RESUMES?

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service role, having experience volunteering or hosting a podcast could show the hiring manager that you can think strategically or interact with people in a friendly manner.

So don’t be afraid to include relevant hobbies or personal interests that you feel passionate about on your resume!

Now that you know to include hobbies on your resume, you might be wondering which to include.

1. LEARNING A LANGUAGE

Learning a language can be daunting , but it’s also one of the most rewarding tasks out there! Not only do you get an understanding of another culture and its customs, but you also get to reap the benefits of patience, dedication, and perseverance.

Why Employers Love This Hobby

Employers are looking for employees who have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Learning a new language can demonstrate open-mindedness, creativity, and capacity for problem-solving.

Best Way to Learn a New Language: italki

There are many different ways to learn a new language, the best, of course, is traveling to the country and immersing yourself in the culture.

But if you don’t have the opportunity to travel, there are plenty of tools you can use from home or on the go, and none better than the italki. It features over 150 languages, and it’s the closest thing you’ll find to learning a new language than actually being in a foreign land.

You’ll find this speeds up your conversational language skills tremendously and makes learning a language far more engaging than learning definitions and proper grammar as your first lesson.

2. VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering is a great way to show off your leadership abilities and gain invaluable experience. Whether it’s helping out in a soup kitchen, working with animals, or assisting at an after-school program, volunteer activities demonstrate that you have the initiative and dedication employers appreciate.

Why Employers Love this Hobby

And if you volunteer in an area related to your field (such as a teacher volunteering with a literacy program), it can show that you’re dedicated to honing your skills and understanding industry trends.

Best Way to Volunteer: United Way

Whether it’s helping out with food pantries, after-school programs, or disaster relief efforts – you’ll be sure to find something that resonates with you and make a real difference.

3. CREATIVE WRITING

Creative writing and journaling are excellent ways to express your thoughts and ideas, and aside from being outlets, they are also packed with benefits to your health.

An added benefit is that journaling just requires your time, creative juices, and something to record your thoughts with. This is one of the reasons it made the list of 5 hobbies every college student should try at least once – it’s affordable!

Employers look for individuals who can think creatively and express themselves clearly. Writing is an excellent way to demonstrate your communication skills, and it can show that you can think outside of the box and come up with new ideas.

Best Way to Get Started: Start Writing!

If you’re looking for something a little more formal and instructional, several online courses exist – we’d recommend Skillshare since they have a wide range of teachers covering different styles of creative writing. Plus, they are the best in the world at their crafts.

4. PODCASTING

Podcasting is a great way to showcase your knowledge and build relationships with people in the same industry. It’s an effective way to create an audience and get your ideas out into the world.

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s easy – just because there are millions of podcasts doesn’t mean anyone can do it well. But, with enough practice and persistence, you can break through, at least enough for your big interview.

Employers are looking for people who have unique perspectives on their given industries, and podcasting is a great way to demonstrate that. It shows you are passionate about your craft, and it also showcases your ability to communicate effectively with others.

Podcasting has many different benefits, including:

Best Way to Get Started: Start Listening

If you’re looking for a great place to get started with podcasting, begin by listening to some of the top podcasts in your industry. Look at what makes these shows successful and how they engage their audience. This will give you an idea of what kind of content resonates with people.

Once you have an idea of what you want to talk about, it’s time to start creating!

5. PHOTOGRAPHY AND EDITING

Employers are looking for people who can take initiative and come up with creative solutions. Photography and editing is a great way to showcase this strength as it requires you to think outside of the box and execute your ideas.

Best Way to Get Started: Start Shooting!

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start editing! There are plenty of tools available that are free, but if you want premium tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop you may need to hand over quite a bit of cash to do so over the course of a year. Learning how to edit your photos can take some time but is well worth the effort in the long run.

6. PLAYING SPORTS

Playing sports is not just a great hobby to put on your resume – it’s an absolute must! It proves you’re a team player, have dedication, and are committed to physical fitness.

Plus, team sports requires all sorts of skills like communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and leadership – qualities any employer would be looking for.

Last but not least – it shows that you’re passionate about something, resilient, and know how to lead effectively – so why wouldn’t you want to add this sporty activity to your resume?

Best Way to Get Started: Join a Team

If you’re looking to get involved in sports as a hobby, there are plenty of ways to get started:

So, if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding activity to add to your resume, consider taking up sports! It’s sure to impress any employer.

7. LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT

Learning an instrument is not only a great way to express yourself, but it also helps you develop skills that are in high demand. Playing an instrument requires discipline and dedication, it also helps with problem-solving and creative thinking – both of which are critical for success in any field.

Plus, if you can put on a show, well, there’s nothing quite like it.

Employers like to see that job applicants have well-rounded hobbies, particularly those that demonstrate skill and dedication. Learning an instrument demonstrates both of these qualities, as it requires discipline, practice, and focus to master a certain piece.

In short, employers value learning an instrument as a hobby because it shows not only dedication and skill but also creativity.

Best Way to Get Started: Online Learning

If you’re looking to add learning an instrument to your resume, the best way to get started is by finding a teacher, whether online via AI, a human in-person, or a person online. A good teacher can help you develop proper technique and practice habits that will give you the foundation for success as you progress in your musical journey.

Another great way to get started is by finding an online course. There are plenty of sites out there that offer courses in a variety of instruments – from the piano to the guitar to the drums. Skillshare has amazing courses on this as well ; from your standard fare of piano and guitar, all the way to sitar and Irish tin whistle.

You can also find several free and paid mobile apps – I use an app called Ultimate Guitar: Chords & Tabs which is amazing for guitar , and I use that for lessons, tablature, chords, and even video lessons. There are other instruments on the app, but since I only play guitar, I can’t vouch for how good other instruments are with Tabs.

HOW TO WRITE ABOUT HOBBIES ON RESUME

Now that you have a list of 7 hobbies for your resume, let’s shift gears and look at how to actually transfer a hobby to your resume. You want to make your resume stand out from the crowd, but it should still be relevant to the job search. A well-chosen hobby can demonstrate your soft skills, personal interests, and even a bit of your personality. In this section, we’ll dive into the art of presenting your hobbies on a resume in a way that enhances your chances of landing that dream job.

First, let’s talk about relevance. When choosing which hobbies to include on your resume, it’s important to consider their relevance to the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who will fit into their team and company culture and bring value to the company. Therefore, hobbies that align with the job requirements or demonstrate transferable skills can make a difference.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your list of relevant hobbies, whether you’ve used the ideas presented throughout this article or you’ve pulled in true hobbies already a part of your life, it’s time to focus on presentation.

You don’t want to clutter your resume with an exhaustive list of every pastime you’ve ever pursued. Instead, dedicate a small section to your hobbies, ideally towards the end of your resume in the interests section or retitle it as interests and hobbies section (hobbies and interests section). Use bullet points to list them concisely, allowing employers to quickly scan through your interests.

5 Examples of How to Write About Hobbies in Resume

Using the tips provided above, here are some examples of how you might write about your hobbies on a resume. Remember to keep it concise, relevant, and genuine, while highlighting the skills that make you an attractive candidate.

Don’t forget, these are just examples, and the best way to showcase your hobbies on your resume is to tailor them to your own experiences and the position you’re applying for. By doing so, you’ll not only create a memorable resume but also give potential employers a glimpse into your personality and interests outside of work.

Lastly, be genuine about your hobbies. Employers can often spot when candidates exaggerate or fabricate hobbies to fit a specific job profile. Be honest about your interests and, if asked about them during an interview, be prepared to discuss your experiences and the skills you’ve gained from them.

EMPLOYERS WANT TO SEE CURIOSITY ABOVE ALL ELSE

No matter what hobbies you choose to pursue, employers want to see that you have positive skills and experiences. They look for applicants who think critically and make decisions on their own.

They want to see that you have a genuine interest in learning new skills and that you are willing to devote your time and energy to mastering those skills. So don’t be afraid to pursue hobbies that are outside of the box – employers will appreciate it!

Good luck with your job search and as always –

Happy Hobbying!

-New Hobby Box

Hey - I'm Steve, co-founder of New Hobby Box, and hobby enthusiast. A few years back, I felt like I was getting dull when it came to learning new things. That's why I was part of the original crew who set out to challenge ourselves to learn new things. We liked it so much that we decided to take our challenge public - and that's what ultimately started New Hobby Box. I love going against the status quo when it comes to hobbies, I've tried so many things that I would never have thought to do, that ultimately became part of my life. You'll find quite a few of my hobby experiences throughout the site. Happy Hobbying!

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How to Land Your Dream Job

Job Hunting 101: Learning To Locate the Right Opportunities

Applying for jobs: what you need to land an interview, acing the interview: what to do before, during, and after, frequently asked questions about landing your dream job.

If you’re ready to pursue your dream job, be prepared for honest self-reflection and dedicated time and effort. Working toward this goal will sometimes feel like a job unto itself. But it is all worth it, as your dream job will be one that excites you and provides more than just a way to pay the bills.

This guide will show you how to set yourself up for success and move through the application and interview process. We’ll help you start with real-world examples, tools, and resources for landing your dream job.

Some people know the exact job title they want and the company they want to work for, but your dream job might be more vague or undefined than that. It’s okay if you’re unsure of where to start. We’ll review how to determine what you want to do, where to look, and who to start interacting with.

1. Figure out your career goals

You can’t begin your job search until you know what your dream job is. It might take some work to define what you’re looking for, but starting with a list of likes and dislikes or pros and cons can get your ideas flowing. Ask yourself questions such as:

• How do I like to spend my time?
• What activities do I enjoy engaging in, what things do I like learning about, and what kind of information do I seek out?
• What types of problems do I like to solve?
• What kinds of skills do I have? (communication, technical, managerial, administrative)
• What is important to me in my work? (i.e., helping others, using my hands, influencing others)
• What type of employer do I want to work for? (small private company, large corporation, non-profit, for-profit?)
• Can I turn my personal passions or hobbies into a career?
• Is there anyone I know who has a job I’ve always wanted? How can I talk to them about it?
• What do I already know about the career field I am considering, and what do I need to learn?

Landing your dream job might require you to obtain new skills, but also consider the skill set that you currently possess. You may already have developed communication skills, such as writing or public speaking, or administrative skills like scheduling or coordinating. Using your current skill set will set you on the path toward discovering your dream job. Consider how you can leverage your skills and transfer them to a new role.

Look for commonalities between your personal preferences and skill set. One helpful exercise is to write out all these items on a large piece of paper and hang it up. Then, stand back, circle items that are similar, and connect the dots to help identify patterns. For example, if you enjoy helping others by coaching and mentoring and have strong verbal communication skills, you might consider jobs in teaching or advising. You could also plug the top items on your list into a job search engine to see which careers would be a good fit.

There are some great resources to help you re-imagine how to apply your skills and generate possibilities based on your most recent role. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is another way to explore careers while learning all you need to know about training, salary, and job outlook.

Once you identify your dream job, put together a list of small goals with reasonable deadlines. If the job of your dreams requires special training or education, think of some ways to get that process started. Work backward from your final goal and identify all the steps it will take to get there from where you are today. After you complete this preliminary process of figuring out what you want and how to get it, you can begin to look at job boards and company career pages.

2. Research online job boards

Of job seekers in the U.S., 79% utilized online sources, according to a study from the Pew Research Center . Career sites like the ones listed below make it easy for job applicants and employers to connect. There are also niche job search sites great to research, identify, and incorporate into the process.

For example, candidates interested in tech should check out www.dice.com , or www.idealist.org if seeking work in the non-profit sector. Here are a handful of the most popular websites offering job postings, career research information, and networking opportunities:

3. Grow and maintain your professional network

Job boards are a great resource, but there are others. About 30 to 50% of all hires come from employee referrals. This statistic highlights it does matter who you know and who knows you. Previous employers, coworkers, and college buddies can all be part of your network. Connections from the past can provide career opportunities today, but it’s vital to make new ones and get involved with the people who already have your dream job or work in your dream company.

Joining a professional association is a great way to connect with others in your field. However, you might not meet the requirements for certain associations, and they usually charge membership fees as well. An alternative option is to join LinkedIn Groups, which allow you to virtually network with colleagues and discover new job opportunities. LinkedIn Groups may not offer all the benefits of true professional associations, but they’re free and easy to join.

Everyone with a LinkedIn account or social media page has an inbox, which lets you reach out to the people doing what you dream of doing. Make a list of contacts and craft a personalized message requesting a quick 10 to 15-minute call. Ask questions, connect, and create a point of contact for future opportunities.

Avoid asking questions that can be answered by viewing their profile. Dig deeper by discussing topics such as how they made a pivot in their career and why they like working at their current company. You can even ask friends and family to introduce you to anyone who could give advice about your chosen field or connect you with the right people.

Here’s an example of how you could reach out for one of these networking calls: “Hi Christine, my supervisor, Phyllis Johnson, at XYZ Company met you at the NACE conference last year and suggested I connect with you to discuss the changes you recently implemented at ABC Company. She thought we could collaborate on a future project for a local conference. I would love to chat further about how you made the pivot at your organization. Would you have 10 to 15 minutes next week for a call? Thank you.”

Once you rekindle those old connections and make a few new ones, it’s important to maintain those relationships. A network is only as good as your commitment to keeping those connections relevant, worthwhile, and valuable. Developing a system to make contact regularly or bring value to your network will be key in making sure these connections continue to support your journey to your dream job.

Holidays or big events are always a good time to provide updates or check in with connections. Also, actively engage with your colleagues on social media — rather than just liking their posts, acknowledge people’s new roles with a direct comment, share articles that might interest others, and post questions that drive engagement to your profile. Commenting thoughtfully on someone’s post and following companies of interest are also helpful.

4. Learn how an applicant tracking system works

Hiring managers have the daunting task of sifting through potentially hundreds of applications per job listing. This is why most recruiters have access to applicant tracking systems (ATS) software that helps them automate and streamline the hiring process. Overall, more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to narrow down candidates for open positions based on keywords, skills, and experience.

There are several ATS options for companies, but they all mostly work the same way. Applicants will be asked to answer questions as well as upload resumes and cover letters to the system. The ATS software can do things like rank candidates based on whether they match the provided job description through keywords, notify the company if there are any red flags, and identify whether they have the required experience.

These features are helpful for companies but may seem impersonal to job seekers. Resumes of high-level applicants may be overlooked if they don’t contain enough keywords or meet the system’s algorithm requirements. Formatting issues can also cost candidates an opportunity (elements such as graphics, tables, text boxes, and columns often give ATS software trouble). In the upcoming sections, we will show you how to optimize your application to get noticed.

Companies also use assessments to determine if a candidate just looks good on paper or can actually do the work required. Assessing an applicant through a test project is one way for recruiters to get a snapshot of the candidate’s ability for technical jobs that require software proficiency.

Some hiring managers may ask applicants a series of questions relevant to the job. Their answers will provide insight into how a candidate thinks about and approaches their work. These are quick and effective ways for companies to gauge the level at which someone can perform the required tasks.

5. Practice good self-care

Finding your dream job can be a long, frustrating process. For each interview you land, there may be a dozen or more applications you submitted for other positions, leading to rejections. And even at the interview stage, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get hired. You must find ways to cope with all this frustration and rejection to maintain your mental health.

For example, you could set boundaries, such as only looking for jobs on certain days of the week. Another option is to partake in a wide range of extracurricular activities outside of job hunting. Overall, the key is not to allow job hunting to become an all-consuming task in your life.

To avoid burnout, you can also concentrate your efforts into a series of 10-minute challenges. These quick bursts of job-hunting activity could involve practicing your answers to interview questions, updating your profile on LinkedIn, or any other tasks that help reach your goal. If you take this approach, we recommend completing three 10-minute challenges on at least three days per week.

Once you find an open listing for your dream job, gather network references and apply for the position. Below, we review factors to consider during the application process and how to stand out with an excellent resume and cover letter. We’ll provide resources and tools for optimizing your application, as well as tips on how to present yourself on social media.

1. Check for a mutual connection before applying

If you know a friend or acquaintance who works for the company you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to get in touch and ask for a referral. Even if you only know someone who knows someone, using those networking skills to ask for an introduction can make a huge difference. Many organizations offer a referral bonus system, so leveraging any connections you may have can benefit everyone involved.

When you reach out to a friend of a friend, mention who you have in common and be direct yet polite about your request. Here’s an example of what you could say: “I have been following your organization for a while and was excited to see an opening in the marketing department. I know this is not your area, but I was wondering if you could tell me about the overall culture of the organization? Also, if you think I should speak to someone else who works with the marketing team, would you be able to connect me with them?”

Applicants who are referred by current employees generally have a higher chance of securing an interview and getting hired. And according to job experts, employee referrals are a way for companies to save on time and resources. It’s a win for everyone involved and something to double-check before the application process.

2. Create or update your resume

Your resume acts as your representation until you land the interview. It should concisely communicate your most recent and relevant experience, speak to your skills, and highlight your achievements. Check out our collection of over 250 free resume examples , covering a wide range of industries and experience levels. Here’s a list of what’s expected on your resume, along with some optimization tips:

• Heading: At the top of your resume, include contact information such as your name, phone number, and email address. If you wish to include your city and state, you may, but a complete mailing address is no longer necessary. These simple elements let the hiring manager know who you are and how to follow up with you. Avoid using the heading section of your document, though — headings are often unread by ATS software. Your LinkedIn profile should also be included with your contact information.
• Summary: This expands on who you are and what you do. Keep it to a brief few sentences. For example: sales manager with 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and medical supply industries. Skilled in developing new business, cultivating relationships, building successful sales teams, and catapulting sales using market research analysis and keen negotiation strategies.
• Experience: This usually makes up the bulk of a resume. Focus on what you’ve done and how. Review the responsibilities and skills required of your previous work and provide examples of results you achieved and how, including metrics when applicable. Avoid vague statements and write specifics like “assisted customers in-person with selecting customized outfits based on style and price point, resulting in 35% more sales.” Use terminology that aligns with your career goal. If you need assistance with revising bullet points you can ask ChatGPT. However, remember to proofread and ensure the accuracy of statements.
• Education: Employers want to know where you’ve gone to school and any degrees or certifications you hold, especially pertinent to the job. If you’re pursuing further education, mention that. Listing achievements, high GPAs, and honors is another way to highlight your education. Candidates with less experience should consider including relevant courses and projects to showcase their knowledge in the field. This is also an effective way to embed valuable keywords into your resume.
• Skills: Provide a list of skills, beginning with those most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Include hard skills like software proficiency and technical ability, along with soft skills like leadership, communication, and positive character traits. If you can, communicate your skills in a way tailored to the job you want by using some of the company’s language.
• Keywords: With most companies using some kind of ATS, it’s vital to pull keywords from the job description and work them into your resume. Speak to the requirements and responsibilities of the role through your own words and experience. Don’t overdo it, though. Hiring managers don’t want a copy-and-paste version of their job listing in your resume. Only use keywords about three to five times within the document.
• Formatting: Your resume should look cohesive in design and be 100% error-free. One typo could be interpreted as carelessness and ruin your opportunity. It’s easy to miss or mix up numbers, so double-check your contact information and dates. Consistency is also important — for example, if you make your category headings bold and a slightly larger font, this style should be used throughout the document. Get someone to read your resume, check for errors, and offer suggestions.
• Medical Surgical Nurse
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Front-End Developer

Alison Wu (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Francisco, CA 12345 LinkedIn profile link

A medical surgical nurse with three years of experience specializing in wound care, electronic health records (EHR) systems, acute care, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. A strong track record of developing relationships and trust with patients to identify optimal treatment plans. Adept at partnering with diverse medical teams to drive ideal clinical outcomes.

Professional Experience

Medical Surgical Nurse, UCSF Medical Hospital, San Francisco, CA July 2019 – present

• Administer care to diverse patient populations in a 40-bed hospital with a 1-to-3 ratio, which includes evaluating patient data and symptoms to identify appropriate treatment methods
• Interface with patients to provide support for activities of daily living (ADLs), which includes providing resources and aid throughout treatment
• Maintain EHR and updated patient medical files

Nursing Extern, St. Francis Hospital, San Francisco, CA June 2018 – June 2019

• Coordinated with registered nurses (RNs) to manage cases and deliver care to patients in the OR, which included monitoring vital signs, blood pressure, and EKG readings
• Developed relationships with patients throughout the treatment process and delivered empathetic care in alignment with physical and emotional needs

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, September 2015 – May 2019

• HIPAA regulations
• Patient-centered care
• Surgical care

Certifications

• Medical Surgical Nurse – Board Certified (MEDSURG-BC), June 2022
• Registered Nurse (RN) License, State of California, #12345678, June 2019
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, June 2018
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification, June 2018

Paul Morrison (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Boston, MA 12345 LinkedIn profile link

A dynamic Digital Marketing Specialist with five years of experience, specializing in paid search, SEO, lead generation, and product marketing. A proven track record of developing innovative strategies to grow web presence and organic traffic for client websites. Expertise in leveraging analytics to refine data-driven decision-making for digital initiatives.

Digital Marketing Specialist, New England Marketing Consultants, Boston, MA May 2018 – Present

• Lead paid search initiatives and digital marketing campaigns, analyze customer trends and behavior, recommend UX enhancements, and define marketing strategies for client accounts generating $100K-$400K in annual revenue
• Improve lead generation and traffic for customer websites and social media accounts by 40%-70% by aligning marketing initiatives and brand voice across all channels
• Leverage Google Analytics to evaluate web performance metrics and create reports for the marketing team and senior leadership to refine paid search strategies

Digital Marketing Specialist, Amherst Realtors, Amherst, MA May 2016 – May 2018

• Executed email marketing campaigns and digital initiatives to enhance lead generation and improve website traffic by 120% for a leading real estate company
• Analyzed SEO performance, conducted marketing research on competitor sites, and identified refinements to web copy and design
• Led an initiative to implement online lead-generation ads on LinkedIn, performed testing, and secured executive buy-in, resulting in a 50% increase in conversion rates

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Marketing University of Boston, Boston, MA September 2012 – May 2016

• Digital Marketing
• Paid Search
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Google Analytics

Sakura Takahashi (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Francisco, CA 12345 LinkedIn profile link

A results-driven Front-End Developer with five years of experience, specializing in UI design, web development, project management, and Java. A proven track record of collaborating cross-functionally with technical teams and stakeholders across all phases of the software development lifecycle. Adept at performing quality assurance testing for web applications.

Front-End Developer, Bay Area Web Design Inc., San Francisco, CA May 2018 – Present

• Design user interfaces and websites for a startup technology company delivering web development services for client accounts valued at $100K-$500K across the insurance, banking, automotive, and financial industries
• Translate user requirements into scalable code, develop prototypes, conduct wireframing activities, and ensure alignment with client business specifications
• Perform testing on web pages, analyze user feedback, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities to enhance web page responsiveness

Front-End Developer, San Francisco Insurance Corp., San Francisco, CA May 2016 – May 2018

• Developed prototypes, user interface design, and wireframes for the company website of a leading west coast insurance company, which included creating landing pages
• Led the integration of a customer service chat functionality to answer user questions and schedule consultations, resulting in a 15% increase in leads
• Partnered with web developers and software developers to create a mobile application for insurance customers, which included supporting back-end development and UI design

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA September 2012 – May 2016

• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
• User Interface Design
• Front-End Development
• Certified Web Development Professional, Web Developer, 2019
• Certified Web Development Professional, Application Developer, 2018
• Java Development Certified Professional, 2016

3. Craft a cover letter that complements your resume

A cover letter is your chance to expand on your experience and accomplishments. It should be cohesive with your resume and go into greater detail on your experience, skills, and relevant education. Describe how, for example, you increased profits by 15% with your recurring ad campaigns. We also have over 90 free cover letter examples to learn from and create a unique one. Let’s review all the basics your cover letter will need and ways to optimize it.

• Heading: Your cover letter should include your contact information and should match your resume in terms of format as well. Following the letter format, below the header is where the date and addressee’s contact information will go.
• Salutation: Greet the hiring manager by name as Mr., Ms., or Mx. (Last Name). Avoid using “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam,” as these terms are outdated. If you don’t have a name and can’t find one on the company website, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Introduction: Open your letter with something interesting that will catch the hiring manager’s attention. You could use a few sentences about a past accomplishment and tie it into why you want the position. Also, mention the position you are applying for and how you heard about it. If you are being referred or have a contact at the company, state their name, title, and department if you have that information.
• Body: The majority of your letter consists of the body paragraphs. Elaborate on your education, experience, and skills. Pick examples relevant to the position and highlight how and why you qualify for the job. Provide a couple of paragraphs of information, but don’t be too wordy. Use a bulleted list to break up the text and create a focal point on elements you wish to highlight. Also, include why you are interested in the company and the position, and connect this information to your background.
• Conclusion: Close out your letter with a call to action, encouraging the hiring manager to schedule an interview with you at their earliest convenience.
• Keywords: Optimizing and embedding your cover letter with keywords can help you catch the hiring manager’s attention. Use the words naturally within your writing – don’t force it. Keywords should be used as a guide to keep your focus on how your unique experience fulfills the job requirements for that specific position.
• Formatting: The cover letter template or design should complement your resume. It must have the same fonts and colors as your resume and be professional and error-free. Once you’re done writing, come back later with “fresh eyes” to catch mistakes. Also, get someone you trust to proofread and identify any spelling or grammatical mistakes. The cover letter should not exceed one page. Ideally, the content will take up about three-fourths of the page in length.
• Good Example
• Bad Example

Evan Carlson Retail Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | LinkedIn | Los Angeles, CA | 12345

April 2, 2024

Bob Langston Hiring Manager Staples [email protected]

Dear Mr. Langston:

As a retail manager with over 10 years of professional experience, I’ve developed an expertise in refining store operations and marketing efforts within the retail sales space. I managed over 125 SKUs and categories at Home Depot, generating $5 million in annual sales. I hope to bring similar success to Staples as the new retail manager of your store.

I am drawn to Staple’s reputation for customer service and excellence. My background would be a strong asset to your organization based on the following career accomplishments:

• Led initiatives to develop and enhance floor plans and drove marketing initiatives for the introduction of new products, resulting in a $300,000 increase to annual sales revenue
• Managed, built, and recruited a cross-functional team of over 60 sales associates, department heads, custodians, and operations staff and led efforts to ensure operational excellence
• Collaborated with department leaders to analyze coverage gaps and drive process improvements, resulting in a 15% reduction in overhead costs

I would like the opportunity to speak with you and share more about how my operations management experience can benefit Staples. Feel free to contact me at your convenience with any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Bob Langston

Jason Filoni Retail Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Address St., Portland, OR 12345

January 1, 2024

Hiring Manager Acme Markets (987) 654-3210

To whom it may concern,

With many years of management experience in retail, I believe that I should be considered a top candidate for the retail manager opening with your company. I’m a creative problem solver who can always find the right solution to a business issue. You may receive many applications during this process, but I can guarantee you won’t find a harder worker than myself.

A management position with Acme is an exciting opportunity that will help me advance my career forward. I’ve grown over the course of my time as a manager of a small grocery chain, and I’m certain that I’m the candidate you’re looking for based on my past responsibilities. Not only did I manage large amounts of staff across the store, I was also effective at delegating tasks and leading meetings. I analyzed sales reports across product SKUs and coordinated shipping and receiving functions. I received nothing but positive feedback on my managerial style from customers and staff, which I believe proves that I’m a great leader and the best candidate for this job.

I’m excited to learn more about what the future might hold for my employment with your company. I’m enthusiastic for the chance to prove myself and hope to hear back promptly.

Best regards,

Jason Filoni

4. Update your LinkedIn profile

With 1 billion users, LinkedIn is a professional platform used by top companies for scouting and hiring talent. If you joined in the early days, it might be time for a profile update. With 87% of recruiters using LinkedIn for sourcing their candidates, it’s definitely worth the effort to get your information current.

Social media pages like LinkedIn can be optimized just like a cover letter and resume. Intentionally setting up your profile for success will help you stand out, build your network, and possibly connect you to recruiters for opportunities. Here are a few ways to make the most of your LinkedIn profile:

• First impressions: A professional headshot is the standard for a LinkedIn profile picture. Putting a face to your name helps people connect with you online. Use a background photo, too — a creative way to add a little personality and make an impression. You can also indicate you’re open to job offers if you don’t mind making this information public.
• Descriptions: Utilize the headline to grab attention and be found. Your headline defaults to your current job title, but edit this to reflect all the titles you are aiming for and also have a value statement. Your About section provides the opportunity to describe your career purpose, skills, and achievements in a summary. These spaces provide a way to market yourself, share your story, and tell people why your skills matter.
• Connections: Take advantage of LinkedIn by finding people already in your network to make connections on the platform. Use the search feature to find people you would like to contact and work toward connecting with. Get to know potential future employers and coworkers through their profiles and see if you have any mutual connections. You can also search for alumni groups for any schools you’ve attended to quickly build up your network. Joining Groups is another way to expand your network and build connections.
• Showcase: Highlight your knowledge and ability through LinkedIn’s education and skill sections. You can add degrees, certifications, and a list of skills. With skills assessments, you can earn badges and show your proficiency with software like the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite. This increases your likelihood of getting interviewed. You can link to projects you’ve completed as well — while you can only describe what you’ve done on your resume, this feature allows you to show prospective employers your capabilities.
• Services: One of LinkedIn’s newer features is the ability to add services. This is a great option for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses. If applicable, adding a services section to your profile can increase your search ranking and let recruiters know you’re open and available for new business.
• Value: Follow, comment, and interact with the posts of companies you admire and people you’re connected to. You can also share your professional thoughts through your own content. Posting long-form articles on subjects related to your field or your dream job is a great way to gauge and monitor the response you receive. Engagement on LinkedIn is how you get involved and put your name out there.
• Endorsements: LinkedIn’s endorsement feature lets you give back to those in your network. Give endorsements to your connections who you feel deserve your backing. You’re likely to have the favor returned and receive your own endorsements or even recommendations, serving as personal testimonials that highlight experiences people have had working with you. Reach out to your connections and request feedback from people you’d like to see on your profile.

5. Gather your professional references

Whether or not the job you’re applying for requests references, it’s smart to have some people ready to vouch for you. There are two kinds of references that companies may require:

• Personal: This is someone who hasn’t worked with you but knows you well enough to communicate your character, goals, and values. A neighbor you often help, or someone you’ve volunteered with would be excellent options to use as a personal reference.
• Professional: This can be a former colleague or manager you interacted with on a regular basis who can speak to your work ethic, performance, and abilities.

Most companies will request professional references because they tend to be less biased and provide helpful insight into how you are perceived as someone at work. Contact your potential references to ask if you can use them in this context. This also lets you share more details about your career background and the job opportunity, making them more informed and effective as references. Secure your contacts as soon as you can in the job-hunting process so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. You may even need recommendation letters as a form of reference, so give your contacts enough notice to write up something great for you.

6. Scrub your social media accounts

Employers have realized they can get a glimpse into the lives of their candidates through personal social media pages — 70% of employers believe they should screen social media accounts of candidates . For most employers, this includes LinkedIn, which is a good thing, but also X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook for the most part.

Go through each of your accounts and decide if you need to make them private or not. You can also hide or archive individual posts and pictures you’d rather not have your employer see. If there are old or one-off accounts you created floating around the internet, it might be a good idea to delete those you’re no longer using.

You can even take it a step further and optimize your social media pages. Curate your public profiles to match how you want to be perceived by prospective employers and colleagues in your field. Choose the words of your bio wisely and show you can present yourself in a professional way. Follow and interact with the companies and people who either have your dream job already or work for the company you want to get hired by. Any social media platform can be used to build your network.

Scouring job boards, networking, and creating resumes is a lot of work. It seems like once you secure an interview the hard part is over, but a complex and crucial component of landing that dream job has just begun. You may even go through multiple stages of interviews before the process is complete. In the final sections of this guide, we’ll go over how to prepare for an interview, what to do on the day of, and how to follow up with the hiring team.

Prepping for your interview

Do your homework. If you’re selected for an interview, learn the description of the role inside and out. Confidently speak to every aspect of what the job requires. Know the company’s mission and values and share why they matter to you. Research the company’s history and current leadership. Read up on any recent events or announcements through its social media presence or the news.

Studying the company’s products, services, clients, and such is all part of the preparation process. Learn about the specific department you would be working for and why this role exists. You may even want to look up the interviewer on the company website and LinkedIn to gain some insight about its background. Resources such as Glassdoor may offer insights from employees.

Practice your interview answers. You’ve likely interviewed for another job before, so you understand what kinds of questions will be asked. Indeed gives some examples of the most commonly asked questions and sample answers in a recent article — think about any other questions that may come up, write down your answers, and practice speaking them aloud.

Reviewing the job description can also help you prepare for questions that may come up. For example, if the description says you must have experience working with a diverse student population, prepare to fully discuss in detail how you have previously handled such situations. Once again, you can lean into AI for some assistance by inputting the description into ChatGPT and asking for guidance on how to prepare for an interview.

Utilize your relevant experience. Your resume will likely contain some, if not all, of your relevant experience to the job, but be prepared to elaborate even further. Have additional examples ready to speak about successful projects, results, and creative solutions. Practice using the CAR technique — challenge, action, and result to tell your story. Think about what you did and why. Interviewers may also ask how you overcame struggles or handled a difficult situation. Prepare an example of conflict resolution or how you managed a stressful situation.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Be ready with a set of questions to ask the interviewer once your interview comes to a close. This is a thoughtful gesture that shows your interest in the job and desire to learn more about it. You could ask questions about the role specifically or about the company and its practices. Evaluate if the position and culture are the right fit. Be sure to ask when you can expect to hear back from the hiring manager for the next steps.

Know where and when you’re meeting. Arriving early to an interview is one way to eliminate the stress of being punctual. If you’re meeting in person, ensure you have the address, directions, and information on parking. It’s better to sit in your car for 10 extra minutes than to rush through traffic just to arrive sweaty, out of breath, and possibly late.

If your interview is by phone or a video call, set up the space you’ll be in and ensure your equipment is working properly. Confirm with your interviewer which video call software you’ll use and have it downloaded and ready. If your interview is over video, be mindful of the background space as well as noise.

What to do the day of your interview

Dress to impress. Wearing your best business attire is the way to go for an interview, and it’s better to overdress than underdress. Jackets, button-downs, ties, slacks, skirts, and collared shirts are all great go-tos. If you’re interviewing over video chat, you still need to dress and look the part.

Bring copies of your resume. If you’re meeting in person, the hiring manager may ask for another copy of your resume. Even if they don’t ask, having a copy to leave with your interviewer is a nice way to show you came prepared. If you’re heading to a group or panel interview, make sure to bring enough copies for everyone.

Stay relaxed. Interviews can be stressful, especially if you’re being interviewed by a group rather than just one hiring manager. It’s best not to appear nervous but to avoid seeming overconfident and presumptuous. To strike the right balance, maintain positive body language, be polite, and give equal attention to everyone interviewing you. If you take notes during the interview, especially in person, ask the interviewer before you begin. Don’t get overly focused on note-taking, as it will avert your attention and gaze downward.

Watch for signs that the job or company is not right for you. Landing the interview doesn’t mean a particular company or team will be a good fit. Watch out for behavior or language that seems like it will not be a good match for your skills, interests, and values. The job description should sound the same as the one you initially read. If you’re interviewing in person, pay attention to how office staff interact with each other to get a sense of their culture in action. Other common instances that indicate the job may not be legitimate are:

• You are asked to invest your own money in the company
• You get evasive answers about salary or benefits
• You don’t meet your direct supervisor
• There is a lack of clarity about why the position you are interviewing for is currently available

Record your notes after the interview. After your interview, write notes on what was discussed if you hadn’t already. How was the interaction? Did you learn anything you’d like to remember? What was the interviewer’s name? Did you receive any instructions on the next steps? You can also use this information for your follow-up thank you note.

Following up after the interview

The hiring process can take weeks, sometimes even months, but it’s important to stay patient. One way to be proactive is by sending a thank you note the day after your interview. Keep it simple by thanking the hiring manager by name and for their time, as well as the chance to share your interest in the job. You could also share something you enjoyed about the interview. This thoughtful gesture goes a long way toward making a good first impression and landing your dream job.

To show you how to write a good post-interview thank you note , we’ve included a good and a bad example below, along with some analysis of why they do and don’t work.

Hello Robert, 

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed the conversation and was very impressed by some of the long-term projects your team is working on. It’s very refreshing to find an organization that shares my passion for user-centered design in app development. 

I’m looking forward to learning more about the company and hearing about the next steps in the interview process. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. Thanks again for your time and consideration. 

Best regards, 

Elizabeth Rodriguez

I greatly enjoyed interviewing with your company. This opportunity is important to me, and I’m striving to put my best foot forward throughout this process. Having learned a great deal about the organization and the job, I would accept an offer with a salary of $60,000 to $80,000. This feels like appropriate compensation for someone with my years of experience. 

I expect to hear back soon regarding your decision and any other additional steps there are in the hiring process. Thanks again for the interview and the opportunity. 

The examples above demonstrate that tone is very important — in the bad example, you’ll notice that the interviewee comes off as presumptuous and rather rude by mentioning their salary expectations and putting pressure on the hiring manager to respond quickly. Instead, be much more positive and respectful. Remember to keep your note concise and bring up a detail that was discussed during the interview to show that you were paying careful attention.

If I see a job I am interested in, how soon should I apply? -

Right away. Online job postings receive hundreds of resumes. It is helpful to be an early applicant. However, although time is of the essence, take a moment to customize your cover letter and resume before you click that “apply” button.

Besides job boards, how else can I find opportunities? -

LinkedIn is a great place to job search and network with others. Once you are connected to others, when they post, it will show in your newsfeed. It is not uncommon for people to share with their network when their organization has a job. Additionally, people announce opportunities within their LinkedIn groups to share within their network. Other social media platforms can be used for job search and building connections. In particular, certain industries may have a strong presence and share opportunities in these spaces.

I have applied to hundreds of jobs in the past few months and have not heard back from anyone. What else can I do? -

The job search can feel frustrating. Give yourself permission to take a break. Use that time to reassess what you are looking for in a job, what type of company you want to work for, and your job search strategy. If you have been employing the open job board, plug in a job or keyword, hit search, scan results, click apply, repeat. It is time to pause. Focus on building connections and doing research to identify not only the job function but the organization that aligns with your skills, interests, and values.

What actually happens to my resume when I apply online? -

Most companies use ATS . If you have completed a job application online, you likely recall being asked many questions about your education, skills, and experience. You may not realize certain questions are designed to “knock out” candidates. What does that mean exactly? If the recruiter has assigned a significant amount of weight to a certain amount of experience in the industry, for example, “Do you have at least three years of experience in sales?”

Often, there is a radio button for yes or no and not an opportunity to qualify an answer either. Once you click “no,” you are “knocked out,” meaning disqualified. This could be a key factor in why you are not getting contacted for an interview. It is important to remember that an application is a legal document, where you sign and check the box stating you have answered honestly.

If your application makes it through to actually be scanned, that typically happens next. It is scanned, often by software that reads your resume, looking for certain words and other information. The recruiter has placed various amounts of weight on specific criteria, the more matches your resume has, the higher your score. If you have a higher score, there is a better chance of the human recruiter reviewing the resume and then reaching out. That is why the resume content and format are so important.

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Carolyn Kleiman

Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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• How to Make a Resume

Creating a standout resume might seem daunting, but it’s your key to landing that dream job. Your resume is more than just a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that attracts potential employers. Nowadays it’s everyone’s concern how to make a resume that is ATS friendly and reflects your skills and knowledge.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to build a resume that gets noticed by hiring managers and recruiters. We’ll cover resume templates , effective resume formats , and tips for writing powerful resume bullet points. Building your resume is crucial for different job applications, how to highlight your professional experience and the best ways to list your education and certifications.

Table of Content

What is a Resume

Why a resume is important.

Before, moving on to how to write a resume even if you’re a fresher and have no experience, let us understand what is resume and why it is important.

A resume is a concise document that summarizes your skills , experiences , and achievements to showcase your qualifications for a job. Understanding resume writing how to is essential for creating a compelling resume that stands out. When learning how a resume is written, it’s important to focus on formatting, clarity, and relevance. Effective resume writing involves choosing the right structure, highlighting your most significant accomplishments , and tailoring the content to the job you’re applying for. By mastering how to write a resume, you can create a powerful tool that captures the attention of potential employers and helps you advance in your career.

If you want paychecks, you’ve to sell yourself first and a resume is that one tool or document that lists out your features and USPs that will help you to sell yourself in the job market. Within one or two pages, a resume convinces recruiters if they want to call you for a job interview or not. (That much power your resume holds)

So, if you want to bag your first interview or want to interview at your dream company or for a dream job role , it’s very important for you to write a strong and power-packed resume with correct keywords and relevant skills that will persuade recruiters to hit “I want to interview you” button. 

How to Make a Resume (Full Guide)

Choose your desired resume format.

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional or Skilled Focused resume format
• Hybrid Format
• Dos and Don’ts of Resume Layout 
• What resume format is best for ATS

Most people have two options when it comes to getting an interview call – A++ top-tier level resume or an “I know someone here” referral. No matter which group you belong to, it’s important to up your resume game and understands the strategies that are used to land an interview from your dream company within a week, if not days. Before you dive into the resume-building process, you have to decide on the right resume format that will take you up the ladder. If you’ve already decided to write your resume on a text editor like MS Word, it’s highly recommended you should keep your HANDS OFF from them. 

Formatting your resume on a basic text editor will not waste your time but also your effort. We recommend that you should use a resume builder tool like GeeksforGeeks Online Resume Builde r – Free. Our resume builder is fast, simple, and free to use. Moving onto resume formats that you can use to format your resume. 

There are three types of resume formats: reverse chronological, functional or skills-based, and hybrid. You should choose the format that suits the type of job you are applying for and your level of experience.

Types of Resume Formats

1) Reverse chronological Resume Format – This highlights your career advancement and emphasizes the relevant job experience. It’s an absolute fan favorite of recruiters. However, it doesn’t show your skills much so if you’re someone with highly relevant job experience, you can opt for this resume format.

Reverse chronological Resume Format

2) Functional/skills-based Resume Format – Are you a fresher with no job experience? Opt for a functional or skill-based resume format if you have skills to brag about but no relevant work experience. 

Functional/skills-based Resume Format

3) Hybrid Resume Format – Now, this resume format is preferred by most recruiters and loved by job seekers with diverse skillsets and job experience. It combines the best elements of both reverse chronological and functional resume format and provides space for the right keyword. 

If you’re wondering which resume format is best for ATS, go for the reverse chronological resume format. When it comes to resume layout, you need to mind these tips while formatting your resumes:

• Page Count: Keep your resume to one page. Max 2 if you’ve 7+ of experience and it’s relevant to your job role. Recruiters get 1000+ resumes every day and it gets tough to go through resumes with more than 2 pages. 
• Heading Tag: If you’re choosing an H1 tag or an H2 tag to write your headlines in your resume, then ensure that all headlines have the same tag.
• White space: Keep enough white space in your resume. Negative space is needed to make your resume look professional.
• PDF or Word: Download your resume as a PDF document as it can be read by most ATS. If the job description mentions that you need to send the doc file as a .doc, then send your resume like that as old ATS can’t read PDF files.

 Add your contact information

The most important and overlooked section of your resume is the contact information section which is right under your name. Even if you write everything correctly but haven’t provided your contact details, HRs can’t reach out to you even if they want to contact you. Ensure that everything on your contact information is up to date and triple-check the details if needed. 

Things that you should include are: 

• First Name / Last Name – Mention the name that is provided on your social security card or if you’re in India, it should match the name that’s provided on your PAN card or Aadhaar card.
• Phone Number – Only provide the phone number that is reachable.
• Email Address – Don’t provide an unprotected email address. Your email address should be like this: “[email protected]”. Avoid providing email addresses like [email protected], [email protected]
• Location – Your residential address should be the same as the one where you stay or relocated.
• Social Media URLs – If you’re a software developer, mention your Github profile. If you’re a designer, then Behance profile and if you’re a writer, provide your personal blog that showcases your abilities. Don’t forget to include your LinkedIn account as most recruiters go through LinkedIn to see your online presence. 

Write a Resume Headline that Can Stand You Out From the Crowd

A resume headline is a short, one-line statement that conveys who you are as a candidate. It is important to write a headline that grabs the recruiter’s attention and encourages them to read your qualifications in more depth. Your resume headline is often the first thing recruiters read so impress them within seconds by writing a short and concise headline. Keep it relevant to your job skills and make sure that you put the right keywords that are relevant to the job posting .

Some resume headlines examples for you to check out:

• Goal-Oriented Senior Accountant with 6+ Years of Accounting Experience in XYZ Company.
• Successful Manager of Dozens of Online Marketing Campaigns
• Award-Winning Video Editor Skilled in Web Design and Video Editing
• Detail-Oriented History Student with Curatorial Experience

Include a professional summary

The first impression is your last impression. This phrase stands true to date. An effective resume introduction can make or break you no matter what type of job you’re applying for. Your summary or objective can give the opportunity to impress the recruiter so carefully write your resume summary/objective. Don’t know where to write a resume summary or objective? We got you covered.

A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence summary of your working experience. Unless you’re a recent college grad or changing careers, you should use a resume summary in almost any scenario.

On the other hand, a resume objective implies the goal of your resume. It conveys why you want to work in that particular field and the motivation behind it. When writing a resume summary, include an objective of 2-3 lines. If you’re changing your career or have no significant work experience, make sure to write a resume objective.

Add your work experience

• If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top, and if you’re an experienced person or did work in FAANG companies or big coming, then put work experience at the top.
• If you’re a backend intern, make sure you’re writing the designation as a software engineering intern. 
• Make sure you’re covering up your tasks in 2-3 points.

Now we’re down to the most important part of the resume – work experience . If an add sells a product with just a few words, your resume does the same with you by selling you on the basis of your past work experience and achievements. Learning to write this section is a bit tough but once you master writing the perfect work experience section, 80% work is done here and after this you will know how to write and resume. So, let’s see how to list your work experience: Your work experience should be written in reverse chronological order as ATS can scan reverse chronological resume format easily.

It should be something like this:

Job title | Company Name | Date of employment 

Accomplishments & Achievements

• Job title: Keep it on top of your resume so that recruiters can easily see what position you’re applying for.
• Company name: Mention the company you are working in or working for.
• Date of employment: Mention the timeframe of your employment in all the companies you worked for. Ensure that format is like this – dd/mm/yyyy. It is important to mention as ATS parses it only then.
• Accomplishments and achievements: This is where you mention your core achievements that will in turn bag you – your dream job. List your achievements or responsibilities according to your job role.
• If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top and if you’re an intern or worked in FAANG companies or big companies, then make sure to put the work experience section at the top.
• If you’re a backend intern, instead of writing your job title as “Backend Intern”, write it as a “Software Engineering Intern”. You should always write the job title mentioned in the job description.
• Don’t write 10-15 points covering your job responsibilities. Recruiters don’t have the time to go through all of the responsibilities. Keep it to 2-3 points max.
• Mention achievements in terms of how exactly you helped the company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on. Numbers play a big role when it comes to convincing your future employers what exactly you achieved.

Mention your Soft and Hard Skills

Now that you mastered writing your work experience section, it’s time to dive into your skills section. There’re 2 types of skills:

• Soft Skills: These are your personal skills like social skills, communication skills, personal traits, career attributes, leadership, critical thinking, and management.
• Hard/Technical Skills: Hard Skills are measurable skills that you can measure like how proficient you’re in that particular skill. The use of technical skills frequently requires specialized tools and the technologies needed to use them.

A good resume should cover both. However, it’s highly advisable that you should mention those skills in which you’re fluent and not just at a beginner level. To know more about how to list your key technical skills, read our article 7 Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2022 .

Once you list your hard skills with your experience level, double-check your skills section and remove any skill you feel you’re not confident in and don’t LIE even if your life depends on it. Lying about skills can get you in serious trouble later on and can get you blacklisted too.

Include your education

The next section is all about your educational background, achievements, and projects. We’ll keep it short and concise for you. List your educational background in this way:

• Program Name. E.g.: “MBA in Marketing”
• University Name. E.g.: “Mumbai University”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “06/2019-05/2021”
• (Optional) CGPA. E.g.: “CGPA: 8”
• (Optional) Academic achievements. If you have written any interesting papers or excelled in any courses, do describe them.

Let’s move on to some tips that will help you perfect your educational background, achievement, and project section:

• Only keep the last 2 educational qualifications or examinations you’ve given.
• Only add those projects which are relevant to your job opening – projects which have more number of features.
• Projects to list- API-based projects, Portfolio-based projects, and Full-stack projects.
• Add as many numbers as you can while listing achievements – add your highest ranking in CP or the highest number of problems you solved on GeeksforGeeks or XYZ. 
• Don’t add intra-college achievements as it put forth a negative impression on recruiters.
• Don’t add “President of the xxx club” if you’re applying for tech roles. 

Mention Other Sections (Optional)

All the sections we’ve covered are must-haves but there are a few more sections that are optional and don’t hold much significance. These are like booster sections that can give you an extra wow effect.

The following sections can be added to your resume:

• Languages – If you’re multilingual and can be handy with different languages, do mention that in your resume. However, avoid mentioning language that you’re not proficient in as it can get you in trouble later on if you’re not able to help your colleagues when they require your help with the said language.
• Hobbies and Interests – Have extra space in your resume? Add up your hobbies and interests. It shows how you’re as an individual.
• Volunteering Experiences – Some studies show that volunteering has a greater impact on hiring. It shows that you’re an empathetic person by nature and can be loyal to the company. 
• Courses, Certifications, and Awards – Do you have any certifications or awards that can show you off and is relevant to the job position you applied for? Note them down in the resume as it shows your expertise in the said field.

Customize Your Resume According to the Job Posting

We’re almost at the end of the article. It’s time to format your resume in such a way that ATS can scan your resume smoothly. To understand the term ATS better , you should know ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System . It is software used to manage the entire application process for employers. This system compiles, scans, and ranks all of the applications.

According to a survey done, 98% of Fortune companies are using ATS to scan their resumes. ATS segments resume into various sections: Work Experience , Education, Skills , etc. Next, it looks for precise keywords and qualifications to see if you fit the job description. So it’s important to tailor your resume as per the job description and for how to resume writing. Resumes that don’t comply with the basic requirements are automatically discarded. A job candidate’s resume is ranked based on its relevance (the best resume appears at the top of the recruiter’s pipeline).

Proofread Your Resume With Correct Formatting

Now that you’re done with your resume writing task, it’s time to do the most important task – Proofread your resume. Here’s the checklist we’ve for you:

• Resume fonts – Stick to Ubuntu, Roboto, Overpass, or traditional fonts like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia. Your font should be 10-11 and don’t ever go with Comic Sans (only if you want to look like a joker)
• Check tenses – Describe the current work you are doing in the present tense, and use the past tense to describe jobs from the past.
• Resume action words – Use resume action words like “Chaired”, “Controlled”, “Executed”

Also Read: Free Online Resume Builder By GeeksforGeeks – Create Your Resume Now! 10 steps to write an Effective Resume Resume Building – Resources and Tips

In conclusion, learning how to write a resume resume is a crucial step in advancing your career and landing your desired job. Start by selecting a clean and professional format , then focus on highlighting your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for, ensuring that your qualifications align with the employer’s needs. Building your resume is very beneficial for you so remember to use clear and concise language, and proofread your resume to eliminate any errors. By following these steps, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates, increasing your chances of success in the job market.

How to Build a Resume – FAQs

How can i write resume.

You can write your resume by following the methods given above or you can also use any resume templates that will help you a lot.

How to Resume Writing?

Resume writing can be done by some of the points given below: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective Detail Your Work Experience

How can I write a simple resume?

To write a simple resume, use a clean format with clear headings. Include your contact information, a brief summary, your work experience, education, and relevant skills. Keep it concise and focused on your most important qualifications.

How to write a resume for a job?

To write a resume for a job, tailor it to the specific position by highlighting relevant experience and skills. Start with your contact details, followed by a strong summary, detailed work history, education, and a skills section. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.

What are the 7 basic steps to writing a resume?

Here are the basic steps: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Write a Compelling Summary Detail Your Work Experience Highlight Your Skills Include Your Education Proofread and Edit

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