how to write interests in resume example

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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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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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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?

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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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Ultimate List of 150+ Hobbies and Interests for Your Resume

3 key takeaways:

• The benefits of listing relevant interests and hobbies on your resume 
• 150+ categorized examples of hobbies and interests 
• How to list hobbies and interests professionally on your resume

As you work through all of the “must-have” sections on your resume, you may find yourself getting to the end and thinking, “Have I given the hiring team any information or insight into my personal interests in my free time and who I am as a person?”

As you work through all of the “must-have” sections on your resume, you may find yourself getting to the end and thinking, “Have I given the hiring team any information or insight into who I am as a person?”

Enter: the “Interests” section of your resume.

How do you add your interests and hobbies for resume details without drawing attention away from the most important details? And what should you even include? Read on for helpful resume tips on all of the above, in addition to 150+ creative hobbies you can use as inspiration throughout your job search. 

Is it unprofessional to list hobbies and interests on a resume?

Highlighting hobbies and interests on resumes can help you stand out and demonstrate your personality, creativity, and unique strengths.

Rather than being unprofessional, listing hobbies and interests on a resume can be a way to showcase yourself as a whole person and not just your work experience or education.

And while there may be some cases where listing hobbies and interests on a resume may not be appropriate or relevant, it can help you stand out and showcase your unique qualities and abilities.

As long as the hobbies and interests are presented in a professional, and they're relevant to the job you're applying to, they can be a valuable addition to a resume.

Why you should list hobbies and interests on your resume‍

People often make mistakes when crafting their resume and leave out important details.

The "Interests" section of your resume is an opportunity to show a potential employer a little bit more about who you are and what you do in your spare time, as they relate to the job description, in a few critical ways:

1. Resume hobbies showcase a multidimensional person 

We're more than our work experiences and skills, and including your unique hobbies and interests on your resume can present a more well-rounded idea of who you are as a person.

For example, let's say a hiring manager is making a decision about the last candidate they'll bring in for an interview. They're deciding between two people with the same level of experience and the same skill set—you and another applicant. You've included a few details about your interests. Suddenly, you're a person with a personality and a bit of depth—a small addition that got you to the next round of the hiring process.

‍2. Resume interests offer culture insight

‍There are many companies on the lookout for applicants with unique character or personality traits. Listing hobbies and interests on a resume is an easy way for hiring managers, recruiters, and potential employers to get a glimpse into who you are as a person and how well you'll relate to the company's work culture.

3. Hobbies and interests add depth to limited experience

If you're writing a resume with no work experience under your belt, or you've just graduated and are on the lookout for your first role, listing your hobbies and interests can help to fill in the blanks of any limited skills.

If some of these hobbies include community involvement through volunteering or being a part of an association or networking group, they could speak to you being a team player and highlight your leadership skills.

How are hobbies and interests different from each other?

Interests and hobbies are closely related and often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.

Interests refer to the broader range of activities or subjects that you enjoy or find engaging, while hobbies are more specific activities that you pursue for enjoyment or relaxation. And while there is some overlap between interests and hobbies, hobbies tend to be more specific and hands-on, while interests may be more intellectual or broad-based.

Examples of how hobbies and interests for a resume are different

Hobbies tend to be more hands-on activities that someone actively pursues Interests can be more passive engagement with a topic or subject area

Hobbies are often done for relaxation or creative expression Interests are pursued more for intellectual stimulation or expanding one's knowledge

Hobbies require setting aside time specifically to engage in the activity Interests can be satisfied through more flexible or occasional engagement, like reading or attending events

Hobbies produce tangible results like a painting, knitted scarf, or piece of furniture Interests produce more intangible rewards like satisfying curiosity or gaining new perspectives

Hobbies tend to have a process or involve developing skills Interests are more about appreciation and understanding

Benefits of having hobbies and interests

At the end of the day, both interests and hobbies can provide a source of enjoyment and fulfillment outside of work or other obligations. They can also offer opportunities for:

• Personal growth
• Skill development
• Stress relief
• Mental breaks from daily routines and challenges  
• An enhanced sense of identity and self-awareness
• Boosting overall well-being

What kind of hobbies should you put on your resume?

The simple answer: include hobbies and interests relevant to the job you're applying for and that show your value .

Here are a few tips on what kind of hobbies and interests to include:

• Look for hobbies and interests that align with the job requirements and highlight your strengths.
• Show a range of interests by including a mix of personal interests that demonstrate different aspects of your personality and skills.
• Think about the company culture and values and choose hobbies and interests that fit with them.
• Be mindful of the hobbies and interests you include and avoid ones that may be controversial or could be perceived as inappropriate.
• While including hobbies and interests can be a great way to stand out and showcase your personality, it's important to keep it concise and relevant.

With these tips in mind, let’s take a look at some of the different types of interests and hobbies that would be suitable for a resume. 

Best types of interests and hobbies for a resume

The best hobbies for your resume will ultimately depend on the nature of the role, the organization’s culture, and which types of experiences matter to the position—you should always tailor your resume for every role. But generally speaking, there are certain hobbies and interests that are strong indicators of different skill sets that can strengthen your candidacy.

Here are some great types of interests and hobbies that can often be strong additions to a resume:

Community Involvement

By engaging in community projects or local councils, volunteering, outreach work, supporting local organizations with your time, youth mentorship, (and more!) community involvement shows that you're not just confined to your own professional and personal life but also concerned about the well-being of others around you. 

Listing volunteer work, community service, or other meaningful extracurricular activities on your resume can show interpersonal skills like empathy, compassion, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Community involvement can also demonstrate that you're a team player, have leadership potential, and have a strong work ethic. It reflects your ability to engage with diverse groups and collaborate towards common goals—valuable traits in any employee.

Community involvement can add value to your resume by:

• Highlighting management capabilities
• Presenting event coordination skills
• Emphasizing public speaking skills
• Showcasing empathy and social responsibility
• Signaling a cooperative and compassionate team member

Creative pursuits

Creative hobbies like painting, writing, or performing arts not only enrich your personal life but also have a place on your resume if they're relevant to the role you're applying to. 

These pursuits often require critical thinking and problem-solving, which are key in many professional settings. They show that you have a strong imagination, an eye for aesthetics, a desire to express yourself in unique ways, the ability to think outside the box.

Creative pursuits can add value to your resume by:

• Underscoring your ideation, innovation, and the application of abstract concepts to real-world scenarios 
• Showcasing proficiency in project management 
• Highlighting the ability to see tasks through from start to finish
• Showing a dynamic approach to obstacles and 
• Demonstrating a passion for originality

Continuing education

Whether you're taking online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing additional certifications, continuing education is a testament to your commitment to professional growth. 

It suggests you're a person who is dedicated to enhancing your skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis. It also demonstrates you likely have transferable soft skills like communication, collaboration, and time management—which are valuable across almost every industry.

Continuing education can add value to your resume by:

• Reflecting an investment in your professional development 
• Highlighting a readiness to adapt to new information or technology
• Showcasing self-motivation and seriousness about maintaining a competitive edge 
• Demonstrating initiative and desire to improve
• Indicating you are likely to be a lifelong learner who will continue to grow and contribute

Professional development

Active participation in professional organizations, attending industry conferences, or even informal study groups related to your profession can be excellent resume additions. These activities signify your genuine interest in staying connected with industry trends and best practices.

If you enjoy professional reading, learning new skills, or taking courses in your free time, it may suggest that you're intellectually curious, motivated, and enjoy expanding your knowledge and understanding of the world. You may also be detail-oriented and have a love for precision and accuracy.

Professional Development can add value to your resume by:

• Underscoring your commitment to your career and willingness to invest time in your own growth
• Highlighting leadership qualities if you've taken on roles within professional organizations
• Demonstrating a proactive approach to your career trajectory
• Showing foresight and a strategic approach to your professional life

Cultural awareness

Involvement in multicultural festivals, language learning, and international travel all speak to your cultural awareness. This is particularly valuable in today's globalized business environment, where understanding and respecting different perspectives is key.

Cultural awareness can improve your interpersonal skills, making you more effective in diverse teams and customer interactions. It can also boost your adaptability and problem-solving ability in unfamiliar situations.

Cultural awareness can add value to your resume by:

• Suggesting you're a global citizen 
• Highlighting your ability to navigate and appreciate the complexities of a multicultural workplace
• Indicating strong communication skills 
• Showcasing your potential to represent a company in a global market

Technology proficiency

Including hobbies demonstrating your technological proficiency, like coding for personal projects, engaging with maker communities, or even building computers, can make your resume stand out. In a world where technology is integral to most jobs, these skills are highly valuable.

Technological proficiency can add value to your resume by:

• Showing that you're comfortable with modern tools and platforms, which can be crucial for efficiency in many roles
• Suggesting strong problem-solving skills 
• Indicating your ability to self-teach—important in rapidly changing fields
• Highlighting your ability to adapt to new technologies—essential for any business looking to stay current

Intellectual challenges

Participating in activities that present intellectual challenges, like chess, strategic games, or problem-solving competitions, can be an excellent addition to your resume because they highlight attributes that are valuable in roles requiring tactical planning and decision-making.

Intellectual challenges can add value to your resume by:

• Indicating a penchant for critical thinking and analytics 
• Suggesting you enjoy overcoming complex problems 
• Demonstrating an ability to bring innovative solutions to the table
• Inferring you're a strategic thinker with sharp intellect 

Create your interests and hobbies section with Teal

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to create and customize the interests section of your resume.

Add dozens of interests, group them into categories, and choose which ones you want to showcase on your resume as they relate to every unique job you apply to.

Teal gives you ultimate control over the look, feel, and presentation—clear, precise, and compelling.

150+ examples of hobbies and interests to put on your resume

Creating a carefully curated list of your own hobbies and interests and then choosing the ones that align closely with every unique role can help you save time during your job search in the long run.

And while they should always be relevant to the role you're applying to, understanding everything you bring to the table before you get started can give you a significant advantage in tailoring your resume for every job you apply to.

Below are 150+ examples of interests and hobbies for a resume you can pull from or use as inspiration to highlight your transferable skills, add depth and dimension to your resume, and stand out as a qualified, well-rounded candidate.

Artistic interests for a Resume

• Creative activities
• Creative writing
• Flower arranging
• Furniture building
• Furniture restoration
• Illustration
• Photography
• Restoring Furniture
• Woodworking

Writing hobbies for a resume

• Copywriting
• Essay writing
• Fan fiction
• Fiction writing
• Memoir writing
• Poetry writing
• Screenwriting
• Travel writing

Organization hobbies for a resume

• Bullet journaling
• Calendar syncing
• Digital organizing
• DIY projects
• Event planning
• Home organizing
• KonMari method
• Meal planning
• Organizing local meetups
• Personal inventory

Reading hobbies and interest for a resume

• Attending literary events
• Book collecting
• Book reviewing
• Literary analysis
• Reading challenges
• Reading different genres
• Reading for education
• Translating books

Collecting hobbies for a resume

• Action figures
• Comic books
• Record albums
• Sports memorabilia
• Vintage collectibles

Volunteering hobbies for a resume

• Animal rescue
• Community gardening
• Conservation
• Disaster relief
• Elderly support
• Fundraising events
• Habitat for Humanity
• Homelessness support
• International service
• Literacy support
• Teaching assistant
• Youth sports coaching

Marketing interests and hobbies for a resume

• Content creation
• Data analysis
• Reading marketing books
• Social media
• Videography

Music, movies, and performing arts hobbies for a resume

• Composing music
• Playing a musical instrument
• Magic tricks
• Songwriting
• Standup comedy

Finance hobbies and interests for a resume

• Bargain shopping
• Computer programs
• Learning languages
• Participation in investment clubs
• Reading financial news and market reports
• Volunteer work

Sales hobbies for a resume

• Building relationships
• Cold calling
• Networking events
• Persuasion and influencing skills
• Practicing negotiation
• Role-playing games
• Team sports
• Window shopping

Sports and outdoor hobbies for a resume

• Backpacking
• Basketball 
• Bodybuilding
• Fantasy football
• Fantasy baseball
• Individual sports
• Martial arts
• Mountain biking
• Mountain climbing
• Rock climbing
• Scuba diving
• Snowboarding
• Whitewater rafting

Technology hobbies and interests for a resume

• 3-D printing
• App building
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer programming
• Virtual reality
• Web development 

Other unique hobbies and interests for a resume

• Building models
• Car restoration
• Community activities
• Cooking classes
• Historic preservation
• Networking groups
• Personal development
• RV traveling
• Sign language
• Stamp collecting
• Vintage shopping

How soft and hard skills relate to hobbies and interests

Hobbies and interests can play a significant role in developing both soft and hard skills.

Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, are the personal skills that help you work effectively with others, while hard skills are the technical abilities required to perform a specific job.

The relationship between hobbies and interests and soft and hard skills can be quite strong, and many people find that their hobbies and interests have helped them develop the skills they need for success in their careers.

Soft skills

When it comes to resume soft skills , hobbies and interests can provide opportunities to develop and improve them.

For example, if you're passionate about team sports, you might have developed communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Or, if you're interested in volunteer work, you may have honed your problem-solving, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills. These skills are essential in the workplace, and they can make a significant difference in your success.

Hard skills

Resume Hard skills can also be developed and enhanced through hobbies and interests.

Many hobbies require technical skills, such as programming, graphic design, or data analysis. These skills can be valuable in a variety of professions, and they can help you stand out from other job applicants. Even if your hobby isn't directly related to your career, the skills you develop can be transferable to other areas of your life.

Ultimately, hobbies and interests can provide a valuable avenue for developing both soft and hard skills. They allow you to explore your passions and interests while developing skills that can benefit you both personally and professionally.

When it comes to your career, showcasing your hobbies and interests on your resume or during an interview can demonstrate your skills and make you a more compelling candidate for the job. So, if you're looking to develop new skills, consider exploring a new hobby or interest that aligns with your career goals.

Customize the skills and interests on your resume

Manage both the "Skills" and "Interests" sections on your resume with a great level of control to tailor your resume for each individual job you apply for.

How to list interests on your resume

1. use space wisely.

" How long should a resume be ?" is a common question among job seekers. If there just isn't room on your resume for listing interests, it's okay to leave them off. Don't adjust your professional resume template's margins and font just to squeeze these in.

Consider putting your unique interests on another piece of professional real estate—your optimized LinkedIn profile's “About” section, for example.

A great way to check your LinkedIn profile for optimization is to download Teal’s Free Chrome Extension , which includes an automated LinkedIn Profile Review . Once you install the extension, just go to your profile page and click on the Teal logo. You’ll see a list of recommendations on optimizing your profile, and you can make updates as needed.

Teal’s Free LinkedIn Profile Review Chrome Extension

2. Keep your hobbies and interests list short yet detailed 

Choose three to five activities for your resume, and be specific if you can.

For example, you can list “Active in a year-round indoor pickleball league” instead of “Playing team sports” or “Part of a book group focused on historical fiction” instead of “Reading.”

3. Tailor your list of interests based on the job posting you're applying for

Your collection of cookbooks may be more relevant than your love of true crime podcasts if you're applying for a role at a marketing agency that works with food and beverage brands. Interests related to musical instruments would also not be the most appropriate for that role.

Choosing relevant hobbies and experiences to highlight can reflect positively on you and help establish that you're even more of a fit for the job position you're applying for. The best resume examples always align closely with the target role, including the your interests.

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to quickly compare the skills and keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. Make sure to add any relevant experience to your customized resume and to your application answers.

4. Stay away from controversial and irrelevant hobbies

It most likely goes without saying, but avoid listing anything that might be considered polarizing. That could include political or religious affiliations—or potentially controversial activities of personal interest like gambling or hunting.

Unless you're applying for a very specific role where those interests are expected, certain activities might harm the perception of you as a candidate and give other applicants an advantage.

Optimizing the "Interests" section on your resume

Since these details aren't as critical to your experiences, skills, and personal summary, the ideal place for your hobbies and interests is at the very bottom of your resume.

Instead of "Hobbies Section," for the actual name of the section, it's best to stick with something general, such as “Interests.” Remember, you don't want to overcrowd your resume, so don't include more than five hobbies.

If you'd like to take the guesswork out of this section, Teal's AI Resume Builder has a built-in "Skills and Interests" section where you can easily add your details. 

Final thoughts on resume hobbies and interests

There are plenty of people who will tell you to leave more “personal” details out of your resume, but business is personal. 

You shouldn't have to shut down your personality and the unique details that make you who you are just because you're interviewing for a job. In fact, showcasing a few of the things you like to do when you're not working can offer the entire picture of who you are as a candidate.

Using the Teal AI Resume Builder, you can create a master list of interests and hobbies to put on a resume, then customize your content with relevant details for every role—adding value and clarity to your candidacy.  

Sign up for Teal for free and craft a resume that showcases your unique personality, interests,  and  professional achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are interests.

Interests are activities, subjects, or passions that an individual enjoys or finds engaging outside of their work or academic responsibilities. They are things that make you happy or curious.

Interests can be wide-ranging and may include topics such as history, science, literature, or art. They may involve reading, attending lectures or events, or simply learning more about a particular subject. Interests can also include pursuits that involve physical activity, such as sports, exercise, or outdoor recreation.

What are hobbies?

Hobbies are specific activities or pursuits that an individual pursues in their free time for enjoyment or relaxation. Pursuing hobbies can also offer opportunities for learning, growth, and social connection.

Hobbies are typically more focused activities that a person pursues in their free time. Hobbies may involve crafting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, cooking, or other activities that offer a sense of creative expression or relaxation.

How personal should you make your hobbies and interests section?

When including hobbies and interests on a resume, it's important to strike a balance between being personal and professional. You want to share enough information to give potential employers insight into your personality, values, and strengths, but not so much that your resume becomes too personal or oversharing.

To achieve this balance, focus on hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or that demonstrate skills or qualities that would be valuable in the position. When describing your hobbies and interests, use language that is professional and relevant to the job. Avoid overly personal or casual language, and focus on highlighting the skills or qualities that make you a strong candidate for the position.

You can use Teal to manage all of your personal interests and hobbies for multiple resumes.

Becca Dershowitz

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Incorporating Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume

Applying for a new job? You will want to do all that you can to stand out from the crowd. One way to give yourself a competitive edge is to put hobbies and interests on your resume. But how can you get it right, and which interests should you be including?

If you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In the following guide, we will be taking a look at the best hobbies and interests to put on a resume. We’ve also got a whole bunch of tips to help you along the way and an example of how to write the section.

Hobbies vs. interests 

Before we delve into the tricky subject of whether to include hobbies and interests in your resume, let’s look at the facts. First up, you need to define each of these things. Luckily, we have you covered. Here’s a quick explanation of both hobbies and interests. 

What are hobbies?

Hobbies – or pastimes – are the activities that you engage in for fun. When the working day is over, how do you relax and get some much-needed “you time?” These may include creative pursuits, group activities, sports, or something niche, such as collecting things. 

What are interests?

Interests, on the other hand, describe things that you find fascinating or enjoyable. Having an interest in a certain subject can be massively helpful in the workplace, especially if you’ve taken the time to research it in-depth over the years. Ahead of including an interest on your resume, you need to consider whether it aligns well with the job at hand. 

Should you include hobbies and interests on a resume? 

You’re thinking of including hobbies and interests in your resume. But is it the right thing to do? Before you get started, ask yourself these three questions:

Would someone checking out your resume be impressed by what your hobbies or personal interests are?

Are they relevant in any way to the job posting you’re applying for?

Are the hobbies or interests on your resume going to help you succeed if you land this position?

If the answer is no to any of the above, you are better off leaving this section out entirely. Sorry to break it to you, but no recruiter is going to hire you over someone else because you like travel or fishing. This isn’t a Facebook profile (or even Tinder!). 

Your resume is a document specifically designed to tell employers and hiring managers why you’re a perfect match for the job. Later on in this article, we’ll show you when it’s a good idea to list activities, hobbies, and interests on your resume.

Choosing the right hobbies and interests to put on a resume

Figuring out which interests to put on a resume can be tough. You may be tempted to whack anything and everything onto your application. However, that is a mistake. 

Instead, you should only include hobbies or interests that have some level of professional relevance and also help show the employer why you’re a good fit for the job.  

To help you along the way, we will share a quick example. Think of things from the employer’s perspective for a minute here. 

Let’s say you’re a hiring manager looking to hire a Web Developer. You are faced with the two candidate profiles we outline below. Which of the two is a better fit for the position?

Candidate A: Hobbies & Interests – Fishing, Playing Guitar, and Travel

Candidate B: Activities & Interests – Blogging on web development, solving complex coding issues, and carrying out volunteer work by helping to develop and maintain a website for a non-profit group.

It’s clear to see that candidate B has the more relevant and effective hobbies and interests. When choosing which interests to put on a resume, they have chosen the ones that best suit the role for which they are applying. This is a good rule of thumb that you can use. 

When you are deciding which to include, think about how they align with the vacancy. By seeing things from the employer’s perspective, you have the best chance of success. 

Examples of hobbies and interests to put on a resume

Are you still scratching your head? You don’t need to be. The hobbies and interests you include on your resume will depend on the role for which you are applying. However, if you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best hobbies and interests to put on a resume – and why you should bother. 

Blogging or writing articles on a relevant subject or published writings that are relevant to your industry. If you include this hobby on your resume, always include a link to the publications. That way, the hiring manager can check them out. 

If you’re part of an industry-relevant group or association , e.g., a Member of the New York Web Development Conference, include it here. The fact that you are a member of a group shows that you are dedicated to your career path. Of course, you should ensure that the association is relevant to your field of work. 

Do you take part in any activities that show leadership ? For example, you may have organized and led a non-profit event aimed at feeding the hungry. Whatever the case, now is the time to include this feat on your resume. The hiring manager will be impressed that you are able to show initiative and support groups of people.

Social , charitable , or community involvement will all impress the hiring manager. Showing that you give back to the wider community speaks volumes about your character and your priorities. For example, you may be involved in mentoring for a Big Brother program or volunteering at the local soup kitchen.

Do you speak any other languages ? If so, adding this to your resume may set you apart from the competition. Learning another tongue takes time and dedication – it’s far from easy. The fact that you have gone through that process shows that you are willing to work hard. The language may also come in handy within your position. 

Podcasting is becoming increasingly popular. If you have your own podcast, you need to shout about it, especially if it relates to your industry. You can position yourself as an expert in your field by hosting your own podcast. Needless to say, it takes real time and dedication to record, edit, and publish podcast episodes. 

Presenting skills will always be in high demand. If your hobby or interest sees you standing up in front of a crowd, you should include it on your resume. For example, you might be a singer in a band, host a comedy night, or even deliver talks. This hobby shows the hiring manager that you are not afraid to grab the spotlight. 

Anything else that could be of relevance to the job in question. You can use both hard and soft skills to show an employer you’re the right fit. Consider how your hobbies and interests align with what the hiring manager requires for this role. 

What not to include on your resume

We’ve covered some of the main hobbies and interests to put on a resume here. However, there are some items that you want to avoid including in your applications. 

As we have already covered, this is not a social media profile – it’s a formal application. With that in mind, here are the things that don’t have a place on your resume. 

Irrelevant hobbies . These could include nuggets such as fishing, traveling, or even playing the piano. Unless the hobby relates to the job for which you are applying, you don’t need to include it. Resume real estate is valuable – don’t waste that space.

Political associations. Don’t make the mistake of presuming that the hiring manager will align with you politically. That may not always be the case. Sharing this interest on your resume can backfire faster than you might imagine. 

Controversial issues. In the same vein, you should avoid including anything that is controversial. For instance, if you are a member of a pro-abortion group or a gun rights advocate, these topics can be inflammatory. 

Dangerous/unusual hobbies. Examples might include base jumping, UFC, or sword-swallowing here. While you may be a daredevil in your spare time, you shouldn’t assume that this will wow the hiring manager. The employer is likely looking for a reliable worker, not someone who will injure themselves at the weekend.

Everyday activities. Before you select something for your resume, consider whether it is actually a hobby. Normal things like socializing with friends, listening to music, watching movies, and cooking are not necessarily hobbies. Spoiler: most everybody out there does these same things, and they are unlikely to impress a hiring manager.

Joke hobbies. So, you think you’re a prankster. Your resume is not the time nor the place to show off your special brand of humor. Including made-up, jokey hobbies is never a good idea. Chances are, the hiring manager won’t get the punchline here.

When to include less relevant hobbies and interests

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule when it comes to writing your resume . In this case, there are actually three. Here are the times when you may want to include less relevant hobbies and interests, such as drama or art, on your resume. 

1. The hobby showcases a unique skill

Let’s say that your hobby – while not relevant to the role – sees you flex a certain skill. For example, acting doesn’t align with a PR role. However, it does show that you are comfortable in front of an audience. That could come in handy when you are pitching to clients or presenting. If there is an overlap of this nature, you may include the hobby. 

2. The interest aligns with the company or industry

If the company is affiliated with anything religious or political, showing your similar affiliations might be a good idea. Tread with caution, though, and make sure you definitely know this is the case before adding it in. It pays to do as much research as possible before you do this.

3. Your hobbies prove your work culture fit

Some companies value cultural fit very highly. If you find out that the company you’re applying to has an Ultimate Frisbee team and you’re the captain of your hometown’s recreational team, certainly go ahead and list it. Once again, research is the key to your success here. You will need to become a detective and look into the business first. 

How to include hobbies and interests on your resume

Ready to put pen to paper? If so, you need to make sure that your hobbies and interests section hits the mark. Follow our advice on how to get it right from the offset: 

1. Get the header right first 

First up, you need to make sure that it’s obvious what this section is. Don’t leave anything to chance. You can label this section of your resume:

“Hobbies & interests”

“Activities & Interests”

“Areas of Interest”

“Further Information”

2. Bullet-point your list 

The hiring manager does not want to read a short history of all the hobbies you’ve ever had. Using a bullet-pointed format helps ensure that this section is skimmable for the reader.

3. Add some minor details

Once you have your list complete, the next step is to add a little color. Include information that brings your hobby to life and shows why it is relevant to the role. Here’s an example: 

“Volunteering: 12 years working with Help the Children nonprofit.” 

“Acting: member of drama club, performing in bi-annual productions.” 

Bonus: top 5 expert-backed writing tips

Now that you’re well-versed on what hobbies and interests to put on a resume, it’s time to wrap things up. Before we do that, we wanted to leave you with five takeaway tips: 

1. Ensure your hobbies and interests are relevant

Try to ensure that all or most of your interests and activities are relevant to the job you are applying for. Simply chucking random interests onto your resume won’t do you any good.

2. Keep things short and sweet

The hiring manager doesn’t want to read a whole block of text. Tailor your resume to their needs. Don't go overboard with listing your interests, and aim to keep it to two lines or fewer. 

3. Put them at the end of your resume

Don’t include the section high up on the page. Put your hobbies and interests at the end of your resume, as this is most likely to be the most irrelevant section of your resume

4. Label the section clearly

Make sure you label this section so it is clear for the reader. We have given you a few examples of possible alternative titles to “Hobbies & Interests.” You can also check out this post regarding resume sections and headers , which covers your entire resume.

5. Keep it 100% professional

Don’t mention any sensitive subjects such as politics or gun rights. Of course, you should also leave out any dangerous activities like bungee jumping or sword swallowing.

The takeaway 

To wrap up, the hobbies and interests section on your resume could boost its effectiveness. Keep it relevant and avoid any “fluff.” If you have trouble coming up with supporting interests or activities, follow the advice above, and you should be able to come up with a few.

If you’re still unable to find anything that’s relevant, that’s not a problem. There is no obligation to include hobbies and interests on your resume. Instead, be sure to focus on making the other sections of your resume effective and relevant.

Ready to take your resume to the next level? Check out ZipJob’s free resume review , where you will receive top-notch advice on how to improve your resume for career-nailing success!

Recommended reading: 

7 Resume Headers and Sections You Need (+ Examples)

Resume Format Types: Examples & Which Option Is Best?

How to Write a Good Resume Summary (+Examples)

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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Resumes are a place to showcase your professional skills and achievements to the recruiters.

Most resumes consist of your professional experience, and educational background, as this information is crucial for recruiters to select you.

However, the real question is, should you include hobbies in your resume?

If you apply for a software developer job, the recruiter may not care about your "Gardening" hobby.

The idea is to add hobbies and interests relevant to the job. Something that demonstrates your core qualities to the recruiter.

For example, if you've led a team in your college sports, add it to your resume to showcase your leadership skills.

Of course, it's an oversimplified example.

But most companies nowadays want to know your personal hobbies and interests to give you the right work-life balance.

And they get it from your "Hobbies and Interests" section on your resume.

This blog will tell you everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on your resume.

Table of Content:

• What are interests?
• What are hobbies?
• What is the difference between hobbies and interests?
• Why do you want to add hobbies and interests to your resume?

How to List Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

• Top 40 best hobbies and interests on a resume?

What Are Interests?

Interests are the topics that fascinate you and help you want to learn more about them. Interests can be broad or narrow, but they're always things that are important to us as individuals.

For example, you might be interested in cars or animals—or maybe you're really into music, archaeology, or modern art. These are all interests! They could also be specific topics within a larger field of study—for instance, if you were interested in classical music but didn't know much about it, learning about classical music would become an interest for you!

What are Hobbies?

Hobbies are fun and relaxing activities you do in your free time. They can be anything you like, from collecting stamps to playing video games.

What are the Differences between hobbies and Interests?

Hobbies are different from interests because they don't require any special training or knowledge to do them. You don't have to have any special skills or be good at something in order to have a hobby.

Interests are more specific than hobbies, usually taking up more time and effort than your average hobby does. Interest could be learning how to play the guitar, reading about science fiction, or even learning how to speak another language.

Why do You Want to Include Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume?

While there are no hard and fast rules, many employers prefer to see hobbies and interests on a resume or CV. A section for hobbies and interests on your resume or CV is often included to show that your interests extend beyond your work and help the hiring manager, interviewer, or employer connect with you personally and professionally.

When done strategically, hobbies and interests on your resume help in showcasing your strengths and soft skills to the recruiters.

You can also consider adding a hobbies or interests section, if:

• If you have limited or no work experience
• If your job responsibilities align with your hobbies and interests
• If you are interested in a new industry

Also Raed: How to write a resume in 2023?

Ideally, the hobbies and interests in the resume should go at the bottom of the resume, only if there's space left there.

If there is no space, you can choose not to add hobbies and interests to your resume after adding all the important sections.

However, if you mention your hobbies and interests on your resume, you need to explain them to help the recruiters understand your points.

For example, it's not enough to add Basketball in your Hobbies section, and you need to demonstrate it by saying something like: "Played in a local Basketball team for a recreation sports league."

Also Raed: How to list key skills in a resume in 2023?

List of 40+ Best Hobbies and Interests on Resume?

Here are an extenisive list of common hobbies and interests on resume:

Indoor Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

Only indoor hobbies and indoor personal interests on your resume might represent you as an introvert. This could deem you fit for profiles that do not necessarily require social interaction - coding, writing, etc.

However, some indoor hobbies and personal interests on the resume demonstrate good reasoning and great patience. Achievements in chess and scrabble might reflect highly on the candidate's intelligence.

They are best suited in the fields that involve calculative risk-taking, strategic planning, and analysis.

Quick tip : The unique resume hobby section lists all unique hobbies like coffee brewing, flower arranging, haiku, etc., which can be a double-edged sword. It is best to avoid them on your resume if you're applying for a managerial role that requires business-friendly skills.

However, these skills are suitable for exceptional circumstances wherein you must apply specifically in these areas.

List of indoor resume hobby or common indoor personal interests on a resume:

Also Read: How to add interpersonal skills on resume in 2023?

Outdoor Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

Outdoor hobbies and personal interests on a resume exhibit a person's adventurous and risk-taking abilities .

They showcase a person's nature of coming out of their comfort zone and working proficiently under pressure which is essential for administration and leadership positions.

Quick tip : This resume hobbies list might be a huge turn-off for a serious recruiter and work committed in fields like medicine. However, it makes you a good strategist adept at planning and getting the job done.

List of hobbies on a resume or common personal interests on a resume that is conducted outdoors:

Collection Hobbies and Personal Interests on Resume

A collection of hobbies and personal interests on a resume are an excellent way to show that someone has a nature for perseverance and usually indicates an exquisite approach to situations.

These unique hobbies and personal interests on the resume must be listed when the creative aspect of a person is to be highlighted.

You may list these resume hobbies and interests related to the fields like designing, crafting, and specific job profiles related to Human and Public resources.

Quick tip : It may not work well in an independent workspace where a free flow of ideas and thoughts is required. It may be too conservative.

List of collective hobbies for resume and common collective personal interests on a resume:

Indoor Collection Hobbies in a resume:

• Book Collection
• Stamp & Postcard Collection
• Card & Coin Collection
• Video Game Collection
• Movie Collection
• Vintage Collection

Outdoor Collection Hobbies in a resume:

• Antiquities
• Insect Collection
• Flower Collecting
• Seashell collecting
• Fossil Hunting
• Flower Pressing

Competitive Hobbies & Interests

Competitive hobbies and personal interests on a resume display a fierce ability to achieve a goal in a person once it is set.

Indoor competitive resume hobbies list exhibits that the person is very stern and resilient. He is prone to believing in himself more than others.

This is an up point for leading roles as he must believe and be true to himself even when others are not.

Outdoor competitive resume hobbies list subjects a person's taste for teamwork , loyalty , and commitment to your team in times of pressure and adversity. They develop strength and agility in a person.

This is very helpful in areas that pertain to long working hours outdoors. Example : field surveys, site visits, sports trainer, yoga, pilates, dancing, etc.

Quick tip: When combined with people and language skills, it can be great for jobs like sales, where you require interaction with people. Classification of competitive hobbies on resume and common personal interests on resume based on where they are undertaken:

Indoor Competitive Hobbies in a resume:

• Martial Arts
• Weightlifting

Outdoor Competitive Hobbies in a resume:

• Horseback Riding

Observational Hobbies in Resume

Indoor observational hobbies and indoor observational personal interests on resume demonstrate the person's ability to sit and examine.

They can analyze small changes in a secluded environment, away from all the distractions. But they may not be suited for loud work environments.

Jobs that require precision and seclusion like design, coding, planning , etc., are likely to be appropriate for these people.

Outdoor observational resume hobbies list portrays a person's ability to sense the smallest changes in chaotic places.

Outdoor observational hobbies and personal interests on a resume are appropriate for figuring out flaws in the other person's strategy or body language. These people can even favor the outcome according to their whim.

Quick tip: This is an excellent opportunity for a** business analyst, interviewer** and certain finance/marketing job profiles.

List of hobbies for resume or common personal interests on a resume that is known as observational hobbies:

Indoor Observational Hobbies in a resume:

• Fishkeeping

Outdoors Observational Hobbies in a resume:

• Aircraft Spotting
• Birdwatching
• Photography
• Meteorology

Also Raed: How to write different sections in a resume in 2023?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how many resume interests can you list.

After extensive resume writing research by our professionals, we suggest at most five hobbies on resume be listed authentically.

Mentioning an extensive list of hobbies and personal interests on resume might be an issue as the person may come out to be highly distributive. Having so many hobbies on resume might not resonate well with the recruiter.

It makes you appear erratic, and the recruiter might perceive you as a frequent job switcher. The recruiter might think that you will not be able to deliver your work well. So why risk your application!

However, if you really want to elaborate on your resume hobbies , you might do that in the cover letter. A cover letter provides space and is longer than a 2-page personal resume. It also has room for explaining.

2. What to Do if You Don’t Have Any Hobbies and Interests on Resume?

If you have no hobbies or interests, we have got some solutions to fill out your list of resume interests!

Volunteer Work: You can start with some volunteer work. It is an excellent way to enhance your resume. It is easy to discover and helps in your participation with the community.

You can mention your volunteer work if your resume deals in subjects like medicine, philosophy, psychiatry, etc.

Various volunteer works may include working at an animal shelter home, helping at a vet, a nursing home, an orphanage, a plant drive, a blood donation bank, a blind school, or simply allowing the students in your community with their studies.

3. Can I list False Hobbies and Personal Interests on my Resume?

Including a list of hobbies and resume that are false is a big no-no!

You should not use false hobbies on your resume as bait to fit the recruiter's criteria.

It may come off as a casual attitude and might backfire if they find out later.

Hobbies Section Resume

It can be difficult to describe abstract interests and hobbies in an impactful way. Here's a complete personal interests resume sample containing a separate section for hobbies and interests that might give you an idea:

• Ranked 9th in the Call of Duty World League (CWL) - Black Ops 4 | 2018
• Member, I nternational Game Developers Association (IGDA)
• Member, American Gaming Association (AGA)
• Assisting in redesigning the curriculum for McMillan's Shelter Home for Boys by gamifying difficult concepts as a volunteer teacher at the Make A Difference nonprofit
• Appointed as the Contributing Writer at the Gaming Weekly magazine
• Travelled to 15+ countries in the last 18 months
• Software: Phaser.JS
• Programming Language: HTML5, JavaScript
• Certification in Game Development with Phaser.JS | Codecademy | Jan '19 - Jan '19
• Learn Phaser: Basics | Learn Phaser Physics | Learn Phaser Animations | Learn Phaser: Visual Effects
• Created an action-adventure style fantasy story in Phaser by deploying Click
• Recreated arcade classic: Space Invaders, in the form of Bug Invaders
• Developed a game with scene transitions , animations, and tweens
• Spearheaded a team of 4 to execute social media listening projects including campaign & conference monitoring
• Oversaw finalization of keywords , data extraction & deck preparation by deploying multiple software and tools
• Supervised preparation of final presentations via graphs & pivots to generate quantitative & qualitative insights
• Deployed analytical tools like Radian 6 for gathering data from social media platforms to curate & present insights
• Collated & evaluated data available from online sources like news organizations & multiple social media platforms
• Analyzed the data collated for rendering assistance to clients in designing campaigns for research & marketing
• Formulated 25+ reports for effectively serving ~15 clients to render insights about the product’s market presence
• Conducted research for US-based pharma companies in markets like US, UK , Japan & Europe
• Deployed primary research methodologies by collating data of pharma companies based in the US to perform analysis
• Languages : English and Chinese

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Key Takeaways

In the end, we believe that you need to ask yourself one question. Is your list of hobbies and interests going to help support the positive qualities I mentioned above?

If not, don’t include them on your resume. It will only take up space, and likely won’t make much of a difference in the eyes of your interviewer.

Here’s how to decide that:

• Look at the job description and see how your hobbies and interests can reflect the required skills
• Don;t just namedrop the hobbies or interests. Flesh out it a bit in single-line bullet format. It will help the recruiter get to know you better.

If you want to add hobbies and interests in your resume, Go to Hiration Resume Builder which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Hobbies and Personal Interests on Your Resume

Should you include them or not?

Whether or not to  write a hobbies section on your resume is an ongoing debate  for many career advisors. Here you’ll find the pros and cons of a resume personal interest section.

When we first learn  how to write a resume , we’re often taught to include some of our hobbies or personal interests but later in life, we find that it seems less professional and are convinced to avoid them at all costs.

So, which is it?

Do we include hobbies on the resume or not?

And if so,  which are the best personal interests to put on a resume?

Read on for a guide with expert  advice on how to write a personal interests section for your resume  and what not to include as well as ideal  hobby examples for all types of jobseekers  to use to make an effective resume which will stand out from other candidates.

DOs and DON’Ts for resume interests

It is vital to keep in mind that a hiring manager will be reviewing dozens if not hundreds of resumes for possibly just one vacancy and can easily get bored of seeing the same  skills and qualifications  over and over which is why adding some interests can be of great benefit, as long as you follow the right guidelines.

DO – The first thing that all candidates must do when  adding a hobbies section to a resume  is to consider at all times that there resume must  represent them as a qualified, suitable applicant to the position and company  in question. That means it is essential to maintain an idea of the company, sector and role you are applying to.

DON’T – The  most important element to avoid throughout a resume  including in the personal interest section is  lying ! In some cases jobseekers may be tempted to fabricate a little white lie thinking it won’t be found out and can only help the application along.

Our resume experts cannot stress enough the  importance of not lying on a resume . It is not worth the risk, even in a less significant area of a resume.

DO – A  must-do to ensure your resume gets noticed  is to show your ‘you-ness,’  think of something unique  that will be memorable but intriguing to the employer, to make him or her want to contact you and have you as part of their team.

DON’T – Another aspect that you  must not include on a resume in a hobbies section  is anything related to  religion, politics or your intimate personal interests . This is a  basic rule of thumb for resumes  and any professional profiles on social networks or job applications.

DO – The aim of  listing hobbies on a resume  is to offer a part of your personality that may not shine through in your academic and professional experience but that can allow the prospective employer an  insight into who you are as a person , what drives you and in turn let them gauge whether you will fit well in their business or not.

Should you include your hobbies on a resume?

So you know what you should and shouldn’t put in a personal interest section but is it really a good idea to include hobbies on a resume?

Lots of human resource and resume experts may maintain that including a  section on your resume detailing your hobbies is perhaps unprofessional  or they see personal interests as irrelevant for a job application, however with the world’s business culture evolving so rapidly, it could end up being the  positive edge you need to convince a hiring manager  to contact you.

Your  resume is your first chance at showing a potential employer what you can offer  their company and that doesn’t just involve your  professional experience  and skills but also your expertise on a range of subjects, your passions and  what makes you a good candidate for the role  they advertise.

If you know you have what it takes to get the job but your  experience is limited , you can  use your personal hobbies in a way that demonstrate your abilities  that make you the appropriate candidate.

The main purpose of  including your personal interests in your resume  is to  stand out from other candidates  in the application process, make yourself memorable to the hiring manager and show them a part of your personality that speaks to them as a human being.

This helps the company or  hiring manager get to know you better as a person  and not just another resume with the skills and qualifications the position requires.

Of course, if you are applying for an  executive-level position in a corporate environment  it may be  more appropriate not to include hobbies in your resume . With each application, the candidate will have to use their own discretion after researching the business culture.

It does  depend majorly on the type of job or company  that you are applying to and all jobseekers should consider their individual profile before adding personal interests to a resume.

Further along the application process, such as  in a job interview or even a cover letter ,  mentioning hobbies could also be beneficial to your candidacy  as discussing personal interests often helps the body to relax and can build confidence to take the tension out of a stressful situation, thus you are able to show a more natural side when answering questions in a job interview.

If you’re still wondering whether or not to  include your hobbies on your resume , why not try out an  online resume builder  to get a clear digital vision of how your resume looks with all the information you need to include and then decide if you want to  show a little of your personal side to the prospective employer  as an extra – you never know who might share your interests!

How to write a personal interest section on a resume

Having decided to include a section for hobbies on your resume, now you need to know  how to write a personal interest section  that will land you the interview.

The  structure of a hobbies section for a resume  is simple as it is not one of the principle areas like the education or work experience sections. It should be a  short list  or simply a few lines indicating the hobby and a  brief descriptive  sentence to explain some aspect of the hobby and it’s relevance alluring to the skills you’ve gained or the knowledge it has given you.

The  hobbies section should be clearly titled  to ensure it is not encompassed with  volunteer work , honors and awards or another of the optional resume sections. It could be simply named ‘ Personal Interests ’ or could include other important facts or certificates that you are relevant to your job application under the heading  ‘Extracurricular.’

This part of a professional, student or  entry-level resume  should be the last thing for a hiring manager to see therefore the  hobbies section should always be put at the end .

It is essential to remember to  list the hobbies that illustrate how your character will harmonize with the company  and their work ethic.

After writing this section, review the  hobbies you choose to include in your resume  to ensure that any meaning construed from them is positive and  speaks of you as a strong candidate for the specific role  and company you are applying to.

How to find good hobbies to add to a resume

Some personal interests are not appropriate for a professional profile and should not be included in your resume. Follow these steps to find  the best hobbies for your resume .

Before getting into  how to write a hobbies section on your resume , you must prepare the  types of personal interests  or pastime activities you will list. The best method for  finding good hobbies to add to a resume  is by researching the sector, company and role you are applying for.

The following steps will show you  how to make a list of the most suitable interests to have on your unique resume :

• Firstly start with the information you have to hand: the vacancy ad and the job description. Find the characteristics that are required or desired for the person specification.  Think of your hobbies in terms of the abilities you have learnt and match them with these personality traits.
• Next you should start your standard research of the company in question by  taking a look at their website , paying special attention to an ‘about us’ or  employee profiles pages . You may find you even share hobbies or passions with one or more of the current staff members.
• Thirdly, check any other  webs or social media sites that the company manages  to find out how they interact with partners, clients and customers. Take note of their  company culture  through their online activities and what they choose to share to be inspired to find similar interests.
• Finally, look up the company on third-party websites, news sites, forums, review sites etc. for extra information which could bring something to your application or even for the interview.

Some of the  best hobbies to include on a resume  are those that help you to develop  transferable skills  which could be beneficial to your sector or position for example blogging for a marketing firm giving you existing knowledge of social media and internet publicizing or team sports for sales positions proving leadership skills or outgoing characteristics.

Tips for adding your hobbies

For a  winning resume with a personal interest section  that attracts attention for all the right reasons, take a look at these  tips for adding hobbies to a resume .

The following expert  advice for including extracurricular interests on your resume  will help you make the most out of a hobby section to  optimize your resume for the industry  and role you are seeking.

• Be honest about your hobbies within reason, do not overshare and do not lie but you can  relate your interests to the company  or position offered.
• Remember to consider the various skills you will have gained through your freetime activities and include these to show your suitability to the role.
• Choose a few, select hobbies that  match the company culture  or work ethic.
• Do not be too specific or peculiar as you want to be able to relate to a variety of people.
• Use your hobbies to demonstrate skills  that you have mentioned in your resume objective or  qualifications summary .

Examples of hobbies and interests to put on a resume

Still struggling to find  good hobbies to put in your personal interest section ? Check out these expertly chosen examples .

As mentioned, it is  ideal to include a variety of hobbies or interests in your resume  if you decide that it is appropriate. The following  examples of hobbies  are optimized to  show certain skills or abilities that will be advantageous to different profiles .

• Individual Sports  such as running marathons, swimming, skiing, tennis, training for triathlons etc. are great hobbies to showcase to demonstrate a person and who likes to challenge themselves and has a strong will power.
• Team Sports  such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, water polo etc. are also good examples of someone who already knows how to work well and communicate in a team, persevere for common goals and possibly possesses effective leadership skills in appropriate cases.

Also, sports are a good addition as they are a clear example of being physically fit which is beneficial if it is necessary for the position or if the company is dedicated to the health or exercise industry.

• Technological hobbies  such as video editing, blogging or computing show a clear passion for the IT sector and extracurricular expertise.
• Puzzles or certain game-playing  such as crosswords or chess demonstrate an analytical profile with problem solving or strategic planning skills.
• Social hobbies  such as mentoring, volunteering or being part of a club establish the candidate as a person with interpersonal or communication skills.
• Interests that involve  collecting objects  exhibit passion for a product and an acute attention to detail.

Whether you enjoy translating poetry, designing your own clothes or practising an extreme sport, it might be worth  including your interests as an extra section on your resume  because you never know where it might lead.

This is a  great way to end a winning resume  but if you’re struggling to get started, you could try using a  resume template  to get the basic structure and launch yourself from there. Or take a look at some of  ResumeCoach ’s  guides to writing an effective resume  section by section.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Make a Resume:...

How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on May 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect.

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers. 

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results. 

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another! 

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager. 

Oh, no! 

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. 

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between  250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes? 

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open. 

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them. 

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization. 

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important. 

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a  career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager. 

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about. 

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a  short resume  – generally one page. 

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it. 

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about. 

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company. 

Chronological resume 

The  reverse-chronological  is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years. 

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your  resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume 

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume 

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume.  A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout 

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place. 

Hiring managers don't  READ  resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title 

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style. 

Current contact information 

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your  contact information  and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume. 

• Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents.  You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
• Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
• Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
• LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it. 
• Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information. 
• Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a  headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor. 

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line. 

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there. 

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a  resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position. 

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company. 

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them. 

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team. 

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table. 

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be  tailored to every job  that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS. 

Be sure to include a good mix of  hard and soft skills  because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills). 

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

Project Management | Data Analysis | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Digital Marketing Strategy | Python Programming | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Negotiation | Team Leadership | Business Development | Financial Modeling | Articulate Communication

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table. 

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

• Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of  soft skills are highly valued by employers  and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the  CAR method  for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role. 

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume: 

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like  relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience. 

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section: 

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .” 

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution. 

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework:  Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program. 

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion:  05/2024

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person. 

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager. 

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals. 

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention. 

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to. 

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing. 

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work. 

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design. 

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume. 

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and  professional resume review . 

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense. 

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume. 

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume. 

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of  professional resume writers  has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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30+ Resume Objective Examples (Plus, Tips on How to Write Yours)

Resume objectives are a bit controversial. Some career experts see them as outdated, while others believe job seekers can still use them to their advantage. Although resume objective statements have slowly been replaced by resume summaries, they remain useful in certain situations—and that's why you should know how to write one, just in case.

For instance, if you're changing careers and your previous work experience doesn't quite match the new role you're after, an objective statement could help communicate your professional goals to the hiring manager. Likewise, if you're a recent graduate or looking to relocate, you could use this section of your resume to highlight these intentions.

We've gathered 32 resume objective examples—plus, some tips on how to craft one that grabs the hiring manager's attention.

What is a resume objective

A resume objective is a brief statement outlining your short-term career goals, usually one to two sentences long. It should be tailored to the specific job or industry you're pursuing and is placed at the top of your resume, just below the header.

What is a good objective for a resume, and when are they welcomed? That's what we'll show you in a moment.

When you should use a resume objective

Resume objectives aren't quite the norm these days, so they should be only used when you need to clarify why you're applying for that particular role or company. Here are three situations where using an objective statement is a good idea:

• If you're doing a career pivot: A resume objective can guide recruiters on your career goals and prevent you from being disqualified when transitioning to a new field.
• If you're changing locations: Applying for jobs outside your current state or city can leave recruiters uncertain about your location; a resume objective can clearly express your willingness to relocate.
• If you're a recent graduate: Since you likely have little to no work experience to show, a resume objective can give a glimpse into who you are and what you aim to achieve.
• If you've worked in a variety of roles: When your work history is all over the place, a resume objective statement can be a helpful tool to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and what you're looking for in your next role .

Resume objective vs. resume summary

A resume objective outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a position, while a resume summary focuses on skills, accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences for the role.

“Think of the resume objective as your career aspiration and the summary as your professional snapshot,” says Angela Tait, People Operations Specialist and Founder of Tait Consulting . “The objective sets your sights forward, while the summary looks at your past and present achievements.”

How to write a resume objective

If you decide to write a resume objective, it'll be the first thing recruiters see on your resume, right after your name and contact information. This means their first impression will be based on how well-written your objective statement is. Here are key tips to do it right:

1. Mention your area of expertise

“Start by mentioning your area of expertise and the role you are applying for,” Tait says. This way, you let the employer know right away about your background and what you want to achieve professionally.

2. Show how you can add value to the company

Your objective statement—and your whole resume, actually—should be tailored to each job opening. “Personalize your resume objective by stating how you can add value to the company you're applying to,” Tait says. “For instance, ‘ Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing to drive brand growth and engagement at XYZ Corp.’”

3. Highlight skills relevant to the role

Once again, to write an effective resume objective, keep in mind the role you're going for. “Focus on how your skills and interests align with that specific job opportunity,” says Conor Hughes, certified in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Consultant at SMB Guide .

For example, for a software developer, skills in programming with languages like Java, C++, and Python are pretty important. Meanwhile, a graphic designer should highlight technical skills in creating and editing visual projects using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

4. Optimize your statement for ATS machines

These days, most resumes get scanned by an ATS robot before reaching human recruiters. So, it's crucial to optimize your objective statement for these ATS machines. How? “Use keywords from the job description to show you have the relevant abilities they're looking for,” Hughes says.

If a job posting specifies “experience in copywriting” and “SEO optimization” as requirements, you should incorporate these exact keywords in your objective statement—and wherever else they fit on your resume. Using just “SEO” or only “copywriting” might not be enough; precision is key.

Need some help? Here's how to read the job description the right way —so you can stop sending resumes into the void.

5. Make it as concise as possible

Recruiters go through resumes really fast—that's one of the reasons two-page resumes aren't usually recommended. When writing your resume objective, keep it concise. “To one or two sentences max,” Hughes says. Remember, the goal is to give enough information about why you're applying for that role, not to share your whole life history.

32 resume objective examples to guide you

Now that we've covered the basics, here are 32 good examples of objectives for resumes categorized by job title and different professional situations, like career pivoting and entry-level positions. Use these examples as a guide, and don't forget to inject your own personality and core information.

General resume objectives examples

1. career change.

Copywriter with five years of experience, now transitioning into the UX Writing field, looking to leverage my writing and content creation skills to create digital experiences that drive business growth. Strong background in content strategy and data-driven decision making.

Find UX writer jobs on The Muse »

2. Relocation

Experienced customer service representative relocating to New York in July, seeking employment with an established customer support agency. I bring my strong communication skills , conflict resolution and customer retention ability developed in seven years working in the industry.

Find customer service jobs on The Muse »

3. Entry-level

Creative marketing graduate seeking a social media assistant entry-level position at a fast-growing marketing agency. My goal is to apply my strong storytelling and creative writing skills to create impactful content for clients and foster professional development.

Find marketing jobs on The Muse »

Compassionate and enthusiastic elementary school teacher with four years of experience teaching young students. Seeking to leverage my creative ideas, multitasking and organizational skills to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can play and learn.

Find teacher jobs on The Muse »

Registered nurse with three years of experience in patient care , currently specializing in pediatric nursing. Seeking to join the Grey Hospital nursing team and bring my knowledge of patient care and my critical thinking skills to foster a safe and empathic environment for patients.

Find registered nurse jobs on The Muse »

6. Journalist

Seasoned journalist seeking a News Reporter position at the USPN channel. I bring my five years of experience working on live television, interviewing sources, gathering and reporting information in fast-paced environments.

Find journalist jobs on The Muse »

Seeking a litigation paralegal position at The Law Group. I bring my three years of experience in conducting legal research, processing legal documents, and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

Find lawyer jobs on The Muse »

8. Architect

Experienced architect relocating to Houston, Texas in August. In my 10 years of experience in the architecture industry I was able to work both in industrial and residential projects, holding high proficiency in AutoCAD and Photoshop.

Find architect jobs on The Muse »

9. Real estate specialist

Passionate and proactive real estate specialist with solid experience in lease negotiation and facility management. Looking for a similar role to manage a real estate portfolio, implementing strategies to improve profitability and cost effectiveness.

Find real estate jobs on The Muse »

10. Waiter/Waitress

Seeking a waitress position at a local, family-led restaurant where my two years of experience in customer service and hospitality industry would contribute to create an exceptional experience to customers, guests, and clients.

Find waiter/waitress jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for tech professionals

11. software engineer.

Software engineer with 5 years of experience in the banking industry, pivoting to the customer service industry to foster professional growth. Deep knowledge of object oriented programming, experienced with Java, C++, C#, Ruby, Python, and relational database schema design.

Find software engineer jobs on The Muse »

12. Software developer

Computer science graduate seeking an entry-level position as software developer. I bring my experience with Git, Java, and Python, as well as strong documentation abilities and communication skills .

Find software developer jobs on The Muse »

13. Data scientist

Experienced data scientist, seeking a senior position in the e-commerce industry. My goal is to leverage my ability to write complex and efficient SQL queries to extract data and translate business needs into analytical frameworks.

Find data scientist jobs on The Muse »

14. SEO analyst

SEO analyst, passionate about SEO and digital audience growth. 7 years of experience with site migrations, SEO analytics tools (Google Search Console, Chartbeat, Google Analytics, and SEMRush), reporting and sharing data insights, and making data-driven decisions.

Find SEO analyst jobs on The Muse »

15. UI/UX Designer

Mid level UI/UX Designer, seeking employment in a fast-growing tech startup. Solid experience with user-centered design principles, knowledge of responsive design, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Find UI/UX Designer jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for creative jobs

16. content writer.

Results-driven content writer with two years of experience writing for blogs and websites. Skilled in SEO, creative copywriting, and storytelling, looking forward to applying my skills and creative ideas to help XYZ build an engaged audience.

Find content writer jobs on The Muse »

17. Graphic designer

Creative graphic designer seeking an entry level-position in the education industry. Proficient with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and After Effects, quick learner with strong time management skills.

Find graphic designer jobs on The Muse »

18. Video editor

Outcome-oriented video editor, proficient with Final Cut, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Photoshop. Seeking employment in the entertainment industry where I intend to apply my extensive experience in storytelling and project management to create engaging stories.

Find video editor jobs on The Muse »

19. Social media manager

Experienced social media professional, seeking a manager position at a high-growth company. I bring my in-depth knowledge of social media strategy and five years of agency experience creating content that is engaging and exciting to the community.

Find social media manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for administrative roles

20. front desk.

Highly energetic tourism and hospitality graduate, looking for a front desk clerk position. 1.5 years of experience in customer service. Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to learn quick and adapt in fast paced environments.

Find front desk jobs on The Muse »

21. Receptionist

Looking for a receptionist position in the real estate industry. Three years experience in customer-facing roles, communication and leadership skills, ability to work with tight deadlines focusing on all aspects of a task or project.

Find receptionist jobs on The Muse »

22. Administrative assistant

Seeking an administrative assistant role in the healthcare industry. I bring five years of experience in customer service, advanced Excel skills, and ability to multitask to perform my duties in a timely and efficient manner.

Find administrative assistant jobs on The Muse »

23. Human resources

Human resources graduate, looking for an entry level human resources generalist position with ABC company to apply my strong verbal and written communication skills , analytical abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft applications to provide hands-on assistance to the HR team.

Find human resources jobs on The Muse »

24. Logistics

Logistics supervisor seeking a manager position at AABB company. I bring my extensive experience in global logistics operations and project management to enhance supply chain and logistics efficiency and achieve cost-effectiveness.

Find logistics jobs on The Muse »

25. Executive assistant

Seeking an executive assistant role at XYZ company. I'm an experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail to provide timely and high quality administrative office support to senior level leaders.

Find executive assistant jobs on The Muse »

26. Office manager

Experienced administrative assistant seeking an office manager position in a fast-paced work environment to apply my written communication skills, time management, prioritization, and planning abilities and provide exceptional service and foster professional growth.

Find office manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for sales jobs

27. sales assistant.

Problem solver and team player sales professional, seeking a sales assistant position in a challenging work environment. I bring my experience supporting high acquisition organizations, willingness to learn, and winning team spirit to support sales teams.

Find sales assistant jobs on The Muse »

28. Sales manager

Dynamic sales manager seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry to develop strategic sales plans and achieve revenue and market share objectives. Two years of experience in pharmaceutical sales plus three years of experience in general sales, excellent communication and leadership skills.

Find sales manager jobs on The Muse »

29. Cashier

Recent high school graduate looking for a cashier position at a company with a culture of recognition and excellence. One year of experience in retail sales, strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to represent the company in a professional manner.

Find cashier jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for finance careers

30. banking.

Seasoned relationship banker looking to secure an investment banking analyst position at Bank of America. 15 years of experience in the banking industry, advanced knowledge of banking transactions, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to develop and expand relationships with stakeholders.

Find banking jobs on The Muse »

31. Accounting

B.S. graduate in accounting seeking an entry-level accounting associate position to use my growth mindset, desire to learn, and organizational skills to ensure financial goals are achieved and foster professional development.

Find accounting jobs on The Muse »

32. Financial analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) looking to secure a senior position in a competitive and results-driven work environment. 10 years of experience in financial analysis in banking and technology industries, advanced Excel and SQL skills, and ability to articulate analysis outcomes and relevant insights.

Find financial analyst jobs on The Muse »

Key takeaways

Resume objectives aren't the favorite of most recruiters, but they still serve a purpose. If you're career pivoting, relocating, applying for your first job, or have a diverse professional background, an objective statement can help the hiring manager understand your career goals and how they align with the job opportunity.

However, in other circumstances, using a resume summary might be more appropriate. (Here are 20 resume summary examples to make writing your own easier .)

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“Describe Yourself In A Tweet” How To Write A 140 Character Resume (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
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• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
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• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
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• Resume Templates
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• Work Experience On Resume
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• Multiple Positions At Same Company
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• Career Change Rresume
• 140 Character Resume

Find a Job You Really Want In

When creating a stand-out 140 character resume you should start big with the main points you think makes you the best candidate, and when you are done cut out anything that might be irrelevant to your story. If there is nothing else to cut, try summarizing and stick to the basics.

So, if you’re someone who wants to condense your resume down to the length of a Tweet, you’re in luck. While it can be challenging to shrink your qualifications down to just a 140 characters, we’ve put together some tips on how to write a 140-character resume.

Key Takeaways

It’s often easiest to start by writing a longer summary and then cut it down to 140 characters.

Even if you aren’t asked for a 140-character resume on a job application, t’s a good idea to have one ready to use on platforms like LinkedIn or as an elevator pitch .

Hiring managers want to know the highlights of what makes you a great candidate as well as why you’d fit well with their organization.

How to make the perfect 140-character resume

How to describe yourself in 140 characters, “describe yourself in a tweet” examples, what’s the point of describing yourself in a tweet, what type of answers do employers look for in “describe yourself in a tweet”, 140 character resume faqs, final thoughts.

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140 characters may not seem like a lot of leeway for getting your resume to stand out, but there are ways you can make a 140-character resume shine.

While it can be tough trying to fit your entire life and work experience into such a short amount of space right off the bat, it gets easier to decide what’s most important to mention once you list all your skills and experiences out first.

Here are a few more things you should consider when putting together your 140-character biography:

Start big, then cut. Write down whatever seems relevant to you, and then remove every piece that sounds like it might be irrelevant to your story. Think about what parts of your life make you different and exciting as an employment prospect.

When thinking about writing a Tweet like this, refer back to your resume’s summary statement or objective . It’s’ usually a short but sweet sentence or two that describes who you are, why you are perfect for the job, and what your career goals are.

Expand out from your career summary or career objective section of your resume and answer the question, “What am I writing in this section that I want to get across to employers the most?” Write out the question using your resume to guide you.

When writing down why you are the best candidate, be blunt. Don’t use wordy language. Doing this step will help cut down on unnecessary characters.

Get your main points. This process should help you cut your bio down to 2-5 main points, max.

Writing a Tweet about yourself is like making a very abbreviated elevator speech. You want to get the main points across, but you also want to be interesting enough that people remember you. With that in mind, think about something that sets you apart .

You can be creative when writing your Tweet. Think about your hobbies, your volunteer experiences, and what makes you unique — what makes you that quirky job candidate hiring managers will remember.

You’ll only have space to write about 2-5 major points about yourself, so you’re going to want to make them count. Here is how we would suggest breaking planning those points out:

Your specialty

Your history

Why you would make a good fit (optional)

Start summarizing. If you find there’s nothing else you can cut but that you’re still over the 140 character limit, that’s when you start summarizing. You don’t need to give every detail in a context like this — just stick to the basics.

When writing your Tweet, remember that you can use short-hand. You can use short sentences, a few words, hashtags — anything that you feel best describes your social media style and personality as well as your potential as an employee.

No 140-character resume is complete unless you describe yourself effectively. For the best results, you could go for a more formal route and write 1-3 short sentences about yourself or you can make a mix of single words and short phrases.

You can make your Tweet rhyme or even make it funny — whatever you believe best reflects you as a person. You may notice if you search for other Tweet examples that people may include their LinkedIn URL or other short links.

For the non-link content, though, the key is to start with the essential points you want to get across. Then, distill that information into a very brief resume.

Let’s say there are five main things a person feels are important to get across in their profile :

They’re a computer programmer based in San Francisco.

They’re looking for a job.

They have about a year of work experience, mostly in the startup sector.

They’re comfortable with a few programming languages — Java, SQL, CSS, Python.

They’re obsessed with comic books.

Based on that information, here are a few tweet examples:

“ Programmer based in San Francisco, comfortable with CSS, Java, Python. Experienced start-up worker looking for new opportunities.” (128 Characters)

“I’m a programmer based in San Fran. Comic book nerd. Contact me if you’re looking for an experienced coder to help bring your dream to life.” (140 Characters)

“Coder and comic book aficionado with 1+ years experience in CSS, Python, Java. Looking for programming help? Contact for more info.” (131 Characters)

A 140-character resume is very similar to a Tweet. Now that you have seen how to breakdown facts and craft a great self-tweet, here are some more great examples that span multiple industries:

“Engagement specialist with 5 yrs experience. Scrabble enthusiast. Empowering communities through storytelling via social media platforms.” (137 characters)

“Book gossiper. Fulbright Alumna amp; published author #bookname. History Ph.D. candidate at UNCC seeking undiscovered ruins in Jerusalem.” (133 characters)

“ Marine biologist from the University of Florida amp; avid Scottish kindrochit participant. Looking for the next greatest algal bloom to tackle.” (140 characters)

“Clarinet aficionado amp; teacher with 10 yrs experience. Unrepentant band geek. Can teach you to pick a good reed amp; play a high G.” (127 characters)

“Health policy activistamp; future physician assistant . Rookie food experimentalist. Seeking clinic experiences in rural community settings.” (137 characters)

“Tabletop game inventor . #Podcaststudioname co-founder amp; podcast creator since 2012. Seeking podcast production gigs post-graduation.” (132 characters)

“Pool professional with 10 yrs experience. New to Denver looking for the next best aquatic center to join. Weekend musician amp; songwriter.” (136 characters)

“SEO legend who believes in content magic. Customer-focused marketer bringing services to life. Currently growing businesses and tomatoes.”

“Problem-solver by nature, social media specialist by vocation. 5+ yrs exp. handling every aspect of digital marketing.”

“ Sales expert who can sell water to a fish. Passionate, competitive, effective. Challenges are my forte.”

140-character resume may seem like a strange and incomplete bit of information to offer your potential employer, but often, it only takes a few words to tell employers everything they need to know.

It turns out that there are lots of good reasons that you should be able to describe yourself in relatively few words:

Easy elevator pitch . For one thing, it helps you speed up your elevator pitch. It gets easier to describe yourself quickly the more often you do it.

Delivers your best qualities. It also helps you develop that pitch into something worthwhile. The smaller amount of space you have to work with, the more details about yourself you end up having to cut — until finally, you’re left with the most important details a hiring manager ought to know about you.

Useful for multiple platforms. LinkedIn , Twitter, and other social media websites are quickly becoming a way that people make connections and find jobs.

All of these websites require personal bios , and these are tough to write effectively if you don’t have any practice at talking about yourself in a small amount of space.

When they ask you to describe yourself in a Tweet, employers want to know what you feel are the most important takeaways of yourself as an applicant.

When describing yourself in 140 words or less, you won’t be able to say everything that you’d like — you’ll have to pick a few things that you believe speak the most about you as a person and employee and word it in a fun, creative way.

What makes you a good fit. Employers will be on the look out for anything that fits their company’s culture. This is why it’s crucial to research the company you’re applying to beforehand, so you can bring up exactly what they’re interested in. However, do make sure that what they want to hear also lines up with your own personal skills and goals, as lying will make you the opposite of a good fit.

Your accomplishments . You can easily make yourself a more stand-out candidate if you include some of your most impressive accomplishments. Be as detailed as possible, including dates, numbers, and other specifics that will turn heads.

Your qualifications . If you have some essential skills and qualifications needed for the job, employers will want to hear about it. After all, any employer would rather hire someone who requires less on-the-job training.

Your goals. As a job seeker, don’t limit yourself to what you’ve always done for a job. Think about what you want from a new job, and briefly express why you’re the perfect person to hire.

How do you stand out in 140 characters?

To stand out in 140 characters, you’ll need to focus on only the most vital information in your resume. This includes your top accomplishments, skills, goals, and knowledge of the company you’re applying for. When in doubt, always choose a one short, detailed statement over a word-salad of vague ones.

What does 140 characters mean?

140 characters means 140 individual letters, punctuation marks, and sometimes spaces. This usually ends up as about 20 to 50 words.

How do you introduce yourself in 140 characters?

You introduce yourself in 140 characters by mentioning two to five of your best or most interesting qualities quickly. When asked to describe themselves in 140 characters, some people use other methods such as rhyme or unique word choices to add personality to their description.

How do I write about myself as a student?

When you’re writing about yourself as a student, mention your educational and career goals as well as applicable extracurriculars. If you have had any internships, you can mention those too.

That’s all for this one! But keep one thing in mind:

You only have room to bring up 2-5 points about yourself, so the pressure is on for you to make sure that they’re as interesting as possible.

That is to say that people should know about your personal interests — they help you stand out — but if the first thing they see about you in a job-related setting is “loves Steven Universe ,” then even the most diehard cartoon fan might think twice about you.

Just something to keep in mind, is all.

Best of luck Tweeting your 140-character resume!

Lifehack – How to Write in 140 Characters or Less

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Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

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