Listing interests on your resume can add a personal touch that showcases who you are beyond your professional skills and experiences. Interests can provide insight into your personality, cultural fit, and unique qualities that make you stand out as a candidate. They can also spark conversations during interviews, making you more memorable to hiring managers.
Choosing the right interests to include on your resume is essential. Focus on interests that demonstrate positive traits such as creativity, teamwork, leadership, and dedication. Avoid listing interests that are controversial, overly personal, or irrelevant to the job you are applying for. Align your interests with the company culture and the job role to make a strong impression.
Here are some examples of interests that can enhance your resume:
Creative pursuits can highlight your innovative thinking, attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box, all of which are valuable traits in many professions.
Physical activities demonstrate your commitment to health and wellness, as well as your ability to set and achieve goals.
Community involvement shows that you are socially responsible, compassionate, and willing to give back to your community.
When presenting interests on your resume, include a dedicated section towards the end. Use bullet points for clarity and brevity. Be prepared to discuss your interests in an interview, as they can be great conversation starters and help you connect with your interviewer on a personal level.
Including interests can make your resume more engaging, showcase your personality, and highlight skills and qualities that are relevant to the job.
Avoid interests that are overly personal, controversial, or unrelated to the job. Focus on positive and relevant activities that demonstrate desirable traits.
If the interests you list are inappropriate or irrelevant, they could detract from your application. Ensure they are positive and align with the job and company culture.
Include two to three interests that are most relevant to the job and the company. Quality is more important than quantity.
Yes, interests can add depth to your resume regardless of your experience level. They provide a more well-rounded view of who you are as a person.
Absolutely! Interests can demonstrate transferable skills and passion for a new field, making you a more attractive candidate for career transitions.
Including interests on your resume can provide a unique edge in the job market. By showcasing your personal interests, you can create a more engaging and memorable application. Select interests that reflect positively on you and align with the job you’re applying for to make the best impression on potential employers.
Your resume is your gateway to a dream job. It’s a document that needs to impress hiring managers and convince them you’re the perfect fit for their team. While work experience and skills are front and center, including a well-curated interests section can add depth and dimension to your application. Done strategically, your interests can spark curiosity, demonstrate well-roundedness, and even land you the interview.
Why Include Interests on Your Resume
There are several compelling reasons to weave your interests into your resume narrative:
Highlight Soft Skills: Your interests can showcase valuable soft skills that might not be readily apparent in your work experience. For example, an interest in creative writing might reveal strong communication and critical thinking abilities.
Show Passion and Curiosity: Listing interests that align with the company culture you’re applying to demonstrates enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the work they do. This can set you apart from candidates with a purely transactional approach.
Spark Conversation Starters: Unique or unexpected interests can intrigue hiring managers and prompt conversation starters during your interview. This allows you to go beyond the resume and showcase your personality.
Not All Interests Are Created Equal
Before listing every hobby you enjoy, consider strategic selection. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Relevance: Choose interests that connect in some way to the position you’re applying for. For instance, an interest in foreign languages shows potential for working in a global company.
Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone. While skydiving might be your passion, it might not be the best fit for every resume (unless you’re applying to be an extreme sports videographer!).
Engagement Level: Highlight interests that demonstrate initiative and commitment. Are you the president of your local chess club? This showcases leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Show, Don’t Tell: Breathe Life into Your Interests
Simply listing generic interests is a missed opportunity. Infuse your interests with action to make them pop.
For example, instead of just saying “reading,” you could say:
This adds context and demonstrates transferable skills.
Examples of How Interests Can Shine on a Resume
Here’s how carefully chosen interests can enhance your resume across various professions:
Marketing Specialist: “Enthusiastic about social media trends (manage a popular food blog) and content creation.”
Software Engineer: “Avid gamer with a passion for problem-solving and logical thinking.”
Customer Service Representative: “Volunteer at a local animal shelter, demonstrating compassion and excellent communication skills.”
The Takeaway: Use Interests Strategically
Including interests on your resume can be a strategic way to stand out from the crowd. By carefully selecting interests that complement your skills and align with the company culture, you can spark the hiring manager’s interest and
Including interests on your resume can add a personal touch and highlight skills that might not be evident through professional experience alone.
Interests can showcase your unique personality, demonstrating how you fit within the company culture. They can also reveal transferable skills and attributes that are valuable in the workplace.
Select interests that are relevant to the job or industry. For example, interests in reading and research can indicate analytical skills, while team sports can showcase teamwork and leadership abilities.
Create a dedicated section for interests, typically at the end of your resume. Be specific and consider linking them to the skills required for the job to show how they make you a stronger candidate.
| Job Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Coordinator | Organizes and manages events, leveraging interests in planning and creativity. |
| Marketing Analyst | Analyzes market trends, often drawing on interests in data analysis and research. |
| Software Engineer | Develops and maintains software, benefiting from interests in coding and problem-solving. |
| Project Coordinator | Assists in project management, utilizing interests in organization and leadership. |
| Graphic Designer | Creates visual content, often inspired by interests in art and design. |
| Customer Support Specialist | Interacts with customers, benefiting from interests in communication and conflict resolution. |
| Chef | Prepares and cooks food, often driven by a passion for culinary arts and creativity. |
| Human Resources Assistant | Supports HR functions, drawing on interests in helping others and organizational tasks. |
| Financial Planner | Advises clients on financial matters, benefiting from interests in finance and strategic planning. |
| Fitness Instructor | Guides clients in fitness routines, inspired by a passion for health and exercise. |
| Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior-Level | Executive-Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Assistant | Marketing Specialist | Marketing Manager | Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
| Junior Developer | Software Developer | Senior Developer | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
| Customer Service Rep | Customer Service Manager | Director of Customer Service | Vice President of Customer Experience |
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