Updated September 26, 2026.
In short: include a short "Interests" section only when it adds something: you have little work experience, the hobby relates to the job (a running club for a sports retailer, coding side projects for a developer), or it shows a skill the posting asks for (leadership, teamwork, discipline). Keep it to one line with two to four specific interests — "marathon running (4 finishes), woodworking, volunteer ESL tutoring" — and put it at the bottom. If your page is full of relevant experience, leave it off.
Should you put hobbies and interests on your resume?
| Situation | Include? |
|---|---|
| Student, recent graduate or first job | Yes — it fills out a thin resume and gives interviewers something to ask about |
| The interest relates directly to the job or company | Yes |
| The posting stresses culture, team or community | Often useful |
| Experienced candidate with a full two pages | Usually no |
| The hobby is controversial, risky or very personal | No |
What is the difference between hobbies and interests?
Hobbies are things you do — rock climbing, baking, playing guitar. Interests are topics you follow or learn about — urban planning, behavioral economics, AI policy. On a resume the section is usually called "Interests" and can include both. Specific activities read better than broad topics: "restoring vintage bikes" beats "cycling," and "reading about the history of cartography" beats "reading."
How do you list hobbies and interests on a resume?
One line at the very bottom, after education and skills:
Interests: Trail running (two half-marathons), sourdough baking, volunteer ESL tutoring, chess (club tournament player)
Or, if you have a few that deserve context, two to three short bullets:
- Organize a 12-person weekly pickup soccer league (scheduling, dues, field bookings)
- Build and sell custom mechanical keyboards on Etsy (20+ orders)
These examples are illustrations. The more specific and true the detail, the more likely an interviewer asks about it — which is the point.
Which hobbies look good on a resume?
Choose ones that hint at a trait the job needs:
| Trait the job needs | Hobbies and interests that show it |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | Team sports, choir, band, community theater, rowing |
| Leadership | Coaching youth sports, running a club, scout leader, organizing events |
| Discipline and endurance | Marathons, triathlons, martial arts, long-distance cycling |
| Creativity | Photography, design, writing, music composition, woodworking |
| Analytical thinking | Chess, puzzles, coding projects, investing clubs, data visualization |
| Communication | Debate, public speaking (e.g., Toastmasters), podcasting, blogging |
| Community and empathy | Volunteering, mentoring, tutoring, animal rescue |
| Hands-on and technical | Car restoration, electronics, 3D printing, home renovation |
Volunteering deserves its own section if it's substantial — see how to put volunteer work on a resume. Coding and design projects often belong in a Projects section or a GitHub link rather than under Interests.
Which hobbies should you leave off?
- Generic ones with no detail: "reading, music, travel, socializing." Everyone likes these; they add nothing.
- Political or religious activities, unless the job is in that field — they invite bias and add no job-relevant information.
- Dangerous or risky pursuits that could raise questions about absences (if your job isn't related).
- Anything you couldn't talk about for two minutes in an interview.
- Passive pastimes like "watching TV" or "gaming" — unless you can frame them specifically and relevantly (for example, game modding for a game studio role).
Where do hobbies go on a resume?
At the bottom — the last section. Relevant experience, skills and education come first. If an interest is truly job-relevant (a certified personal trainer applying to a fitness brand), you can mention it in your summary as well.
Can hobbies help with applicant tracking systems?
Only if they contain words the posting uses. An Interests line is not where to put keywords; those belong in your experience and skills. Check keyword coverage with the free ATS resume checker instead, and if you are building your first resume, see how to write a resume with no experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do recruiters read the hobbies section?
Some do, especially for early-career roles, and interviewers often use it for small talk. It rarely decides an application on its own.
How many hobbies should I list?
Two to four. More than that looks like filler.
Should I call the section "Hobbies" or "Interests"?
"Interests" is the more common, slightly more professional label. "Hobbies & Interests" works too.
Should I include hobbies on a one-page resume?
Only if there's room after your experience, education and skills — and only if they add something.
Is gaming a good hobby to put on a resume?
Generally not, unless you're applying to the games industry or can point to something specific, like leading a competitive team or building mods.