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Hobbies and Interests Personal Statement Guide

Table of Contents

Hobbies and interests in a personal statement can do more to bring focus and clarity to your statements than fields of study. A good hobby can make a much more exciting and unique statement.

Before writing a personal statement, ensure you have a comprehensive list of your most impressive accomplishments, hobbies, jobs, and talents. Your interests have a significant role in your statement. But don’t think you can’t discuss them because you don’t have specific credentials.

This article provides tips on how to write compelling and distinctive personal statements using hobbies and interests. Read on!

Tips to Consider When Writing Hobbies and Interests in a Personal Statement

Personal statements benefit from including interest, but doing so might be challenging. You won’t go wrong if you stick to these guidelines while writing your statement.

1. Don’t Talk About Your Passion for Its Own Sake

Put less emphasis on the hobby than you should on the qualities it exposes about you.

Don’t talk about your passion for its own sake unless it’s relevant to your field of study. For instance, if you’re applying to dental school, you should do more than state that you enjoy painting. Instead, you should explain how you plan to combine your appreciation for the visual and performing arts in your chosen field.

Making these associations may be complex at first. If you’re stuck for ideas, try writing down why you appreciate your activity and your chosen field. If you see a connection, you should use it.

2. Avoid Claiming That Your Leisure Hobbies Are “exactly Like” Your Future Career

You may say that being a football team captain gave you the leadership skills you’ll need as a doctor. You may also state that your love of art led you to dentistry.

Still, you shouldn’t put too much stock in your current situation. If you can paint, that’s great, but it doesn’t indicate you have the skills to be a dentist. It’s not fair to compare your responsibilities as a football captain to those of a doctor.

Recognizing that your interests reflect aspects of you differs from asserting that your interests are almost similar to your future profession.

The admissions committee will likely take great pride in their work. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to compare it to your hobbies. There are two ways in which these ties can strengthen your application essay.

First, they demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge gained in various contexts to your professional growth.

Second, they prove that your extracurricular activities are relevant to your chosen profession. It is not merely a wishful thinking exercise about your future.

3. How Well You Do in Your Interest Is Important

If your college swimming team won the state title, don’t just say that you swam there. Highlight the skills that helped your team succeed and include examples of how you’ve applied those skills elsewhere.

A well-rounded individual is very desirable in the eyes of the admissions’ committee because achievement in one area usually equals greatness in another.

However, here’s the catch: excelling in your pastime isn’t enough. You need to demonstrate that the skills that helped you succeed in your fun can serve you well in your chosen profession.

If you don’t, people may assume that you’re the type to let your passions get in the way of your professional development and studies. You want your extracurricular activities to be a selling point, not a drawback.

4. Show How Your Interest Benefits Others

It’s a given in nearly every personal statement that the author has some sort of altruistic motivation. However, only a few students can convey their genuine desire to help others in their accounts.

The admissions’ committee can learn much about your character from hearing about your interests and passions. It is an essential detail to provide, but something that is normally expected to be said may make them more skeptical.

5. Your Interests Should Take up No More Than a Few Phrases

The admissions officers can be difficult to predict. Your Mount Everest climb may inspire the admissions board that they can’t forget it.

However, how you describe your connection to the field you’re applying to likely garner greater attention from admissions officers.

You should describe your activities in a few sentences, but you can organize them to maximize their impact. Include a brief discussion of your hobbies near the beginning of your statement to demonstrate how they influenced your early career path.

Your statement should emphasize your potential as a professional in your field, regardless of where you focus. With so little room, every word must count.

Example of Great Hobbies and Interests Personal Statement

The hobby or interest part of an application that stands out. Here’s a great example of all we have discussed using an INK example;

I am a passionate hobbyist with diverse interests and an enthusiasm for learning new skills. Over the years, I have explored many hobbies, including painting, photography, playing music, gardening, and cooking – just to name a few!

My approach is holistic and creative, seeking out novel ways to engage my interests in exciting and engaging ways. When I was exploring painting, I experimented with different textures and styles to create unique compositions that reflected my aesthetic.

Similarly, as a musician, I endeavored to use unconventional instruments such as kazoos and xylophones to create offbeat melodies. Furthermore, I love utilizing technology to further my endeavors.

These projects have challenged and taught me new abilities, from audio production to Photoshop design. All-in-all, I relish any opportunity to tap into my multifaceted creativity and explore the bountiful world of hobbies and interests.

Your hobbies and interests personal statement are significant! If you have any hobbies or interests that you would like to include in your essay, make sure they are narrow enough.

There’s not enough time to show the committee your skill and passion for all your hobbies! Instead, you should go in-depth and show how the specific activity benefits others.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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6 minutes read

Examples of Hobbies and Interests in Personal Statement, CV, and Resume

Dirghayu Kaushik

24 September 2024

Key Takeaways

• Let your personal statement reflect your true passions and experiences.
• Tailor your story to show why you’re a perfect fit for the program.
• Start strong, be clear, and leave a lasting impression with a unique narrative.

Did you know that 82% of employers believe hobbies and interests can provide insight into a candidate’s character and potential? Including personal interests in your CV or personal statement might seem like a trivial detail, but it can make a big difference. Yet, many people struggle with what to include, often falling into the trap of listing generic hobbies that fail to make them stand out. This is where examples of hobbies and interests in personal statement .

The problem is, not all hobbies are relevant, and sometimes they can even harm your chances if they seem unrelated or lack depth. The key is to strategically select interests that not only showcase your personality but also align with the skills or values the job requires. By doing this, you can create a more authentic and memorable impression on recruiters.

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• What Is The Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

When writing a resume, personal statement , or CV, understanding the difference between a hobby or interest is crucial. Hobbies refer to activities you engage in during your free time, which may or may not be relevant to the job. Interests, on the other hand, represent broader areas of curiosity or passion that can reflect soft skills or industry-related knowledge. Examples of hobbies and interests vary, but when adding hobbies and interests, it’s essential to consider how they are relevant to the job application.

Including relevant hobbies and interests in your CV or resume adds value by showcasing your skills and experience in a more personal way. For instance, interests may highlight problem-solving or teamwork abilities, both of which are soft skills employers seek. To make your application stand out, focus on relevant hobbies that align with the job and emphasize those that can provide value to your resume, enhancing your overall profile. The same applies to a statement of purpose as well.

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• When Should You Add Hobbies and Interests on Your CV and Resume?

Adding a section for hobbies and interests on your resume or CV can be a strategic way to stand out. The difference between hobbies and interests is important to note: hobbies are activities you enjoy regularly, while interests are broader passions that might demonstrate skills and experience. If the job requires creativity or teamwork, hobbies on your resume can showcase types of hobbies and interests that highlight relevant skills. Knowing when to include hobbies or interests that add value to your CV is key to making the most of this section.

However, you must use the space on your resume wisely, focusing on what is relevant to the job. Choose hobbies and interests you include carefully, especially if you’re applying for a specific role where interests can add value to your profile. Pay attention while creating your post-graduate personal statement as well.

For example, select interests that are relevant or hobbies and interests that could showcase your strengths. A well-thought-out section on your resume or section of your CV can add value to your resume, providing insight into your personality and helping your application stand out in the professional CV setting. Writing a CV and adding interests to include from a list of examples will give your CV a competitive edge.

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• Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Include in Your CV

When writing a CV or resume, many applicants wonder if they should add to your resume a section for hobbies and interests. The answer depends on whether these activities can add value to your resume. In most cases, including hobbies or interests relevant to the job can give your CV an edge over other candidates. For example, resume sections that highlight interests and activities related to problem-solving, creativity, or leadership can show more than just your qualifications—they can reveal your personality. This is how you create a gap year personal statement as well.

When selecting hobbies to include, focus on those that are both personal and professional. List interests that align with the job requirements, and use your interests strategically to stand out. Make sure the section on your resume is well-organized, as it could be the addition to your CV that makes a difference. Whether you’re involved in team sports, volunteer work, or creative projects, these types of hobbies can reflect skills and experience that might be hard to demonstrate elsewhere in your professional CV. Including hobbies and interests you put in your CV in minutes helps recruiters get a glimpse into who you are beyond your qualifications.

When you include hobbies or interests, ensure they complement your application. You might think hobbies are just activities, but they can actually showcase soft skills that add value to your resume. For example, hobbies that require leadership or collaboration, like organizing events or managing teams, demonstrate skills relevant to many roles. By choosing hobbies and interests you choose carefully, you can make your resume stand out without taking up too much space on your resume.

CV and cover letter writing experts often advise candidates to include a section for hobbies and interests when applying for jobs that require creativity, teamwork, or leadership. Hobbies like photography, blogging, or even learning new languages can give your CV a unique touch and help you connect with recruiters. Plus, adding hobbies to add relevant to the role you’re applying for can be an easy way to show your passion. For instance, when you’re applying for a job in a creative industry, relevant hobbies and interests show that you’re genuinely engaged in the field, even outside of work.

Make sure to list on your CV hobbies that align with the company’s values or industry trends. When selecting hobbies, think about the hobbies and interests you include. Whether you’re into coding, graphic design, or yoga, these interests are broader and can help illustrate your soft skills. Your professional CV should include hobbies and interests in a dedicated section of your CV, ensuring you don’t overload your resume with too much information. This essential resume section can be used to highlight your personality and stand out in a crowded job market. Customization is also key. While creating a business management personal statement , make sure it reflects the specific requirements of the course as well.

When writing a CV or resume, the key is to select the right hobbies and interests that could add value to your application. Hobbies and interests you put on your CV should be specific, like team sports that show teamwork, or solo activities that demonstrate self-discipline. Examples of hobbies and interests that are effective include anything from playing chess to volunteering, depending on how relevant they are to the job. Including the right hobbies and interests can make your resume more engaging, but be sure to focus on hobbies that could benefit the role you’re targeting.

Hobbies and interests are an often overlooked yet valuable part of CV writing. Interests that are relevant to the job, like leadership roles in volunteer organizations or a personal blog, can significantly add value to your resume. Next time you write a resume, consider adding a section on your resume dedicated to your hobbies and interests, as this small addition could be the deciding factor in your job application success.

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• Expert Tips On Writing The Best Personal Statement

Crafting the perfect personal statement can be daunting, but it’s also one of the most important steps in your application process. According to admissions experts, your personal statement is often the deciding factor between acceptance and rejection, especially when candidates have similar qualifications. However, many applicants struggle with expressing their unique story in a way that captivates the admissions committee.

The key to writing a compelling personal statement is to focus on authenticity and clarity. Admissions officers want to see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. By following expert tips, like starting with a powerful anecdote and demonstrating your passion for the field, you can make your statement both memorable and impactful.

Writing the best personal statement requires thoughtfulness, honesty, and a clear sense of purpose . By showcasing your individuality and passion, while following these expert tips, you can create a personal statement that stands out from the rest. Remember, this is your chance to share your story—so make it compelling, personal, and reflective of your unique journey.

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What should I include in my personal statement?

Focus on your background, experiences, and what motivates you to pursue this program.

How long should my personal statement be?

Typically, 500-1000 words, but always check the specific guidelines for your application.

Can I use the same personal statement for multiple applications?

It’s best to tailor each personal statement to match the specific program and institution you’re applying to.

How personal should I get in my statement?

Be authentic and share personal insights, but keep it professional and relevant to your academic or career goals.

What tone should I use in my personal statement?

Maintain a conversational yet formal tone—engaging but not overly casual.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

Start with a strong opening, use specific examples, and clearly demonstrate your passion and fit for the program.

Should I mention weaknesses in my personal statement?

If relevant, you can address challenges or weaknesses, but focus on how you overcame them and what you learned.

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Table of Contents

• • What Is The Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?
• • When Should You Add Hobbies and Interests on Your CV and Resume?
• • Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Include in Your CV
• • Expert Tips On Writing The Best Personal Statement
• • Conclusion

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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?

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

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

Examples of hobbies for a CV:

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

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

Examples of personal interests for a CV:

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

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

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

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

The benefits of including your personal interests on your CV:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of hobbies and interests for a CV

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

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

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

Will it help me get the job?

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

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

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

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

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

Example of relevant and irrelevant hobbies for a web developer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of interests and their relevance to different jobs

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

The following personal interests will make your CV shine:

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

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

The following hobbies will give a boost to your CV:

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

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

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

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

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

Example 1 – Economist

Example 2 – teaching assistant.

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

Example 3 – Civil Engineer

Example 4 – credit controller.

Example 5 – Journalist

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

Avoid mentioning interests that could reveal your private beliefs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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6 Smart Answers – “What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on October 25, 2023 — 6 minutes to read

Discussing your hobbies during an interview can help you showcase specific skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you enjoy playing chess, it demonstrates your strategic thinking abilities. Photography as a hobby can emphasize your attention to detail and creativity. Make sure the hobbies you mention are applicable to the skills required for the position. Related: Best Hobbies to Boost Your Resume (Desired Qualities)

Preparation for the Interview Question About Hobbies

1. assessing your hobbies and interests.

Start by making a list of your hobbies and interests. Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time, outside of work or school. Consider the skills and traits these activities showcase about you. For example, being part of a sports team can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills, while painting might showcase your creativity and attention to detail.

2. Aligning Hobbies with Job Requirements

Next, review the job description and make note of any skills or qualities the employer is looking for. Try to identify hobbies or interests that align with these requirements. For example, if the job requires problem-solving skills, you might mention that you enjoy solving crossword puzzles. This way, you are subtly demonstrating how your hobbies support the skills needed for the position.

Avoiding Oversharing

When discussing your hobbies and interests, it’s important to strike a balance between providing relevant information and oversharing. Avoid mentioning activities that might be considered controversial or polarizing, as this could potentially create an uncomfortable situation during the interview. Stick to talking about hobbies that demonstrate your relevant skills and qualities without becoming too personal.

Framework for Answering Hobbies and Interests Query

Formulating the answer.

• When answering the interview question, “What are your hobbies and interests?”, start by considering how your hobbies and interests align with the company’s culture and the specific position you’re applying for.
• Focus on activities that demonstrate skills and traits that would be advantageous in the role. For instance, if you’re applying for a position requiring teamwork and communication skills, you might talk about your involvement in a sports team or a community project.
• Take time to reflect on your hobbies and interests on a personal level. Think about activities that provide you with a sense of fulfillment and how they contribute to your overall personal growth. Pick the ones that are more relevant to the job you’re applying for and can generate a conversation during the interview.
• Structure your answer by highlighting the connection between your hobbies and interests and the job requirements. Be specific about your involvement in these activities and how they showcase your strengths.

Maintaining Authenticity

While it’s important to tailor your answer to the position and company, always be true to yourself and your interests. Sincerity will make for a more engaging conversation during the interview. Also, genuine enthusiasm for your hobbies and interests might just spark the interviewer’s curiosity and set you apart from other candidates.

Try not to oversell your interests or exaggerate your involvement in activities. Interviewers have a keen sense of detecting insincerity. If you’re asked further questions about your hobbies, you want to be able to confidently discuss your experiences without being caught off-guard.

Examples of Good Responses

Answers for creative roles.

When applying for a creative role, focus on highlighting your creative hobbies and interests that relate to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position, you could say:

“In my free time, I like to experiment with digital illustration and create art for my online portfolio. I also enjoy visiting art galleries to stay inspired and keep up with the latest design trends.”

Another example for a content writer position:

“I’ve always loved writing, so I spend much of my free time working on my personal blog, where I share my thoughts on various subjects. I also attend local creative writing workshops to hone my skills and network with other writers.”

Answers for Technical Positions

For technical positions, your answer can focus on interests and hobbies that highlight your technical skills and knowledge. A sample answer for a software developer position might be:

“Outside of work, I enjoy working on personal programming projects in my favorite language, Python. I’ve developed several web applications and even contributed to some open-source projects. I’m also a part of a local coding club, where we collaborate and learn from each other.”

Another example for a data analyst role:

“I’m passionate about data visualization, and I often participate in data visualization challenges online to improve my skills. Apart from that, I love exploring new datasets to uncover interesting patterns and insights, which helps me stay sharp and informed about the industry.”

Answers for Leadership Roles

In leadership roles, you should focus on interests and hobbies that demonstrate your leadership skills, teamwork, and ability to inspire others. For example, for a project manager role:

“One of my favorite hobbies is volunteering as a team leader at local community events. This has helped me develop strong interpersonal and organization skills, as well as the ability to manage diverse groups of people.”

Another example for a sales manager position:

“In my free time, I enjoy participating in sports like basketball and soccer, where I often take on the role of team captain. These activities have taught me the importance of teamwork, motivation, and effective communication, which are vital when leading a successful sales team.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. can you give some examples of common hobbies and interests to mention in an interview.

• Reading about various topics
• Traveling to explore new cultures
• Volunteering for local charities or community events
• Running, cycling, or participating in team sports
• Cooking or experimenting with new recipes
• Learning a new language or musical instrument

2. How can I add a touch of humor while discussing my hobbies in an interview?

To add a touch of humor when discussing your hobbies, try:

• Sharing a funny or relatable story related to your hobby
• Mentioning an unusual or quirky aspect of your interest
• Using a light-hearted tone while discussing your hobby

Avoid going overboard with humor, as you should retain a professional tone throughout the interview.

3. What types of hobbies should I avoid mentioning during an interview?

Avoid mentioning hobbies that may be considered controversial, offensive, or unrelated to the job role, such as:

• Engaging in extreme sports or activities associated with high risks
• Partaking in activities with political or religious affiliations
• Gambling or activities that might raise ethical concerns

4. How can I share my life interests without sounding too personal or off-topic?

To share life interests without sounding too personal, focus on:

• Describing how your interests relate to the job or company culture
• Mentioning transferrable skills, like teamwork, acquired from your hobbies
• Keeping the conversation focused on how your interests can benefit you professionally

5. How do I show genuine passion for my hobbies and interests while answering?

To show genuine passion during your interview:

• Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your interest
• Share achievements or milestones related to your hobby
• Explain why you’re passionate about your hobby, and how it has enriched your life

6. What is the purpose of interviewers asking about hobbies and how should I respond?

Interviewers ask about your hobbies to:

• Understand more about your personality
• Gain insight into your work-life balance
• Discover how you might fit into the company culture

When responding, focus on highlighting the positive aspects of your hobbies and their relevance to your professional life.

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