What Interests to Put on a Resume?

Your resume tells the story of your professional experience, skills, and achievements. But what about your interests? Are they worth including? If you’ve ever asked yourself what interests to put on a resume, you’re not alone — and the answer might surprise you.

Adding interests to your resume can help you stand out, especially when applying for jobs where culture fit and soft skills matter. It gives employers a glimpse into who you are beyond your job titles and bullet points.

In this post, we’ll cover the best interests to include on your resume, how to choose the right ones based on the job, and tips to make them work in your favor.

• Why Include Interests on a Resume?
  
• When Should You Include Interests on a Resume?
  
• Best Interests to Put on a Resume (with Examples)
  
• How to Choose the Right Interests for Your Resume
  
• Where to List Interests on a Resume
  
• Resume Interests Example Section
  
• Should You Include Interests on LinkedIn Too?
  
• Final Thoughts: Let Your Interests Add Value

Why Include Interests on a Resume?

Hiring managers don’t just want someone who can do the job — they want someone who will thrive on the team. Including interests on your resume:

• Highlights your personality and soft skills

• Shows culture fit and alignment with company values

• Makes you more memorable

• Can act as conversation starters in interviews

While not required, well-chosen interests can humanize your resume and make you stand out in a competitive job market.

When Should You Include Interests on a Resume?

Including interests makes the most sense when:

• You’re applying for a role at a company known for its culture

• You have limited work experience (such as entry-level or recent graduate)

• Your interests directly relate to the job or industry

• You’re trying to show soft skills like creativity, teamwork, or leadership

Avoid listing interests if:

• You’re applying to very formal or traditional industries (e.g., finance, law)

• Your resume is already at one page and you need space for core qualifications

Best Interests to Put on a Resume (with Examples)

Here are some smart, professional interests to include on your resume — and what they can signal to employers.

1. Volunteering and Community Involvement

Shows empathy, leadership, and a sense of responsibility.

Examples:

• Volunteer at local animal shelter

• Habitat for Humanity team lead

• Organizer for community food drives

2. Sports and Physical Activities

Demonstrates discipline, teamwork, and commitment to wellness.

Examples:

• Marathon runner

• Intramural soccer player

• Yoga and mindfulness practitioner

3. Creative Hobbies

Highlights innovation, problem-solving, and imagination.

Examples:

• Photography and digital editing

• Creative writing and blogging

• Graphic design projects

4. Travel and Languages

Signals adaptability, cultural awareness, and communication skills.

Examples:

• Traveled to 15+ countries

• Fluent in Spanish and French

• Interest in global cultures

5. Tech-Related Interests

Great for roles in tech, digital, or analytical fields.

Examples:

• Coding side projects in Python

• Data visualization using Tableau

• Cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast

6. Reading and Learning

Shows curiosity, self-motivation, and continuous development.

Examples:

• Reading nonfiction and leadership books

• Listening to tech podcasts

• Online courses in business analytics

7. Public Speaking and Debate

Indicates confidence, communication, and persuasion skills.

Examples:

• Member of Toastmasters

• Debate team captain

• Host of educational YouTube channel

How to Choose the Right Interests for Your Resume

Not all interests are resume-worthy. Here’s how to choose the right ones:

✅ DO:

• Align interests with the company’s culture or values

• Choose interests that highlight relevant soft skills

• Be specific (instead of “sports,” say “competitive tennis”)

• Keep it brief (2–5 bullet points under a “Interests” or “Hobbies” section)

❌ DON’T:

• List generic or vague interests (e.g., “music,” “movies”)

• Include controversial topics (e.g., politics, religion)

• Lie or exaggerate — you may get asked about them in an interview

• List anything irrelevant or unprofessional

Where to List Interests on a Resume

If you’re including interests, place them at the bottom of your resume under a section labeled:

• Interests

• Hobbies

• Additional Information

• Personal Interests

Make sure the section doesn’t take up space that’s needed for more important content like experience, skills, or education.

Resume Interests Example Section

Here’s what a well-formatted interests section might look like on your resume:

Interests

• Volunteering at local animal rescue

• Hiking and nature photography

• Reading business strategy books

• Learning new coding languages (currently Python and JavaScript)

This gives a quick, well-rounded sense of personality without distracting from your professional experience.

Should You Include Interests on LinkedIn Too?

Absolutely! LinkedIn has a dedicated section for Interests, and it’s a great place to follow companies, influencers, and topics you care about. You can also mention personal interests in your About section, especially if they relate to your professional brand.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Interests Add Value

Knowing which interests to put on a resume can help show who you are beyond the job title. When chosen strategically, interests can help make your resume more memorable, relatable, and well-rounded — especially in industries where culture fit and creativity matter.

Just remember: interests are the icing, not the cake. They should never overshadow your experience or skills, but when included wisely, they can definitely sweeten the deal.

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