What hobbies and interests should you list on your CV?

Hobbies and interests can be a big part of your life, and they could also help you get hired for a new job.  In a highly competitive job market, having hobbies and interests listed on your CV can help you stand out from other candidates. And, if it’s something that the hiring manager also has an interest in, it can help you build rapport with them.  We cover how hobbies and interests should be listed on your CV, what to include and to leave off and we also look at what hobbies and interests peak a hiring manager's interest.  Related: How To Write A CV  

Why you should add hobbies and interests to your CV 

Skills and experience are what makes a recruiter or hiring manager decide if they want to interview you, but personality and cultural fit are also important.  It’s tricky for someone to gain an insight into your personality from a two page CV. By including a hobbies and interests section, it’s easier for the hiring manager or recruiter to gain a bigger perspective of who you are and what you like doing in your time away from work. Ultimately, this helps them to decide if you’re the right fit for the job and the company.  Including hobbies and interests on your CV is another way to show off valuable skills. This is particularly helpful if you’re considering pivoting your career and lack skills related to the new job or industry. Or, if you’re a recent graduate or are returning to work after a career break, you can back up your answers with examples that relate to your hobbies or interests.  Related: Powerful Strategies To Help Pivot Your Career in 2020  

Where to list hobbies and interests on your CV 

It isn’t easy fitting a career’s worth of information onto two pages. Your personal statement, skills and experience need to take priority, so place the ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section after these. As recruiters and hiring managers skim-read CV’s it’s OK to bullet-list your hobbies and interests and to provide a brief description of each - one line is sufficient.  Example: “Playing chess - I’m part of a local chess club and we meet once a week to play other clubs.”   

What hobbies and interests should you include (and leave off)

Whether you have several hobbies or just one or two, you need to be selective about which ones you list on your CV. If they don’t add value to your application they should be left off.  For instance, say you take part in medieval battle reenactments every weekend. Unless the job you’re going for needs these skills, it’s better not to list it on your CV. You should consider if your hobbies or interests can be construed as being offensive or controversial. Even mentioning what sporting club you support could go against you, particularly if the hirer is a supporter of a rival club.  Related: 5 Ways To Add Value To Who You Are  

10 hobbies and interests that make a hiring manager take notice and why 

Mentioning some of these hobbies and interests on your CV, could help you get invited for an interview, and even be offered the job: 

1. Playing a team sport (like tennis, rugby, netball, hockey etc.)

Why: This shows you’re comfortable being part of a team. A skill that’s valued by employers. 

2. DIY (like woodwork, renovation, restoration etc.)

Why: These types of hobbies and interests show that you have focus, attention to detail and can project manage. These skills are especially relevant to jobs in construction, engineering and architecture. 

3. Reading books, magazines, trade papers, online content 

Why: This demonstrates that you like to broaden your knowledge in current affairs and that you keep up-to-date with things that are happening in your industry. 

4. Travelling (solo-travelling, with family and friends, or asp part of group tours)

Why: This shows you’re interested in learning and experiencing new cultures and taking part in activities that you may not have tried before. It also shows you can work effectively in a diverse work environment. 

5. Taking part in an individual sport (like cycling, swimming, running etc.)

Why: This proves to your potential employer that you have the determination and motivation to achieve your goals. 

6. Being a member of a community / charity project 

Why: Being able to demonstrate that you have empathy and consideration for others is something employers look for in their employees. It also shows you’re willing to give up your time to support others. 

7. Playing chess / solving puzzles 

Why: Intense concentration, forward-thinking and problem-solving skills will help you stand out to hiring managers. 

8. Using computer programmes for design 

Why: This shows that technology doesn’t phase you, that you follow logical steps to complete a project and that you have a creative side to you. This can add great value if you’re applying for jobs in the IT or creative sectors.

9. Amateur dramatics 

Why: Being confident and having great communication skills are needed for most job types, but particularly for public-facing jobs like healthcare, sales and customer service. 

10. Meditation or mindfulness 

Why: If you’re applying for promotion or are looking to move into a managerial position, being able to show that you can be calm and collected and have self-discipline will work to your advantage.  Related: 5 Tips To Help You Get A Job You Love