Should hobbies and interests be included on a resume? Which hobbies earn you points?

One of the most debated topics in the resume-building process is the "Hobbies and Interests" section. Some career advisors believe this section is completely unnecessary and a waste of space, while others argue it's an excellent opportunity to showcase a candidate's personality.

So, where does the truth lie? Should we include our hobbies on a resume? The short answer is: Yes, but only strategically chosen ones. Cliché phrases like "Reading books" "Listening to music" and "Traveling" will not earn you any points. However interests that highlight your specific habits and character can put you one step ahead of the competition.

Why do employers care about your hobbies?

Modern companies (especially global corporations and tech companies) are not just looking for an "employee" but a "culturally fit team member". By looking at your hobbies, HR professionals are trying to answer the following questions:

What is this person like outside the office?

Do their interests align with our company's values?

What "soft skills" have these hobbies given them that will be useful on the job?

Which hobbies "shine" on a resume?

When listing your hobbies, think about what professional skills they represent between the lines. Here are the hobby categories that will absolutely add value to your resume:

Hobbies requiring analytical thinking and problem-solving: If the job you are applying for (e.g., IT, Data Analytics, Accounting, Engineering) requires high attention to detail and logic, these hobbies prove you have an analytical mind.

Examples: Playing chess, strategy games, Sudoku, Coding (personal projects), solving a Rubik's cube, astronomy.

Subtext: "I notice details, I plan ahead, and I love solving complex problems."

Hobbies demonstrating teamwork and leadership: If you are applying for roles like Sales, Project management or Human resources you should prioritize group activities over individual ones.

Examples: Team sports (amateur soccer, volleyball or basketball leagues), participating in debate clubs, theater groups or volunteering on the board of an organization.

Subtext: "I can work in harmony with others, fight for a common goal and take responsibility when necessary."

Hobbies requiring willpower, discipline, and endurance: Physical and mental stamina are especially crucial for high-stress jobs (Executive roles, Business development).

Examples: Marathon running, mountaineering, triathlons, weightlifting, yoga, and meditation.

Subtext: "I set goals for myself, put in long-term effort, and don't give up in the face of difficulties."

Hobbies requiring creativity and self-expression: For those working in creative sectors like Marketing, Design, PR, and Copywriting this section is a visual way to showcase your abilities.

Examples: Running a personal blog/vlog, digital art, photography, hosting a podcast, learning different languages or playing a musical instrument.

Subtext: "I can think outside the box and I enjoy generating new ideas and presenting them to people."

Hobbies you should never include on a resume

You shouldn't include just anything on your resume. Certain interests might create the wrong impression with HR:

"Passive" activities: "Watching movies", "Listening to music" or "Spending time on social media"—these are ordinary activities everyone does. Since they don't add any specific skills, they are a waste of space on a resume.

Risky and extreme hobbies (context-dependent): Unless you are applying to be a stunt double, hobbies like "Extreme skydiving" might signal to conservative companies that "this person is prone to risk" (although some modern startups might view this as bravery).

Political and religious activities: Any political party activism or participation in religious groups that could cause discrimination in the workplace should be omitted (unless the job you are applying for is directly related to these fields).