How to List Hobbies and Interests on a CV (Examples)

The hobbies and interests section on a CV is often overlooked. However, when used wisely, it can add real value. Especially if you don’t have much work experience.

Take a short break from your current hobby, because I’m about to teach you how to create an interview-worthy section that will not only show your personality traits, but also prove some of your skills.

This guide will show you:

• Whether you should include hobbies and interests on your CV.
• Where to put your hobbies and interests in your CV.
• How to write hobbies and interests on a CV.
• What are the best hobbies and interests for a CV?

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Should I put hobbies & interests on a CV?

Yes, you should put your hobbies and interests on a CV. It’s a great way of making your job application stand out. With a little care and attention, you can easily give your CV a boost. Demonstrating interests outside of work helps you to stand out as a unique individual, while adding some personalisation to your document. 

Plus, if you have a hobby or interest that the hiring manager shares, you get an amazing conversation starter. Studies show that we’re drawn to people who are like-minded to us. That means they’re more likely to think favourably of you as a candidate.

Hobbies and interests are particularly useful if you’re early in your career. So if you’re writing a school-leaver CV or a CV with no experience , it’s definitely worth including. More caution is needed when applying for more senior posts, though.

The problem is, the more experienced you are, the longer your CV gets. And you should only be writing a one or two-page CV, so it might not make sense to squeeze in hobbies and interests at the expense of other, more important skills and work experience. That said, if it’s particularly relevant or helps you build a relationship with the hiring manager, it’s worth considering. 

In short, include hobbies and interests when they:

• Reinforce qualities relevant to the role (e.g., teamwork, creativity, resilience)
• Show initiative or leadership beyond your job history
• Bridge gaps in experience early in your career
• Create a personal connection with the hiring manager or team (don’t hesitate to do a quick investigation on their online presence!)

So now that you know how useful interests and hobbies are for your CV, let me explain how to write a CV that shows them effectively. Below, I'll cover everything about what a CV should look like to nicely emphasize hobbies and interests.

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Where to put hobbies and interests on your CV 

Hobbies and interests belong in an optional section at the very end of your CV—after your skills section, and definitely after your work experience and education. That’s the standard placement used in classic CV templates. It ensures that more critical information is reviewed first.

Label the section clearly with a simple, professional heading like “Hobbies and Interests”, “Personal Interests”, or “Outside Interests”—whichever fits your tone and industry best. This section should be concise, relevant, and thoughtfully written—not just a casual list of pastimes. Remember, everything on your CV should serve a purpose or add value.

Avoid placing it too high up in your CV unless it’s strategically important (e.g., you’re applying for a cultural role, early-career position, or creative job where personal flair and individuality are valued). In those cases, it can act as a differentiator and help paint a fuller picture of who you are.

How to write your hobbies and interests CV section?

When writing a list of hobbies and interests for a CV, you should only include interests linked to the personality traits and skills demanded in a particular role. This way, you can show you'll add value to the company. Pick only a few hobbies and interests (5 maximum) and write a brief description for each.

1. Start by learning about the company
Before deciding what hobbies or interests to showcase, take a moment to explore the company you’re applying to. This helps you tailor your resume to resonate with their values and work environment.

• Review the job description to identify key personality traits and skills the company values.
• Browse their website, especially team bios or career pages, to get a feel for their internal culture.
• Look at their social media (LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Facebook) to understand how they present themselves and interact with the public.
• Use this research to choose hobbies that reflect the company’s tone and team dynamic.

2. Select interests that align with the role
When listing hobbies on your resume, be intentional. Your choices should reflect attributes the employer is seeking. This makes your interests more than just filler; they become part of your personal branding.

• Match hobbies to specific traits (e.g., teamwork, leadership, creativity) highlighted in the job ad.
• Prioritise interests that naturally demonstrate social skills, collaboration, or dedication.
• Avoid listing passive or solitary hobbies if the role is highly interactive.
• Aim for variety to show adaptability and a balanced personality.

3. Let your hobbies reinforce your qualifications
If you’re applying for a role where you lack direct experience, hobbies can offer subtle żproof of transferable skills. Choosing the right ones can strategically fill in those gaps and add value to your profile.

• Select hobbies that reflect relevant hard or soft skills tied to the job function.
• Use personal interests to show passion and initiative in related areas.
• Highlight any side projects or informal work that supports your professional goals.
• Align your choices with both the job and the company’s culture (e.g., creativity, innovation, community).

4. Place hobbies in a distinct section toward the end
Keep your resume sleek and targeted by creating a short, dedicated section for hobbies near the bottom. It adds personality without overwhelming the core content.

• Label it clearly as "Hobbies and Interests" or "Personal Interests."
• Limit your list to two or three meaningful, well-chosen activities.
• Skip vague or overly general listings that don’t say much about you.
• Add context or a short descriptor when possible to make each item more impactful.

5. Limit to a maximum of five unique activities
Don’t overdo it. This section should complement, not clutter, your resume. Stick to a focused selection that adds value without taking up unnecessary space.

• Include no more than five activities total.
• Choose only those that reinforce your professional image.
• Think quality over quantity—each interest should say something positive about you.
• Use this section to leave a thoughtful, human impression on the recruiter.

Let’s take a quick look at the example of how to do it right:

That’s pretty straightforward, right? But what hobbies and interests for a CV work best?

List of top 10 hobbies and interests for a CV

Choosing the right hobbies and interests for your CV can do more than just fill space. When done right, this section can highlight your personality, strengthen your skill set, and help you stand out from other candidates. The best hobbies and interests align with the role you’re applying for and reinforce qualities employers value. 

1. Volunteering
   Highlights a commitment to social responsibility and community involvement. Shows strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments.
2. Making arts
   Shows creativity and design skills. Demonstrates attention to detail and visual communication. Perfect for jobs in creative industries, such as a graphic design CV.
3. Reading books and articles
   A good way of showing that you’re intelligent and a keen learner. But be specific about what you enjoy reading, otherwise, it can seem a bit vague.
4. Writing a blog
   An increasingly popular hobby, it goes without saying that it shows off your written communication skills. But it can also show you’re a subject matter expert. A great choice for people writing a career change CV and looking to turn their blogging interest into paid work.
5. Practicing yoga
   Not as strange as you may think, yoga and meditation are looked on favourably by HR professionals, because they show you are calm, focused, and in control. An excellent choice for applying for high-pressure jobs.
6. Gaming and solving puzzles
   Used with care, it can be a fantastic addition to your CV, especially for tech jobs. Playing games has proven cognitive benefits so dismiss it at your peril.
7. Travelling and making connections
   Another popular CV interest, travel, shows broad-mindedness, extroversion, and a desire to learn new things. Highlights adaptability and cultural awareness.
8. Playing music
   Proves dedication, perseverance, and self-motivation. Also enhances cognitive abilities and time management skills.
9. Public speaking
   Demonstrates verbal communication skills, persuasiveness, and confidence. Particularly effective for sales, marketing, customer service,e and leadership roles.
10. Playing team sports
    Demonstrates teamwork skills but also leadership and strategic skills. Working effectively with others lies at the very heart of soft skills, which are considered crucial for success in employment.

Those were just a few examples of hobbies and interests for a CV. There just isn’t enough room to list them all. The key to choosing is to ensure the hobby or interest you choose is relevant to the job in question.

Hobbies and interests: examples of skills they prove 

Hobbies and interests can demonstrate skills. They are a particularly powerful choice, as skill-based hiring is on the rise. Let me show you how some of your hobbies and interests can prove some of your traits. 

I believe you’re now fully convinced that adding some hobbies and interests to your CV can convince your recruiter you’re truly a job-worthy candidate.

And that's everything you need to know about creating a CV that emphasises hobbies and interests. Hobbies and interests on your CV are a great idea, as long as you use them appropriately. Ensure they’re relevant and help your CV show you off as a well-rounded person and skilful potential employee.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Thanks for reading. If you still have any doubts about which hobbies and interests to put on your CV, ask in the comments section, and I’ll be happy to help.

Seeking guidance on how to cover other CV sections? Check these articles:

• CV Introduction & How to Write One
• CV Objective & How to Create One (+ Examples)
• CV Outline for the UK: Examples & Tips
• CV Summary Examples & Detailed Guidelines
• How to List Key Achievements on a CV?
• How to Use ChatGPT to Inspire Your CV?
• Personal Details You Must Add to Your CV
• Should You Add Your Address to a CV?
• The Best Extracurricular Activities for Your CV
• What Should You Include in Each CV Section?

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Frequently asked questions about hobbies and interests for a CV

1. What’s the difference between hobbies and interests?

While often grouped together, there’s a subtle difference between hobbies and interests:

• Hobbies are activities you actively participate in during your free time, like playing guitar, running, or volunteering.
• Interests are broader topics or subjects you enjoy learning about or discussing, like history, sustainability, or space exploration.
  On a CV, both can be valuable, especially when they demonstrate relevant traits or align with the company’s culture.

2. Can hobbies help fill gaps in work experience?

Yes—strategically chosen hobbies can highlight transferable skills and show initiative when formal experience is limited. For example, managing a blog shows writing and self-discipline, while organising local events demonstrates project management and communication skills. This is especially useful for students, career changers, or those re-entering the workforce.

3. How many hobbies and interests should I include on my CV?

Aim for 2 to 5 well-chosen examples. Focus on quality, not quantity. The goal is to include activities that reflect relevant soft skills or values, not to list every pastime. A tight, relevant section adds personality without cluttering the page.

4. What hobbies and interests should you eliminate from your CV?

There are some hobbies and interests you should avoid listing on your CV.

• Made-up hobbies. If you don’t have any relevant hobbies and interests for a CV, then don’t be tempted to make them up. You might just find your interviewer is a passionate fan of that particular hobby, and get found out when your lack of knowledge becomes apparent.
• Dangerous or time-consuming interests. Most employers do not want employees who are likely to suffer serious injury or take excessive time off work to pursue their interests. Base jumping and Arctic exploration are not recommended, for example.
• Controversial hobbies and interests. Remember, the aim is to build rapport, not repel people. Avoid interests related to politics, or anything with a sexual or religious element. If it generates a negative response, then it’s best left off your CV.