200+ Hobbies and Interests for Your CV in 2025

Including hobbies and interests in your CV is more important than you think. Apart from simply filling up space in your document, the right activities can reveal why you’re the right fit for the job. How? By confirming some of the key skills and qualities that employers seek. 

Want to see the real value of putting interests and hobbies in your CV? I’ll illustrate it using over 200 examples of hobbies and interests.

This guide will show you:

• Why you should include hobbies and interests on your CV.
• How interests and hobbies can prove your skillset.
• 200+ hobbies and interests examples for a CV.

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Should I add a list of hobbies and interests to my CV?

Hobbies and interests belong to one of the optional sections in a CV. Including them is not mandatory, but they can help demonstrate your skills and personality to the employer. So, in my opinion, you should include a list of your hobbies and interests in your CV.

Here are the reasons why it’s a good idea:

• Hobbies and interests show your personality and help employers see you as more than just your work history.
• They add a human touch that makes your application feel more relatable and authentic.
• They help establish a common ground with the hiring manager, which boosts your chances during an interview.
• Your hobbies can highlight transferable qualities, such as commitment, creativity, or teamwork, even when your experience is limited.
• Interests can enhance your suitability for senior roles when they align with company values or industry relevance.

However, the real value of listing hobbies and interests in a CV is in how they showcase key skills employers look for. When chosen carefully, they can highlight some of the most in-demand qualities.

Lists of 200+ hobbies and interests for a CV

The hobbies and interests examples below are organised by skill to help you see how your free-time activities can demonstrate you’re a strong fit for the role.

Hobbies for a CV related to analytical thinking

Employers value individuals who can break down problems and approach them logically. Certain hobbies reveal your knack for patterns, data, and strategic thinking without needing to say it outright. These interests require the same mental sharpness as roles that involve analysis and decision-making.

Examples of hobbies and interests that prove analytical skills include: 

• Puzzle solving
• Chess
• Sudoku
• Cryptic crosswords
• Brain training apps
• Escape rooms
• Rubik’s Cube solving
• Mathematical games
• Data analysis challenges
• Stock market simulations

CV interests related to communication

Strong communicators thrive in nearly every profession. Whether you're writing, speaking, or presenting, these hobbies on a CV can demonstrate your confidence in connecting with others. They suggest that you convey your point and build rapport with a wide range of people.

Sample hobbies and interests that prove communication skills include: 

• Podcasting
• Toastmasters
• Public speaking
• Writing opinion articles
• Teaching languages
• Acting in plays
• Debate club
• Spoken word poetry
• Radio presenting
• Interviewing others for blogs

Examples of hobbies that require critical thinking

Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions and delving deeper into ideas. Hobbies that involve analysis or debate demonstrate your ability to approach issues with logic and care. They show you're not easily swayed and can bring sound judgment to complex situations.

Hobbies and interests for a CV that prove critical thinking include: 

• Reading non-fiction
• Competitive debating
• Philosophy meet-ups
• Scientific journal reading
• Logic games
• Mock trials
• Analysing documentaries
• Current affairs discussions
• Skeptic meet-ups
• Book clubs with analytical discussion

Interests that show creativity

Creative hobbies are a direct line to problem-solving, innovation, and fresh thinking. They signal to employers that you can look beyond the obvious and come up with original ideas. Whether visual, written, or hands-on, these interests often suggest a resourceful and imaginative mindset.

Hobbies and interests examples that prove creativity include: 

• Creative writing
• Poetry
• Drawing
• Painting
• Interior decorating
• Graphic design
• Animation
• Crafting handmade goods
• Making music videos
• DIY projects

CV hobbies that show collaboration

Working well with others is key in most workplaces—that’s why good hobbies to put on a CV are often the ones that involve group efforts. They demonstrate your ability to cooperate, compromise, and communicate effectively with a team. They point to someone who knows how to play their part and support shared goals.

Examples of hobbies and interests that prove collaboration include: 

• Team sports
• Amateur dramatics
• Music bands
• Choir singing
• Dance troupes
• Community gardening
• Co-op video gaming
• Volunteering in teams
• Planning group holidays
• Escape room competitions

CV interests related to leadership

Leadership skills don’t always come from your job title. It often starts in your pursuits. Hobbies that involve guiding others, planning events, or taking charge demonstrate your proactive nature and ability to inspire others. These activities hint at natural confidence and accountability.

CV hobbies and interests that prove leadership include: 

• Youth mentoring
• Coaching sports
• Volunteering as a team leader
• Organising charity events
• Running clubs or societies
• Prefect or student council work
• Leading hiking groups
• Scout or Guide leadership
• Peer tutoring
• Campaign organising

Hobbies that require attention to detail

Being detail-oriented can set you apart in quality-focused roles. Some hobbies rely on precision, patience, and a keen eye for minor details, the same traits employers seek. These interests in a CV can suggest you're someone who notices what others might miss.

Examples of hobbies and interests that prove attention to detail include: 

• Photography
• Model building
• LEGO architecture
• Miniature painting
• Video editing
• Calligraphy
• Origami
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Bonsai cultivation
• Restoring antiques

Hobbies that show organisation

Well-organised people are efficient, reliable, and excellent at planning ahead. If your hobbies and interests involve preparation, structure, or coordinating logistics, they’re likely to highlight those traits. These CV interests demonstrate your ability to keep things on track and running smoothly.

Hobbies and interests that prove organisational skills include: 

• Scrapbooking
• Event planning
• Travel itinerary planning
• Hosting dinner parties
• Budgeting and saving apps
• Decluttering and minimalist living
• Bullet journaling
• Wedding planning for friends
• Collection cataloguing
• Menu planning

Interests that prove adaptability

Being adaptable means remaining calm and effective when things don’t go as planned. Hobbies that immerse you in new environments, challenges, or cultures suggest you're flexible and quick to adapt. They’re significant indicators of someone who thrives outside their comfort zone.

Hobbies and interests examples that prove adaptability include: 

• Solo travelling
• Couchsurfing
• Learning new languages
• Cultural exchange participation
• Working abroad
• Trying new cuisines
• Improv theatre
• Language immersion stays
• Flexible work freelancing
• Spontaneous road trips

CV hobbies that show initiative

Employers love self-starters, individuals who take initiative and make things happen without being told. Activities that involve launching personal projects or taking on creative risks demonstrate your motivation and independence. Show these hobbies on your CV to prove that you’ve the drive to follow through on ideas from concept to completion.

Examples of hobbies and interests that prove initiative include: 

• Blogging
• Vlogging
• Launching side businesses
• Freelance photography
• Starting an Etsy shop
• Hosting webinars
• Writing an eBook
• Creating online courses
• Designing merchandise
• Social media campaigns

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Interests that involve self-discipline

Consistency is the core of self-discipline, and many hobbies directly address this aspect. Activities that require training, routine, or solo effort suggest you're someone who sticks to goals. These CV interests can quietly reveal your perseverance and inner motivation.

Sample CV hobbies and interests that prove self-discipline include: 

• Marathon training
• Regular gym routines
• Playing musical instruments
• Daily journaling
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Training for triathlons
• Learning coding
• Strict dietary plans
• Practising a new language daily
• Competitive sports routines

Hobbies that show empathy

Being empathetic plays a key role in communication, teamwork, and leadership. Activities that centre on supporting others or listening to different experiences show your emotional intelligence. These interests on a CV can tell an employer that you're not just skilled, but also kind and conscientious.

CV hobbies and interests that prove empathy include: 

• Animal rescue volunteering
• Peer counselling
• Supporting elder care
• Mental health advocacy
• Crisis helpline work
• Fundraising for causes
• Working with refugees
• Reading autobiographies
• Listening to podcasts on wellbeing
• Teaching SEN children

Interests showing technical savviness

Being tech-savvy is a valuable trait in fast-paced industries. Tech-focused hobbies show you’re excited by new tools, eager to learn, and not afraid to experiment. These CV interests signal an innovative mindset and a genuine interest in problem-solving.

Hobbies and interests that prove technical savviness include: 

• Coding side projects
• Raspberry Pi experiments
• Building PCs
• App development
• Learning AI tools
• Robotics kits
• Tech YouTube tutorials
• UX design exploration
• Drone flying
• Virtual reality gaming

Hobbies that require strategic thinking

If you're a fan of long-term planning and outmanoeuvring the competition, think strategically. Certain hobbies mirror the decision-making and forecasting involved in leadership or business roles. They suggest you can plan, weigh options, and think several steps ahead.

Examples of hobbies and interests that prove strategic thinking include: 

• Board games
• Role-playing games
• Warhammer strategy games
• Fantasy football leagues
• Competitive video games (e.g. StarCraft)
• Business simulations
• Escape room hosting
• Chess tournaments
• Poker strategy
• Stock market fantasy trading

Hobbies that demonstrate resilience

Resilience is your ability to persevere when faced with adversity. Hobbies that push your limits, test your patience, or involve physical and mental endurance show that you don’t give up easily. They point to a candidate who can face setbacks and bounce back stronger.

CV hobbies and interests that prove resilience include: 

• Hiking long-distance trails
• Cold water swimming
• Camping in harsh conditions
• Practising mindfulness
• Yoga retreats
• Ice climbing
• Learning tough skills (e.g. piano as an adult)
• Training for obstacle races
• Journaling through personal growth
• Recovering from injury with fitness

Interests that show time management

Managing time well is essential in both personal and professional life. If your hobbies involve balancing commitments or managing multiple activities, they demonstrate just that. These interests in your CV show you can stay organised and productive without burning out.

Hobbies and interests examples that prove time management skills include: 

• Balancing part-time study with work
• Maintaining multiple hobbies
• Coordinating multiple volunteering roles
• Travel vlogging alongside a full-time job
• Efficient meal prepping
• Organising charity fundraisers
• Online course stacking
• Running a side business
• Daily workout challenges
• Completing reading challenges

CV hobbies that show problem-solving

Problem-solving skills shine through in hobbies that involve fixing, building, or untangling complex tasks. These activities demonstrate your ability to think critically and approach challenges in a logical manner. They’re a solid way to demonstrate your resourcefulness and solution-oriented approach.

Sample hobbies and interests that prove problem-solving skills include: 

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• Coding puzzles
• Mechanical repair as a hobby
• Origami
• LEGO Technic
• Video game modding
• Digital troubleshooting for friends
• Circuit fixing
• DIY home repairs
• Solving riddles
• Learning chess openings

Interests that demonstrate conflict resolution

Knowing how to handle disagreements calmly is a valuable strength. Hobbies that involve mediation, active listening, or cultural awareness suggest you can manage tension with empathy and care. These CV interests reflect someone who is emotionally intelligent and performs well under pressure.

Examples of hobbies and interests that prove conflict resolution include: 

• Mediation training
• Participating in restorative justice projects
• Family support groups
• Chairing debate teams
• Diversity & inclusion clubs
• Active listening training
• Teaching mindfulness to children
• Hosting multicultural events
• Volunteering with mental health charities
• Coaching workplace wellness

Hobbies that prove curiosity and quick learning

A love of learning often starts outside the workplace. Hobbies that involve exploring new topics, ideas, or cultures show your intellectual curiosity and personal growth. They tell employers you're someone who never stops developing.

Hobbies and interests for a CV that prove curiosity and quick learning include: 

• Online courses (e.g. Coursera)
• Audiobooks on diverse topics
• Museum visits
• Attending public lectures
• Reading translated fiction
• Watching documentaries
• Historical re-enactments
• Visiting art galleries
• Language exchanges
• Writing reflective essays

Interests that show cultural awareness

Cultural sensitivity is vital in diverse and international workplaces. Examples of hobbies that expose you to different perspectives or global traditions demonstrate your open-mindedness and respect for others. These CV interests suggest a broader worldview and the ability to connect across cultures.

Hobbies and interests that prove cultural awareness include: 

• World cinema watching
• International recipe cooking
• Travelling off the beaten path
• Hosting international students
• Joining foreign language meet-ups
• Attending festivals (e.g. Diwali, Hanukkah)
• Studying folklore
• Supporting global charities
• Following global news outlets
• Learning indigenous crafts

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 this guide on hobbies and interests to put on your CV. Good luck with your career!

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.

Sources

• It's Your Yale, Learn and Grow: What is adaptability in the workplace?
• Tara Van Bommel, PhD, "The power of empathy in times of crisis and beyond (2nd edition)"