Hiring managers are looking for more than just proven skills and experience. Finding a future employee who can be a good culture fit and possesses desirable interpersonal traits is equally valuable. To display those traits early on, it’s worth including any relevant hobbies on your resume.
Not every hobby is worth including on your resume. However, pastimes that show dedication, passion, teamwork, and the right skills for the job are valuable on your resume. Adding the following types of activities to your resume can be the difference in standing out from the pack!
Team sports
It’s probably no surprise to see sports on our list. NexGoal firmly believes that the skills that help someone excel at their chosen sport can make someone an ideal employee. However, you don’t need to be a pro athlete to develop these skills. Being in a pickleball or softball league or even just shooting some hoops or gaming regularly with friends after work can develop these skills.
Being involved in a team sport shows that you work well with others, can follow directions, and contribute to a team effort. It takes discipline and a willingness to improve to play a sport, and it also shows that you’re coachable.
“Having a sporty hobby can look good on most CVs — it is thought to demonstrate self-discipline and focus. In many instances, it can show you’re a team player too, which makes it good for most jobs.” –Adobe
Volunteering
Giving back to the community feels great and allows you to do some meaningful work in your downtime. You’re probably not doing this type of work for yourself, but volunteering does benefit you. By volunteering, you’re working for others and growing, which are traits companies love.
Top Resume’s Ronda Suder says that volunteer experience can display communication, leadership, charitability, dedication, and a focus on community in addition to the specific skills involved in your volunteering. It also displays selflessness, a highly desired trait.
Debate or public speaking
Maybe your hobbies include something a little more front-facing. Activities like debate, public speaking, community theater, gamemastering, and more allow you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that even the most behind-the-curtain jobs require.
You don’t need to be a star like Debatin’ Manning, but engaging in any type of performance or debate shows employers your ability to demonstrate poise under pressure, confidence, and the ability to influence others, according to The Muse.
Coding
Tech skills are in high demand and will become even more so as society adapts to the challenges of working with AI. Even if you aren’t currently in a tech role, many choose to study various coding forms to upskill or for their personal projects. Even a mod you made for Skyrim can show off important skills for the next role you seek.
The Muse says not only does it show expected skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and embracing challenges but shows a willingness to stay ahead and keep developing your skills. Even non-tech roles appreciate these skills, as you can more easily understand and communicate regarding the technical aspects of the industry.
Creative writing and the arts
Do you have an artist side you like to indulge outside of work? Hobbies like creative writing, music, painting, digital art, and more show a dedication to something while displaying desired skills. You don’t necessarily need to share your work—many like to keep their work to themselves—but mentioning it as a hobby can be a valuable icebreaker.
These hobbies show a dedication to a craft, creativity, and research, and each individual skill has even more to give. Writing can show analytical thought and SEO skills. Music can show patience, attention to detail, and teamwork if you’re in a band. Best of all, Infobase says you can display any achievements made through these hobbies to impress hiring managers.
“Examples include painting, drawing and writing. These interests show you have a creative mind and can take a look at problems from an innovative perspective.” –Indeed
Wrap up
Just by engaging in your passions, you can develop valuable skills that translate well to your chosen line of work. Don’t keep those activities all to yourself! By strategically adding these types of hobbies to your resume, you’ll show more of who you are outside of the office and can position yourself as someone with the right traits for the job. If nothing else, it might give you an extra talking point in your next interview!
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