Professional Hobbies: Examples to Add for Your Resume
Everyone has something that they do for fun, whether it's running or playing video games, hobbies are a part of everyday life. However, you will need to have a professional hobby example, other than watching movies and learning foreign languages that you can share during the interview process to make you stand out more to the hiring managers.
Thus, continue reading to learn more different hobby examples that you can add to your hobbies section, how to properly answer it during the interview process, as well as some frequently asked questions.
7 best professional hobbies examples
Listed below are the best examples of professional hobbies and personal interests that you can say during your interview.
- Video games
Yes, video games might be off-putting for a more professional role. However, saying it as an example of your hobby is more than acceptable if you're looking to apply for a role in anything computer related as it shows that you have excellent analytical thinking skills. - Travel
Putting down travel is also a hobby example that most people should say during the interview as well. This is because frequent travelers adapt easier to new cultures with good interpersonal skills and can easily learn a new language, making them enticing hires for faster-paced companies. - Writing
Creative writing is also an excellent hobby example as most companies are looking for creative employees, and those who write are known to lean more towards the creative side. They're also known for having a more lateral approach to problem solving and with good communication skills. - Exercising
Exercising, playing team sports, and being into physical activities in general are also good professional hobbies you can put on your resume. This is because most individuals who exercise often are more likely to be healthier and more positive individuals overall, making them more enticing hires. - Community service
Lastly, companies like it when applicants put community involvement as a resume hobby. This is because applicants with an interest in community service are more likely to be more understanding of their coworkers and provide a more pleasant company culture. - Reading
Readers are able to properly focus on one specific task and execute it properly. Thus, putting this down as a professional hobby can entice potential employers, especially if they're looking for focused individuals. Readers may even provide a breath of fresh air for their companies with their lateral thinking skills, too. - Music
Playing a musical instrument takes discipline and skill, both of which can help you with your workload. This then helps you become a bit more interested in the eyes of hiring managers during the job application process.
Why should you list your hobbies on your resume?
You should list hobbies properly on your resume because it allows hiring managers to see your personality traits in a different light than just your personal accomplishments and your past work experiences. It allows them to see the individual behind the professional, which can help you stand out as well as potentially teach you new skills.
Additionally, the right resume hobbies can even help you pad your resume, especially if you're lacking professional experience and technical skills. The hobbies examples mentioned above, with video games being the prime example, can help you have an easier time applying for a specific job title with the soft skills from your hobbies.
Resume hobbies can also be a good way to make small talk during the interview process. It might not seem like much, but good hobbies can help alleviate some of the pressure that usually comes with job interviews.
How to properly answer your hobbies during the interview process
To properly answer your hobbies during the interview process, you can follow the handy guide provided below.
- Be prepared to answer
The first step to nailing an interview is to be confident. It's important to consider that you should be properly prepared to answer questions about the right hobbies, no matter which company you're applying for. This is because this question lets interviewers properly gauge you and your ability as a whole. Remember to highlight skills that you can transfer to the role you're aiming for. - Be honest
Honesty is the best policy, and hiring managers are trained to detect lying applicants. Thus, it's important to ensure that the hobby example that you put on your resume is your true hobby and something that you really do in your free time, and not creative hobbies that you don't personally do. - Ensure relevance
Not every hobby should be listed on your resume. It's important to ensure that the professional hobby that you put on your resume is relevant to the role. Although relevant interests can be used for the majority of jobs, some specific ones like video games for tech-based roles and writing for creative roles should be considered. - Be enthusiastic
Nobody will believe that you're really keen on a hobby unless you yourself aren't as enthusiastic when you're describing it. When asked, remember to be enthusiastic when describing your hobbies to make sure that they're buying what you're selling. - Prepare for follow-up questions
Lastly, it doesn't hurt to be too prepared; thus, it's important to be prepared in case the interviewer asks follow-up questions about your hobbies. There isn't always one, but preparing yourself if it comes is always a good thing.
FAQs
Listed below are some frequently asked questions about examples of hobbies.
What is the ideal number of hobbies to put on a resume?
As a general rule of thumb, the ideal number of hobbies to put in the hobbies and interests' section of your resume is between three to five. This will give you a good number of resume hobbies to work with, as well as ensuring that there is something that the interviewer can delve deeper into. However, it's okay to add hobbies if it fits with the role you're applying to.
What is the difference between special skills and hobbies?
The main difference between special skills and hobbies is the fact that relevant skills are specific skills that you're talented at and can do in pretty much daily life, whereas hobbies are what you do for fun.
Where should I put the hobbies and interests section?
You should ideally put the hobbies and interests' section of your resume on a separate section. This is to make sure that your resume is easier to digest while still having separate sections for both your list of qualifications and list of hobbies.
Do hobbies matter for entry-level jobs?
Simply put - no. Entry-level jobs do not necessarily look for more soft skills that most hobbies provide. However, it can show employers that you're more well-rounded as an employee, which can generally be seen as an advantage.
