Hobbies to Add to Your Resume

 Here is a table with 50+ hobbies and the skills that are associated with them.

HOBBY/INTERESTS	SKILLS
Languages proficiency	Multi-Lingual, Curious, Communication Skills, Persistence, Cultural Intelligence
Theater	Team Player, Confident, Artistic, Creative,Public Speaking
Team Sports (Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Cricket, Hockey, Etc)	Sportsmanship, Team-Player, Creative, Adaptable, Flexible, Team Management, Passionate
Archery	Focus, Patience, Mindfulness, Detail-Oriented
Networking	Communication Skills, Social Skills, Team Player, Confidence, Adaptable
Camping	Patience, Endurance, Adaptable, Troubleshooter, Flexible, Persistence
Gardening	Nurturing, emotional Intelligence, Responsible, Understanding, Empathy, Patience
Calligraphy	Creativity, Patience, Artistic Sense, Writing, Attention To Detail
Meditating	Focused, Discipline, Emotional Quotient
Poet/Slam Poet	Creative, Articulate, Expressive, Artistic, Public Speaking, Oratory Skills
Debating	Verbal Communication Skills, Confidence, Adaptable, Public Speaking
Sudoku	Analytical, Focused, Logical Reasoning
Volunteer Work
(NGO, Shelter Homes, Pet Rescues, etc.)	Generosity, Patience, Perseverance, Humility, Empathy
Stand-Up Comedy	Creative, Observant, Public Speaking, People Skill
Photography	Patience, Creative, Aesthetic Sense, Attention To Detail, Artistic Sense
Instrument	Discipline, Patience, Creative, Artistic, Versatile
Chess	Sportsmanship, Analytical, Logical Reasoning, Deduction, Strategic
Yoga	Perseverance, Patience, Discipline, Health-Conscious, Self-Control
Mountain Climbing	Perseverance, Self-Starter, Adventurous, Confidence, Versatility
Baking	Enthusiasm, Creativity, Patience, Artistic, Careful
Fencing	Alert, Adaptability, Far-Sighted, Good Instincts, Versatility
Socializing (Events, meetings, book clubs)	People Skills, Team Player, Good Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Adaptability
Dancing	Creativity, Learning Ability, Adaptability, Perseverance, Resilient, Cultural Intelligence
Running
(Marathons, Races, Tournaments)	Focused, Strength, Resilient, Dedicated, Disciplined
Birdwatching	Nature-loving, Focused, Silent, Observations Skills, Good Listener, Curiosity
Virtual Gaming	Competitive, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving
Embroidery/Crocheting/Knitting	Detail-Oriented, Creative, Artistic, Design Sense, Attention To Detail
Candle Making	Creativity, Aesthetic Sense, Innovation, Attention To Detail
Collector (Coins, Comics, Action Figures, Etc)	Patience, Perseverance, Cultural Intelligence, Passionate
Bartending	Time Management, Cleanliness Freak, People Skills, Situational Analysis
Coffee Roasting	Sensory evaluation, Specialization, Patience, Authenticity
Animal Rescue	Empathy, Emotional Quotient, Friendly, Responsible
Journaling	Self-Awareness, Observant, Writing Skills
Traveling/Backpacking	Adventurous, Cultural Intelligence, Flexibility, Life Experiences, Curiosity
Coding	Logical Thinking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Initiative
Podcasts	Opinionated, Good Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Active Listening & Public Speaking
Weight Training	Fitness Freak, Perseverance, Hard-Working, Patience, Strategic Planning
Artificial Intelligence	Reason-Oriented, Problem Solving, Logical Thinking, Analytical, Curiosity & Critical Thinking
Renewable Energy	Preservation, Stability, Visionary, Innovative
Swimming	Physical strength, Perseverance, Motivated, Focused, Stamina
Teaching (Online coaching, teaching for NGOs, etc)	Verbal Skills, Tolerance, People Management, Knowledge, Active Listening, Perceptive
Painting/Doodles/ Mandala	Creative, Artistic, Aesthetic, Color Theory, Concentration, Design Sense
Hunting	Focused, Aggressive, Adaptable, Flexible, Strength
Social Media Influencer	People Management, Influential, Verbal Communication, Creative
Inventor	Problem-Solving, Knowledgeable, Risk-Taker, Proactive, Experimental, Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical
Sign Language	Perceptive, Deep Understanding, Active Listening Skills
Genealogy	Intuitive, Research-Oriented, Perceptive
Astronomy	Inquisitive, Out Of The Box, Curious, Clarity, Patience
Puppetry	Storytelling, People Skills, Creative
Review (Movies, books, comics, etc)	Intuitive, Opinionated, Unique Perception, Good Verbal Communication
DJ- ing	Timing, music taste, technical ability, adaptability, customer-centric
Pottery	Open, Innovative, Perceptive, Patient, Imaginative And Curious

Is it a good idea to add hobbies to your resume?

Hobbies are the interests that define you and give character to your personality. It is one of the only sections on a resume that gives the recruiter an insight into your personality and gives color to your candidature.

Adding this section will not lead to a make-or-break situation but will enhance your chances of getting hired, as recruiters get thousands of job applications every day, and analyzing each of them is no piece of cake.

The hobbies & interests section can work as a distinguishing factor in this case and allow the recruiter to assess your candidature on factors apart from your qualification & skills.

Also, hobbies on a resume can define the personality traits of a person as their hobbies are indicative of skills, both soft and hard, making it crucial to add hobbies that can add value to your application.

For example, if you are applying for the role of a content writer, hobbies like blogging, reading, writing, etc., can work in your favor as they suggest that your hobbies are related to the job role you want.

But are these hobbies good enough to help you stand out?

How you list hobbies on your resume can make all the difference. You can read our article on “How to list hobbies on a resume?”, to get a better idea of the same. Once you have understood the “how”, the next question that comes to mind is the “What”, as in what hobbies will add value to your resume?

Conclusion

In this article, we listed 50+ hobbies to add to the resume with the personality traits they reflect. While a hobby can be anything, there are some things you must avoid adding to your resume. Do not add a hobby/interest that you do not know much about. Steer clear from anything political or religious, unless there is volunteer work involved, in which case you can talk about it.

So go ahead and use this list to add hobbies to your resume and let the recruiters know more about you!

FAQs

Q1: What are good hobbies to put on a CV?

A: Here are some good hobbies you can put on a CV:

1. Reading: Shows you're curious and interested in learning new things.
2. Sports: Demonstrates teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
3. Painting or Drawing: Highlights creativity and attention to detail.
4. Volunteering: Illustrates a commitment to helping others and being involved in the community.
5. Cooking or Baking: Reflects creativity, patience, and attention to detail.
6. Playing a Musical Instrument: Indicates dedication, discipline, and the ability to learn and master new skills.
7. Gardening: Demonstrates patience, nurturing, and the ability to take care of living things.
8. Writing: Shows strong communication skills and creativity.
9. Traveling: Indicates an interest in learning about different cultures and perspectives.
10. Photography: Highlights creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to capture moments effectively.

Q2: How do I list my hobbies on my Resume?

A: 1. Create a separate section titled "Hobbies and Interests" or "Personal Activities."
2. List 3-5 hobbies that are relevant to the job or showcase skills that could benefit the employer.
3. Use bullet points to make each hobby easy to read.
4. Briefly describe each hobby and how it relates to your skills or personality.
5. Keep it concise and only include hobbies that add value to your resume.
6. Avoid listing hobbies that are controversial or unrelated to the job.
For example:
Hiking: Regularly hike trails, showcasing endurance, determination, and appreciation for nature.
Photography: Capture and edit photos, demonstrating creativity, attention to detail, and technical skills.

Q3: What is hobby in resume?

A: A hobby in a resume is an activity or interest that you enjoy doing in your free time. Including hobbies on your resume can give potential employers a glimpse into your personality and interests outside of work. It can also showcase skills or qualities that are relevant to the job you're applying for. However, it's important to choose hobbies that are appropriate and can add value to your resume. Avoid listing hobbies that are controversial or unrelated to the job. Instead, focus on hobbies that demonstrate positive traits such as teamwork, creativity, or dedication.

Employment Gap in Resume

 Possible reasons for a gap in employment

Now, there can be many reasons for the gap in employment, and you have to ensure that it is valid. Here are a few valid reasons for the employment gap on resume.

• Looking for new opportunities
• Laid off due to changes in the organization
• For medical reasons
• To take care of a family member or similar
• For higher education
• Working on acquiring new certifications/licenses
• For relocation purpose

Tips to explain employment gap on resume

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s take a look at how you can present your reasons for gap in employment on resume.

Be honest

Lying in a job hunt is to be avoided at all cost. So, be honest as the recruiter will find out about it sooner or later and that won't be a favorable situation.

Instead, if you can properly explain your employment gap on your resume, then there's a fair chance the recruiter will allow you an opportunity in the interview round.

Remove the outdated information

When did you have an employment gap? Was it in recent times or at a distant past? If it is the latter then omit it as you want to keep the most recent and relevant information in your resume.

Use your time off effectively

Irrespective of the reason for your employment gap, ensure to use the time off effectively. Use it to upskill according to market demands, look out for freelance projects or even start a project of your own. This will show that you weren’t completely detached from work and are aware of the current market trends.

Use a different resume format

You can also opt for a different resume format in case the employment gap exceeds a few months. You can opt for a Functional or Combination resume format as these resume styles put the focus more on your skills.

However, using a different resume format does not imply that you should omit the information altogether.

Never stop learning

When you are suddenly out of work, it can toss you in a whirlwind of procrastination. Instead, use this time to focus on learning new skills. You can take up new courses or even sign up for more market-relevant certifications.

Another idea you can put into action is to start your own project. This will provide you with a thorough learning of how the business works.

Highlight experience gained during the gap if relevant

There are times when you have to take a break from work because of health issues or something more serious.

So, for those who have been in this situation, you can utilize this as work experience if it is relevant to the job role you are looking for.

Omit months if the gap is minor

Now, if the employment gap is minor, you can omit the months in your resume. Here’s an employment gap explanation sample for you to understand better;

In case you have switched from one job to another with a few months gap, you can write it like this,

1. Content writer for ABC Publishing 2019-2022

2. Senior content writer for XYZ Ltd 2022- present

Sample resume with gaps in employment

Still confused about how to cite your reasons for gap in employment? Here is a sample resume with career break to help you draft your own!

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Anshika Singh,

Account executive,

90212345671,

singh.anshika@xyz.com

Resume Summary

In my 2+ years as an Account executive, I have focused on building diverse client relationships. In my years of experience, I have a record of 97% positive feedback and my eye for detail helps me to see and create business opportunities to increase profit.

Work Experience:

1. Content Writer at CYS Organization (Dec 2020- April 2022)

Responsibilities:

Insert your responsibilities under the role.

Achievements:

• Received “Best Content executive- June 2021” Award
• Received Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance

2. Career Hiatus (2022- present)

Took a career break to provide round-the-clock care to my mother

• Completed 7 freelance projects
• Acquired certification in Content marketing

Freelance Experience:

Successfully worked on blogs for the following industries;

1. Tech
2. Travel
3. Local entertainment reviews

Skills:

Technical skills:

1. Salesforce
2. Account planning
3. Budgeting
4. Efficiency & organizing
5. Research

Soft skills:

1. Leadership
2. Public speaking
3. Excellent written
4. Verbal communication

Education:

1. Masters of Arts in English from ADF University (2015-2017)
2. Bachelor of Arts in English from SDH College (2017-2019)

Certifications:

1. Google Digital Garage: Digital Marketing Certification (May 2022)
2. HubSpot Content Marketing Certification (June 2022)

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Conclusion

We hope you found these tips to explaining employment gap on a resume resourceful.

Remember, no matter the situation, always state the truth on your resume as fibbing will only land you in a hotter soup.

Hopefully the sample resume with gaps in employment will clear all your confusion and help you draft a seamlessly perfect resume.