How to List Hobbies and Interests on a CV

When it comes to including hobbies and interests on a CV, relevance is key. While core sections like education and work experience are essential, it's equally important to pay attention to supplementary sections like hobbies and interests.

In our article, we delve into this optional CV section, viewing it as a valuable part of additional experience. You have the choice to leave this section untouched or, alternatively, strategically integrate it within your additional experience. For an extensive list of examples suitable for a UK CV, refer to our CV examples.

What are hobbies and interests?

Hobbies are activities that occupy your leisure time, distinct from your working hours. Typically, it takes a few weeks to cultivate a hobby and fully engage with it. On the other hand, interests are deliberate inclinations and passions directed towards specific subjects. For instance, if you have an interest in music, you may delve into studying it, learn a new instrument, or even venture into creating your own musical band.

To strategically incorporate hobbies and interests into your CV, refer to our articles on crafting a CV with no experience or a skills-based CV. These resources provide valuable insights.

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What sets hobbies apart from interests? 

Although these terms are related, they have distinct characteristics. Hobbies demand a higher level of dedication compared to interests. Interest in something doesn't necessarily mean it will evolve into a hobby. Interests don't require action; instead, you make time for them to pursue. For example, if you aspire to be an architect, you may have an interest in photography, the arts, or modelling. Your hobbies, in this case, would involve capturing street photos, sketching, and utilising software to design.

How to put hobbies and interests on a CV 

Here's a guide on how to effectively include hobbies and interests on your CV:

1. Consider their relevance

While hobbies and interests may not be as crucial as skills, work experience, or education, it's still important to evaluate their relevance to your job targets. Focus on including hobbies that showcase skills and qualities that align with the desired role.

2. Highlight transferable skills

Take note of the skills you have acquired through your hobbies and interests. These skills can be as valuable as those gained from work or training. For example, if you enjoy playing team sports, it demonstrates your teamwork and collaboration abilities.

3. Showcase unique strengths

Incorporating hobbies and interests in your CV provides an opportunity to stand out from other candidates. Use this section to showcase some of your unique strengths and passions. It can help create a more well-rounded and memorable impression.

4. Tailor to the job description

Analyse the job description and identify any specific skills or traits that the employer is seeking. If your hobbies and interests align with these requirements, include them in your CV. This demonstrates your fit for the role and can catch the attention of recruiters.

5. Keep it concise

Remember to keep your hobbies and interests section concise and focused. Select a few key activities that best highlight your skills and align with the job you're applying for. Avoid listing too many hobbies, as it may distract from the more essential sections of your CV.

6. Provide examples and achievements

When mentioning your hobbies and interests, go beyond just listing them. Provide specific examples and achievements related to each activity. This adds depth to your CV and helps employers understand the impact you've made through your hobbies.

7. Stay professional

While it's important to showcase your personality, ensure that your hobbies and interests remain professional and appropriate for a CV. Avoid controversial or overly personal activities that may create a negative impression.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate your hobbies and interests into your CV, showcasing relevant skills and strengths that make you a standout candidate. See the student CV and support worker CV examples for more inspiration.

Where to mention hobbies and interests on a CV? 

To incorporate hobbies and interests effectively, include this section under "Additional Experience." Instead of placing it at the top of your CV, consider positioning it towards the end. This allows the information to be present without overshadowing the essential sections. By reserving it for later, you can elaborate on your hobbies and interests during an interview, if desired. Refer to our article on how to write a good CV for additional information about the different sections of a CV.

Examples of hobbies and interests to include on a CV

Hobbies:

• Playing a musical instrument

• Cooking or baking

• Painting

• Graphic design

• Woodworking

• Bartending

• Community service.

Interests:

• Fine arts

• Travelling

• Blogging

• Theatre

• Music production.

Examples of job-specific hobbies and interests on a CV

Below you can find three examples of jobs and corresponding hobbies and interests relevant to each position.

Architect CV hobbies and interests:

• Sketching and drawing

• Travelling and exploring

• Graphical modelling.

Travel writer CV hobbies and interests:

• Personal blog

• Photography

• Language learning.

Event manager CV hobbies and interests:

• Organising fundraising events

• Leading commercial exhibitions

• Developing invitation letters.

See the writer CV and project manager CV examples to learn more.

Key takeaways

When including hobbies and interests on your CV, it's important to consider their relevance to the job. Choose activities that highlight transferable skills and experiences related to the position. By choosing the right CV template, you can easily add hobbies and interests that enhance your CV. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage your hobbies and interests to enhance your CV and showcase your strengths as a candidate.

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FAQ

What are the benefits of adding hobbies and interests to a CV?

Including hobbies and interests can strengthen a CV of someone with little to no work experience. Firstly, it showcases interests that look beyond work experience and education. Adding hobbies and interests helps build a more personal connection with the employer.

Additional benefits of adding hobbies and interests:

• Displays your eagerness to learn new skills.

• Demonstrates your ability to adapt while striving to achieve the best results.

• Shows off your problem-solving, analytical or creative skills.

• Proves that you’re ready to commit to your goals or stick to your routine.

• Makes you stand out from the rest by making your CV more personal.

What are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when adding hobbies and interests to a CV?

Including hobbies and interests on a CV can have a reverse effect on your application. Here are some expert reasons as to why you should leave them out:

• They are irrelevant to the position you are applying for.

• They could take up unnecessary valuable space on your CV that could have been used on relevant information like education and work experience.

• They might sound unprofessional to recruiters or hiring managers.

• They can be used against you as an employer might not like the sound of your hobbies or interests.

What are the common hobbies and interests in the UK?

Common hobbies and interests in the UK range from sports like football and golf to creative activities such as painting and music. Popular outdoor hobbies and interests include hiking, gardening and fishing. Lastly, hobbies such as technology, gaming, and social media have become more prominent in recent years.

What are the best hobbies for a CV?

The best hobbies to include in a CV are those that highlight relevant skills or qualities. Hobbies that demonstrate teamwork, leadership, creativity, or problem-solving abilities can positively impact the application process. Engaging in community volunteering or pursuing artistic endeavours such as graphic design or writing are all excellent hobbies to showcase on a CV. See the modern CV example for more inspiration.

Can you put games on a CV for hobbies?

You can put games on a CV for hobbies if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. If the games are directly related to the job you are applying for or demonstrate specific skills like strategy or teamwork, it is acceptable to mention them. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and consider the employer's perception, as some may not view gaming as a desirable or professional hobby.

Can I put going to the gym as a hobby on my CV?

Yes, you can think of a gym as a hobby on a CV. We recommend including it only in your CV if you’re passionate and committed. Within the job interview, you can elaborate and mention going to the gym five days a week, demonstrating consistency and dedication to your goals. Instead of saying ‘going to the gym’, highlight specific achievements such as winning a competition or fitness coaching.

Is travelling a good hobby for my CV?

Travelling can be a valuable hobby to include on your CV, especially if it aligns with your target job or industry, such as a travel agent. It can demonstrate cultural awareness, adaptability, and a global perspective. Additionally, travelling can showcase skills such as planning, budgeting, and problem-solving and the ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments.

What hobbies can be omitted from a CV?

When deciding which hobbies to include or leave off of your CV, it's important to consider the impression you want to make on potential employers. Ask yourself if your hobbies and interests will be seen as relevant and favourable for the job you're applying for.