If you ask five recruiters whether you should put hobbies on your resume, you will get five different answers. But if you look at the data of who actually gets hired, a clear pattern emerges.
The short answer: Only include hobbies if they are directly relevant to the job, if they show extreme dedication/leadership, or if you have zero work experience.
When you SHOULD include hobbies
There are three specific scenarios where adding an "Interests" section actually helps your application.
1. The hobby is highly relevant to the job
If you are applying for a marketing role at an outdoor gear company, listing "Rock climbing and backcountry camping" is a massive advantage. It proves you understand their target customer because you are their target customer.
2. The hobby proves a highly valued soft skill
Writing "Leadership" in your skills section is weak. Writing "Captain of a local intramural soccer league" proves leadership, teamwork, and commitment. If your hobby requires intense discipline (e.g., training for ultramarathons, achieving a black belt), it signals to the employer that you are a high-achiever.
3. You have no work experience
If you are a high school student or recent grad with a blank resume, hobbies can fill the page and show that you are an active, engaged person. (Though volunteering or personal projects are still better).
When you MUST leave them off
If any of the following apply, delete the hobbies section immediately:
- You are running out of space: If your resume is spilling onto a second page, cut the hobbies before you cut a work achievement.
- The hobbies are passive: "Watching Netflix," "Reading," "Listening to music," and "Hanging out with friends" are not resume hobbies. They are just things humans do.
- The hobbies are controversial: Never list anything related to politics, religion, or highly polarizing topics unless you are applying to an organization specifically aligned with those views.
Examples of good resume hobbies
If you decide to include a section, be specific. Don't write "Photography." Write "Portrait Photography (Fuji X-Series)." Specificity makes it a conversation starter.
Tech & Analytical Roles
- Building mechanical keyboards
- Contributing to open-source software
- Chess (Competitive)
- Arduino/Raspberry Pi projects
Creative & Marketing Roles
- Running a niche newsletter or blog
- Film photography
- Ceramics / Pottery
- Video editing / YouTube channel
Sales & Leadership Roles
- Toastmasters / Public speaking clubs
- Coaching youth sports
- Debate club
- Organizing community events
Discipline & Drive
- Marathon / Triathlon training
- Martial arts
- Mountaineering
- Classical instrument performance
How to format the section
Keep it at the very bottom of your resume. It should take up no more than one or two lines.
Interests: Long-distance running (completed 3 marathons), portrait photography, and contributing to open-source Python libraries.
If the interviewer brings it up, be prepared to talk about it enthusiastically. That is the entire point of the section: to build a human connection before the technical questions begin.
Not sure where to put your hobbies?
LuckyResume's templates have optional, pre-formatted sections for interests, projects, and certifications.