How to List Hobbies and Interests on a CV (With Examples)

When it comes to including hobbies and interests on a CV, the key is to keep it relevant to the job you're applying for. 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 this step-by-step guide, we cover:

• Overview of how hobbies and interests reveal more about your personality beyond skills and qualifications.

• List of hobby and interest ideas for CVs and job-specific examples

• Guidance on when to include hobbies and interests on your CV.

• Explanation of how hobbies can highlight transferable skills.

• Best strategies for adding this optional section to stand out to hiring managers.

Make a lasting impression after your interview with CVMaker. Use our tailored cover letters or CV templates to show professionalism and set yourself apart from others.

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Should you put hobbies and interests on a CV?

It is optional to list hobbies and interests on your CV. It’s safe to leave them out to save up valuable space for other sections like work experience, skills, education, or others. Nevertheless, this section can add a personal touch to your CV showing hiring managers you’re an all-around person who is adaptable and interested to learn new skills.

Who should include them?

• School leavers

• Students

• Graduates

• Candidates changing careers

• No experience candidates

Who should exclude them?

• Seasoned professionals

• Job seekers with irrelevant hobbies or interests

• Applicants for conservative sectors which find them unprofessional

• Professionals with limited CV space.

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

Hobbies and interests for a CV example

Download this hobbies and interests CV sample for in the UK for free

Format the hobbies and interests CV section with clear bullet points, keeping it concise and tailored to highlight relevant skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and analytical thinking. Focus on activities that align with your career goals, like attending workshops, reading psychology books, or volunteering. Position this section at the end of your CV to add value and complement your education and experience effectively.

List of top 10 hobbies and interests for your 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 creative activities such as graphic design or writing are all excellent hobbies to showcase on a CV.

See the modern CV example for more inspiration.

1. Community and Social Engagement

They show your employer that you are proactive and committed to making a difference. Not only will you develop valuable skills, but it also offers opportunities for networking and improving interpersonal skills.

• Volunteering for local charities

• Assisting with community events

• Mentoring or coaching youth groups.

Explore our volunteer CV example and volunteer cover letter example for more details and valuable career advice.

2. Language Skills

Learning and speaking multiple languages improves your cultural awareness, communication skills, and adaptability. These abilities are especially useful in roles related to international business, customer service, and translation.

• Learning a new language (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, French)

• Participating in language exchange groups

• Translating documents for local businesses.

If you want to pursue a career in journalism, international business, customer service, cabin crew, or translation, this hobby could be a great fit for you.

3. Creative and Artistic Pursuits

Engaging in creative hobbies demonstrates innovation, passion, and attention to detail. It also reveals your ability to think outside the box and relax, giving insight into your well-rounded personality.

• Sketching or painting

• Graphic design and digital art

• Writing stories, blogs, or poetry.

For more inspiration, check out our artist CV example and makeup artist CV guides

4. Sports and Physical Activities

Proactive involvement in sports shows you are disciplined, goal-driven, and able to work as part of a team. It promotes a healthy work-life balance and boosts mental resilience, making you an ideal candidate for high-pressure roles.

• Playing team sports (e.g. football, basketball)

• Running or cycling

• Yoga or Pilates.

For more inspiration, check out our footballer CV, sports CV, and personal trainer CV guides.

5. Writing and Content Creation

Writing shows your communication skills, creativity, and ability to express complex ideas clearly. Creating content also demonstrates digital literacy and the ability to connect with diverse audiences.

• Blogging or journaling

• Writing short stories or articles

• Developing a YouTube or podcast channel.

For more inspiration, refer to our related writer CV and journalist CV guides.

6. Reading and Research

Reading broadens your knowledge and sharpens your critical thinking skills. It shows you are a lifelong learner and can stay informed about industry trends, helping you bring fresh ideas to any job.

• Reading books on personal development or industry-specific topics

• Subscribing to and reading magazines or journals

• Researching emerging trends in your field.

7. Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking

Engaging in activities that challenge your mind helps you develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. These hobbies can also improve your creativity and cognitive abilities, which are valuable in many roles.

• Playing chess or strategic board games

• Solving puzzles and brain teasers

• Participating in escape rooms or strategy games.

8. Music and Performance

Learning a musical instrument or performing shows dedication, patience, and creativity. These activities can also highlight your ability to work with others in a collaborative environment.

• Playing a musical instrument (e.g. piano, guitar)

• Singing or joining a choir

• Participating in local theatre or dance productions.

If you wish to transform your hobby into a job, consider reading our related musician CV example guide.

9. Visual Arts and Design

Involvement in visual arts shows creativity, attention to detail, and an ability to work with different mediums. These skills are transferable to roles requiring creativity and precision.

• Photography and photo editing

• Interior design or architecture modelling

• Fashion design or styling.

Check out our photographer CV and designer CV examples for more tips and examples.

10. Technology and Digital Skills

Technical skills are highly sought after in today’s tech-driven world. Learning programming languages or exploring new software tools shows that you can adapt to new technologies and solve problems efficiently.

• Coding or web development

• Graphic design or video editing

• Learning digital marketing tools (e.g. SEO, Google Analytics).

Refer to our software developer CV and machine learning CV engineer CV examples to learn more.

What hobbies and interests should you include on a CV in 2025?

As we move into 2025, the hobbies on your CV can highlight your personality and how you fit into modern workplaces. Including trending hobbies shows adaptability and passion, giving recruiters insight into your values and skills. Remember that employers today look for individuals who not only excel at their jobs but also bring something unique to the table.

Here are some hobbies that are becoming more popular:

• Mindfulness and well-being activities: Practising yoga, mindfulness, or meditation shows your focus on mental health, resilience, and self-awareness—qualities that are highly valued in the workplace.

• Sustainability-focused interests: Activities like upcycling, eco-friendly crafting, or participating in environmental projects demonstrate your awareness of and commitment to sustainability.

• Tech-based hobbies: From coding and gaming to exploring AI tools or building apps, these interests reflect your tech-savvy nature and willingness to embrace innovation.

• Creative pursuits: Whether it’s photography, painting, or podcasting, creative hobbies show off your ability to think differently and bring fresh ideas.

• Community involvement: Volunteering or helping to organise local events signals strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Check out our related blog article on AI CV writing and most in-demand jobs in 2025 for more tips and examples to help you succeed in your next role.

What sets hobbies apart from interests? 

Although hobbies and interests are related, they differ in how they engage you. Hobbies require active participation and dedication, while interests are more about curiosity or passion. For example, an interest in architecture might involve appreciating photography or arts, whereas hobbies could include sketching, capturing street photos, or designing with software.

Hobbies often take time to cultivate and are activities you actively pursue during your leisure hours. Interests, by contrast, are more passive and may inspire learning or exploration. For instance, an interest in music might lead to studying it, learning an instrument, or starting a band.

Refer to our related blog articles to learn more:

• Architecture CV

• Architect cover letter

• Musician CV.

Examples of hobbies to include on a CV:

• Playing a musical instrument

• Cooking or baking

• Painting

• Graphic design

• Woodworking or carpentry

• Bartending

• Community service.

Examples of interests to include on a CV:

• Fine arts

• E-sports

• Stock trading

• Stand-up comedy

• Financial news and marketing trends

• Theatre

• Music production.

Check out our related cornerstone article on how to write a good CV, focusing on the must-have and optional sections on a CV.

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 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.

1. Architect CV hobbies and interests:

• Sketching and drawing

• Travelling and exploring

• Graphical modelling.

For more information, check out our related architect CV and architect cover letter writing guides to learn more!

2. Travel writer CV hobbies and interests:

• Personal blog

• Photography

• Language learning.

Consult our writer CV and writer cover letter examples to find more inspiration.

3. Event manager CV hobbies and interests:

• Organising fundraising events

• Volunteering for community events

• Developing invitation letters.

Explore our event manager CV example guide for more examples and tips.

4. IT CV hobbies and interests:

• Coding and programming (e.g. building apps or websites)

• Playing strategic games (e.g. chess)

• Robotics.

Refer to our IT CV example article for more details about information to include.

5. Journalist CV hobbies and interests:

• Podcasting or hosting a radio show

• Public speaking or joining a debate club

• Storytelling via blogs, video or animation.

See our journalist CV guide for more industry-specific tips.

6. Construction or Engineering CV hobbies and interests:

• 3D printing projects

• Woodworking

• Restoration projects for historical buildings.

To learn more, consult our construction CV or engineering CV and engineer cover letter writing guides.

7. Teacher CV hobbies and interests:

• Playing musical instruments or

• Craftsmanship

• Journalling.

See our related teaching assistant CV and teaching assistant cover letter for more valuable advice.

8. Catering CV hobbies and interests:

• Recipe testing or creation

• Cocktail techniques

• Attending cooking workshops or master classes.

Check out our catering assistant CV and bartender CV examples for more inspiration.

9. Personal Trainer CV hobbies and interests:

• Sports coaching for youth teams

• Hiking or rock climbing

• Participating in sports competitions.

For more information, see our personal trainer CV example or sports CV example.

10. Finance CV hobbies and interests:

• Joining investment clubs

• Simulation games

• Reading financial news or market reports.

Refer to the finance cover letter or finance CV example.

What hobbies and interests should you avoid on a CV?

When deciding which hobbies to include or leave off your CV, consider the impression you want to make on potential employers. Ask yourself if your hobbies and interests are favourable for the job you're applying for.

See our list of hobbies and interests to exclude from your CV at all costs:

• Extreme or illegal activities: street racing, night parkour running, rock climbing without protection, skydiving.

• Generic activities: binge-watching TV series, listening to music, walking, web shopping, scrolling on social media.

• Religious/political hobbies or interests: attending protests, squatting, joining political groups, volunteering for religious communities (unless you're applying for a job in that area).

Key takeaways

When including hobbies and interests on your CV, 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.

Next steps?

We have all the tools and resources you need to build your CV easily. If you’re stuck and need help reviewing a CV, contact our experts at CV Writing Services. We help you every step of the way by tailoring your CV to a specific job and selecting the right skills! Additionally, we provide a collection of diverse cover letter templates you can customise based on your career goals. Lastly, for an extensive list of examples suitable for the UK job market, refer to our CV examples.

Additionally, ensure to check our related article from our career blog:

• Good interview questions

• Cover letter structure

• Good skills to add to your CV

• Personal profile on a CV

• Language on a CV.

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FAQ

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

Including hobbies and interests can strengthen the 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 the common mistakes to avoid when adding hobbies and interests to a CV?

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

• Irrelevant: Hobbies that aren’t related to the job take focus away from your skills and experience.

• Wasting space: CV space is valuable—prioritise your qualifications over unnecessary hobbies.

• Potentially controversial: Avoid hobbies that could be seen as controversial or inappropriate, like political or religious activities.

• Revealing personal information: Don’t include hobbies that share personal details, such as beliefs or preferences, that may not be relevant to the employer.

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.

Do recruiters read hobbies and interests?

As a rule of thumb, recruiters or hiring managers would pay attention to your hobbies and interests if they seem like a match for the position you're applying for and, importantly, - if you've included all the other must-have sections in your application. Take note of the main keywords from the job profile section and add them to your CV where applicable. It gives a glimpse into your personality, creating a good basis for the last talk in interviews.

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 on a CV if you’re passionate and committed. During 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.