Introduction
Including interests on a resume can seem optional, yet when done correctly, it can set candidates apart from the competition. Many hiring managers look for personal attributes and cultural fit, and a well-crafted interests section can subtly communicate your personality, teamwork skills, and values. Sydney Resume, one of the best resume writers companies in Australia, highlights that showcasing the right interests on resume can boost your application’s impact. Stand out from the crowd and land your next job fast with a powerful resume crafted by Australia’s leading experts in resume writing service.
Why Include Interests on a Resume
While technical skills and work experience dominate a resume, interests provide insight into your personality and soft skills. They can:
- Demonstrate transferable skills such as leadership, creativity, and teamwork.
- Reflect alignment with company culture.
- Serve as conversation starters in interviews.
For instance, listing “volunteering at animal shelters” may suggest empathy and social responsibility, traits valuable in many roles. Sydney Resume emphasises that interests on resume should complement your professional story rather than distract from it.
When to Include Interests on a Resume
Not all resumes require an interests section. Include it if:
- You have relevant experiences that align with the role.
- You’re applying for entry-level or graduate positions with limited work history.
- You want to highlight well-roundedness and personal achievements.
Avoid generic or trivial interests like “watching movies” unless you can connect them to a skill or quality relevant to the job. Sydney Resume advises tailoring your interests on resume to make them strategic rather than decorative.
Choosing the Right Interests
To ensure your interests resonate with employers:
- Align with the role: For creative roles, highlight arts, design, or photography. For leadership positions, mention team sports or community involvement.
- Showcase transferable skills: Hobbies like blogging, coding, or volunteering indicate initiative, discipline, and communication skills.
- Be authentic: Select interests that genuinely reflect your personality. Employers value sincerity over generic statements.
For example:
- ✅ “Marathon running – demonstrates discipline and goal-setting.”
- ✅ “Community volunteering – reflects teamwork and empathy.”
- ❌ “Watching TV – too generic and doesn’t add value.”
How to Format Interests on Resume
Presenting interests professionally matters. Common formats include:
- Simple list: Place interests in a single line or bulleted list under a dedicated heading.
- Example: Interests: Hiking, Photography, Volunteer Work
- Descriptive style: Briefly explain the interest to highlight skills or achievements.
- Example: Volunteer Work – organised monthly fundraising events for local charities
- Integrated approach: Blend interests with achievements in your experience section if relevant.
Sydney Resume recommends keeping this section concise—ideally 3–5 interests that enhance your candidacy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even small errors in your interests section can detract from a strong resume:
- Listing irrelevant hobbies – avoid generic or controversial activities.
- Overloading the section – too many interests dilute impact.
- Being vague – vague mentions don’t convey meaningful skills.
- Ignoring cultural fit – ensure interests reflect professionalism and alignment with company values.
Professional resume writers at Sydney Resume can help craft this section strategically, ensuring it complements your work experience and skills seamlessly.
Examples of Strong Interests on Resume
Here are examples that work well across industries:
- Technology & Innovation: Coding, Robotics, Tech Meetups
- Leadership & Teamwork: Team Sports, Volunteer Leadership Roles, Event Planning
- Creativity & Design: Photography, Painting, Creative Writing
- Community & Service: Volunteering, Mentorship Programs, Fundraising Initiatives
- Personal Development: Public Speaking, Blogging, Online Courses
Each of these can be tailored to match your target job and demonstrate valuable transferable skills.
Tips for Maximising the Impact of Interests
- Keep it relevant: Connect hobbies to job-specific skills or qualities.
- Be concise: One line or a short bulleted list is usually sufficient.
- Highlight achievements: Include notable accomplishments in your hobbies if possible.
- Stay authentic: Only list interests you actively pursue.
Sydney Resume’s experts recommend reviewing your interests section for clarity and relevance, ensuring it adds value rather than filling space.
Conclusion
Listing interests on a resume professionally can give candidates a competitive edge. By carefully selecting relevant, authentic, and skill-reflective hobbies, applicants can communicate personality, soft skills, and cultural fit effectively. Sydney Resume, one of the leading resume writers companies in Australia, emphasises that a polished resume including a thoughtfully curated interests section can help you stand out from the competition and secure your next role quickly.
Stand out from the crowd and land your next job fast with a powerful resume crafted by Australia’s leading experts in resume writing service. By presenting your interests strategically, you transform a simple section into a powerful tool to make your application memorable.