Should You Put Hobbies on Your Resume?

Hobbies rarely belong on a professional resume, but there are exceptions where they add real signal.

Include hobbies when they demonstrate skills: competitive chess (strategic thinking), marathon running (discipline), building PCs (technical curiosity).

Include hobbies for cultural fit when they match the company: startup teams may value side projects and community involvement.

For entry-level candidates with thin experience, relevant hobbies can round out the profile.

Leave off generic hobbies: 'watching movies, reading, hanging out with friends' add nothing.

Never include hobbies that could invite bias or controversy.

If you include them, keep it to one line: 'Interests: Competitive sailing, open-source Rust projects, amateur photography.'

When in doubt, leave them out — space is better used on achievements.