Should you put hobbies on your resume?
When hobbies help, when they hurt, and what to write if you include them.
4 min read Updated November 1, 2025
Most people should skip hobbies. A specific few benefit. Here's how to decide.
When to include
- You're early-career and the section fills useful space.
- A hobby demonstrates a real skill for the role (a design portfolio, a photography Instagram, competitive coding).
- The company culture visibly cares (startup with a big culture-fit interview).
When to skip
- Senior roles — the space is more valuable for one more achievement.
- Corporate/formal industries.
- Generic hobbies like 'reading, traveling, music'.
How to write them
Be specific. 'Bouldering (V6, climb weekly at Rocklands SF)' says something. 'Sports' says nothing.
FAQ
Should I add a personal website?
Yes, if it's up-to-date. A broken portfolio link is worse than none.
Put this into practice.
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