how to write hobbies in personal statement

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Hobbies and Interests Personal Statement Guide

Table of Contents

Hobbies and interests in a personal statement can do more to bring focus and clarity to your statements than fields of study. A good hobby can make a much more exciting and unique statement.

Before writing a personal statement, ensure you have a comprehensive list of your most impressive accomplishments, hobbies, jobs, and talents. Your interests have a significant role in your statement. But don’t think you can’t discuss them because you don’t have specific credentials.

This article provides tips on how to write compelling and distinctive personal statements using hobbies and interests. Read on!

Tips to Consider When Writing Hobbies and Interests in a Personal Statement

Personal statements benefit from including interest, but doing so might be challenging. You won’t go wrong if you stick to these guidelines while writing your statement.

1. Don’t Talk About Your Passion for Its Own Sake

Put less emphasis on the hobby than you should on the qualities it exposes about you.

Don’t talk about your passion for its own sake unless it’s relevant to your field of study. For instance, if you’re applying to dental school, you should do more than state that you enjoy painting. Instead, you should explain how you plan to combine your appreciation for the visual and performing arts in your chosen field.

Making these associations may be complex at first. If you’re stuck for ideas, try writing down why you appreciate your activity and your chosen field. If you see a connection, you should use it.

2. Avoid Claiming That Your Leisure Hobbies Are “exactly Like” Your Future Career

You may say that being a football team captain gave you the leadership skills you’ll need as a doctor. You may also state that your love of art led you to dentistry.

Still, you shouldn’t put too much stock in your current situation. If you can paint, that’s great, but it doesn’t indicate you have the skills to be a dentist. It’s not fair to compare your responsibilities as a football captain to those of a doctor.

Recognizing that your interests reflect aspects of you differs from asserting that your interests are almost similar to your future profession.

The admissions committee will likely take great pride in their work. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to compare it to your hobbies. There are two ways in which these ties can strengthen your application essay.

First, they demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge gained in various contexts to your professional growth.

Second, they prove that your extracurricular activities are relevant to your chosen profession. It is not merely a wishful thinking exercise about your future.

3. How Well You Do in Your Interest Is Important

If your college swimming team won the state title, don’t just say that you swam there. Highlight the skills that helped your team succeed and include examples of how you’ve applied those skills elsewhere.

A well-rounded individual is very desirable in the eyes of the admissions’ committee because achievement in one area usually equals greatness in another.

However, here’s the catch: excelling in your pastime isn’t enough. You need to demonstrate that the skills that helped you succeed in your fun can serve you well in your chosen profession.

If you don’t, people may assume that you’re the type to let your passions get in the way of your professional development and studies. You want your extracurricular activities to be a selling point, not a drawback.

4. Show How Your Interest Benefits Others

It’s a given in nearly every personal statement that the author has some sort of altruistic motivation. However, only a few students can convey their genuine desire to help others in their accounts.

The admissions’ committee can learn much about your character from hearing about your interests and passions. It is an essential detail to provide, but something that is normally expected to be said may make them more skeptical.

5. Your Interests Should Take up No More Than a Few Phrases

The admissions officers can be difficult to predict. Your Mount Everest climb may inspire the admissions board that they can’t forget it.

However, how you describe your connection to the field you’re applying to likely garner greater attention from admissions officers.

You should describe your activities in a few sentences, but you can organize them to maximize their impact. Include a brief discussion of your hobbies near the beginning of your statement to demonstrate how they influenced your early career path.

Your statement should emphasize your potential as a professional in your field, regardless of where you focus. With so little room, every word must count.

Example of Great Hobbies and Interests Personal Statement

The hobby or interest part of an application that stands out. Here’s a great example of all we have discussed using an INK example;

I am a passionate hobbyist with diverse interests and an enthusiasm for learning new skills. Over the years, I have explored many hobbies, including painting, photography, playing music, gardening, and cooking – just to name a few!

My approach is holistic and creative, seeking out novel ways to engage my interests in exciting and engaging ways. When I was exploring painting, I experimented with different textures and styles to create unique compositions that reflected my aesthetic.

Similarly, as a musician, I endeavored to use unconventional instruments such as kazoos and xylophones to create offbeat melodies. Furthermore, I love utilizing technology to further my endeavors.

These projects have challenged and taught me new abilities, from audio production to Photoshop design. All-in-all, I relish any opportunity to tap into my multifaceted creativity and explore the bountiful world of hobbies and interests.

Your hobbies and interests personal statement are significant! If you have any hobbies or interests that you would like to include in your essay, make sure they are narrow enough.

There’s not enough time to show the committee your skill and passion for all your hobbies! Instead, you should go in-depth and show how the specific activity benefits others.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to Write About Your Hobbies and Interests

Last Updated: March 15, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 977,616 times.

The interests and hobbies section of a resume or college application provides a good opportunity to showcase your personality. A well-executed one can even compensate for a lack in experience or education. Although you might think that all resumes are alike, you should always gear your document toward the specific audience who will be reading it, taking into consideration what they want from you as an applicant. This article will discuss how to write about your hobbies and interests for the two audiences for a resume: a college admissions committee and a potential employer.

Writing Help

Writing for a College Admissions Committee

• College admissions committees are far more interested in your grades, work experience, skills and awards than they are in your hobbies and interests.
• As such, the hobbies and interests section of your resume should be presented toward the end of your resume. End with it, don’t lead with it.
• Prioritize individual activities as well. You can either list your activities chronologically, as you probably did in the “Work Experience” section, or from most to least impressive.
• Always remember that resumes are “top-down” documents, meaning you should lead with what you most want the reader to know about you. [2] X Research source

• Do not simply list all of your activities with commas. This suggests that you have nothing to say about what you did other than the fact that you did it. Break each activity into its own bullet point.
• Decide whether you will write in full sentences or short phrases. A resume should not be overly long — ideally, it should fit onto a single page. If you find that your resume has too much length, use phrases rather than full sentences.
• For example: “Tennis: state champions, 2013, 2014; co-captained varsity team, 2012-14; member of varsity team, 2010-14.
• If your resume is not long enough and you need to develop length, you can write that same information out in full sentences: “Tennis: As a member of the varsity team from 2010 to 2014, I helped my team win the state championship in both 2013 and 2014. As co-captain from 2012 to 2014, I provided leadership both on and off the court, leading team workouts during the off-season and keeping teammates accountable to one another.”

• The activities section of your resume is the place to demonstrate that you don’t have a one-track mind. You have a variety of interests that can be developed over your four years in college.
• If possible, present an array of activities that demonstrate an engaged, curious mind: athletics, volunteerism, academic teams, interest in both the humanities (speech team) and STEM areas (Mathletes), etc.
• The more well-rounded you seem, the more appealing you will be to a committee that is trying to assess how you will develop over the next four years.

• Demonstrate a high level of interest in at least one of your activities. If you were a team captain, elected official or an otherwise engaged member of a group, you need to highlight that as well as possible.
• Describe the leadership qualities you may have developed through this activity: “As Key Club president, I chaired weekly meetings, delegated club responsibilities into committees, expanded our presence by recruited peers into volunteerism and oversaw member training before sending volunteers out into the community.”
• Explain what peripheral qualities you developed: “Over my four years in the Key Club, I developed an abiding dedication to underserved populations in local communities.”

• Use the active voice throughout every document you submit in the application process. [6] X Research source The passive voice suggests that you passively received skills or qualities from your life experiences, whereas the active voice demonstrates your engagement: you earned those skills.
• Note the difference between “Being on the football team taught me the importance of being a team player” and “I strengthened the team’s resolve and success by stressing to individual players the importance of group cohesion to the achievement of our goals.” Take credit wherever possible, even if you weren’t in leadership positions.
• Even if you don’t think you got a lot out of an activity, think about what skills and qualities you could have developed. For example —you might have been an awful cheerleader, but you can still say “I devoted myself to grueling practices daily throughout the season and developed an effective time-management system, through which I balanced schoolwork and cheering while dedicating myself fully to both.”
• Even if you’re not going to make the collegiate cheer squad, you’ve still demonstrated that you can manage your time — something you learned from cheerleading.

Writing for a Potential Employer

• Research the corporate culture of the company you’re applying to. Some companies encourage employees to bring their interests into the creative workplace, for example, Google explicitly cultivates an “open culture” workplace where hobbies are welcomed. A hobbies section would be very appropriate for an application in the tech industry with a company like Google.
• However, if you’re applying for a position at an accounting firm, the corporate culture may not be as welcoming of your hobbies. Leave them off that resume.

• Choose interests that not only mean a lot to you, but also demonstrate the kind of person you are.
• For example, “reading” is a fairly generic activity that doesn’t reveal that much about you. However, running marathons suggests that you possess a high level of dedication and that you can overcome obstacles.
• "Listening to music" doesn't tell your employee anything about you, but "I have practiced classical piano for 17 years," tells them a lot.
• "Volunteering," tells the employer something about you, but it's not as detailed as it could be. Say, instead, that you've volunteered weekly at the same soup kitchen for 3 years, or that you bring your expertise from your state champion high school football team to bear when volunteering as a coach for community football league.
• Generally, hobbies that show leadership skills, personal initiative, dedication, or drive are good boosters for your resume.

Community Q&A

• Be careful about listing hobbies and interests indicative of thrill-seeking and risk-taking behaviors, as these qualities may work against you with certain employers. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid sounding overly committed to your hobbies and interests, as this could indicate to potential employers that your personal interests may come before your career. For example, "I play chess every chance I get, as it is my goal to travel the country as a full-time competitor," could be geared for resume writing by rewording it as, "I enjoy the chess club because it stimulates my creative problem-solving skills and opens my mind to new ways of thinking outside the box." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Dobrin, Sidney I., Christopher J. Keller, and Christian R. Weisser. Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. Columbus, Ohio: Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.
• ↑ https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resources/write-good-resume
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/listing-hobbies-and-interests-on-your-resume-with-examples
• ↑ https://ccrscenter.org/sites/default/files/AskCCRS_Well-Rounded_Education.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cfnc.org/news/college-essay-prompts/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CCS_activevoice.html
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-hobbies-and-interests

About This Article

To write about your hobbies and interests for college admissions, frame them as something you dedicate your time towards rather than just something you have fun with. For example, on your college application, list them under the title “Extracurricular Activities” since this is more professional than “Hobbies” or “Interests” Choose to list the hobbies you’ve spent the most time on to show your dedication, whether that’s the tennis team, girl scouts, or piano. When you write about your hobbies, use an active voice and describe how you contributed to it. For example, you could write “I strengthened the team’s resolve and success by stressing to individual players the importance of group cohesion to the achievement of our goals. Alternatively, you could say, “I devoted myself to grueling practices daily throughout the season and developed effective time-management by balancing schoolwork and cheering.” To learn how to write about your hobbies and interests on a resume, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Personal statement examples

There are no ‘right’ ways to writing your personal statement, but there are many ‘wrong’ ways of doing it.

On this page you will not only find everything you need to know about putting together a professional personal statement, but will also have access to dozens of expertly written ones. These samples are a great way to see how other people put together their personal statements, and to visualise the sort of structure and language they use. Reading through these will allow you to judge which ones you think are good or bad, which in turn will greatly help you in putting together your own winning statement. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO COPY THESE EXAMPLES WORD FOR WORD, BUT INSTEAD USE THEM AS USE THEM AS GUIDES AND AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION.

Many students struggle to put together an effective personal statement, primarily because they find it difficult to write about themselves. They may also fall for other common essay writing mistakes such as straying from the core subject and message they should be trying to get across. To help students overcome these potential pitfalls we have developed this resource page as a guide to giving them useful tips, strategies and techniques on writing a professional profile that is of the highest quality and one that will maximise their chances of enrolling at their first choice university. By following our advice, preparing properly and with a bit of practise, putting together your personal statement should become a lot easier.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT A personal statement is a self marketing statement and a vital part of not only the UCAS application form, but also the overall university admissions process. It is essentially a personally written whole page document of no more than 4000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text that gives students a chance to say something about themselves and to make a positive impression on the admissions tutors. Over the years the space that UCAS allocate to the personal statement has grown from just a few lines to a whole page, emphasising how important admissions tutors think it is. Students in turn should give it similar attention.

As they are used in the assessment of your application they can be crucial in helping you to be accepted on to your chosen course. The person reading your application form will want to know in what ways you ‘connect’ with the course, and they will be looking for students who can articulate their aims and have the potential to succeed. For these reasons your statement should be informative, interesting and written to the highest standards possible.

• A personal statement may often be the deciding factor in your application, especially when applying for competitive courses.
• It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the use of English language and grammar at a standard suitable for entry to higher education.

Students should view them as a opportunity to show the university admissions team their suitability for a degree course by demonstrating their communication skills, interest of the subject matter and previous knowledge of the course modules.

You should also remember that as many universities do not interview applicants, a personal statement may be the first and only information about you that the university will get to see about you. They may very well judge your commitment to the course and suitability for enrolment on how well it is written. Another reason for its importance is that it may be the only way of standing out from other applicants , particularly if the course you are applying for is popular and oversubscribed.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES

Accounting personal statement examples Accounting and finance personal statement Actuarial science personal statement Aeronautical engineering personal statement Anthropology personal statement Architecture personal statement example Art personal statement example Biology personal statement example Biomedical science personal statement Business management personal statement Business Personal Statement Business studies personal statement example Chemical engineering personal statement Chemistry personal statement Civil engineering personal statement example Computer science personal statement example Criminology personal statement example Dentistry personal statement example Drama personal statement Economics personal statement example Engineering personal statement example English personal statement English literature personal statement example Events management personal statement Fashion personal statement Fine art personal statement example Forensic science personal statement Geography personal statement example Graphic design personal statement History personal statement example Human biology personal statement examples Interior design personal statement example International relations personal statement example Journalism personal statement example Law personal statement example Marketing personal statement example Maths  personal statement example Mathematics personal statement MBA personal statement Mechanical engineering personal statement Media studies personal statement Medical personal statement examples Medicine personal statement Midwifery personal statement example Music personal statement Music technology personal statement example Neuroscience personal statement Nursing personal statement example Occupational therapy personal statement Paramedic science personal statement PhD  personal statement Philosophy personal statement Politics personal statement Pharmacy personal statement example Physics personal statement example Psychology personal statement example Physiotherapy personal statement example Social work personal statement Sociology personal statement examples Sports science personal statement example Theology personal statement example Travel and tourism personal statement Veterinary personal statement Zoology personal statement example

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO WRITING YOUR UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT

You should start off by listing reasons why you would be a good candidate for the course, then focus on demonstrating how these reasons along with your previous study and experiences have given you a keen interest in the subject for which you are applying. Concentrate on illustrating any relevant skills, qualities, or other positive sides of your character, and be prepared to rewrite your drafts repeatedly until you get your statement absolutely right. Also remember once you have gathered together all of the information your are going to use then you’ll need to organise it in such a way that it builds a strong argument for why you should be offered a place on the course. Listed below are a series of stages you can follow which will help you to do exactly this and put together a winning professional personal statement.

Remember that a personal statement will not only be judged by the facts in it but also by the language and style you use in it and also by the way its laid out.

Stage 1 Start of by thinking about your personal traits and the things you have done that can illustrate your good qualities. List everything from your education and academic studies which you feel might be relevant to the course and university.

List all of your reasons for choosing the course.

List everything from your personal and work history which you think is relevant to the course you are applying for. This could be anything from any work duties or responsibilities, voluntary work, hobbies or awards etc.

Stage 2 Now you need to go through all of the lists you have created and choose those points from then that you feel are the strongest.

Stage 3 Make a outline of what you want to say by designing the layout of your personal statement. At the start describe your reasons for choosing to the course, then move onto your strengths and any supporting evidence. Finish off by concluding why you feel you should be accepted onto the course.

Stage 4 Start writing your first draft, then once you have completed it leave it for a few hours or a day, come back to it read it and rewrite it again. Very few people get their personal statement right the first time, keep rewriting it until you are satisfied with the results.

Stage 5 Once you are happy with your final draft then give it to a friend or colleague for proof reading. Also check it for spelling mistakes and diversity of vocabulary to create the right impression.

• Criticise other universities.
• Use slang or abbreviations.
• Repeat information you have included on the rest of the UCAS application form (exam results etc).
• Tell lies or exaggerate.
• Mention your age, culture and ethnic background, or your religious and political inclinations.
• Use repetitive language, for instance repeatedly using phases such as ‘I like…’ or ‘I have…’ etc.
• Simply write a list of things you do or have achieved.
• Have a string of sentences that start with phases such as ‘I do…’, etc.
• Use clichés.
• Try to be funny or tell jokes.
• Give political viewpoints.
• Sound arrogant or pretentious.
• Write about trivial matters.
• Make any mistakes in grammar and spelling.
• Write it in the form of a letter, starting with ‘Dear Sir / Madam’ and ending with ‘Thank you for reading my statement, your sincerely’.

Tips when writing your personal statement

• Plan your statement carefully.
• Make a list of points you feel will be of interest to the Admissions Tutor.
• When creating the structure always ask yourself if each stage is relevant.
• When planning your statement make a list of the key topics and points that you want to mention.
• State as clearly as possible your strongest points.
• Make sure that every paragraph relates directly to your application.

The first paragraph The first paragraph is probably the most important part of your statement. It should be an attention grabbing piece that gets the reader interest in what you are about to say. One of the best ways to grab a audience’s attention is to have a quotation or set of statistics in your first sentence, the main advantage of having a good ‘hook’ is that your reader is more likely to be susceptible to what you write later on.

Examples of ‘hook’s or attention grabbing first sentences;

• ’Eighty five percent of geography graduates are in employment within six months of completing their degree course’.

Keep it relevant Constantly ask yourself how relevant your words, sentences and paragraphs are to the course and university you are applying to. One way to do this is to read a universities ‘Entry Profile’ for the course you want to join. A ‘Entry Profile’ (normally listed on a universities website or prospectus) will explain what the university is looking for in a student, what qualifications that should have and also the type of experience they need. Read it thoroughly and make a list of all the key requirements in there and then keep referring to it whilst writing out your personal profile. This is an effective way to ensure that your personal statement remains relevant, on track and does not wander off course.

Your conclusion Try to finish off your statement with something that the reader can take away with them. The conclusion should not be a repeat or summary of what you have written elsewhere in your personal statement, instead it should be different, interesting and memorable so that the reader remembers what you wrote.

Listed below are examples that will help you to visualise a strong conclusion and finish your statement off in a way that concludes everything.

Examples of how to start and write a conclusion;

‘After completion of my degree I hope to gain relevant work experience in order to make my dream of becoming an engineer a reality.’

‘Overall, I consider myself to be a hardworking, determined student who is motivated by challenges and can gain personal benefit from new experiences. I strongly feel that a university degree in (……….) will be a great foundation from which to launch a successful career in the future, in whatever field that may be.

‘I sincerely hope that this statement has helped you see me as someone who gives everything my best effort, and who always pushes harder.’

‘ My past has inspired me to try to be the best that I can, and to not settle for anything less’.

‘My main priority now is to…(explain your ambitions)’.

‘Enrolling on a degree course is just the beginning for me, I aspire to achieve much more in the next few years starting with…(list your goals)’.

‘In conclusion I would like to say that I am really looking forward to the personal and academic challenges that studying at your university will bring’.

The structure Have this laid out before you start to put pen to paper. Remember that once you know what you’re going to say, and in what order you’re going to say it, it’s much easier to stay on track when you actually start writing.

Planning a structure is also a very good way of ensuring that you stay within the word limits imposed by UCAS.

Give yourself plenty of time Creating a effective personal statement can be time consuming, so it’s important that you do not leave it till the last minute. Remember it’ never too early to start thinking about it.

Key points to note when writing your personal statement

• Admissions tutors look for people who are enthusiastic and passionate about the subject they want to study, so try to convey these in your writing.
• It is a opportunity for you to sell yourself to the admission tutors.
• View it as a chance to emphasise your strongest points that you feel will help your application.
• If the course is in an area that you have not studied before then you need to show you already know a fair amount about the subject matter.
• Make every sentence count as you only have limited space and need to convey as much information as you can.
• The statement can form the basis of an interview discussion, so make sure you only include information on there that you can back up.
• Do not use bullet points or lists, continuous prose is much better.
• Focus on the persuasiveness of your language by using keywords and phrases that will optimise the strength of your message.
• Accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar are of paramount importance.
• Keep re-reading and re-writing your personal statement! However many drafts it takes, make it perfect.
• Include interesting and engaging information that will encourage them to read the rest of your application.

WHEN WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT FOCUS ON EXPLAINING

• Why you want to study the subject at degree level.
• Your reasons for choosing their university.
• What attracts you to the subject.
• Why you are suitable for the course.
• What you enjoy most about the subject matter.
• What you feel are your strongest skills.
• Any relevant work or academic experience that you have.
• Any academic achievements.
• What your long term future career aspirations are, and how studying this course can help you to achieve them.
• The strategic value you can add to the course and university.
• Why you’d make a successful student.
• Your potential to succeed.

Why you want to study the subject at degree level This is an important point to explain to the selectors, particularly if you have never studied the subject before. You need to give logical reasons, and the best way to do this is to start of by clearly explaining what you are looking for from the degree and why. After this move onto finding common ground between the core modules and your academic and career ambitions.

If possible you should try to include ‘evidence’ (in the form of examples or experiences) to back up any claims you make and to prove that you have prior knowledge of the topic.

Examples of possible answers

‘There are particular areas of the subject, such as (……….) and (……….) which have really grabbed my attention and have made me want to study field in more depth’.

‘I feel that I am a good match for the course requirements. With my skills, temperament, previous qualifications, interests and goals all matching the requirements’.

‘Because it is a challenging and diverse course that I feel I can pass’.

‘My previous experience makes me well suited for the course’.

‘Your degree program will allow me to enrol for a PhD later on’.

‘I need this degree to pursue a chosen career in (…….).’

‘I really enjoyed studying this subject at college / A level’.

‘This course will allow me to expand my existing knowledge of the subject matter’.

‘In my previous academic studies I found that I was most interested in the (……..) field, and so I decided to shift my studies to this particular field and subject’.

‘To me the subject is very interesting and challenging’.

‘In the future I would like to be employed in this field, and this subject is a ideal starting point for me’.

‘It will give me the opportunity to specialise in a particular field’.

‘It will greatly enhance my career prospects’.

‘This qualification will provide me with a good basis for future career moves’.

Your reasons for choosing their university Research the university, its history, and achievements and then mention these in your answer. Possible reasons can be;

• Location (busy city, small town, by the coast)
• Type of university (small, large, well established, new)
• Quality and reputation (teaching standards)
• The facilities (library, resources, sports facilities)
• The cost (affordable, cost of living)
• The unique atmosphere
• Course structure
• Course content
• Teaching methods
• Year abroad opportunities
• Practical training
• Transport links
• Availability of accommodation
• Students Union
• General atmosphere and feel of the campus.
• The support of the staff.

‘I want an all-rounded education where I feel like I’ve been challenged, and where I will experience things that no other university can offer me’.

‘The location was important for me, I want to be in a big city, but also in a university institution that has a campus feel to it’.

‘I like your campus because it does not allow strangers, tourists or random pedestrians to come in and wander around and spoil that university feel’.

‘During a visit to your university I noticed that most students who were not in class were anxious to remain on the campus rather than leave and go to the city centre. This was totally unlike other universities I have visited were everyone was anxious to get off the campus.’

‘The students I met during a visit to your institution all seemed to be engaged in their education.’

‘On a recent visit to your campus I really appreciated the attention and personal interactions that i witnessed between tutors and students’.

‘I want to study at a leading academic institution’.

‘Your university has a reputation for attracting the very best student in this field, and these are people who I want to study with’.

‘Your university is renowned for its high academic standards’.

‘I realised that your university offers something different, that other institutions don’t have’.

‘Everyone there seemed to be really engaged in learning’.

‘I see someone like myself fitting in very easily into the culture and spirit of your university’.

‘When I began research for a university to enrol at ….’.

‘I believe that your university will be able to help me achieve all of my ambitions and much more’.

‘Your universities spirit stands out and dares to be different’.

‘I have made it a point of duty to distinguish myself in my studies and to only enrol at the very best academic institutions’.

Why you are suitable for the course In answering this point you need to not only demonstrate your prior knowledge of the core modules, but also explain in detail any specific skills and abilities that you have which will help you to succeed. Emphasise specific characteristics and abilities that make you special and will help you to stand out. You should make your career motivation clear and demonstrate commitment to education.

Tip when answering this question It is worth getting into the habit of reading related trade magazines and newspaper reports as this will make you aware of current events and issues. You can then mention these points in your answers, which in turn will go a long way in showing that you have a interest in the field as a whole.

• Clearly showing how you envision your success at their university.
• Giving details of any hobbies or activities that you do which are linked to the course.
• Any previous academic studies you have undertaken in the subject or related fields.
• Any relevant work experience, placements or voluntary work that you have done. Or any specific duties which you performed and which are related to the course.
• Details of practical, theory or particular subjects you are good at.
• Personal experiences that will make you suitable for university life.
• Highlighting positions of responsibility you have held in the past.

Examples of what to write

‘I firmly believe that i can be an asset to your university because of my drive, resilience and strong career motivation’.

‘I feel I have the critical analysis, experience  and communication skills that will help me to be a outstanding undergraduate at your university’.

‘I have set out my long term career and academic goals in detail and priority, and am therefore fully prepared mentally for this course’.

‘I feel can make a positive impact on the course’.

‘I have a keen interest to learn more about this subject’.

STRENGTHS AND SKILLS TO MENTION IN A PERSONAL STATEMENT Listed below are areas to consider mentioning, along with examples of how to word them;

Decision making ‘Good decision making skills are at the core of solid learning, and I possess these skills in abundance’.

Time management ‘I possess superb time management skills, which are essential to balancing the conflicting demands of university life’.

Information management ‘One of my strongest points is the ability to collect and manage large quantities of information’.

Meeting tight deadlines ‘I care about deadlines, am very serious about meeting them and always make them a priority’.

Independent research ‘At my college I gained a reputation for conducting quality in depth independent research into subjects’.

Intellectual ability ‘I consider myself to be intellectually adventurous’.

Teamwork ‘I can work as part of a team, as well as on my own initiative’.

Coping with pressure ‘Through my experiences i have developed an ability to cope with pressure when working to tight schedules’.

Organised  ‘I am a highly organised individual’.

WRITING ABOUT YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS Advice regarding the inclusion of hobbies and interests in a personal statement is often contradictory. However having an interesting list of hobbies and pursuits is an ideal way to show yourself off as a interesting person, which in turn can be a great way to make up for a lack of academic experience and even gaps in your knowledge. It’s also not enough to simply feature a bullet-list of hobbies and interests, you must present them in a way that says something deeper about your character.

• Interesting hobbies can make you stand out and seem unique, which is exactly what you want.
• Hobbies and interests can be a reflection of your personality.
• Universities like student who can bring something different and exciting to their campus.

The golden rule is to always focus on and include those hobbies that are directly linked to the course you want to study, as they can support your overall application. However remember that when writing a personal statement you are limited with the number of words you can use to sell your skills and competencies, therefore if your hobbies are not relevant to the course then do not waste valuable space explaining them.

Although university staff will scan personal statements looking for offbeat hobbies or activities as evidence of a applicants creativity and personality, they are not really interested in trivial pastimes unrelated to the subject. For example if you are applying for an Computer Science degree course, and your main hobby is collecting stamps, then this is plainly not related to the course in any way. However if your favourite pastime is building your own computers and servers, then it’s well worth mentioning.

It is also worth noting that some universities will value your extra-curricular activities higher than others. Those that do want to see what sort of life you lead away from your studies. They believe that a person with a wide range of interests will be able to get along with people from different backgrounds and consequently find it easier to fit into different environments.

Ask yourself

• Have you ever won any awards.
• Have you ever been elected to any position.
• Have you ever done something that has surprised people.
• Are you involved in anything where you have to work as part of a team.
• Do you speak any foreign languages.
• Do you play any musical instruments.

The benefits of having unusual hobbies Certain hobbies such as scuba diving, skiing and horse riding may not seem very unusual to the candidate that actually practices them, but they can be a very good ice breakers and talking points during the interview stage. A well-executed hobbies and interests list can even compensate for a lack in experience or education.

Do not exaggerate Don’t go over the top when describing your hobbies, exaggerating the truth can come back to haunt you in the long run, especially at the interview stage where you may be asked detailed questions about your claims.

Writing about your hobbies can help universities to;

• Understand your values and what motivates you.
• Assess your social skills.
• See that you can work as part of a team.
• Identify your leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Say that your hobbies and interests are a big part of you life, you don’t want the university to think your leisure activities will take priority over your studying.
• List hobbies that are indicative of thrill-seeking and risk-taking behaviour.
• Mention that you do extreme sports i.e. like sky diving, universities want to know that students are going to turn up to classes and not be in some hospital as a result of a accident. Remember they are looking for stability and reliability.
• Ramble on about your pets (they are not classified as a hobby).

Examples of how to write about your hobbies ; ‘As captain of the local football team I helped to organise the team, entered them into competitions and eventually lead them to win a regional trophy. ‘

‘Having photography as a hobby gives me the opportunity to research and organize information in a way that showcases my abilities to maximum effect.’

‘I enjoy the chess club because it stimulates my creative problem solving skills and opens my mind to new ways of thinking outside the box.’

PLAGIARISM AND COPYING It is vital that you make sure your personal statement is your own work and not something you have copied from another source. You should note that many universities have specialist software that can easily detect copied work. Anyone who is caught doing this will have their application immediately rejected.

There are certain ‘rules’ which must be adhered to when writing your own personal statement. One of the main ones being that you should not copy the work of others. For students being familiar with these rules is important as unintentional mistakes can lead to possible charges of plagiarism, and the rejection of their application.

Students should avoid plagiarism not only because there are rules against it and there is a real risk of getting found out, but also because it is the right thing to do.

What is plagiarism Plagiarism can be classified as the close imitation of language, thoughts, writing or expressions. In terms of writing a personal statement this can come to mean copying another authors work and then presenting it as your own (without crediting the original source or having the original writers permission).

Examples of plagiarism include copying the personal statements of fellow students, buying examples from the internet, or creating a whole article by cutting and pasting blocks of texts from the Internet. Having said that it is not a clear cut area, with the boundaries between plagiarism and genuine research and writing often blurred. A good example of this ambiguity is the fact that in some countries plagiarism is considered to be a violation of copyright laws, and can lead to prosecution in a court of law, whilst in other countries it is not taken so seriously. In the UK universities take this issue very seriously, and anyone caught plagiarising will almost certainly have any university enrolment application rejected.

Why some people plagiarise In a educational and academic setting, students are constantly engaged (through discussion and study) with other people’s ideas, thoughts and writings. Whilst most students do not intentionally intend to plagiarise, for a very small minority it can be tempting to use another person’s words and pass them off as their own. What people should remember is that many universities are well versed in using plagiarism detection software which is very effective at catching out ‘offenders’.

• It’s easy to do, there is a huge amount of free information on the Internet that can be quickly copied.
• Many people believe that they will not get caught.
• Some people may not be able or willing to do the writing themselves.

Points to remember about plagiarism

• Plagiarism committed by ‘accident’ or unintentionally can still be considered an offence by university admission teams.
• It does not matter if the original author has consented to their work being copied, a student must still reference or acknowledge it, otherwise it will be considered as plagiarism.

Plagiarism (copying the work of others) is considered to be;

• Academic fraud
• A breach of ethics
• Poor scholarship
• Possible copyright infringement

If you are caught plagiarising it can lead to

• Your university enrolment application being immediately rejected.
• Loss of integrity.
• Loss of credibility.

Universities regularly check for plagiarism Institutions work hard to raise awareness of plagiarism, take active steps to reduce it, all with the ultimate objective of improving academic integrity.

How to avoid plagiarism It is often said that the best way to avoid plagiarising is to not read anything written by other people in your subject area. However as this is not really practical, we have listed some tips below on how to avoid accidental plagiarising;

• If you intend to use other people work in your statement then you should use an academic style of writing that incorporates referencing. This means making it clear when you have used (or been influenced by) the ideas, concepts and words of others. Use citations and footnotes to name authors, publications or any work you have quoted.
• It is good practise to read through any required reading material and to then put it all away when you are ready to start writing your own material. Only go back to the original source when you want to check you have the facts rights.
• Always try to use your own words, ideas and phrases to produce something that is new and original.
• Focus on improving the existing opinions of works that you have read.
• Check your paraphrases or summaries against any original text you are using.
• It is good practise to methodically and accurately note the source of anything you consult and gain ideas from. This is a great way to help you avoid accidentally copying someone else’s material.
• Consider using a colour coded system to highlight and differentiate your notes and the original work of authors.
• Evaluate your sources carefully before relying and using them.

Referencing The aim of referencing is to give the reader a opportunity to clearly see exactly where the author is being influenced or has copied text. Proper referencing should also give the reader enough accurate information for them to be able to find the original source themselves.

Reasons to be original

• University admission staff (as well as tutors) always prize originality in a students writing.
• Becoming a good researcher and writer takes time, it will not happen overnight. However it will never happen if you get into a habit of copying the work of others.

ENTRY PROFILES These are available for all potential students to view and are intended to describe the course in detail and give key information about the formal entry requirements, admissions policy and selection procedures. Profiles can also show students what to expect on a course, information which in turn can help them to make a informed decision as to whether the course is for them and if they are suited for it. A published Entry Profile will list up to date details and guidance about a courses; content, course structure, optional modules, admission tests, interview procedure, academic entry qualifications, fees, bursaries and financial support. It is a useful resource that can help you to avoid making costly mistakes when choosing a degree course and is well worth reading before you make a final decision on where to study.

COMMON REASONS FOR UNSUCCESSFUL PERSONAL STATEMENTS 

• It does not show a strong desire to study your chosen course.
• Your application does not demonstrate a strong understanding or knowledge of the subject matter.
• It was incoherent, badly structured and had spelling mistakes.

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How to Effectively Showcase Your Hobbies in a Personal Statement

Hobbies are a great way to showcase your personality and interests in a personal statement. They provide a glimpse into your passions and help to create a well-rounded image of who you are as a person. However, it’s important to write about your hobbies in a way that is effective and impactful. In this article, we will explore how to effectively showcase your hobbies in a personal statement, including tips on how to describe them and what to include. With these insights, you can create a personal statement that truly stands out and highlights your unique qualities and interests.

What are Hobbies?

Definition of hobbies.

Hobbies are activities that individuals engage in during their leisure time. They are often pursued for pleasure, interest, or personal satisfaction, and can range from simple activities such as reading or knitting to more complex hobbies like playing musical instruments or engaging in sports. Hobbies can also serve as a means of self-expression, creativity, and socialization.

In the context of personal statements, showcasing one’s hobbies can help demonstrate their interests, passions, and unique qualities, making them stand out from other applicants. However, it is important to ensure that the hobbies showcased are genuine and relevant to the desired program or field of study. Additionally, it is essential to describe the hobbies in a clear and concise manner , highlighting their significance and impact on personal growth and development.

Examples of hobbies

Hobbies are activities that people engage in during their leisure time. They can range from simple and straightforward activities like reading or playing video games to more complex and challenging activities like painting or playing a musical instrument. Hobbies can provide people with a sense of purpose, relaxation, and enjoyment, and they can also be a great way to learn new skills and meet new people.

Some examples of hobbies include:

• Playing sports like tennis, soccer, or basketball
• Painting or drawing
• Reading books or watching movies
• Playing musical instruments like the guitar or piano
• Playing video games or engaging in online gaming
• Traveling and exploring new places
• Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or camping
• Cooking or baking
• Gardening or landscaping
• Knitting or crocheting
• Photography or videography
• Writing or blogging
• Playing chess or engaging in other mentally stimulating activities.

Why Showcase Your Hobbies in a Personal Statement?

Benefits of showcasing hobbies.

• Demonstrates Passion and Interest : Showcasing your hobbies in a personal statement allows you to demonstrate your passion and interest in a particular field or activity. It shows that you are dedicated to pursuing your interests outside of your academic or professional life .
• Highlights Unique Skills and Experiences : Your hobbies may have given you unique skills and experiences that can be relevant to your academic or professional goals . By showcasing your hobbies, you can highlight these skills and experiences and show how they make you a strong candidate for your desired program or job.
• Adds a Personal Touch : Including your hobbies in your personal statement can add a personal touch to your application. It can help you stand out from other applicants and make a more memorable impression on the reader.
• Demonstrates Time Management and Prioritization Skills : Participating in hobbies requires time management and prioritization skills . By showcasing your hobbies, you can demonstrate that you have the ability to balance your commitments and prioritize your activities.
• Shows Versatility and Adaptability : Hobbies can require you to learn new skills, adapt to new environments, and work with different people. By showcasing your hobbies, you can demonstrate your versatility and adaptability, which are valuable traits in any academic or professional setting.

How hobbies can reflect your personality and interests

Hobbies can provide valuable insight into a person’s interests, values, and passions. By showcasing your hobbies in your personal statement , you can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and experiences. Here are some ways in which hobbies can reflect your personality and interests:

• Unique interests: Your hobbies can reveal unique aspects of your personality that may not be apparent from other parts of your application. For example, if you enjoy woodworking, this may suggest that you are creative, patient, and detail-oriented.
• Personal values: Hobbies can also reflect your personal values and beliefs. If you are passionate about environmental conservation, this may suggest that you value sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.
• Achievements and accomplishments: Your hobbies can also demonstrate your achievements and accomplishments outside of academics. For example, if you are an accomplished musician, this may suggest that you have a strong work ethic, discipline, and dedication to your craft.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Many hobbies involve teamwork and collaboration, which can demonstrate your ability to work well with others. For example, if you are a member of a sports team or a musical ensemble, this may suggest that you are a team player and can work effectively with others towards a common goal.

Overall, showcasing your hobbies in your personal statement can help you stand out as a unique and well-rounded applicant. By highlighting your interests and experiences, you can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have a diverse range of interests and experiences that make you a strong candidate for their program.

How to Showcase Your Hobbies in a Personal Statement?

Tips for writing about hobbies.

• Be specific: Rather than simply stating that you enjoy playing sports, explain which sports you play and how often. This shows your dedication and passion for the activity.
• Link hobbies to personal growth: Show how your hobbies have helped you develop important skills or traits. For example, if you are a musician, discuss how playing an instrument has improved your discipline and focus.
• Highlight leadership experience: If you have leadership experience in your hobbies, such as being captain of a sports team or leading a club, be sure to mention it. This demonstrates your ability to work well with others and take charge when necessary.
• Use descriptive language: Instead of just saying you enjoy gardening, describe the types of plants you grow, the techniques you use, and the satisfaction you feel from watching them thrive. This helps the reader visualize your hobby and understand its importance to you.
• Tie hobbies to career aspirations: If possible, show how your hobbies relate to your future career goals. For example, if you are applying to medical school, discuss how volunteering at a hospital and shadowing doctors has given you valuable insight into the field.
• Avoid exaggeration: While it’s important to showcase your hobbies positively, be truthful about your involvement and achievements. Exaggerating or embellishing the truth can harm your credibility.
• Proofread carefully: Make sure your writing is error-free and easy to read. This will help you make a good impression on the admissions committee.

Using specific examples and anecdotes

When showcasing your hobbies in a personal statement, it is important to use specific examples and anecdotes to bring your interests to life. This approach can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your passion for your hobbies. Here are some tips for using specific examples and anecdotes in your personal statement:

• Choose examples that showcase your skills and abilities: When selecting examples of your hobbies, choose those that demonstrate your skills and abilities. For example, if you enjoy painting, talk about a specific painting that you created and the techniques you used to create it. If you enjoy playing music, talk about a specific piece that you learned to play and the challenges you faced in learning it.
• Use descriptive language: To make your examples more engaging, use descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader. For example, instead of simply saying that you enjoy hiking, describe the breathtaking views you have seen on your hikes and the sense of accomplishment you feel after reaching the summit.
• Highlight any awards or recognition you have received: If you have received any awards or recognition for your hobbies, be sure to include them in your personal statement. This can help demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your interests.
• Use anecdotes to show your passion: Anecdotes can be a powerful way to show your passion for your hobbies. For example, talk about a time when you stayed up all night working on a project related to your hobby or the excitement you feel when participating in a competition.

By using specific examples and anecdotes in your personal statement, you can bring your hobbies to life and demonstrate your passion and dedication to them. This approach can help you stand out from other applicants and showcase your unique interests and abilities.

Showing your passion and dedication

When it comes to showcasing your hobbies in a personal statement, it’s important to demonstrate your passion and dedication to the activity. This can be achieved by highlighting the following:

• Consistency: Show that you have been actively engaged in your hobby over a significant period of time. This demonstrates your commitment and passion for the activity.
• Skill development: Explain how you have honed your skills and knowledge in your hobby through continuous learning and practice. This shows your dedication to improving and mastering the activity.
• Impact: Describe the impact that your hobby has had on your personal growth, career goals, or community involvement. This helps to showcase the significance of your hobby in your life.

Here’s an example of how you can showcase your passion and dedication for a particular hobby:

“As an avid runner, I have been consistently training and competing in marathons for the past five years. Through regular practice and discipline, I have developed a strong endurance and skill in running. My passion for running has not only helped me achieve personal fitness goals but also inspired me to volunteer as a running coach for a local youth program. By sharing my knowledge and experience with others, I have been able to give back to the community and inspire others to take up the sport.”

In this example, the author demonstrates their passion and dedication to running by highlighting their consistency, skill development, and impact on their personal growth and community involvement. This helps to showcase their hobby in a meaningful and impactful way in their personal statement.

Making connections between hobbies and career goals

When showcasing your hobbies in a personal statement, it is important to make connections between them and your career goals. This helps to demonstrate your passion for your chosen field and show how your hobbies have prepared you for a career in that area. Here are some tips for making these connections:

• Identify the skills you have developed through your hobbies: Think about the skills you have learned through your hobbies and how they can be applied to your career goals. For example, if you enjoy playing a musical instrument, you may have developed skills in creativity, discipline, and collaboration. These skills could be relevant to a career in music production or teaching.
• Show how your hobbies have influenced your career goals: Consider how your hobbies have influenced your decision to pursue a particular career path. For example, if you enjoy gardening, you may have developed an interest in botany or environmental science, which could lead to a career in conservation or sustainable agriculture.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your connections: When making connections between your hobbies and career goals, use specific examples to illustrate your points. For example, you could describe a project you completed in your hobby that required problem-solving skills, and explain how those skills could be applied to a future career in engineering or computer science.

By making connections between your hobbies and career goals, you can demonstrate your passion for your chosen field and show how your hobbies have prepared you for a career in that area. This can help to make your personal statement more compelling and memorable to admissions committees.

Balancing hobbies with other aspects of your life

When it comes to showcasing your hobbies in a personal statement, it’s important to strike a balance between highlighting your interests and demonstrating your commitment to other aspects of your life. This can include academics, work, family, and community involvement. Here are some tips for balancing your hobbies with other areas of your life:

• Prioritize: Make a list of all the things that are important to you, including your hobbies, academics, work, family, and community involvement. Prioritize them based on what’s most important to you and what you want to highlight in your personal statement.
• Show your passion: Even if you have a lot of other commitments, show that you’re passionate about your hobbies. Describe how you pursue your interests, whether it’s through participating in clubs, competitions, or other activities.
• Be honest: Don’t exaggerate or omit important details. Admissions committees want to get a sense of who you are as a person, so be honest about your commitments and priorities.
• Connect the dots: Show how your hobbies and other commitments intersect. For example, if you’re involved in a community service project related to your hobby, describe how that experience deepened your passion for your hobby.
• Use examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your commitments and priorities. For example, if you’re involved in a research project, describe how you balance that with your coursework and other activities.

By balancing your hobbies with other aspects of your life, you can showcase your interests while also demonstrating your commitment to other areas of your life. Remember to prioritize, be honest, and use specific examples to illustrate your passions and priorities.

1. How should I approach writing about my hobbies in a personal statement?

Approaching the topic of hobbies in a personal statement requires careful consideration. Firstly, it is important to think about the relevance of your hobbies to the course or career you are applying for. If your hobby is directly related to the field you are applying for, then it is important to highlight how your hobby has prepared you for the course or career. Additionally, it is important to think about how your hobby demonstrates your personal qualities and strengths, such as perseverance, creativity, or leadership.

2. How much detail should I include when writing about my hobbies?

When writing about your hobbies, it is important to strike a balance between providing enough detail to showcase your skills and experiences, while also keeping the information concise and relevant. Avoid lengthy descriptions of your hobbies and instead focus on highlighting specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your skills and qualities. Additionally, try to relate your hobbies back to the course or career you are applying for, to show how they have prepared you for the role.

3. Can I include multiple hobbies in my personal statement?

Yes, you can include multiple hobbies in your personal statement . However, it is important to prioritize the hobbies that are most relevant to the course or career you are applying for. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your hobbies are not too diverse or unrelated, as this can make your personal statement appear unfocused. If you have multiple hobbies that are all equally relevant to the course or career you are applying for, consider grouping them together under a common theme or interest.

4. Should I mention any setbacks or challenges I faced while pursuing my hobbies?

Yes, mentioning any setbacks or challenges you faced while pursuing your hobbies can add depth and authenticity to your personal statement. This can demonstrate your perseverance and determination, as well as show how you have overcome obstacles to achieve your goals. However, it is important to frame these challenges in a positive light, highlighting how they have helped you develop important skills or qualities that will be valuable in the course or career you are applying for.

5. Can I include photographs or other visual aids to showcase my hobbies?

Yes, including photographs or other visual aids can be a great way to showcase your hobbies in your personal statement . However, it is important to ensure that the visual aids are relevant and add value to your personal statement. Avoid including visual aids that are unrelated or distract from the main message of your personal statement. Additionally, ensure that the visual aids are of high quality and will not detract from the overall professionalism of your personal statement.

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BEST Examples of Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV (2024 Guide)

Putting hobbies and interests on your CV is a great way to make your CV stand out from the crowd and impress the employer.

What you spend your free time on tells the employer a great deal about you, your values, your motivations, and in some cases, your skills and intelligence. This information can add real value to your job application and improve your chances of being shortlisted for a job interview.

David Littleford et al. , (2004) in their book Career Skills (pg. 14-15) mention under “other interests”:

“You should include hobbies and other interests, especially if they involve social and community activities. These activities are important – cover membership of societies, sports clubs/teams, etc. All these activities and the extent of your involvement give the recruiter clues about the real you and your interests.”

Use the guide and examples below to find out more about hobbies and interests and how to include them on your CV – let’s begin!

What are hobbies and interests?

Should i put hobbies and interests on my cv, what your hobbies “say” about you, what kind of hobbies should i put on my cv, examples of good personal interests to put on a cv, examples of best hobbies to put on a cv, how to write hobbies on a cv, location of the hobbies section on a cv, examples of different cv hobbies sections, things to avoid when writing your hobbies section.

A hobby is an activity that you regularly  pursue for enjoyment purposes, particularly during your leisure time. These are activities that generally relieve you from stress, tension or fatigue.

Examples of hobbies for a CV:

• Playing sports (football, tennis, hockey, cricket, etc.)
• Playing chess and solving puzzle games
• Reading and writing books, articles and publications
• Travelling and meeting new people
• Designing, drawing, sketching and painting
• Cooking and baking

An interest is an activity that you want to do or are currently doing on an  irregular  basis.

Examples of personal interests for a CV:

• Volunteering at local companies, clubs and organisations
• Organising events in the community
• Participating in fundraising events for charity
• Joining a professional, social or environmental group

The answer is, yes! Research has shown that adding relevant hobbies to your CV can make your CV more interesting, strengthen your job application and increase your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview. Putting your personal interests on your CV also shows the employer that you are a whole human being with a satisfactory life outside work and not a work robot.

If you lack work experience, your interests may show your suitability for the job in other ways. For example, they may give valuable information on your leadership potential or ability to work in a team.

Interviewers also use your interests to come up with ‘relaxing’ questions if the interview gets too hot or heavy; something which can help calm your nerves and improve your performance during the interview.

The benefits of including your personal interests on your CV:

• It will give the recruiter a fuller and more complete picture of you
• Extracurricular interests tell the employer that you are an all-rounded person who, besides just working, also enjoys having a good time
• They form a great basis for discussion at the interview stage
• Sporting activities indicate that you are fit, healthy and outgoing
• Involvement in the community suggests good interpersonal skills
• School leavers
• College students
• University graduates
• Candidates with little or no work experience
• Candidates who have blank space in their CVs that can be utilised

Remember that your CV is your personal marketing tool, and you should make the most out of using the totality of your CV, including the interests section, to “sell yourself” to the prospective employer.

• Senior professionals including managers and executives
• Candidates with a lot of work experience
• Candidates whose CVs are overflowing to more than 2 A4 pages

It’s not always appropriate to add this section to a senior CV. The more experience you have, the less important the hobbies and interests section becomes. Managers, executives and other experienced professionals are expected to show their skills and personal qualities from their work experience, achievements and educational background, without the need to resort to outside interests.

Phrases such as ‘Playing football’ , ‘solving puzzles’ , and ‘fixing computers’ are not generic terms without any meaning, rather; they carry a deeper message.

Here’s what the prospective employers will be subconsciously asking themselves when reading through the candidates’  CVs :

What do statements such as, “I play football on a regular basis”, “I enjoy solving puzzles” or “I like fixing computers” tell me about this candidate and their suitability for the job?

Many candidates do not realise that the hobbies and interests they include in their CVs can reveal a lot of information about them and their personalities.

Below is a list of some personal interests and activities and what they tell employers about the candidate:

List of hobbies and interests for a CV

Ask yourself: how do these interests add value to my application? Try to highlight your ability to interact, help and/or communicate with others.

Answer: Those that are relevant and add value to your application!

When deciding which interests to include, the golden rule to apply is;

Will it help me get the job?

Only include relevant hobbies, sports and leisure activities that display you in a positive light and strengthen your application; for example; interests which show that you are active, sociable and responsible.

Martin Yate, a best-selling careers author, outlines three broad categories of leisure activities to include on your CV in his book The Ultimate CV Book (Pg.35):

• Team sports (football, cricket, basketball, etc.)
• Determination activities (running, swimming, cycling, climbing, etc.)
• Brain activities (chess, reading, etc.)

However, not every one of the above categories may be suitable for your situation and the job that you are applying for. Only select the hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job and add value to your application.

• Bain activities (such as playing chess) are a good match for jobs which are technical or analytical in nature  (e.g. jobs in IT or science).
• Team sports (such as playing football) are a good match for jobs which require working with people on a daily basis (e.g. jobs in business or marketing).

Example of relevant and irrelevant hobbies for a web developer:

NOTE: Different activities can be interpreted differently depending on the job you are applying for. For example, “playing computer games” as a hobby is irrelevant to most jobs and may sometimes portray you as a self-absorbed individual living in their own little cyber world. However, the same hobby can add tremendous weight to your CV if you apply for a job as a video game developer, graphics designer or shop assistant at your local games shop!

How to match your interests with the job you are applying for:

There are thousands of hobbies and interests that people include in their CVs. Selecting the correct hobbies to include will depend on a number of factors, including the job sector and the job role/specifications.

Use the guidelines below to select the correct interests for your CV:

For example, if the job holder must have “excellent people skills” , you could mention your volunteering, team sports or socialising activities – all of which develop your communication, interpersonal and people skills. Don’t mention playing chess or jogging as that would be irrelevant.

If, on the other hand, the job specification states that the person must possess “outstanding technical skills” , you would mention playing chess, building computers and upgrading computer networks – things that indicate that you are technically competent and analytical-minded. Don’t mention socialising events because that would be less relevant.

Many companies have a ‘culture’ in the way they operated and how employees of that organisation behave. Google, for instance, is now famously known for allowing employees to play games, take a walk or do sports in order to relieve stress or become more productive during working hours. When applying for a job at a company like Google, there is no harm in showing a little bit of your fun, playful and human side because that fits in nicely with their company culture.

It is always a good idea to write down the list of skills and abilities that you possess and see which of these would add value if you include it in your CV. Skills and abilities are closely related to your hobbies and interest; therefore, you may include them in this section too.

List of interests and their relevance to different jobs

Interests enhance your CV because they show the employer that you are an all-round person with a passion and determination to undertake activities outside work.

The following personal interests will make your CV shine:

• Involved in local clubs, classes and groups. Involvement in clubs and student societies demonstrates that you have excellent interpersonal and people skills, traits that are highly valued by employers. Don’t forget to make mention any professional bodies you are a member of.
• Volunteering at local companies and organisations. Research has shown that the most important part of a candidate’s CV is their work experience section. If you don’t have any relevant work experience, it is highly recommended to take up some voluntary work to improve your skills, gain exposure to your industry and give your CV a great boost!
• Attending events, shows and exhibitions. Attending events, whether they are for business or pleasure, demonstrates to the employer that you are keen to learn about the latest trends in an industry or on a subject. It also shows that you are confident and enjoy meeting new people; two personal traits that are highly desired in almost all jobs.
• Organising events in the community. Employers love candidates that show initiative and take on additional responsibilities to further their skills and experience. Having experience in helping with community events is particularly useful if you want a job in events management, marketing or business management.
• Involved with charities (including campaigning and fundraising). Employers value charity work because it shows that you are socially conscious, compassionate and caring. It also demonstrates that you have great people skills and are capable of dealing with the public.

These interests enhance your CV because they inform the employer that you possess excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills which enables you to undertake these activities. It also confirms that you are motivated and determined about the things you are passionate about.

The following hobbies will give a boost to your CV:

• Exercise and sports. Adding sports to your CV will portray you as a healthy and fit individual. There are two types of sports; individual sports such as running, swimming and cycling, and team sports such as football, basketball, cricket and tennis. Individual sports portray you as a determined, passionate and strong-willed individual whereas team sports show that you have excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Playing brain games. Brain activities are great hobbies to add to any CV, especially if you pursue a career in computing, mathematics or science because they demonstrate excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Playing chess or puzzle games also tells the employer that you are intelligent, thoughtful and capable of overcoming challenges.
• Writing. Writing as a hobby indicates that you have excellent written communication skills, a key requirement for copywriters, editors, public relations professionals, marketers and journalists. You don’t necessarily have to be writing voluminous books to mention this hobby on your CV! You can also include writing poems, short articles and blog posts.
• Mentoring and coaching. Employers highly value mentoring because they understand that teaching, advising or supervising someone requires great skill, patience and determination. This hobby is particularly useful to add to your CV if you’re applying for a job as a teacher, tutor, mentor, teaching assistant, sports coach or fitness instructor.
• Computing and IT. If you’re applying for a job in the information technology (IT) industry, you can add the following activities to your CV to enhance it; coding and programming, building and fixing computers, designing and developing websites, setting-up computer networks and keeping up with the latest developments in technology.
• Designing. Designing is an essential requirement if you’re looking to apply for a job in a creative industry such as marketing or design. Activities that you could add to your CV include designing art, drawing, sketching and painting by hand, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Cooking, baking and eating. Who doesn’t like food, right? Cooking new dishes and baking cakes are great hobbies to add to your CV if you’re applying for a job in the hospitality and catering industry. You could also mention things like, ‘going out and eating at restaurants’ or ‘watching Food Channel or other food-related TV programmes (e.g. MasterChef)’. Passion for food goes a long way in this industry!

Below are the guidelines for writing a perfect hobbies section of your CV:

• Keep this section short and to the point as it is an extra/optional section; one to three interests are usually sufficient.
• Only include interests that are relevant to the job. For example, what value does “stamp and coin collecting” as a hobby add to the application of someone who applies for the logistics manager position? The answer: none. However, stamp collecting would be a very valuable hobby to mention when applying for a job as a stamp appraiser .
• Don’t use the usual lines about enjoying walking, reading or swimming; be more specific and describe them in sentences. For example, change “I enjoy reading” , to “I enjoy reading non-fiction and current affairs books” ), or change “Travelling” to “I have visited most major European cities,” etc.)
• Try to list interests that show a balance . A healthy interest in sports and the outdoors should be counterbalanced by other, more intellectual pursuits.
• Keep it real and don’t lie or exaggerate.

The interests section should be placed at the end of the second page , just before the CV references section :

Remember: This section is optional so placing it higher up on your CV will give the prospective employer the impression that you do not understand how to prioritise things. Think about it, how can your personal interests be more important to the employer than your work experience or qualifications?

Example 1 – Economist

Example 2 – teaching assistant.

Note: The example below is a bit long because the candidate had blank space in their CV and utilised it accordingly.

Example 3 – Civil Engineer

Example 4 – credit controller.

Example 5 – Journalist

It is best to avoid putting anything controversial or sensitive on your CV. Humans are by their nature very judgemental, so be wise about what you disclose on your CV. For example, some recruiters may judge you negatively if you included heavy metal as your favourite music genre.

Avoid mentioning interests that could reveal your private beliefs.

Stating that you are an “active member of the local church” may harm your chances of being invited to an interview, especially when the potential employer reading your CV is a strict atheist. Similarly, stating that you “volunteered on a number of Labour election campaigns” or that you are a “huge fan of Manchester United” is also not a very good idea.

Don’t mention very risky, dangerous or time-consuming hobbies such as rock climbing, deep sea diving, bungee jumping, parachuting and boxing. It is in the employer’s best interest that you are fit and well when you’re working for them!

One recruitment expert commented, “Personally alarm bells go off for me when I read about people jumping out of perfectly good aircraft or hanging off tall buildings on the thinnest of ropes!”

Interviewers use the interests section of your CV to identify any conflict of interest if your hobbies demand too much of your time that could interfere with your ability to do your job or meet deadlines. A potential conflict of interest could arise, for example, if you state that you run two part-time businesses alongside your day job.

You may think it’s a good idea to make up some hobbies to impress the employer but this is not a good idea.

One unfortunate applicant had put ‘theatre’ as one of their interests but was left speechless and embarrassed at the interview when they were asked about the kind of theatre they liked and the name of the last play they saw.

Make sure that you know enough to talk about every interest you list on your CV at the interview. Don’t include “Karate” as your hobby if the nearest you ever got to karate was watching a martial arts film! What if the interviewer is a black belt and asks you about the style of karate you have studied?

Over the years, recruiters have documented the many weird and inappropriate interests that they have seen on CVs, including:

• Eating pizzas
• Handling guns
• Frog dissection
• Swimming with saltwater crocodiles

Needless to say, none of these candidates was invited for a job interview!

Adding too many hobbies to your CV fills up valuable space that could be used for more important information. The following is a sample of a CV’s interests section that contains too many activities:

At this stage, the prospective employer will most likely be wondering: “Gosh, when will this person have any time to do some work?!”

Putting hobbies and interests on your CV is an excellent way of enhancing your CV and improving the chances of being shortlisted for a job interview. Regardless of your job or industry, you should only include hobbies or interests that are relevant and add value to your application.

If you’re still undecided on what to include, have a look at the great examples below to see which of these you can add to your CV.

The best personal hobbies and interests to put on a CV:

• Sports such as football, basketball and swimming.
• Exercise such as walking or going to the gym.
• Volunteering and participating in the community.
• Reading books, magazines or publications.
• Writing books, poems, articles or blog posts.
• Designing or drawing by hand or computer (CAD).
• Building things such as computers and product prototypes.
• Coaching, teaching, tutoring or mentoring someone.
• Organising events/activities for local charities or organisations.
• Learning a new skill such as public speaking or new technology.
• Cooking and baking when applying for food-related jobs.
• Playing brain games, puzzles, riddles and solving quizzes.
• Travelling to experience new cultures and meet new people.
• Learning a new language.

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40+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume [Updated for 2024]

“Hobbies and interests have no place on the resume.”

Done right, hobbies on a resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show a bit of your personality to the hiring manager, and potentially even get you the job!

That said, not every resume needs hobbies and interests, and at the same time, not every hobby belongs on a resume.

In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about hobbies on a resume, including when to list them, how to pick the right ones to mention, and more!

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Should You Mention Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
• 12 Best Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

4 tips to keep in mind when listing hobbies and interests, 40 best hobbies and interests to put on your resume [complete list].

Let’s dive in!

Should You Mention Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

There’s no straight-up answer to this question as it depends on several factors.

For example, if you’re a professional with many years of experience in your field, you could probably do without a hobbies and interests section on your resume. 

As a seasoned professional, you probably have tons of skills, work experience , and certifications to fill your resume with and set yourself apart from the competition. 

If adding a “hobbies and interests” section will make your resume spill over to page two , then you should definitely leave it out. 

On the other hand, if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience, adding your hobbies and interests to your resume can help you stand out as a candidate, as well as help fill up your resume to take up an entire page.

But enough with the hypotheticals! Let us tell you exactly when to mention hobbies and interests on your resume and how they can benefit your job application.

What’s the Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?

First things first - what are hobbies and interests? 

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing:

• Interests are topics, ideas, or subjects that interest you, fascinate you, and you want to learn more about. Culinary art, history, and classical music are all examples of various interests.
• Hobbies are activities you actually engage in. Some examples of hobbies may include cooking, playing basketball, or visiting museums.

Hobbies show the hiring manager how you spend your free time and what kind of additional skills you may possess. For example, if you include “basketball” as your hobby, you’re also telling the hiring manager that you have great teamwork skills. 

Interests , on the other hand, indicate what topics and ideas you’re currently interested in or you’d like to explore in the future. If, for example, you’re applying for a job that requires relocation and you list traveling as your interest, you may seem like a more relevant candidate because you enjoy traveling to new places. 

So, as you can see, hobbies and interests can add value to your resume if they’re relevant to the job and if they point to soft skills the company may be looking for. 

Which leads us to the million-dollar question: when exactly should you include hobbies and interests on your resume? 

When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

You should include hobbies and interests on your resume when:

• You still have space after including all the essential resume sections (contact information, work experience, education, and skills).
• You have limited work experience, education, and skills related to the position you are applying for.
• The company puts emphasis on its employees’ personalities and unique traits.
• The company specifically asks to list additional hobbies and interests.
• Your hobbies and interests show that you’re good at your job. E.g. if you’re applying for a writing role, having Dungeons & Dragons as an interest might help (as it shows that you’re creative).

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

12 Top Hobbies and Interests to Put On Your Resume

So here’s the takeaway: for hobbies and interests to add value to your resume, they should be somewhat relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

In most cases, though, candidates list pastime activities that say nothing to the hiring manager reading their resume, like watching movies or listening to music. 

To help you avoid such a mistake, we’ve listed some of the best hobbies and interests to put on your resume, based on companies’ most commonly required skills and abilities: 

#1. Community Involvement

Volunteering and community involvement is probably the best hobby/interest you could be adding to your resume, as it’s associated with 27% higher odds of employment . 

In a nutshell, volunteering shows initiative, empathy, and the ability to see beyond your personal interests. On top of this, volunteering teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and leadership. 

#2. Writing

Communication skills - both verbal and written - are some of the most sought-after soft skills by companies . 

As such, having writing as a hobby can effectively show potential employers that your communication skills extend beyond the workplace and are, as such, stronger than other candidates. 

#3. Blogging

Blogging is another hobby that proves you’ve got excellent communication skills, which is essential for most roles.

At the same time, blogging as a hobby also shows that you’re a self-starter that can work on independent projects, which is another very in-demand skill for most roles.

#4. Learning Languages

It’s no secret that speaking foreign languages can improve your chances of getting a job . 

For starters, employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can communicate with people from different nationalities and can be an asset when dealing with international markets.

On top of that, learning languages is associated with improving valuable skills like problem-solving and dealing with abstract concepts, both of which are desirable employee skills. 

Some of the jobs where listing learning languages as a hobby can come in handy include social workers, human resources managers, flight attendants, community health workers, hotel managers, customer service agents, etc. 

#5. Photography

Just like all the other hobbies on this list, photography can represent you in more ways than “this candidate likes to take pictures.”

After all, photography takes creativity, interpersonal skills, and even technical skills ! 

This means that, in addition to all the jobs that require photography skills, there are many other positions out there that could benefit from a candidate who’s into photography. 

Traveling may not seem like the best hobby to include on your resume at first sight. After all, it simply involves picking a destination and being a tourist, right? 

Well, not exactly. 

Someone who loves traveling is also likely to be: 

• Curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people
• Well- organized and adaptable to new situations and people
• Not afraid to step out of their comfort zone

All of these personality traits make for an adaptable and flexible employee, something that employers appreciate!

Sports - and any kind of physical activity, really - are known to improve brain health and your ability to do everyday activities . 

Not only, but sports also help you develop self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills . 

All of these are essential skills that could help you “adapt” your resume to different kinds of jobs. 

#8. Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies to put on your resume, regardless of what types of books you like to read.

Reading exercises the brain, improves the ability to focus, increases general knowledge, can sharpen your communication skills, and helps relieve stress . 

#9. Making Music

Making music not only takes creativity, but also a lot of determination, patience, and endurance. Not to mention, studies show that playing an instrument can also improve your memory and focus . 

Showing such qualities can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers.

Yoga is known to create mental clarity , relieve chronic stress patterns, relax the mind, and sharpen concentration.

And - let’s be honest - who doesn’t want an employee who’s mentally clear, unstressed, and able to concentrate on their work? 

To do any kind of art, you need to be creative, which is among the most popular transferable skills companies are looking for in 2022. 

According to this Adobe study , creativity has gained the most value in driving salary increases in the past five years. That’s also because creativity is also linked to inventiveness, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. 

Dancing is more than just a fun pastime. It improves your cognitive abilities, and collaboration skills (especially if you’re dancing with a partner), and can help you unwind and keep your stress levels low. 

Top Soft and Hard Skills Related to Hobbies and Interests On a Resume

And here’s what the hiring manager is likely to read from including the hobbies and interests listed above to your resume in terms of soft and hard skills: 

Yep, you heard that right.

There IS a right and wrong way to list hobbies and interests on your resume.

In this section, we’ll teach you all you need to know to make your hobbies and interests section as effective as possible!  

#1. Decide whether you need them

The first thing you want to do is decide whether you’d benefit from adding hobbies and interests to your resume. As we already mentioned, hobbies and interests can be a breath of fresh air for your resume, but only in certain circumstances.  

If you’re a professional with many years of work experience under your sleeve, your resume can do without a hobbies and interests section.

You already have a lot of professional achievements , relevant skills, and qualifications to make your resume a full one-pager, while adding a hobbies section would mean removing some other critical section from your resume.

On the other hand , if you’re a student with almost no work experience or skills, or if you’re applying to a startup or to a company that puts more emphasis on company culture, then you could definitely benefit from listing your hobbies and interests. 

The optimal length for a resume is one page.

If including a hobbies and interests section spills your resume over to the second page, that means that you can probably just skip including the section in the first place.

#2. Research the Company

So, you’ve decided it’s a good idea to include your hobbies and interests on your resume. But, which ones do you actually include? 

To make the best possible choice, start by researching the company. See if they have any specific work culture, work retreats, and what qualities would complement your role.

Here’s exactly where you should look: 

• The job ad. Read the job ad and identify the type of skills that they’re looking for.
• The company website and any employee profiles you can find there.
• Their social media accounts . Specifically, their LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. 

#3. Choose the Right Skills

Once you’ve done this, you should think about how specific skills or requirements may transfer to a hobby or interest and tailor yours to the job accordingly. 

You may have dozens of exciting hobbies and interests, but your resume isn’t the right place to list them all. Just to reiterate - you want your hobbies and interests to be as relevant as possible . 

So, for example, if the job ad mentions the company’s looking for someone who’s “outgoing” or a “great team player,” then any kind of sport is a good hobby to list on your resume. 

Meanwhile, anything that involves you sitting alone and being introverted (e.g. reading or knitting) is not very relevant. 

An alternative approach to choosing the right hobbies and interests is to use them to fill your skill gaps.

Let’s say that you’re an entry-level professional and you’re applying for your first job as an illustrator. Chances are, you lack some of the technical skills required for the job, simply due to your lack of professional experience. 

In such a case, choosing a hobby that proves you’ve got an eye for design and aesthetics can help your application. Anything art-related, including photography, painting, drawing, etc., will show the hiring manager that you’re passionate about this line of work. 

#4. Create a Separate Section (and Push It Down) 

By now you should have a clear idea of what hobbies and interests to add to your resume. 

The rest is fairly easy. 

Simply create a separate section titled “Hobbies and Interests,” and place it at the end of your resume . It’s crucial that this section doesn’t overshadow the more important parts of your resume, like your contact information, work experience, education , or even any volunteer work or internships you’ve completed. 

Ultimately, adding a “Hobbies and Interests” section at the end of your resume is a great way to wrap up your resume. 

It can help you make an impression that extends beyond the professional aspect and give the recruiter a little extra something to remember you by. 

Want to start your resume in a way that will grab the hiring manager’s attention? Learn how to write a resume summary with our guide! 

#5. List Up to Four Interests or Hobbies

Last but not least, it’s important to list the right amount of hobbies and interests on your resume. 

We recommend listing 4-6 total, at most. Anything less, and your hobbies section will look too empty. Anything more, and it’ll look like you’re just trying to fill in space.

Here are some additional tips you should always remember when you’re creating the “Hobbies and Interests” section of your resume: 

#1. Find out what you specifically enjoy about your hobbies 

People enjoy hobbies for different reasons. 

For example, someone might enjoy photography because they love being outdoors and capturing beautiful landscapes, while someone else might enjoy it because it gives them an opportunity to remember every place they visit or every person they meet. 

By identifying exactly what it is that you enjoy about your hobbies, it can be easier to describe them on your resume and talk about them genuinely in case the hiring manager asks about them during the job interview . 

#2. Be honest

Just like with everything else on your resume, you should be honest about the hobbies you list. 

Meaning, don’t lie about hobbies just because you think they sound cool, and don’t over-exaggerate something that can come back and bite you later on during the interview.

Just because you like to go on walks sometimes, doesn’t mean you’re “passionate about hiking” . Imagine the hiring manager’s also a hiking enthusiast and they ask you about the latest trail you hiked, but the only thing you can mention is how you enjoy taking a one-hour walk around your neighborhood daily to clear your mind. 

In such cases, it’s better to be honest and write this: 

• Physical exercise: exercising daily for 45 minutes by taking a walk in nature.

Instead of this: 

#3. Be specific 

The more specific you can be about your hobbies and interests, the higher the chances to stand out from other applicants and make an impression on the hiring manager. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

• Learning languages: studying and practicing some of the most-spoken languages in the world, such as Mandarin and French. 

#4. Keep these hobbies OUT of your resume

A very thin line separates unique from weird, and you want to make sure not to cross it. 

To be on the safe side, avoid listing hobbies and interests that might be considered weird or controversial, such as any of the following:

• Hobbies that signal antisocial behavior or activities.
• Hobbies and interests that could be misinterpreted, even if you meant them as a joke (e.g. partying like there’s no tomorrow). 
• Hobbies and interests that reveal personal information such as your political or religious views. 
• Hobbies that could be considered violent or dangerous (e.g. lighting things on fire). 
• Hobbies and interests with little or no interactivity. 

Looking for inspiration?

Here are several hobbies you can include, by category, based on your personality type.

Sports Interest and Hobby Examples

Generally speaking, there are two types of sports you can include on your resume - individual and team-oriented .

Depending on the sport, they either show you work well with others, or that you have the self-discipline and perseverance to work alone (or both!) 

Endurance sports (like jogging) show your drive and discipline.

Team sports (like football, basketball, etc.) show that you’re comfortable working with others.

Which one you might want to include depends on you and the job. Here are some sports hobbies you could list that will paint you in a positive light:

• Marathon running
• Mountain climbing

Most of these sports are outside and physical activities. They show that you’re comfortable with working with other people and that you have discipline. Therefore, they’re relevant for most job roles that require you to be communicative and self-driven.

Analytical Thinking Interest and Hobby Examples

What’s a thought hobby?

Anything that points to your creative skills and imagination. 

If you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of out-of-the-box thinking, you can list the following hobbies:

• Playing a musical instrument
• Photography
• Blog writing

These all point to your analytical thinking and that you’re a creative person.

Possibly more calm and self-composed, and also that you think before you speak.

These qualities can be relevant depending on the job.

Though, your interest section doesn’t necessarily have to consist only of sports. 

Social Interest and Hobby Examples

Social hobbies are a great way to show you directly work well with others. Nowadays, most jobs require you to be in contact with other people, in one way or another

To show you work well with others and you’re adept at communicating, you can include:

• Creating and organizing a book club
• Networking events
• Local meetups
• Volunteering at a charity center
• Public speaking
• Exploring other cultures
• Language classes

Social hobbies are great because you’re going to be interacting with other people in most jobs - so one way or another, they’re going to help. Even more so if the job is in a leadership position.

Unique Interest and Hobby Examples

Do you have a particularly unique hobby that not a lot of people are into?

This can work in your favor and help you stand out, as long as it’s still in the unique area and not in the weird one.

The HR manager shuffling through a stack of resumes can remember your unique hobby and come back to your resume later. Or they could even ask about you during the interview, so be prepared to talk about it.

Some unique hobbies that can speak about your character may include:

• Stand-up comedy
• Calligraphy

How do these hobbies help?

Archery implies you might be a precise and focused person. And yoga shows that you can be calm and don’t lose your cool in stressful situations.

Though, just how effective those hobbies will be in your resume may depend on the job.

But as long as it’s not too weird, a unique hobby can help you get your foot in the door and show that you’re not afraid of being different.

Looking for tips on writing a CV instead of a resume? We've got you covered! Head over to our in-depth guide explaining how to write a CV !

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about hobbies and interests on a resume? Check out the answers below:

1. Should hobbies and interests be on a resume?

If you have the extra space to list them, then yes, you should include hobbies and interests on your resume.

Hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates by shining more light into your personality and can also highlight skills you may have that employers seek, such as creativity, organization, problem-solving, etc.

2. What are some good hobbies and interests to put on my resume?

Some of the best hobbies or interests you can put on your resume are community involvement, writing, blogging, learning languages, photography, traveling, doing sports, reading, and art.

3. What are some hobbies and interests for a student resume?

Some hobbies and interests you can put on your resume as a student include creative writing, blogging, volunteering, learning a new language, and singing and/or playing an instrument.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about hobbies and interests on a resume!

Before you go and start applying what you learned to your own resume, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article: 

• Hobbies and interests can help shine a light on a candidate’s personality and get them to stand out from other applicants with similar work experience and skills. 
• Include hobbies and interests on your resume if you still have space after listing all the essential sections, if you have limited work experience and relevant skills, if the company specifically requires it, or if the company puts emphasis on its employees’ character traits. 
• Some of the best hobbies to add to your resume include community service, writing/blogging, learning languages, traveling, doing sports, and reading. 
• Before creating a separate section for your hobbies and interests, first make sure that your resume would benefit from them, then research the company, and choose the right skills that could complement your skills and qualifications. 
• Four things to remember when you’re compiling your hobbies and interests are, to be honest, be specific, and keep hobbies that may be considered weird or antisocial out of your resume. 

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• Interview /

What are your Hobbies? Best Interview Answer [with Samples]

• Updated on  
• Nov 24, 2023

“What are your hobbies?” is an interview question that is commonly asked across all job profiles. Your interview might also ask something like, “What are your favourite hobbies?”, “How would you describe your hobbies?” or “What do you like to do in your free time?”. So, you might have a list of hobbies ready but choosing the right hobbies and interests and answering them intelligently will help you impress the interviewer. Read this blog to know all about how to answer “What are your hobbies?”, example answers, how to write about your hobbies and more!

This Blog Includes:

What are your hobbies examples, what are your hobbies best answer, how to answer “what are your hobbies” for cabin crew interview, how to describe your hobbies, what the interviewer wants to know, interview preparation tips for questions related to hobbies/interests, what not to mention, how to talk about your hobbies if you don’t have any , how to write about your hobbies, what are your hobbies funny answers.

To help you with your answer of what are your hobbies, below we have mentioned some common hobbies and interests that you can involve in your answer- 

• Volunteering
• Painting/Sketching
• Photography
• Arts and crafts 
• Any sport like Cricket, Football, Basketball, etc.
• Cooking/ Baking
• Making your own DIY: Crafts, calligraphy, etc.
• Home Decor 
• Reading 
• Listening to a particular music genre like Rock, Pop, Indie, etc.
• Travelling and outdoor activities 
• Social work
• Gardening 
• Learning a new language 
• Playing music like guitar, violin, piano, etc.

Related Read: Introduction to Interview

Here are the best ‘What are your hobbies’ example answers:

“ My hobbies are reading books and working out. Along with this, I also like cooking. While researching the company, I got to know about the in-house gym. Having a gym in the workplace is a great idea as employees can get to know each other better on a casual level apart from their designated roles. “

“ I usually spend my leisure time reading books or playing badminton. I like reading new and trending novels and my favourite genres include suspense, horror and thriller novels. Being a voracious reader, I believe that I have a strong vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. My zeal for writing gets its flair from my passion for reading books.” 

“ I have a pet dog named Cookie and spending time with him is one of my favourite things to do. I also love to travel and I often plan trips with my family. But solo travelling gives me the bliss that I crave. Every year I look forward to exploring new places and catching up on some lifetime memories.” 

“ I like participating in volunteer activities especially teaching underprivileged kids. I have been associated with a few non-profit organisations since my college days and I like spending my weekends helping these NGOs with different activities from teaching to organising interesting games and activities to make learning fun for kids. ”

“ I like learning new skills and recently I have been interested in exploring different languages as they help me explore new cultures around the world. I started learning Spanish online and I have already cleared the beginner level. I generally spend my weekends focusing on exploring new Spanish words and watching Spanish movies to strengthen my grasp over the language. “

“I have played football since high school and I have also been the captain of my college team. I love playing football in my free time as it helps me unwind, and relax as well as boosts my creativity and analytical thinking skills.”

“My favourite hobby is travelling because I love discovering new cities and places around the world. I often save up for months to plan a trip every year. I love friends’ trips and family outings but solo travelling brings me the real adventure and thrill to venture into new places all by myself.”

“I like spending time in nature and capturing all the wonderful moments of beauty with my camera. I have been doing nature photography since I was in school and is the best hobby I think I am truly proud of.”

“My best hobby is meditating and spending my free time at meditation retreats. I think it has really helped me understand my mind and its complexities and in ensuring a better mental wellbeing.”

“Composing music and songwriting has been my favourite pastime since I was in high school. I have my own garage band with a few of my high school classmates and we spend our free weekends and holidays composing new tunes and performing at open clubs.”

To answer the “What are your hobbies” question for the cabin crew interview, you must mention hobbies and interests that align with this job like volunteering (helping people), playing sports (teamwork), leading a certain club (leadership qualities), and similar hobbies.

Finding the best answer to “What are your hobbies?” can be difficult because you need to consider a plethora of things before answering this question. Firstly you must always mention hobbies of interest, which might not just include popular hobbies like reading and watching Netflix but go beyond that like playing a particular sport or collecting certain things like stamps, coins and so on.

Here is how to answer “What are your hobbies?”:

• Tell your hobbies with passion! Mention your favourite interests or pastimes with zeal and then add an anecdote or backstory to make it interesting.
• Hobbies can be the key to your personality One of the important reasons why an interviewer asks you about your hobbies is to know you better and where your innate interests lie. This can represent your personality so choose the hobby wisely.
• Keep your explanation short and crisp While talking about your hobby, make sure that you keep it short and concise. For instance, your hobby is reading, after mentioning the same, add any recent book you have read or how you got interested in reading by putting a backstory to it. This will spark the interviewer’s interest in your profile.
• Connect your hobbies with your job This is another golden brownie point you can earn by connecting your interests with your career. For example, as a business development manager, you like volunteering, mention how volunteering with different NGOs has improved your interpersonal skills, helped you learn about people of various backgrounds and further keeps you on your feet.
• Explain how your hobbies make you a better person While hobbies are more connected with rejuvenating and unwinding, you can always mention how a certain hobby adds to a particular skill in your life. For instance, reading can help you become a better writer and storyteller while playing sports teaches us about teamwork, the importance of fitness and so on.
• Don’t mention anything political or controversial This is a big no for answering “What are your hobbies?” as political opinions are often different amongst people and organisations while anything controversial can further leave a bad impression on the interviewer. So, stay away from adding any political interests or controversial hobbies.
• Never say you have no hobbies Saying that you have no hobbies will also leave a bad impression on your interviewer. Instead, you can mention something you are learning during that point of time or anything interest that you have got inclined to, from learning something as simple as cooking to watching psychological thrillers, you can mention even the simplest of interests with a striking story.

When an interviewer asks you the question “What are your hobbies?”, it actually means that you have sparked their interest and they want to know more about you as a well-rounded individual that aligns with their company culture. Here are the key things an interview really wants to know and assess when asking about your hobbies and interests:

• To know what you are passionate about and your interests in other things outside of work.
• How do your interests and hobbies align with your work responsibilities;
• How you spend your pastime, whether on the same day-to-day activities learning something new or doing something creative.
• To discern a little bit about your personal life and the person you are outside of the work responsibilities.

Also Read: Essay on My Hobby for Students and Professionals

Let’s begin with discussing the best tips and tricks you can use while formulating your answer to the questions related to “What are your hobbies?” 

Ponder Upon your Skills or Qualities

Before you begin drafting your answer to “What are your hobbies?”, sit down and contemplate what excites you the most, what are your interests, and what do you like doing the most in your free time? Answering such questions will enable you to identify your hobbies, likes and dislikes.

Elaborate why you Like Pursuing a Particular Hobby

Give potential reasons for every interest or activity you mention for the question “What are your Hobbies?”. Connect a hobby to your childhood or elaborate on how you got interested in the particular activity and how it helps you blow off steam and enjoy your free time.

Judiciously Choose Your Hobbies

You might find interest in many activities that are unrelated to work but you must mention them wisely in a personal interview . The question ‘What are your hobbies?’ is generally put forward to lighten up the atmosphere but whilst answering it, you should not forget to keep it professional. Hence, you must carefully select your hobbies like travelling, any sport you like to play, reading, cooking, volunteering etc.

Related Read: MBA Interview Questions and Answers

Highlight Work-life Balance

Whichever role you are applying for, you can easily find some points to relate to your current profile or the job you are interviewing for. Through this, you can easily build a connection between your skills, interests and hobbies. For example, If you are interviewing for a position of content writer, you can describe how you love reading books which have also helped boost your vocabulary and made you interested in creative writing . 

No matter how well prepared we are, the choice of words also plays a key role in an interview. Hence, you must equally focus on what to say and what not to say . Take a look at the following tips while answering ‘What are your hobbies?’-

• Avoid mentioning any controversial hobby.
• Do not explain too much about your personal life. Keep your answer concise and crisp.
• Make sure that the hobbies you speak about work in your favour and do not go against the job responsibilities.
• Never say ‘no’ as an answer as it can make a negative impression on the interviewer thus influencing their decision.

Related Read: Most Common Hobbies Vocabulary IELTS

Some of the candidates get bewildered by this question especially when they do not have a hobby. In such cases, instead of panicking and awkwardly saying no as an answer, you should take your time and anticipate what you enjoy doing in your daily schedule. The interviewer basically wants to know what you enjoy doing and it would be simply anything that you like. During the time of the interview, you may be judged by your ability to answer the question rather than analysing what you like to do in your free time, thus, one shall never state no as an answer. 

You may not be able to put something under the category of ‘hobby’ but there will be something that you enjoy doing apart from your daily tasks. It can be anything as simple as gardening, taking your pet for a walk, writing a journal, etc. Introspect and try thinking of something that gives you peace and happiness during the day. We are sure you will be able to gauge what you have been looking for. 

Hobbies are often enlisted in a resume/CV and you can create a special section on Hobbies and Interests in your resume for the same. You can list up to 5-7 hobbies in your resume and even more, but wisely. Don’t mention very generic hobbies like listening to music or watching TV but go specific like what type of music you love or the type of TV shows and series you are interested in.

Now that we know the serious things to mention in the interview question for ‘What are your hobbies’, here are some fun answers and memes you shouldn’t take seriously!

Hopefully, this blog about how to answer ‘What are your hobbies?’ has given you ample information to draft your unique answer. Need help with crafting an impressive resume? Sign up for an e-meeting with our Leverage Edu experts and we will help you in resume restructuring and profiling and get you successfully selected for your dream job . 

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wonderful explanation….many people get confused on what to answer this question on hobbies

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How to Answer “What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?” (Example Answers Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

What are your hobbies and interests? Seems like a strange question for an interview, right? After all, what do your hobbies and interest have to do with your career? Well, they can actually have a lot to do with it, depending on what they are.

So, are you ready to learn more about the wild world of interests and hobbies, including which interests and hobbies to put on a resume, discuss during an interview, and more? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

Hobbies, Interests, and Your Job Search

Alright, it might not seem like hobbies, interests, and your job search have a ton in common. The thing is, they can, particularly if you frame the situation the right way.

First, let’s take a moment and talk about what a hobby or interest even is. So, what are hobbies? Well, the definition from the folks at Merriam-Webster says, “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” While that might be a little nondescript, it’s nonetheless accurate.

As for interests, in this context, it usually references – according to Collins Dictionary – something “you want to learn or hear more about.” Again, a bit vague but apt. It is a subject or pursuit you enjoy, typically to the point that you willingly and enthusiastically spend personal time diving into it.

Alright, but how does all of this matter to a job search? Well, your hobbies might showcase your creativity, your ability to work as part of a team, or a specific skill that you acquired through non-traditional means. With interests, you can showcase a passion for a topic and a willingness to learn on your own. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Why does being able to showcase additional skills and traits matter? Well, no matter where you are in your career, they could help you separate yourself from the pack and land the job you have your eye on; that’s why.

Here’s something to consider; entry-level jobs were down 68 percent during the pandemic. That meant most recent grads were facing stiff competition for a limited number of openings. Couple that with skyrocketing unemployment, and finding any advantage could be a must.

Even seasoned professionals can benefit from looking beyond their traditional job-earned skills. Of companies that screen candidate social media accounts, 31 percent were specifically looking at whether the job seeker seemed well-rounded, including having a wide variety of interests. While that was social media-specific, it shows the potential value of showcasing knowledge and passions outside of your professional life.

Plus, the hobbies and interests you choose could demonstrate that you’re a great culture fit. Since many hiring managers take that into consideration, highlighting activities that align with the company’s mission, values, or vibe can work in your favor.

Ultimately, by highlighting the right hobbies or interests, you might be able to differentiate yourself from the pack. Yes, they are that powerful, but only when properly leveraged. And how do you do that? Don’t worry; we’ll get into that here in a moment.

List of Hobbies / List of Interests

Okay, before we dig into why hiring managers ask this question and how to tackle it properly, it’s helpful to see a list of hobbies and a list of interests that could potentially be relevant to your job search. That way, you can focus on the right areas when it comes time to prepare a response.

So, without any ado, here are those lists.

List of Hobbies

• Volunteering
• Team Sports

List of Interests

• World Cultures
• Foreign Languages

Why Does the Hiring Manager Ask This Question?

Generally speaking, the hiring manager asks you, “what are your hobbies” or “what are your interests” for a few reasons. One of the biggest is to see if you’re a well-rounded person.

Hobbies and interests suggest a full life that isn’t entirely dominated by your career. Plus, there’s a good chance you use them as a form of stress management, which may mean you’re better equipped to handle challenges that occur in all parts of your life.

Second, the hiring manager wants to know about your hobby or interests because you likely gained some transferable skills along the way. Both hard and soft skills can be earned through these kinds of activities and pursuits of knowledge, so the hiring manager is trying to figure out if you’ve picked any potentially valuable capabilities or understandings.

Finally, learning about your interests and hobbies lets the hiring manager assess your culture fit. For example, if a company values wellness, they may appreciate your dedication to fitness as it makes you look like a better match for the culture.

Ultimately, the hiring manager has to look at more than your technical capabilities to figure out if you’re right for the role. By asking about your hobbies and interests, that gets a bit easier.

Remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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Common Mistakes When Answering This Question

Alright, when it comes time to prep an answer to this interview question, it’s critical that you avoid certain mistakes. For example, lying about your hobbies or interests is a biggie. Why? Because, eventually, the truth will probably come out. Not only can dishonesty be a huge red flag, but it can also cost you the job.

Second, talking about hobbies or interests that aren’t professional isn’t a smart move. Similarly, anything related to taboo, controversial, or illegal undertakings shouldn’t come up on your resume or during your interview.

Additionally, avoiding specifics isn’t ideal. If you’re overly vague, it may come across as disingenuous. Ideally, you want to exude enthusiasm for what you do, and adding some details can help you do that.

On a final note, it’s also best to avoid hobby or interest overload. While mentioning a few is fine, even if they are usually good interests or hobbies to put on a resume, it’s better to limit yourself to no more than a handful, preferably just three or so.

Tips for Answering This Question

Now that you have some ideas about which hobbies and interests to put on a resume or talk about during an interview, let’s take a moment to discuss how to create a quality answer to the interview question. If you want to make sure your response is on point, here are some outstanding tips that can help.

Focus on Relevance

As with every part of your job search experience, when you’re choosing interests or hobbies for a resume or interview answer, relevance is the key. You should only discuss an activity or knowledge area that provides the hiring manager with some level of value.

Now, this doesn’t mean you’re stuck with only relevant hard skills . Soft skills are essential, too, along with culture fit. If one of your examples hits at least one of those areas in a way that matters to the hiring manager, you should be in good shape.

How do you figure out which hobbies and interests hit the mark? By doing some research. Review the position description to learn about must-have skills and traits. Take a deep dive into the company’s website to explore its mission and values. Head over to the company’s social media accounts to glean insights about its culture. Those are all great ways to find out more about what the hiring manager is trying to find, ensuring you include the best hobbies and interests to show you’re a match.

2. But Be Genuine

As mentioned above, being passionate about the hobby or interest is crucial. Don’t say that you love an activity or subject if you don’t just because you think it’ll help you get on the hiring manager’s good side. Instead, talk about something that really matters to you.

Enthusiasm is an important part of the equation. It’s better to say what your hobbies and interests are – and briefly explain why you adore them so much – in an authentic manner. That way, your answer feels real.

Plus, the hiring manager may only be concerned with whether you’re well-rounded, not whether the activity gave you a work-related skill. That means that the hobby or interest you discuss doesn’t matter as much as having one in the first place.

3. Be Concise

While you do want to add enough detail to showcase the relevance of the hobby or interest, as well as your passion for it, it’s still important to be concise. When we talk about stuff we adore, it’s easy to get carried away; that’s just a fact.

Create an answer that about three to five sentences long. That way, you can fit in a few details without digging too deep. Then, practice it so that you really have it down.

And, when your interview arrives, resist the urge to extrapolate. Keep your answer brief. If the hiring manager wants to know more, they’ll ask follow-up questions – giving you room to expand – so keep that in mind.

How to Answer the Interview Question “What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?”

When it comes time to answer the “what are your hobbies and interests?” you want to have a compelling response ready to share. How do you prep an answer that’s informative and engaging? Well, by using the Tailoring Method , of course.

With the Tailoring Method, it’s all about relevance and creating a great narrative. By using that approach, your responses will be meaningful in relation to the role, ensuring you can showcase your potential value as an employee.

So, what does it look like when you put the Tailoring Method, and the other tips above into action? Why don’t we show you? Here are the great examples of how to answer “what are your interests and hobbies,” with one showcasing a hard skill , one showcasing a soft skill , and one focused on culture fit .

1. Hard Skill

Usually, you’ll want to focus on a hard skill you learned through a hobby when the capability is relevant to the role, and you don’t have any on-the-job experience with it. It’s an approach that lets you highlight how you earned the capability, effectively covering what may otherwise look like a gap.

Here is an answer that focuses on hard skills.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“When it comes to hobbies, photography is the most significant one in my life. Not only has it taught me a lot about composition, but it also created an opportunity to hone my photo editing skills. It is the photo editing aspect of this role that really caught my attention. Turning images into something spectacular is one of my passions, and I believe that my experience with my own photography has given me the necessary capabilities to thrive.”

2. Soft Skill

In most cases, soft skills are highly transferable. Plus, they can be crucial for success, giving you the ability to navigate complex situations at work with greater ease and work better with others, regardless of whether you always see eye-to-eye.

Here is a response to this interview question that concentrates on soft skills.

“When it comes to interests and hobbies, I would have to say my volunteer work is the most important thing in my life in that regard. Every month, I spend time volunteering at my area foodbank. Not only has this given me the opportunity to support my community, but I’ve also learned valuable skills along the way. I’ve had opportunities to lead projects, connect with people in need, and become part of a dedicated team that shares common goals. The experience is invaluable, and I look forward to my time there greatly.”

3. Culture Fit

With a culture fit answer, you want to align how a hobby or interest connects to one of the companies values or workplace vibe. It’s all about showcasing how you’re on the same page and that you’d mesh quickly with the company’s culture.

Here is an answer to this critical interview question that addresses culture fit.

“One of my biggest hobbies and interests is meditation. I noticed in your company values that employee wellness is a priority. Through meditation, I find that I am better equipped to offer myself self-care. It also keeps me centered and focused, even during high-stress times. Your dedication to wellness is one of the reasons I applied to the position, as I feel the company’s values align with my own.”

Other Places Hobbies / Interests Are Important

Alright, so now you should have a solid idea about how to tackle the interview question. But what about interest and hobbies to put on a resume? Where do they go?

Well, one of the simplest things to do is to add a “Hobbies and Interests” section to your resume . If you go that route, you can list a few choice hobbies or interests in a spot that’s just for them.

Just make sure you do more than listing the activity by itself. Instead, include a few extra words that highlight why it’s relevant to the role, like the skills it helped you acquire, or at least give a bit of context.

However, your resume isn’t the only option. You can also discuss hobbies and interests in your cover letter . If you need a bit of extra space to showcase why a particular one is relevant, your cover letter could be the perfect spot for that.

Putting It All Together

In the end, hobbies and interests can come up during your job search. Use the tips above to make sure you showcase the right ones at the proper time, including during your interview, on your resume, and even in your cover letter. That way, they can help you come across as appropriately skilled, well-rounded, a great culture fit, and, ultimately, the best candidate for the job.

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Personal Statement: Extra-Curricular Activities

Introduction.

When thinking about extra-curricular activities it is sometimes difficult to decide what to include and what not to in your personal statement. There are many things you can talk about.   Volunteering, Schemes and Hobbies. These are the three main categories that you want to include. 

• Volunteering – experiences such as volunteering in a care home, hospice or with charities are great to mention. This can help to demonstrate your commitment to a caring role, especially if you have undertaken this volunteering over a long period of time. Remember to think about what your learnt, as your reflection is what the examiner is often looking for.
• Schemes – such as Young Enterprise. This experience will have provided you with some great skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Think about what you learnt while completing such a scheme, as well as why these skills are essential for doctors to have. 
• Hobbies – Sports and music are great examples here. Think about why you enjoy doing a particular sport of musical instrument for example. Also think about why it is important to have a good work-life balance when studying at university. 

How do I talk about my extracurricular activities? 

Try to link your activities to skills that you have learnt through them, and then on to why you ultimately want to study medicine, and how this will help you. This shows insight and maturity of thought.  

There is more to university than just medicine , and medical schools do want to hear about that aspect of you too. It is really important that you show you do more than just produce good grades. Extracurricular activities is a great way of showing that you do more than just study, so make sure to include it. Some universities even penalise you for not including any information about your extracurriculars. 

Be enthusiastic in your tone, – similarly to your introduction you want to make sure that you have an enthusiastic tone in your writing, however remember it is an academic piece of writing. Therefore, try to avoid talking about things such as watching TV, instead think about sports and other extracurricular activities you do. 

Worked Examples

We wanted to show you a bad and good example of what you can write. These are generic examples, but please do make your own. Remember medical schools want to hear about your unique experiences and what you have learnt. Also they may ask you about it at interview, so be sure to be truthful with your examples. 

“I have a grade 2 piano, and I like playing football every week.”

This is a bad example because the student has just listed what they have done/do. This doesn’t show what you have learnt from your extracurriculars or why you enjoy them. Instead try to focus on one and explain it in more detail.

“I have a passion for creative projects, so being part of a Young Enterprise company enabled me to nurture my skills and explore the world of business. I learnt invaluable lessons on teamwork and leadership. This has also helped completement my role as Captain of the School Football Team.”

This example is much more interesting and you have told the reader much more detail. The reflection on what you have learnt with regards to skills is what they are looking for. You could further add a specific example about your project for a more indepth answer. Do remember the character count, so you may not be able to do this. You can always go into more detail in your interview if asked about this.

Hopefully this helped  guide you as to what to and what not to include, as well as how to write about your extracurricular activities in an interesting way. It is always important to remember that many medical schools mark your personal statements, just like an essay, and this can help to decide which applicants are shortlisted for an interview. It is likely extra-curricular activities on this shortlist, therefore mentioning these is very important.  

Frequently Asked Question

→what kind of extra-curricular activities should be included in a personal statement.

Extra-curricular activities that should be included in a personal statement include activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and community involvement. These can include volunteering, sports teams, clubs, student government, or other leadership positions.

→How should extra-curricular activities be presented in a personal statement?

Extra-curricular activities should be presented in a way that highlights the skills and qualities that they have developed through participation. Candidates should provide specific examples and describe their impact on the activity or organization.

→What are some tips for including extra-curricular activities in a personal statement?

Some tips for including extra-curricular activities in a personal statement include choosing activities that are relevant to the program or field, emphasizing leadership and teamwork skills, providing specific examples and achievements, and showing the impact that the activities have had on the candidate’s personal and professional development.

→Why is it important to include extra-curricular activities in a personal statement?

Including extra-curricular activities in a personal statement can help to demonstrate a candidate’s skills, interests, and personal qualities. It can also show that they are well-rounded and have experiences beyond their academic studies.

→What are good extracurricular activities for a medicine personal statement?

You don’t need to showcase medically-related activities in your personal statement! Admissions tutors are looking for you to demonstrate how you have contributed to these activities and how you can relate it back to skills needed as a doctor and how it has strengthened these. They are also looking for skills that you can show that will enable you to take on the challenges of studying medicine.

→How to write extra curricular activities in SOP?

By following our advice above, you should have a good idea about how to write about extracurricular activities in your personal statement. Just remember to continue to link it back to skills that you have demonstrated and not just writing a statement. Reflection is a great way to show that you are able to learn from your experiences.

Was this article helpful?

Still got a question leave a comment, leave a comment, cancel reply, 366 comments, iqra medic mind tutor 28 february 2022.

Thanks this is very helpful. Now i can write about my extracurricular, which is semi classical dancing.

Ebune Franck Medic Mind Tutor 29 June 2022

Thanks a lot I was very helpful 🙂

• Personal Statement: Conclusion
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• 22 Best Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Put on a Resume (5+ Tips)

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You’ve climbed Mount Everest, volunteer at the dog shelter on the weekends and have a mint condition comic book collection, the question is: do you let an employer know? Or more importantly, does the employer care?

Many employers are for including a hobby or two on your resume, reasons being to show the personal side of a candidate and to use it as a conversation topic in an interview.

Hobbies and interests can give your resume a personality the employer can relate to, a feeling on who you may be.

That said, when writing a resume that will land an interview, would someone looking at it be impressed by what your hobbies or interests are? Is it relevant in any way to the position you’re applying for?

If the answer is no, then you might be better leaving this section off.

Sorry to break it guys, no recruiter is going to hire you over someone else because you like travel or fishing.

This isn’t a Facebook profile; your resume is a document that tells the employer why you’re a good match for the Job.

WHY SHOULD YOU INCLUDE HOBBIES & INTERESTS IN YOUR RESUME?

Employers spend approximately 3 minutes and 14 seconds looking at your resume, with 1 out of every 5 recruiters making up their mind about you in 60 seconds.

Your resume should, therefore, give the employer a concrete description of who you are and express your capabilities in under 3 ½ minutes.

A two year longitudinal study of 120 hiring managers conducted by North Western University’s Kellogg School of Management Studies , showed that approximately 51.2% of employers selected suitable candidates based on their hobbies and interests.

An article by The Guardian could not describe it better that personal interests and hobbies are used to demonstrate how fit you are for the advertised position.

For these and many other reasons we’ll see below, it is essential to carefully analyze the hobbies you need to include in your resume.

Of course this depends on the job opportunity you are applying for.

Each hobby you add is a window into your character, and you should be sure that it directs light towards desired attributes.

In this article we’ll discuss how you how you can craft your resume to stand out among hundreds, probably thousands of resumes sent for each job vacancy.

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR?

When deciding what to include as your hobbies, it is imperative to understand what your employers are looking for.

According to an article published by Forbes , the Job Outlook 2012 report, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), cited the following as the most important skills employers look out for every time they receive a resume from a prospective employee.

Ability to be a Team Player

Potential employers want an assurance that you can work with other employees, share, and listen to their ideas, especially when handling group projects.

Being a team player also means that you should be willing to put the company’s and other people’s interests ahead of your own without expecting favors in return.

Ability to Communicate Both Inside and Outside the Organization

Employers want an effective communicator that can deliver concrete messages clearly, and also motivate and convince colleagues, juniors, and seniors in the workplace.

Excellent communication skills are also vital when talking to clients, and convincing them to approach the company for business.

Decision Making and Problem Solving Skills

Eventually, problems arise, and your reaction to each challenge could save or ruin the company.

Effective and efficient solutions are necessary during a crisis to prevent and also mitigate damage.

Making right decisions in the absence of supervision exhibits leadership skills and is a door to promotions and rewards.

Ability to Obtain Information and Process It

As a new employee, you are required to quickly integrate into the company system, with as little guidance as possible to avoid being a liability.

It is your responsibility to gather information if it is not handed to you, and use it to find your way, or produce constant output.

Ability to Plan Well

Depending on the rank of employment you are applying for, a secretary may not be provided. This means that the responsibility to file your work, organize it, and prioritize it based on size and dates due.

Without an efficient planning system or culture in place, it is easy to fall behind on all deadlines and lose trust from your seniors.

Ability to Actively Hone Your Skills

The ability to identify talent and hone it into something great is a plus because it portrays your ability to develop skills and efficiency during employment.

In the long run, you can become a valuable asset to the company.

Having a hobby, particularly one that motivates endurance, and also requires dedication shows passion.

Employers are looking for employees that are passionate about their jobs, to create value within them, and ensure that they can depend on them to keep pushing without supervision.

Well Rounded

By including hobbies in your resume, you demonstrate that there is more to you than just work. This is important as it presents you as an all rounded individual.

Maintaining a work-life balance shows your ability to juggle different aspects in life, and also shows that you value resting periods to keep you competitive and productive at work.

WHAT HOBBIES & INTERESTS SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR RESUME?

Your resume should be tailor-made to fit every job you are applying for. Instead of copying previous resumes, consider the job qualification expected, and include hobbies that display skills and personalities the employers may be looking for.

For example, Google is known to hire open and playful employees because, besides their educational qualifications, they would like to hire people that integrate into their culture.

However, according to the undercover recruiter , 50% of recruiters reject resumes due to clichés.

This means that your hobbies and interests should reflect the skills employers are looking for, without seeming obvious and boring.

According to the Business Insider , the following are hobbies and interests worth considering each of them is suitable for different job postings.

Practicing yoga demonstrates an ability to remain calm and maintain control in all situations. It also shows a mastery of self and a deeper understanding of a person’s emotions.

Jobs such as PR (Public Relations Management) and advertising require control of emotions due to many inter-human interactions.

Work that also involves service delivery in hotels requires a mastery of emotions to avoid frustrating clients.

For example, a manager in a restaurant has to remain calm when addressing rude customers. If your job involves high human interactions, yoga is an excellent addition to your list.

Strategic Games

An interest in games like chess demonstrates that you enjoy thinking strategically.

This type of strength is desirable for positions where policy development and strategy formulation are key.

Video Production

Adding skills such as video production demonstrates your abilities and familiarity with equipment used during video production, journalism, and broadcasting.

Video production may also come in handy when applying for job opportunities in newspaper and magazine production companies since you show a broader understanding of activities within the journalism industry.

Extreme Sport

Participating in extreme sports such as skydiving, or racing mountain bikes shows that you have an adventurous spirit, and also dare to take on the unknown.

These traits are essential for employees hoping to take up leadership positions because they are willing to go beyond expectations and face their challenges head-on.

Bloggers are free thinkers, expressive, and good communicators. An excellent blog is a great addition to your list of hobbies and interest when applying for marketing, and writing opportunities. However, blogging also goes beyond necessary writing skills.

The ability to share positive thoughts through well-structured language, and stand up to ridicule is also a leadership quality.

If your blog contributes to providing information into the industry in which the job lies, include it in your list for the employers to see your understanding of the job required.

Bloggers are free thinkers, expressive, and good communicators. An excellent blog is a great addition to your list of hobbies and interest when applying for marketing, and writing opportunities. However, blogging also goes beyond necessary writing and  photo-editing skills .

Musical Talents

Playing musical instruments, and performing as a singer requires attention to tones, and patience when learning.

Good music requires discipline and dedication, and if you are qualified to list musical skills in your resume, they may draw the attention of potential employers.

Musical talents go beyond the performance industry. For example, performing before a crowd without stuttering or choking shows confidence.

Volunteering

If you enjoy volunteering towards charitable work and helping out others, include it in your resume. Volunteering to help others exhibits self-drive, and also shows the compassionate side of you.

It also demonstrates an ability to initiate action without supervision and not expecting special rewards in the end.

An employer will be interested in a volunteer if he/she feels that he or she places the company’s needs before personal gain.

Some voluntary activities also offer opportunities to learn essential business skills and technical skills that may give you an advantage over other applicants.

Photography

Excellent photographers have an eye for details, excellent photo opportunities and also pay attention to details.

The art of holding the camera, allowing enough exposure and producing breathtaking images is a skill learned over time.

Including photography in your list of hobbies and interests shows that you are keen, observant and also patient.

Apart from being a useful addition when applying for a job in journalism and video production, photography is helpful in any other fields that require a keen and sharp eye.

According to statistics from the Pew Research Center,  5% of Americans participate in hobbies related to the environment such as outdoor and naturalist activities and gardening .

Practicing gardening shows that you are conversant with plants, and nature, and are willing to participate in events geared towards environmental conservation and sustainability.

If you are applying for jobs that call for environmental preservation, gardening is an excellent addition.

Captain of a Team Sport

Leadership goes beyond offices and is also demonstrated in the field during sports. Being a team captain in high-adrenaline environments shows that you are calm, decisive, intuitive, and even understanding.

When applying for leadership roles, including other leadership positions you hold in sports may go a long way in improving your chances of landing an interview.

Captains are not only leaders, but they are also team players and are also capable of coming up with effective and efficient solutions in case of an emergency.

Tech Hobbies

According to an article by the Oxford Royale Academy , hobbies such as programming and coding, or practicing digital marketing through Google Analytics data, are a great addition to jobs that require technical expertise.

On the other hand, tech hobbies are introverted and are therefore an advantage in jobs that require introverts.

Puzzles and Chess

If you are applying for a job that requires analytical and critical thinking, then filling in crossword puzzles and playing chess are great ways of boosting your brain’ s capacity.

Games such as chess improve intelligent strategizing and are therefore useful for jobs that require such skills. The games are also introverted and are great for employers looking to employee critical thinkers who appreciate their space.

Drawing and painting are excellent additions when applying for jobs that require artistic creativity.

For example, if you are a graphic designer, apart from mastering graphic design programs, you need a natural artistic skill to generate ideas for clients, and organize images to create impressive layouts.

Exploring different places, and having an ability to appreciate different cultures is easily demonstrated through traveling.

Travelling also gives you exposure and tips for surviving and enjoying different states across the globe.

If you are applying for a travel agent job, you have a higher chance of being employed if you are conversant with traveling regulations, and have tips that you can offer to clients.

A survey conducted by Cint on the distribution of Hobbies and Interests among people in France in 2016 -2017 showed that 9.67% of the respondents took up cooking as a hobby.

Specific jobs may give you an advantage if you enjoy cooking.

For example, chefs, and cook-TV show hosts should enjoy being around the kitchen and trying new recipes. If your job description falls in line with cooking skills, you can include cooking, and give specific details to get an advantage.

Some companies, mainly IT-based companies use gaming as a team-building activity.

When applying for IT industry jobs, including gaming, especially multi-player gaming may come in handy.

High Risk Pursuits

Activities such as skydiving show that you are happy to push boundaries and take risks. These strengths are desirable for people going into product leadership roles.

Fantasy Football

While gambling is often dismissed as a vice, it may be useful when done for pleasure.

Some businesses such as banking and venture capitalism require skills in gambling, and would, therefore, present significant opportunities for smart gamblers.

Stamp Collecting

Though old, and perhaps harder right now, stamp collecting is an excellent addition for people interested in antiques and history.

It also displays a natural effort to preserve history for future generations to see. For example, if you are applying for a museum guide position, including stamp collecting in your list of hobbies is a big plus!

Bird Watching

Positions such as wildlife conservation manager require individuals that are naturally enthusiastic about animal behavior and preservation of their natural habitats.

Bird watchers enjoy the silent outdoors and are very patient.

Research shows that participants with science related hobbies, such as bird watching, are active science news consumers and are likely to participate in science related-activities (42%).

Clubs/ Organizations

You could also include any clubs or associations you are active in.

For example, the Rotary, The Red Cross Community, a golf club or a book club.

Participating in club activities shows that you have top notch human interaction skills, and are also a team player.

If you choose to include reading in your list of hobbies, remember to keep it detailed because many people can read. Explain what you enjoy reading to give the employers an opportunity to question you about it.

What Hobbies and Interests should I Include in my resume?

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN INCLUDING A HOBBY & INTERESTS LIST

While it is essential to have an impressive resume, lying about your skills and interests could give your employer the wrong impression.

You may be asked to perform tasks you do not understand based on everything you listed as a hobby.

Avoid embarrassing yourself, or become untrustworthy by not lying on your resume.

Pick hobbies that have relevant skills

It is possible to enjoy doing over ten things, but not have them on your resume. Your hobbies and interests should demonstrate skills that are essential in your job.

For example, an IT expert should include tech hobbies, rather than showcasing how good of a cook they are!

Avoid political and religious inclinations

Remember that your employer may not agree with your political and religious beliefs. Your hobbies should be free from any political or religious bias that could irk, or insult your potential employer.

Provide details

Instead of saying that you simply enjoy traveling, give a summary of some of the places you have traveled to.

If you enjoy blogging, mention some of the topics you enjoy writing about, any websites you may have and awards you may have received during your writing journey.

Keep the List Short but adequate

Remember that the Hobbies and Interests section is an addition.

Do not make it the main subject of your resume, and end up boring the employer.

Research the Company to Understand Their Work Culture

Remember that each hobby you include should be a stepping stone towards integrating with the company culture.

For Example, hobbies that require social interactions should not be used in introverted companies.

An article published by the CNBC revealed a study conducted by Top Resume among 379 recruiters to find the biggest resume deal breakers you should avoid.

However, that being said, if the the job you’re applying for is known for being a religious organization or a part of a political side, then you’ll want to include a hobby that exemplifies this.  For example, say you’re applying to a weapons company.  Then it would behoove you to include something that shows your interests in gun s as a hobby.

WHERE SHOULD YOU PLACE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?

As stated earlier, all hobbies are an addition to the initial qualifications every employer advertises. Therefore, they should be placed last.

However, remember to keep the list as interesting as possible.

Sometimes, a good list of hobbies may be the key to getting your dream Job .

BOTTOM LINE

Including your hobbies and interests in your resume will help potential employers relate to you, and also evaluate your character before the actual job interview.

The list also creates an opportunity for a conversation during the interview and gives you an advantage over other applicants.

By providing a list of interests, employers can also integrate you into company activities such as sports activities, and improve recognition among your colleagues.

Ensure that all the hobbies you include are relevant to your job to increase your chances of getting employed.

Also, keep your list honest, detailed and as brief as possible for the employers to read through quickly.

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What’s a personal statement for college.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

As you complete your college applications, whether it’s through the Common App or by individually applying, you’ll likely come across prompts in the application that ask you to write about yourself. Think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committees of the schools you’re applying to in a different way than the insights recommendations and your transcript can provide.

Sometimes called an admissions or application essay, a personal statement, or a statement of purpose, what’s typically being asked for is information about your background, experiences, accomplishments, future goals, and any challenges or obstacles you may have had to overcome. Because of that, when it comes to any personal statements you write for college applications, the aim is usually to showcase your personality, interests, and character in a compelling and authentic way.

Keep reading for more information about personal statements, the prompts to expect, and some tips for mastering this part of a college application.

When will you have to write a personal statement during the college application process?

Many college applications require a personal statement of some kind. For applications submitted through the Common App, a personal statement is a required component for nearly all colleges and universities that use the platform. The Common App allows students to write one comprehensive essay that’s sent to all colleges they’re applying to through the system. This means you’ll write just one personal statement, which will be part of every college application you submit through the Common App. Some colleges might ask for additional shorter essays, known as supplemental essays, on top of this, so be prepared for those asks.

Many scholarship applications also require at least one personal statement or essay as part of the application process. Like college applications, scholarship personal statements provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their qualifications, experiences, and personal motivations. A personal statement for a scholarship application often serves as a way for applicants to demonstrate their merit, express their career and educational goals, and explain how they’d benefit from and contribute to a scholarship program.

How can your personal statement impact your college applications?

Your personal statement can have a significant impact on your college applications in several ways:

• Demonstrating your character and personality: Your personal statement offers admission committees insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It can showcase your values, motivations, and unique qualities, helping to paint a more comprehensive picture of you as a prospective student.
• Highlighting your achievements and experiences: It allows you to discuss your academic accomplishments, extracurriculars, and any challenges you’ve overcome. This can demonstrate your potential for success and your ability to contribute to a campus community.
• Conveying your passion and commitment to a particular school: A personal statement allows you to articulate your academic and career goals and connect them to your reasons for applying to a specific college or program. Admissions committees are looking for students who are genuinely interested in and committed to their educational and personal growth, along with being excited to attend their school.
• Setting you apart from other applicants: A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out among applicants with similar academic credentials. It allows you to showcase what makes you unique.
• Addressing any weaknesses or challenges: If any aspects of your application may raise concerns to the admissions committees, such as a lower grade point average (GPA) in a particular semester, your personal statement can allow you to provide context and explain any extenuating circumstances. This can help mitigate potential red flags in your application.

How do you know what topic to write about in your personal statement?

Over 1,000 U.S. colleges accept the Common App, so many students will be choosing from among the Common App’s seven essay prompts.

Below is the list of essay prompts from 2023-24 Common App :

• “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”
• “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”
• “Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?”
• “Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”
• “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”
• “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”
• “Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.”

Beyond the prompts from the Common App, which many students utilize, some schools may have their own applications with their own prompts or supplementary prompts that they expect students to complete.

For instance, at Yale University , one of the school’s supplementary prompts is: “Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above [on your application].” At Amherst College, one of the supplementary questions is: “In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world.”

What makes a good personal statement for a college application?

A lot goes into writing a strong personal statement for college applications.

Hafeez Lakhani of educational coaching firm Lakhani Coaching told the New York Times to think of it like this: “Every college is like a dinner table. What will make you the most interesting contributor to that dinner table conversation? What will make you help everyone else have a more interesting experience?”

Lacy Crawford, a former independent college application counselor and author of Early Decision, told USA Today : “These essays should read like smart, interesting 17-year-olds wrote them. A sense of perspective and self-awareness is what’s interesting...I think most students are torn between a pathway dividing a diary entry and a press release. It’s supposed to be a marketing document of the self.”

Here are a few tips to make the most of a personal statement.

• Tell a story: Use the space to showcase your personality, interests, personal values, life experiences, and even your sense of humor. Don’t just use it to regurgitate your accomplishments, which can be gleaned from your high school transcript and other parts of your application.
• Consider emphasizing your volunteer work and other community work: Many college admissions offices look for students who are active in their communities, be it volunteering or in different ways. The personal statement is a good place to emphasize how you’re making the world a better place.
• Emphasize any extra work you’ve done to dive into your field of interest: Be it internships, college-level courses at a community college, or extracurricular activities, anything that shows you’ve done extra work to explore your chosen field of study will help to emphasize your passion. Tie this passion to why you’re particularly excited about attending a particular school, and you may have a winning formula.
• Make sure you check grammar and spelling: You don’t want to write a great essay and let a few grammatical and spelling errors get in your way. Read and re-read your essay to check for spelling and grammar, and get a few people you trust to help you proofread your work as well.

Final thoughts

A strong personal statement can make a positive impression on admissions officers and contribute to a well-rounded and compelling college application. It allows you to showcase your strengths, demonstrate your potential, and express your genuine interest in the college or program.

Top 10 Personal Brand Statement Examples To Follow

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: June 18, 2023

In a 2022 personal branding trends study, most respondents said they consider personal branding an essential component of work and their everyday life. 

It found that 75% of Americans trust someone with a personal brand, and 63% are likely to buy from someone with a personal brand. 

As an entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for customers or potential investors, you know that trust is key. Developing a personal brand for yourself can be an effective tool to help grow your business.

What is a personal brand statement?

A personal brand statement is a couple of sentences that highlights your unique skills and experience. It’s meant to be a quick introduction to people who discover you online because it summarizes what you can offer them.

Basically, it’s a catchphrase, tag line, or elevator pitch for you as a professional individual. While it showcases what you do professionally, you can also display your personality.

Why leaders should have a personal brand statement

You make a better first impression.

As the saying goes, “You only have one shot to make a first impression.” The challenge for entrepreneurs is that you don’t always know when that opportunity arises, as many first impressions happen online.

When a potential client or investor hears about you, their first instinct is to look up your social media profiles. If you’ve got a clear and well-thought-out personal brand statement, you’ve got a better chance at making them stick around for second and third impressions.

You can establish yourself as a thought leader

Thought leadership is a powerful content marketing tactic that can help you reach bigger audiences and generate leads for your business. When you’re known as a leader in your particular industry, that automatically gives you a higher level of credibility. 

A personal brand statement can strengthen your thought leadership strategy by clearly stating your area of expertise.

You can create networking opportunities

Whether you’re looking for top talent, new clients, or potential investors, networking is half the battle. 

Personal brand statements make it easy for potential connections to understand exactly what you do and what you value. Without it, you may miss out on opportunities simply because they didn’t know that you had something relevant to offer them.

Best personal brand statement examples for leaders

“bilingual creative who lives at the intersection of business & design.” —chris do.

Source: Chris Do’s LinkedIn page .

Chris Do is a multi-hyphenate: a designer, creative strategist, public speaker, founder, and CEO of The Futur, an online education platform.

What makes it great : Because he wears so many hats, Do’s personal branding statement is better than trying to explain everything he does.

“Helping people find their zen in the digital age.” —Shama Hyder

Source: Shama Hyder’s homepage .

Shama Hyder is the founder and CEO of Zen Media, a marketing and PR firm. She’s also written a book about digital marketing .

What makes it great : Hyder’s brand statement is an attention-grabbing play on her company’s name and showcases one of her key values: making clients feel a sense of calm in a fast-paced digital world.

“Write better sales emails faster with our in-inbox coach.” —Will Allred

Source: Will Allred’s LinkedIn page .

Will Allred is the co-founder of Lavender, an AI-powered email software startup.

What makes it great : Brooklin Nash, CEO of Beam Content, shares, “In one sentence, Allred captures the entire focus of his social presence: to help salespeople write better emails faster while demonstrating his authority and sharing his product in the second part of that headline.”

“Keeping it awkward, brave, and kind.” —Brené Brown

Source: Dr. Brené Brown’s homepage .

Brené Brown has a Ph.D. in sociology and is the author of several books that cover topics like shame, vulnerability, empathy, and courage.

What makes it great : Dr. Brown’s personal brand statement embodies her mission statement of encouraging people to embrace their vulnerabilities by sharing her own.

“Empowering ridiculously good marketing.” —Ann Handley

Source: Ann Handley’s homepage .

Ann Handley is a digital marketing expert and bestselling author. Her company helps marketers get tangible results.

What makes it great : Sharon Jonah, creative director and founder of digital marketing agency Buzz Social, shares, “In four words, we understand what Handley does, how she does it, whom she’s speaking to, and how she speaks.”

“Still just a girl who wants to learn. Youngest-ever Nobel laureate, co-founder @malalafund and president of Extracurricular Productions.” —Malala Yousafzai

Source: Malala Yousafzai’s Twitter profile .

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate and an activist whose fund aims to remove the barriers to female education around the world.

What makes it great : Her bio highlights her impressive achievements with language that makes her sound relatable. 

“Marketing. Strategy. Humanity.” —Mark Schaefer

Source: Mark Schaefer’s homepage .

Mark Schaefer is an educator, speaker, marketing consultant, and author. He’s developed corporate marketing strategies for brands like Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T.

What makes it great : “It’s subtle, concise, and creative. It describes what Schaefer does, what he focuses on, and his unique and distinguished approach,” says Omer Usanmaz, CEO and co-founder of mentoring and learning software Qooper. 

“Empowering successful women to take control of their finances.” —Jennifer Welsh

Source: Jennifer Welsh’s LinkedIn profile page .

Jennifer Welsh founded Money School, a digital course that teaches women about personal finance. What makes it great : Welsh’s strong personal brand statement says exactly what she does and whom she does it for. 

“Let’s make Excel the solution, not the problem.” —Kat Norton (Miss Excel)

Source: Miss Excel’s homepage .

Kat Norton (known as Miss Excel) became famous on TikTok for her bite-sized Microsoft Excel tutorials. She now offers Excel courses on her website.

What makes it great : Norton’s clever statement shows that she understands her audience's problem and highlights her personality.

“‘The Customer Whisperer.’ I help marketers discover the hidden reasons why customers buy so they can become un-ignorable.” —Katelyn Bourgoin

Source: Katelyn Bourgoin’s LinkedIn page .

Katelyn Bourgoin is a creator and serial entrepreneur who founded a branding agency, a mentoring platform for female entrepreneurs, and a restaurant consulting firm. She trains entrepreneurs to uncover what makes their products “un-ignorable.”

What makes it great : Bourgoin’s clever branding statement effectively tells marketers that she can help them understand their customers better and make their brands memorable.

How to write a personal brand statement

Writing an effective personal brand statement can be tough because it requires you to be catchy yet compelling. It should give audiences all the necessary information in a sentence or two.

Here are some tips for writing your own:

Think about your unique value proposition

A unique value proposition (or unique selling point) is what makes you different. It tells people why they should try your product or service, network with you, or invest in your business.

Tip : Identify your core values, goals, and strengths.

If you don't know what those are, ask yourself:

• Why am I building my brand?
• What do I want my audience to know me for?
• How do I do things differently?
• Do I have a distinct skill set, experience, point of view, or passion?
• What value do I bring to my audience?

Keep it short and sweet

Your brand statement should be simple and easy to understand. 

The goal is to have someone look at your profile or website and immediately understand who you are and what you do, so keep it brief. Keep in mind that you don’t need full sentences either. 

Start by writing one to three sentences that outline what you do, for whom, and how you do it. You can also add a sentence about values. 

Then, look at different ways you can shorten them. Or pick out the most specific and impactful words and see what happens when you simply list them. 

Showcase your personality

Injecting your personality empowers you to share what you do without being bland or boring. Being authentic also helps attract like-minded customers, investors, and peers. 

At the end of the day, there are other people out there who may offer similar services or solve the same problems for your target audience. Your personality can set you apart.

“Don't be afraid to inject a bit of humor, quirkiness, and passion. It’ll help make you more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd,” says Usanmaz.

Ideally, you want customers to know what you do and get a little taste of what it will be like to work with you.

A personal brand statement conveys your mission, differentiates you from competitors, and attracts your target audience. Use these tips and real-life examples of personal brand statements to inspire you to write your own.

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