3 March 2025
8 minutes read
Examples of Hobbies and Interests in Personal Statement, CV, and Resume

Key Takeaways
- Examples of hobbies and interests in personal statement help demonstrate your personality, showcasing traits beyond academic performance.
- Including relevant examples of hobbies and interests in personal statement can highlight transferable skills and alignment with your desired program.
- Well-chosen examples of hobbies and interests in personal statement can set you apart, providing insight into your unique qualities and experiences.
Did you know that 82% of employers believe hobbies and interests can provide insight into a candidate’s character and potential? Including personal interests in your CV or personal statement might seem like a trivial detail, but it can make a big difference. Yet, many people struggle with what to include, often falling into the trap of listing generic hobbies that fail to make them stand out. This is where examples of hobbies and interests in personal statement.
The problem is, not all hobbies are relevant, and sometimes they can even harm your chances if they seem unrelated or lack depth. The key is to strategically select interests that not only showcase your personality but also align with the skills or values the job requires. By doing this, you can create a more authentic and memorable impression on recruiters.
What Is The Difference Between Hobbies and Interests?
When writing a resume, personal statement, or CV, understanding the difference between a hobby or interest is crucial. Hobbies refer to activities you engage in during your free time, which may or may not be relevant to the position. Interests, on the other hand, represent broader areas of curiosity or passion that can reflect soft skills or industry-related knowledge. Examples of interests and hobbies vary, but when adding hobbies and interests, it’s essential to consider how they are relevant to the employment application.

Including relevant hobbies and interests in your CV or resume adds value by showcasing your skills and experience in a more personal way. For instance, interests may highlight problem-solving or teamwork abilities, both of which are soft skills employers seek. To make your application stand out, focus on relevant hobbies that align with the job and emphasize those that can provide value to your CV, enhancing your overall profile. The same applies to a statement of purpose as well.
When Should You Add Hobbies and Interests on Your CV and Resume?
Adding a section for hobbies and interests on your resume or CV can be a strategic way to stand out. The difference between hobbies and interests is important to note: hobbies are activities you enjoy regularly, while interests are broader passions that might demonstrate skills and experience. If the job requires creativity or teamwork, hobbies on your resume can showcase types of hobbies and interests that highlight relevant skills. Knowing when to include hobbies or interests that add value to your CV is key to making the most of this section.
However, you must use the space on your resume wisely, focusing on what is relevant to the job. Choose hobbies and interests you include carefully, especially if you’re applying for a specific role where interests can add value to your profile. Pay attention while creating your post-graduate personal statement as well.
For example, select interests that are relevant or hobbies and interests that could showcase your strengths. A well-thought-out section on your resume or section of your CV can add value to your application, providing insight into your personality and helping your application stand out in the professional CV setting. Writing a CV and adding interests to include from a list of examples will give your CV a competitive edge.
What are Some Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Put in Your CV?
When writing a CV or resume, many applicants wonder if they should add to your resume a section for hobbies and interests. The answer depends on whether these activities can add value to your CV. In most cases, including hobbies or interests relevant to the job can give your CV an edge over other candidates. For example, resume sections that highlight interests and activities related to problem-solving, creativity, or leadership can show more than just your qualifications—they can reveal your personality. This is how you create a gap year personal statement as well.

When selecting hobbies to include, focus on those that are both personal and professional. List interests that align with the job requirements, and use your interests strategically to stand out. Make sure the section on your resume is well-organized, as it could be the addition to your CV that makes a difference. Whether you’re involved in team sports, volunteer work, or creative projects, these types of hobbies can reflect skills and experience that might be hard to demonstrate elsewhere in your professional CV. Including hobbies and interests you put in your CV in minutes helps recruiters get a glimpse into who you are beyond your qualifications.
How to List your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
When you include hobbies or interests, ensure they complement your application. You might think hobbies are just activities, but they can actually showcase soft skills that add value to your CV. For example, hobbies that require leadership or collaboration, like organizing events or managing teams, demonstrate skills relevant to many roles. By choosing hobbies and interests you choose carefully, you can make your resume stand out without taking up too much space on your resume.
CV and cover letter writing experts often advise candidates to include a section for hobbies and interests when applying for jobs that require creativity, teamwork, or leadership. Hobbies like photography, blogging, or even learning new languages can give your CV a unique touch and help you connect with recruiters. Plus, adding hobbies to add relevant to the role you’re applying for can be an easy way to show your passion. For instance, when you’re applying for a job in a creative industry, relevant hobbies and interests show that you’re genuinely engaged in the field, even outside of work.
Make sure to list on your CV hobbies that align with the company’s values or industry trends. When selecting hobbies, think about the hobbies and interests you include. Whether you’re into coding, graphic design, or yoga, these interests are broader and can help illustrate your soft skills. Your professional CV should include hobbies and interests in a dedicated section of your CV, ensuring you don’t overload your resume with too much information. This essential resume section can be used to highlight your personality and stand out in a crowded job market. Customization is also key. While creating a business management personal statement, make sure it reflects the specific requirements of the course as well.
How to Include Hobbies and Interests to Your Resume that are Relevant to Your Job?
When writing a CV or resume, the key is to select the right hobbies and interests that could add value to your application. Hobbies and interests you put on your CV should be specific, like team sports that show teamwork, or solo activities that demonstrate self-discipline. Examples of hobbies and interests that are effective include anything from playing chess to volunteering, depending on how relevant they are to the job. Including the right hobbies and interests can make your resume more engaging, but be sure to focus on hobbies that could benefit the role you’re targeting.

Hobbies and interests are an often overlooked yet valuable part of CV writing. Interests that are relevant to the job, like leadership roles in volunteer organizations or a personal blog, can significantly add value to your resume. Next time you write a resume, consider adding a section on your resume dedicated to your hobbies and interests, as this small addition could be the deciding factor in your job application success.
Expert Tips On Writing The Best Personal Statement
Crafting the perfect personal statement can be daunting, but it’s also one of the most important steps in your application process. According to admissions experts, your personal statement is often the deciding factor between acceptance and rejection, especially when candidates have similar qualifications. However, many applicants struggle with expressing their unique story in a way that captivates the admissions committee.
The key to writing a compelling personal statement is to focus on authenticity and clarity. Admissions officers want to see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. By following expert tips, like starting with a powerful anecdote and demonstrating your passion for the field, you can make your statement both memorable and impactful.
Top 20 Universities Abroad for the Best Higher Education
When applying to top universities, your personal statement plays a crucial role in showcasing your unique qualities and goals. Many universities prioritize the personal statement to gain a deeper understanding of applicants beyond their academic scores.
Below is a table listing the top 20 universities where the personal statement is highly considered for admission, including key details like rankings, country, fees, average salary after graduation and admission requirements.
Sl. No | University Name | Ranking | Country | Fee (USD) | Average Salary (USD) | Admission Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Oxford | 1 | UK | 30,000 | 70,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
2 | Stanford University | 2 | USA | 56,000 | 90,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
3 | Harvard University | 3 | USA | 50,000 | 85,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
4 | California Institute of Technology | 4 | USA | 54,000 | 88,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
5 | University of Cambridge | 5 | UK | 35,000 | 75,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
6 | Princeton University | 6 | USA | 55,000 | 95,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
7 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7 | USA | 50,000 | 89,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
8 | University of Chicago | 8 | USA | 60,000 | 80,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
9 | Imperial College London | 9 | UK | 35,000 | 76,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
10 | Yale University | 10 | USA | 55,000 | 90,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
11 | University of California, Berkeley | 11 | USA | 45,000 | 80,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR |
12 | University of Toronto | 12 | Canada | 25,000 | 70,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
13 | Columbia University | 13 | USA | 60,000 | 85,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
14 | University of Edinburgh | 14 | UK | 28,000 | 72,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
15 | University of Melbourne | 15 | Australia | 40,000 | 77,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
16 | University of Pennsylvania | 16 | USA | 55,000 | 82,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
17 | University College London | 17 | UK | 33,000 | 74,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
18 | ETH Zurich | 18 | Switzerland | 30,000 | 80,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
19 | Duke University | 19 | USA | 60,000 | 85,000 | Personal Statement, GRE, LOR, Interview |
20 | London School of Economics | 20 | UK | 35,000 | 75,000 | Personal Statement, Test Scores, LOR |
Conclusion
Writing the best personal statement requires thoughtfulness, honesty, and a clear sense of purpose. By showcasing your individuality and passion, while following these expert tips, you can create a personal statement that stands out from the rest. Remember, this is your chance to share your story—so make it compelling, personal, and reflective of your unique journey.
One key element to consider is the hobbies and interests section. This is where you can highlight your passions and what drives you outside of your academic or professional life. Including a list of hobbies and interests can make your personal statement more engaging and give the reader a sense of who you are beyond the surface. The best hobbies and interests to include will depend on the context, but generally, it’s a good idea to list hobbies and interests that are relevant to the field you’re applying for or that show a well-rounded personality.
For example, if you’re applying for a job or internship, think about interests and hobbies on a resume. You want to choose hobbies to put on your resume that demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, or creativity. While many people focus on professional experience, don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen list on your resume to further your case. If you’re unsure, always include your hobbies and interests to provide a fuller picture of who you are. A carefully selected list of hobbies and interests can show potential employers or admissions officers that you’re more than just your academic or work achievements. Whether you’re passionate about sports, art, or volunteering, what you put on a resume can help you stand out and reflect your personality and values.
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FAQs
What should I include in my personal statement?
Focus on your background, experiences, and what motivates you to pursue this program.
How long should my personal statement be?
Typically, 500-1000 words, but always check the specific guidelines for your application.
Can I use the same personal statement for multiple applications?
It’s best to tailor each personal statement to match the specific program and institution you’re applying to.
How personal should I get in my statement?
Be authentic and share personal insights, but keep it professional and relevant to your academic or career goals.
What tone should I use in my personal statement?
Maintain a conversational yet formal tone—engaging but not overly casual.
How can I make my personal statement stand out?
Start with a strong opening, use specific examples, and clearly demonstrate your passion and fit for the program.
Should I mention weaknesses in my personal statement?
If relevant, you can address challenges or weaknesses, but focus on how you overcame them and what you learned.

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