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Should You Include Hobbies on Your CV?

Should You Include Hobbies on Your CV?
Should You Include Hobbies on Your CV?

Let’s talk about hobbies on your CV.
Are they a good thing or a bad thing?

It’s one of those topics that comes up again and again, and everyone seems to have an opinion on it. Some people are convinced hobbies make you stand out. Others say they show your personality. But after nearly two decades in recruitment and talent acquisition, here’s my take:

Leave them off.

Here’s why.

Hobbies Don’t Land You Interviews

Let’s get straight to the point.

Over the years, I’ve reviewed thousands of CVs. I’ve sat in on hiring decisions for roles across every level, from grads to executives. I’ve seen candidates brought in because of their experience, their achievements, their skills, and sometimes because they nailed their cover letter or interview.

But I have never seen someone get an interview or land a job because of the hobbies section on their CV.

Not once.

I have, however, seen candidates rejected because of it.

And not because the hiring manager is a terrible person or the hobby is offensive or weird. But because of something much more subtle - bias.

Hobbies Invite Bias Even If You Don’t Realise It

Here’s a scenario.

Let’s say you list “boxing and long-distance running” as your hobbies. Sounds fine, right? You’re fit. You’re dedicated. You probably wake up at 6am and have a disciplined mindset. That’s how one hiring manager might see it.

But another manager might look at that and think:

“Hmm. Those are both solo sports. I wonder if they’re a team player.”

They might be completely off the mark - but they’re still making that judgment. And once that seed is planted, it’s hard to shake.

In fact, I’ve seen candidates asked in interviews things like:

“I noticed you do a lot of solo sports — how do you feel about working as part of a team?”

You’re suddenly on the defensive, having to justify your hobby, instead of talking about your skills and experience. You’re on the back foot before the conversation’s even started.

All because of a couple of lines you added at the bottom of your CV.

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Bias Isn’t Always Obvious

It’s important to understand that this kind of bias isn’t always deliberate.

Most hiring managers aren’t actively looking to judge someone based on whether they play Sunday League football or bake sourdough. But humans are wired to make snap judgments - it’s part of how we assess risk, fit, and familiarity.

We look for patterns. We try to make sense of someone based on the limited information we have. And if your hobby reminds someone of an ex-colleague they didn’t like, or signals a personality trait they’re not keen on… you’re fighting an uphill battle.

“But Lee, Don’t Hobbies Show Personality?”

Let’s address the classic counterargument:

“Hobbies show what kind of person someone is they help you assess culture fit.”

No. They don’t.

Your personality comes through in your interview.
It shows up in how you communicate.
In your past experience.
In the results you’ve delivered.
And yes, in how you interact with your team and your manager.

But the idea that knowing someone plays the guitar or goes hill walking tells you anything useful about how they’ll perform in the role?

It’s nonsense.

Let’s say your hobby is hiking. That might tell me you like the outdoors. Great. But what’s that got to do with how you manage a marketing campaign or build out a hiring strategy? Not much.

If a hiring manager really wants to know what makes you tick, they can ask in the interview. Or better still, they’ll assess it by how you think, what you’ve done, and how you approach challenges - not whether you’ve completed Couch to 5K.

“What If It’s Relevant to the Role?”

Now this is where there’s a bit of nuance.

If your hobby gives you specific, relevant skills or knowledge that are applicable to the job, then yes - it might be worth mentioning.

Example:
You’re applying for a job at a car dealership and you spend your weekends restoring vintage cars. That’s relevant.

Or you’re a developer and you’ve built open-source software in your spare time that’s actually being used by other devs. That’s relevant.

But even then - I’d include it in your experience section or even in a short “Projects” section rather than under “Hobbies and Interests”.

Why? Because when you label something as a hobby, people automatically assume it’s unrelated to your work.

Frame it as a project. Show the value. Make the connection clear.

Think About It Like This...

When a recruiter or hiring manager reads your CV, they’re looking for one thing:

Does this person have the experience, skills, and track record to do the job well?

They’re skimming. They’re scanning for keywords.
They’re trying to figure out, in about six seconds, whether they should keep reading or move on to the next applicant.

If your CV has a clean layout, a strong professional summary, clearly listed skills, and quantified achievements, you’re giving yourself the best shot.

If the bottom of your CV lists “yoga, Formula One and true crime podcasts” - at best it’s irrelevant. At worst, it’s giving someone a reason to doubt you, stereotype you, or ask an unnecessary question in an interview.

Why risk it?

Here’s What to Do Instead

Cut the hobbies section. Use that space to strengthen your CV where it actually matters.

Here are some better uses of that valuable space:

  • Key Skills Section
    List 6–8 skills that are relevant to the job. This helps the recruiter quickly see if you’re a match.
  • Professional Summary
    A couple of short, sharp lines that tell the reader who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’ve achieved.
  • Achievements Under Each Role
    Don’t just list what you did. Call out what you achieved. Use numbers. Show impact.
  • Certifications or Qualifications
    Especially if they’re relevant to the role you’re applying for. Chuck out the Duke of Edinburgh Award unless you’re applying for a role that involves camping and compasses.
  • LinkedIn Profile
    Got a good one? Include the link. Let them see your endorsements, recommendations and connections.

Trust me, that stuff gets you interviews. “Kayaking enthusiast” doesn’t.

Don’t Give Them a Reason to Say No

This is the thing most people forget.

Hiring isn’t just about standing out, it’s about not giving them a reason to reject you.

Recruiters and hiring managers aren’t looking for perfection but they are looking for reasons to narrow the shortlist.

If you’re neck and neck with another candidate in terms of experience, but your CV has a hobbies section that rubs someone the wrong way (even unconsciously), guess who makes it to the next round?

It’s small, but it matters.

Your CV should be tight. Focused. Relevant.
Cut anything that doesn’t move the needle.

If you’re not getting interviews, chances are your CV needs work. I’ve got a free CV template and job search pack hat’s helped loads of people already - check it out here

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