Yoga demonstrates your ability to stay calm and in control, Gelbard says: "If you're seeking a role in very busy, high-energy environment, like an advertising or PR agency, it can make you more attractive because you can better handle pressure."
Competing in endurance sports like marathons, triathlons, or cycling shows drive, tenacity, and dedication, Gelbard says. These qualities are desirable for business development, account management, and sales roles, among other jobs, and may boost your candidacy in the hiring manager's eye.
Gelbard says including your passion for mountain climbing and, for example, that you've hiked major peaks in 10 countries, not only shows strong personality traits to potential employers, but it can also be helpful if you're interested in roles in related industries.
"If you want to work in the travel industry but don't have direct professional industry experience, this hobby shows your interest and experience with travel," she says. "And if you've organized hiking trips, then that's a major bonus!"
Gelbard says photography can be a valuable hobby to list if you're looking for an account or creative director position at a digital marketing agency because it communicates creativity, positioning, and patience, "all of which can be helpful in your target roles." If you have a current, well-curated website, be sure to direct potential employers there with a link to your site, she says.
Whether you create your own perfume or practice jujitsu, hobbies that might lead to an interesting conversation may be worth including, Oliver says. Just be sure the conversation isn't interesting for all the wrong reasons — exotic-animal hunters need not apply.
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