When you’re participating in a hobby, you’re actively participating in an activity or sport. Interests are often feelings or desires to learn more about subjects with the potential to become activities.
What is an interest?
An interest is a need or desire to learn more about a particular topic. Interests can be a personal desire to learn more about a hobby or to further your education on a subject to enhance your performance at work. An interest doesn’t have to be pursued continuously; it can last for a brief period of time or you can participate in it occasionally.
For instance, a personal interest might be to increase one’s knowledge of music by researching classical composers and works. A medical student interested in neurology would have a professional interest in learning more about the human brain.
What is a hobby?
A hobby is something you do in your spare time that you enjoy doing. Typical pastimes include participating in sports or other activities, collecting objects, and working on creative projects. You are actively engaging in a hobby when you do something outside of work hours. You devote time and effort to your hobby because it’s something you love and are passionate about. A hobby is frequently something you can continue to do on a regular basis.
Differences between hobbies and interests
Although hobbies and interests can be listed in the same section on a resume, there are many differences between the two, including:
Hobbies are activities
When you engage in a hobby, you actively partake in a sport or activity. The desire to learn more about topics that have the potential to become activities is frequently what is meant by the term “interest.” For instance, if you enjoy theater, you could occasionally study it and go to various performances. You can regard it as a hobby if you frequently perform in community theater productions.
Hobbies are consistent
When engaging in a hobby, you typically dedicate yourself to it on a regular basis. For instance, if collecting stamps is your hobby, you might regularly find new stamps to add to your collection. Depending on your disposition, profession, or attention span, you may be interested in a variety of topics.
For instance, if you are a marketing professional, you might be interested in learning about the best methods for search engine optimization. A certification that teaches you more about this subject is available. After receiving this certification, your interest might wane and you might begin showing interest in a different field.
Interests can become hobbies
Your interest can turn into a hobby because hobbies are activities and interests are a desire or feeling to finish or learn something. It can develop into a regular hobby if you learn more about the subject and decide to start pursuing it.
An illustration of this is starting to write creative pieces after studying and reading creative writing. The ongoing process of creating your own works can be thought of as a hobby.
You can make an income from an interest
You can earn money from a subject if you become interested in it or if your boss requests that you learn more about it in order to perform better at work. The same may happen if you begin studying a subject before turning it into a profession. For instance, you can pursue a full-time career as a historian if you become interested in history and start studying it.
You complete hobbies during your free time
You should complete hobbies during your downtime away from work. It’s typically regarded as an interest rather than a hobby if you’re earning money from it or engaging in it during working hours. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be achieved by participating in extracurricular activities.
When you engage in your hobby, you can learn new skills and push yourself to try harder things. Hobbies are a great way to relax your mind and engage in enjoyable activities unrelated to your job.
Tips when listing hobbies and interests on your resume
To make your hobbies and interests on your resume stand out to hiring managers, use the advice below:
Include hobbies or interests related to the role
Try to highlight interests and hobbies that are related to the position you are applying for as you include a section on your resume for your hobbies and interests. For instance, you can list volunteering at humane societies as a hobby on your resume if you’re applying for a position as a veterinary assistant. This demonstrates to potential employers that you care deeply about animals and volunteer in your spare time, which may help you stand out from other applicants.
Remain truthful when listing hobbies and interests
It may be tempting to list interests and pastimes you know will appeal to employers. Try to be honest when mentioning these, and only include them if you engage in or pursue the mentioned subject or activity. Hiring managers may enquire further about your interests and pastimes to learn more about your experience. If the employer asks you about your interests or hobbies during the interview, be prepared to elaborate on them.
Use hobbies and interests to fill any gaps on your resume
If you recently graduated, lack experience and skills, or have employment gaps, you can include a section on your hobbies and interests. This is a fantastic way to bolster your resume with additional details so that potential employers can learn more about you. Having a sense of your interests and hobbies outside of work helps hiring managers determine whether you’ll get along with their team.
