Where to Put Hobbies on Your CV

The Bottom of the Page

Hobbies go last. Always.

Your CV is a sales document. The top sells your value. The bottom adds texture. Never let interests compete with experience for prime real estate.

The Hierarchy of a CV

A well-structured CV follows this order:

1. Header — Name, contact details, LinkedIn
2. Profile/Summary — Your value proposition
3. Experience — Your track record
4. Skills/Qualifications — Certifications, technical abilities
5. Education — Degrees, training
6. Interests — Personal texture (optional)

Hobbies sit below education. They are the final impression, not the first.

Formatting Options

You have two clean options:

Option A: Inline List A single line with three to four interests separated by vertical bars or bullet points. Compact and professional.

Interests: Trail running | Historical fiction | Amateur astronomy

Option B: Mini Descriptions Two to three interests with a brief qualifier. Takes more space but adds context.

Interests
- Long-distance running (completed three half-marathons)
- Restoring vintage furniture
- Volunteer mentor at a local coding club

Choose Option A for senior roles or tight space. Choose Option B when your hobbies directly support the role.

How Much Space?

The interests section should never exceed three lines. On a two-page CV, that's roughly 2% of your space. Treat it accordingly.

If your hobbies are pushing onto a second page, cut them. Experience matters more.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Before you finalise placement:

• Hobbies appear below Education (never above Experience).
• The section uses a clear heading: "Interests" or "Hobbies & Interests."
• Total space is three lines or fewer.
• Formatting matches the rest of the CV (same font, same spacing).
• The section does not push the CV onto an extra page.

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For more on CV layout and design, explore our Format & Layout insights.