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Category: Job Search Preparation & Interview Tips, Job Change
Authors: Shusaku Yosa
Facing the hobbies and special skills field on a resume, many people freeze, thinking "I don't know what to write" or "I don't even have a special skill." The hobbies and special skills field isn't an item that directly decides whether you pass or fail, but it conveys your character and can become a topic in the interview, so it's surprisingly not to be underestimated. This article explains the tips for writing the hobbies and special skills on a resume, a list of examples you can use as-is, how to find ideas when nothing comes to mind, and NG examples, in an easy-to-understand way.
From the hobbies and special skills field, recruiters read the applicant's character, values, and compatibility with the company culture. Rather than evaluating the skill itself, they often look at it as a clue to "what kind of person you are" and as a starting point for conversation in the interview. It isn't a field that directly decides pass or fail, but a blank or careless entry lowers your impression, so it's an item you'll want to fill in carefully.
Before you start writing, let's organize the difference between hobbies and special skills. A hobby is "something you like and continue to enjoy," and a special skill is "something you're better at than others and can show as a skill." For example, "cooking" can be both a hobby and a special skill, but if you write it as a special skill, adding a phrase that conveys your proficiency, such as "I can make several dishes in a short time," is effective.
To make a memorable hobbies and special skills field, keep the following points in mind.
Here are examples you can use as-is, by category. Choose the one that fits you and replace it with concrete content before using it.
Even if you feel "I have nothing to write," you can find something by changing your perspective. Use the following hints as a reference.
The hobbies and special skills you wrote on your resume may be probed in the interview. When asked, be ready to talk concretely about what got you started, the reason you continue, and what you've gained from it. Connecting it to strengths that work in the job (persistence, concentration, cooperativeness, and so on) when you talk will give a good impression.
The same theme is fine, but writing them separately gives a better impression. For example, if you like cooking, making the hobby "cooking" and the special skill "being able to make several dishes in a short time"—an expression that conveys proficiency—is effective.
It doesn't have to be a special skill. You can write things you continue in daily life or things others have praised—such as organizing and tidying, waking up early, or listening to people—as special skills. Prepare one piece of positive content.
When probed in the interview, substanceless content tends to be seen through because you get stuck for an answer. Since not being able to expand on it becomes a minus, it's safe not to write lies and instead write what you actually do.
The resume hobbies and special skills field is an important item that conveys your character and attitude toward work, and can also become a topic in the interview. Don't end it in one word; adding concrete content and the reason you continue makes your impression much better. When nothing comes to mind, look for it in your daily habits or in what others have praised, and avoid "nothing in particular." Using the examples as a reference, prepare a phrase that conveys who you are. For the strengths field and how to write the resume overall, please also refer to our articles on writing resume strengths and the complete resume writing guide.
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