Best Extracurricular Activities for Your Resume + Examples

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Table of contents

Why List Extracurricular Activities on a Resume?
10 Extracurricular Activities for a Resume
How to List Extracurricular Activities on a Resume
Examples of Extracurricular Activities on Resumes
Skills Gained From Extracurricular Activities
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Extracurriculars
Key Takeaways
FAQ

Extracurricular activities are more than just hobbies; they're an excellent way to showcase valuable skills and experiences on your resume.

These activities not only highlight your personal interests but also show your ability to balance multiple responsibilities, communicate effectively and take initiative. Consider how such qualities can set you apart from other candidates.

In this guide, you'll learn:

The types of extracurricular activities that add value to your resume.
How to list extracurricular activities to highlight your skills.
Examples of extracurricular activities and skills to consider.
Common mistakes to avoid when including extracurriculars.

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Why List Extracurricular Activities on a Resume?

Including extracurricular activities on your resume can help highlight your skills and experiences, especially if you have little to no work experience.

These activities can showcase valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership and time management. Whether you were part of a club, volunteered or participated in sports, extracurricular experiences demonstrate your ability to work with others, manage responsibilities and take initiative.

Key Benefits of Listing Extracurricular Activities:

Showcase Transferable Skills: Many skills are useful regardless of the context you apply them in. For example, activities like being the president of a student club or leading a volunteer project highlight leadership, organizational skills and teamwork, which are all valuable in any setting.
Demonstrate Time Management: Balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars shows that you can manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Illustrate Leadership: If you held a leadership role, such as team captain or event organizer, it demonstrates your ability to lead and motivate others.

Extracurricular Activities Are Most Beneficial When:

You have limited work experience and need to showcase your skills and dedication.
You're applying for internships or entry-level jobs where relevant experience might be lacking.
You want to show how your nonprofessional experiences have prepared you for the workforce.

Even though extracurricular activities might seem unrelated to a job, they offer a great opportunity to showcase the skills that can transfer into the workplace.

10 Extracurricular Activities for a Resume

Extracurricular activities come in many forms and can highlight various skills that employers find valuable. When choosing which activities to include on your resume, focus on those that exemplify transferable skills relevant to the job you're applying for.

By showcasing a variety of experiences, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate capable of handling diverse tasks.

Here are some common categories of extracurricular activities to consider:

Leadership Roles

Holding a leadership position shows that you have the ability to manage people, make important decisions and lead by example. These roles demonstrate initiative, the ability to motivate others and effective communication.

Examples: President of a club, captain of a sports team
Skills: Leadership, decision-making, teamwork

Volunteering & Community Service

Volunteering not only shows that you care about your community but also highlights your ability to take initiative, work with diverse groups of people and contribute positively to a team. Employers value candidates who demonstrate empathy and a desire to give back.

Examples: Volunteering at a shelter, organizing charity events
Skills: Empathy, community involvement, initiative

Athletics & Sports

Participation in sports reflects your discipline, persistence and ability to work as part of a team. These qualities are highly transferable to the workplace, particularly in roles that require collaboration, determination and a goal-oriented mindset.

Examples: Team sports, individual sports achievements
Skills: Discipline, teamwork, competitive spirit

Creative & Performing Arts

Being involved in the arts shows employers that you can think creatively, collaborate with others and communicate ideas effectively. These activities highlight your ability to work in teams and present your work to an audience.

Examples: Participation in theater, art exhibitions, music bands
Skills: Creativity, communication, collaboration

Academic & Professional Organizations

Involvement in academic organizations demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Activities like debate and student government showcase public speaking skills, the ability to research complex topics and a strong sense of responsibility.

Examples: Debate team, academic clubs, student government
Skills: Public speaking, research, time management

Hobbies & Personal Projects

Personal projects or hobbies can reflect your passion for a particular field and the technical skills you've developed outside the classroom. Highlighting these activities shows that you're self-motivated, curious and eager to learn new things on your own.

Examples: Blogging, coding, photography
Skills: Creativity, self-motivation, technical skills

Internships or Job Shadowing

Internships and job shadowing allow you to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. These experiences are especially valuable as they demonstrate your commitment to a career path and your ability to work in a real-world setting.

Examples: Internship at a marketing firm, job shadowing a nurse
Skills: Industry knowledge, networking, professionalism

Mentoring or Tutoring

Mentoring or tutoring showcases your ability to explain complex ideas, provide guidance and take on a leadership role. It highlights your problem-solving skills and your ability to work closely with others to achieve learning outcomes.

Examples: Tutoring younger students, mentoring peers
Skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving

Event Planning or Coordination

Planning events requires excellent organizational and time management skills. Employers value candidates who can manage logistics, coordinate teams and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Examples: Planning a school dance, organizing a fundraiser
Skills: Organization, time management, leadership

Cultural or Language Exchange Programs

Participating in a cultural or language exchange program demonstrates your ability to adapt to new environments, interact with diverse groups and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. This experience is particularly valuable in global or multicultural work settings.

Examples: Studying abroad, participating in cultural immersion programs
Skills: Adaptability, cultural awareness, communication

How to List Extracurricular Activities on a Resume

Resume student example student leadership intern

Use this template

Extracurricular activities can make a big impact on your resume if they're presented correctly. To ensure they add value, it's essential to list them in a way that highlights your skills and achievements.

When adding extracurricular activities to your resume, you have a few options depending on how much emphasis you want to place on them:

Dedicated "Activities" Section: If extracurriculars are a key part of your qualifications, such as for students or recent graduates, consider creating a separate "Activities" section to prominently feature them.

Within "Experience": For activities closely related to the job you're applying for, you can list them under your "Work Experience" section to demonstrate relevant skills and responsibilities.

In the "Skills" Section: If your extracurriculars helped you develop specific skills, you can reference them in your skills section to highlight proficiency in areas such as leadership, teamwork or project management.

Remember that appearance is key to a professional-looking resume. To ensure your extracurricular activities appropriately stand out, focus on clear and concise formatting:

- Use Bullet Points: Break down each activity into short, actionable statements that are easy to read.

- Quantify Achievements: Include measurable outcomes whenever possible to showcase the impact of your involvement.

- Concise Descriptions: Use direct, specific language, such as action verbs, to describe your role and contributions.

When adding extracurricular activities to your resume, always consider the job you're applying for. Prioritize activities that demonstrate the skills and qualities relevant to the role.

For example, if you're applying for a project management role, highlighting your experience organizing a large event would be beneficial. Tailoring your activities to align with the job description makes your resume more targeted and effective.

Pro tip

Rather than just listing what you did, focus on how you made a difference in each extracurricular activity. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate real impact and outcomes. Did you help raise money for a cause? Lead a team to success? These are the kinds of achievements that will grab attention.

Extracurricular Activity on a Resume Example:

Activities

Vice President, Debate Club | Managed weekly meetings and led the team to victory in three state competitions.

Fundraising Organizer, Home for Women | Organized a charity event that raised $5,000 for local shelters.

Team Captain, Soccer | Led soccer sports team to win the district championship two years in a row.

Examples of Extracurricular Activities on Resumes

To help you understand how to effectively showcase extracurricular activities on your resume, here are a few examples based on different types of activities. Each example focuses on highlighting skills, achievements and quantifiable outcomes.

Leadership Roles

Vice President, Debate Club
Sept 2021 – May 2023

Managed weekly meetings and coordinated debate practice sessions for 20+ members.

Led the team to win three state competitions, improving team performance by 20%.

Organized interschool debate events, fostering public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Volunteering & Community Service

Volunteer Coordinator, Local Animal Shelter
Jan 2022 – Present

Organize volunteer shifts and lead fundraising campaigns that have raised $5,000 for shelter renovations.

Recruit and train over 50 new volunteers, improving shelter operations and animal care.

Spearhead community outreach initiatives, increasing public awareness by 30% to date.

Athletics & Sports

Captain, University Basketball Team
Aug 2021 – May 2022

Led the team to the district championship, securing a second-place finish in 2022.

Coordinated practice sessions and motivated teammates, resulting in a 10% improvement in overall team performance.

Balanced academics and athletics, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while committing 20 hours per week to training and competition.

Creative & Performing Arts

Lead Actor, College Theater Group
Sept 2020 – June 2022

Starred in three major productions, managing rehearsals and collaborating with cast members to produce successful performances seen by 1,000+ audience members.

Helped develop original scripts and stage designs, showcasing creativity and teamwork.

Improved public speaking and stage presence through leading roles in plays and musicals.

Academic & Professional Organizations

Member, Student Government Association
Aug 2021 – May 2023

Worked with the student body to address concerns and implemented new policies that improved campus life for 5,000 students.

Collaborated with school administration to organize community service events and campus improvement projects.

Represented students in weekly meetings, honing leadership and negotiation skills.

Hobbies & Personal Projects

Freelance Photographer & Blogger
July 2020 – Present

Created a personal photography blog with 1,000+ monthly visitors, focusing on landscape and portrait photography.

Managed all content creation, social media marketing and website design, building a portfolio of 100+ published photos.

Developed advanced photo editing and web design skills through self-motivation and dedication.

Event Planning or Coordination

Event Organizer, Annual Charity Gala
Dec 2021 – Present

Planned and executed a charity gala attended by 300+ guests, raising $10,000 for local community projects.

Coordinated with vendors, sponsors and volunteers, ensuring the event ran smoothly and met its fundraising goals.

Managed the event budget, keeping expenses 15% under budget while maximizing impact.

Cultural or Language Exchange Programs

Participant, Cultural Exchange Program in Spain
June 2021 – Aug 2021

Immersed in Spanish language and culture during a two-month stay, achieving conversational fluency in Spanish.

Adapted to a new environment and worked collaboratively with international peers, enhancing cultural awareness and communication skills.

Participated in community service projects, building strong relationships with local residents and organizations.

Skills Gained From Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are more than just personal interests — they're a valuable way to build and demonstrate skills that employers look for in candidates. These experiences help you develop both soft and hard skills that can make a significant impact on your resume.

Here are some of the key skills you can gain from extracurricular activities:

Leadership

Roles like team captain, club president, event organizer, tutor or mentor provide opportunities to practice leadership, motivate others and manage tasks or projects. Leadership skills demonstrate your ability to take initiative and guide a group toward achieving its goals.

Teamwork

Whether it's through sports, group projects or volunteering, extracurricular activities teach you how to work effectively in a team. Employers value individuals who can collaborate, communicate and resolve conflicts to ensure success in team environments.

Time Management

Balancing extracurricular activities with academic or work responsibilities helps you develop strong time management skills. This ability to prioritize and handle multiple commitments at once shows employers that you can meet deadlines and manage your workload efficiently.

Communication

Activities such as debate club, theater or student government allow you to hone your verbal and written communication skills. Whether you're speaking publicly, writing reports or negotiating solutions, strong communication is essential in nearly every job.

Problem-solving

Many extracurricular activities require you to think on your feet and find solutions to unexpected challenges. Whether you're coordinating a large event or participating in a competition, problem-solving skills demonstrate your ability to overcome obstacles and think critically.

Creativity

Involvement in the arts, writing or creative hobbies helps foster creativity and innovation. These activities allow you to express new ideas, think outside the box and approach problems from unique perspectives — skills that are highly valued in creative and strategic roles.

Adaptability

Activities like studying abroad, participating in cultural exchange programs or taking on unfamiliar roles within clubs teach you how to adapt to new environments and situations. Employers appreciate candidates who can remain flexible and effective in changing or challenging circumstances.

Initiative

Extracurricular activities that require you to take charge — such as organizing a charity event or starting a personal project — help build your sense of initiative. This quality shows that you're proactive, resourceful and willing to step up when needed.

Networking

Involvement in professional organizations, internships or volunteer work allows you to build a network of connections in your field. Networking skills are invaluable for career growth and can open doors to job opportunities and professional development.

Cultural Awareness

Participating in multicultural clubs or exchange programs fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity, skills that are increasingly important in today's global workforce. Being able to navigate and respect diverse perspectives makes you a more effective and empathetic team member.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Extracurriculars

While extracurricular activities can enhance your resume, listing them incorrectly can diminish their impact. To make sure they work in your favor, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Listing Irrelevant Activities: Avoid adding extracurricular activities that don't demonstrate transferable skills or aren't related to the job you're applying for. Doing so can reduce your resume's impact because hiring managers or applicant tracking systems (ATS) will not see any value in the information.

1. Providing Too Much Detail on Unrelated Activities: While it's tempting to fully explain every activity you've been involved in, providing too much detail on activities that aren't directly related to the job can clutter your resume. Employers appreciate concise resumes that get to the point quickly.

1. Failing to Quantify Achievements or Demonstrate Impact: Doing this can make your experience seem less significant. Whenever possible, use numbers or concrete examples to show what you accomplished. Quantifying your impact helps paint a clearer picture of your contributions.

1. Using Vague Descriptions: Avoid using vague or generic descriptions for your extracurricular activities. Be specific about your role, responsibilities and achievements to give potential employers a clear understanding of the value you brought to the activity.

1. Overloading Your Resume With Extracurriculars: While extracurriculars are important, including too many can overwhelm your resume and detract from other crucial sections, such as work experience or education. Limit your extracurriculars to the most impactful and relevant ones. A good rule of thumb is to include two to four activities that showcase the most valuable skills for the job.

Key Takeaways

Choose Relevant Activities

Good activities for your resume showcase skills applicable to the job you're applying for, such as leadership roles, volunteering and academic organizations.
Use Clear Formatting

Present your activities with concise bullet points and include quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact.
Align With Job Requirements

Tailor your extracurriculars to the specific role, ensuring they highlight the qualities that align with the job description.
Avoid Common Mistakes

Steer clear of irrelevant activities, overly detailed descriptions of unrelated experiences and failing to quantify your achievements.

FAQ

Last Updated: October 15, 2024

You should include extracurricular activities that demonstrate transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and time management. Activities for a resume include volunteering, sports, academic clubs, creative projects or leadership roles in organizations. Choose the ones that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

Yes, you can list hobbies as extracurricular activities if they are relevant to the job and showcase valuable skills. For example, if you're applying for a creative role, listing hobbies like photography, blogging or graphic design can highlight your creativity and technical skills. However, avoid listing hobbies that don't add value to your candidacy, such as passive activities like watching TV.

You can include extracurricular activities in a few different sections, depending on their importance to the job you're applying for. If you want to emphasize them, create a dedicated "Activities" section. Alternatively, you can integrate them into your "Experience" or "Skills" sections if they directly relate to the role.

It's best to include the two to four extracurricular activities that are most relevant to the job. Listing too many can clutter your resume and shift focus away from other important sections, like your work experience or education. Choose the activities that showcase your strongest skills and achievements.

Yes, especially if you're a student, recent graduate or someone with limited work experience. Employers see extracurricular activities as a way to assess your soft skills, like leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, which are critical in the workplace. Even if you have work experience, extracurriculars can help show a more well-rounded profile.

If you have extensive work experience, extracurricular activities should take a secondary role on your resume. However, if they demonstrate valuable skills or accomplishments that are relevant to the job you're after, it's still worth including a few impactful extracurriculars. Focus on those that align with the role or show skills that your work experience doesn't highlight.

Conor is a writer for Resume Now. He has over five years of professional writing experience and professional development training. Conor has written on a range of career development topics.