How to Add Extracurricular Activities in Resume Documents to Really Stand Out

Writing a resume can be tough. You want to showcase your skills, but how? One smart way is to highlight your extracurricular activities. These can make you stand out to potential employers. They show more than just your work experience.

Last update:

01/01/2024

How to Add Extracurricular Activities in Resume Documents to Really Stand Out

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They really reveal who you are as a person. And believe it or not. Employers truly care about that.

Extracurricular activities aren't just hobbies. They teach valuable skills. Leadership, teamwork, time management - these are gold. Did you know a large percentage of hiring managers prefer candidates with extracurriculars? It’s true. So, let's check how to feature these in your resume.

Here are the key points you'll find in this guide:

Understanding Extracurricular Activities
Types of Extracurricular Activities
Highlighting Transferable Skills
Showcasing Soft Skills
Effective Resume Placement
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Understanding Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are those pursuits you engage in outside of your actual regular academic or work schedule. Think sports, clubs. Volunteer work. Or any hobby you’re passionate about. These activities can really build valuable skills.

Definition of extracurricular activities

These activities are any organized, non-academic endeavor. This can be things like sports teams, debate clubs, student government, or volunteer work. Even hobbies like playing an instrument or writing a blog count. Anything that really shows commitment and passion.

Importance of extracurricular activities in a resume

Why include these activities on your resume? Simple. They truly make you stand out. Employers want well-rounded individuals. Did you know that many employers consider soft skills a key factor in hiring? Extracurriculars actually demonstrate these skills. Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving. All these can be showcased through your activities.

Plus, they actually provide great talking points in interviews for potential employers. They show you’re more than just about your job history. You’re a person with interests. And dedication! This can really set you apart from other candidates who only list job experiences.

Want to read more about how to really ace an interview? Check out our guide on the top interview questions to succeed.

Types of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities come in many forms. Each offers unique skills. And experiences. Let’s check some of the really impactful types.

Student government and union

Involvement in student council, government or union roles is a big plus. These positions show leadership. As well as organizational skills. You learn to represent peers. And make decisions while managing projects. Employers love candidates who can really lead. And make a difference!

Team sports and athletic activities

Playing team sports is more than just physical exercise. It teaches teamwork and discipline. Plus, perseverance. Whether you’re the team captain or a reliable player. These experiences show you can work well with others. And stay committed.

Clubs and societies

Joining clubs or societies really highlights your interests. And dedication. From chess clubs to environmental societies. These groups offer a platform to develop specialized skills. They show you’re proactive. And willing to truly pursue your passions outside of academics or work.

Volunteering and community service

Volunteering is a great way to give back. And gain experience. It actually shows empathy, dedication, and social responsibility. Also, it often involves problem-solving and teamwork. These are qualities employers highly value.

Tutoring and mentoring

Tutoring or mentoring demonstrates really strong communication skills. And a willingness to help others. It’s about sharing knowledge. And supporting peers or younger students. This experience highlights patience, clarity in explaining concepts, and leadership. They can also sometime show certain technical skills. Like computer or IT abilities.

Study abroad experience

This is a truly enriching experience. It shows adaptability. As well as cultural awareness. Also, independence. Navigating a new country and culture requires lots of problem-solving. And, of course, resilience. These are qualities that can certainly make you stand out in the job market. Especially for entry level positions.

Language skills and cultural exchange

Learning new languages and actually engaging in cultural exchanges show your global mindset. These activities highlight your ability to communicate with diverse groups. They also indicate openness. As well as adaptability. These are key in today’s globalized world.

Sorority or fraternity involvement

Being part of a sorority really goes beyond socializing. It involves leadership. And event planning. Plus, often community service. These experiences showcase your ability to manage responsibilities. And work within a structured organization.

Have a look at how to properly list your hobbies and interests on a resume if needed.

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Identifying transferable skills gained from extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities teach many valuable skills. These are often transferable to the workplace. Think leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Also, time management. You might not realize it. But these activities build real-world abilities.

For example, organizing a club event shows project management. Playing sports? That’s teamwork and discipline. Volunteering? Think empathy and social responsibility.

Emphasizing relevant skills in your resume

When writing your resume, focus on these skills. Mention specific activities and the skills you gained. Use strong action verbs. For example, “Led a team of 10 in organizing a charity event.” Or, “Managed budgets and schedules for a student club.”

Be really clear and concise. Show how these skills make you a truly great candidate. Employers want to certainly see what you can do. So, highlight these transferable skills.

Need help with writing a strong resume? Try our easy-to-use Resume Builder now.

Showcasing Soft Skills

Soft skills are truly essential in any job. They include leadership skills, communication skills, and problem-solving. These skills actually help you interact well with others. And handle various situations effectively. Let’s see how extracurricular activities can greatly help develop these crucial soft skills for a CV.

Developing soft skills through extracurricular activities

These activities are perfect for honing soft skills. Here’s how:

Communication: Participating in debates or drama clubs greatly improves your speaking. And listening skills. You learn to convey ideas very clearly. And understand others better.
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Teamwork: Being part of a sports team or a group project teaches you to work really well with others. You learn to collaborate. Share responsibilities. And achieve common goals.
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Problem-Solving: Taking on leadership roles in clubs or organizing events requires really quick thinking. You encounter challenges. And must find effective solutions. This certainly sharpens your problem-solving abilities.
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Time Management: Balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities requires truly excellent time management. You learn to prioritize tasks. And meet deadlines.
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Leadership: Leading a team develops your ability to guide. As well as motivate others. You gain experience in decision-making. As well as taking initiative.
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Effective Resume Placement

Knowing where to place extracurricular activities, like under the education section, on your resume is really key. It ensures they get the attention from hiring managers they deserve. Let’s look at the best spots.

Where to include extracurricular activity text on a resume

Education Section: This is for when you’re a recent graduate. Place relevant activities under your education section. Especially if they are actually related to your field of study.
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Experience Section: Treat significant extracurricular roles like job experiences. Include them here. Particularly if they involved leadership. Or project management.
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Skills Section: Highlight specific skills gained from these activities. Such as leadership skills. Or communication skills. This is great if the activities are directly relevant to the job.
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Dedicated Section: Create a separate section such as “Extracurricular Activities”. Or “Leadership and Involvement.” This can be useful if you actually have several relevant activities to show off to a hiring manager.
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Tips for choosing the right section

Here’s how to choose the best section:

Relevance: Place activities where they best match the job requirements. If an activity closely relates to the job, it might fit really well in the experience section. Or if you have something relevant to education or learning, place it under the education section.

Impact: Highlight activities with significant achievements. Or responsibilities. These deserve a truly prominent spot. Like under experience or their own section. Learn more about how to list achievements on your resume.

Balance: Don’t overcrowd one section. Distribute activities to create a very well-rounded resume.

Clarity: Be clear and concise. Use bullet points to describe your role. As well as your achievements. This makes it easier for employers to read. And understand.

Writing Effective Descriptions

Crafting compelling descriptions can make a truly big difference on your resume. Here’s how to do it effectively to show off to a hiring manager.

Including relevant details about extracurricular activities

Club or Organization: Name the club or organization you were involved in. Or the student council. For instance, "President of the Debate Club."

Role and Responsibilities: Specify your role and what you achieved. For example, "Led weekly meetings", "Organized debate tournaments", and "coached team members."

Achievements: Highlight specific achievements. Or outcomes. For instance, "Increased club membership by 30%. Through targeted recruitment strategies."

Skills Developed: Mention the skills you gained. Or strengthened. For example, "Enhanced leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills."

Using action verbs to describe achievements

Action verbs add power to a job description. As well as impact to your resume. They convey what you did. And emphasize your achievements. Here are some examples of action verbs to use:

Led: Led a team or project.
Organized: Organized events. Or activities.
Coordinated: Coordinated schedules. Or logistics.
Managed: Managed budgets or resources.
Developed: Developed programs. Or initiatives.
Achieved: Achieved goals. Or objectives.
Improved: Improved processes or outcomes.
Collaborated: Collaborated with team members. Or stakeholders.
Facilitated: Facilitated meetings. Or workshops.
Volunteered: Volunteered time or efforts.
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For example, instead of saying "Was a member of the Student Council" on a job description. You could say "Served as Treasurer of the Student Council. Managing a $10,000 budget. And implementing fundraising initiatives."

Want to learn more about how to write different sections of your resume? Or similar topics? Check out these articles:

The Final Word

Extracurricular activities aren't just like hobbies listed on your resume. They're really your secret weapon. They show who you are beyond actual grades or jobs. They reveal your passions. Your dedication. And your ability to thrive outside the norm. Employers want real people. Not just resumes.

So, showcase those activities proudly. They're not filler. They're the sparkle that catches their eye. And the story that makes you memorable. Flaunt those experiences. They truly define you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Extracurricular Activities on Your Resume

What to put in extracurricular activity text in a resume?

Include activities on a resume that really demonstrate skills actually matching the job you're applying for. Focus on leadership roles. Teamwork experiences. And any activities that showcase your dedication and initiative to a hiring manager. Mention specific achievements. As well as skills developed through these activities.

What is the best example of extra-curricular activities?

The best examples truly vary depending on your interests. And experiences. However, activities like leading a student organization. Participating in competitive sports or clubs. Volunteering for community service projects. As well as undertaking significant roles in academic societies or cultural organizations are really highly regarded.

These activities activities on a resume truly demonstrate leadership to hiring managers. As well as teamwork and commitment.

How do extracurricular activities benefit your resume?

Extracurricular activities really boost your resume by showcasing additional skills. As well as experiences beyond your academic or professional background. They certainly demonstrate qualities like leadership and teamwork. And time management and interpersonal skills. Which are valued by employers.

Including these activities can make your resume truly stand out. And give a more comprehensive view of your capabilities.

Should I include high school extracurricular activities on my resume after graduation?

It depends on the relevance and impact of the activities. If your high school extracurriculars are significant. And demonstrate skills that are still relevant to your career goals, you can include them.

Especially if you have very limited post-graduation activities to showcase. Or if you're applying to a college. However, actually prioritize recent and more relevant experiences as you advance in your career.

How can I list extracurricular activities if I have limited space on my resume?

If space is really limited, focus on the most relevant activities on a resume. Choose those that best highlight skills directly related to the job. Consider briefly mentioning less relevant activities. Or grouping similar activities together under a broader category.

Do hobbies count as extracurricular activities on a resume?

Yes, hobbies can be included if they demonstrate relevant skills. Or qualities. For example, if you're applying for a creative position. Hobbies like photography or graphic design can showcase your skills. And passion. However, prioritize activities that really show active involvement and skill development.

How should I format extracurricular activities on my resume?

Format activities similarly to your work experience. Use bullet points to list each activity. Include the name of the activity or organization. As well as your role or position. And a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs. And quantify achievements where possible to make your contributions very clear.

Can extracurricular activities compensate for a lack of work experience on a resume?

They can help really compensate for a lack of traditional work experience. This is because they demonstrate matching skills. As well as qualities gained through non-professional experiences. They show initiative, dedication, and the ability to manage responsibilities, which can be attractive to employers.

However, aim to gain relevant work experience whenever possible to complement your extracurricular activities.

If you want to learn more about how to show off your experience in a job application, check out our best cover letter examples for all professionals.