Wondering how you can add a little something extra to your CV?
If you’re currently studying, have just left school or university, or have limited work experience, extracurricular activities are a great way to make your application stand out.
They don’t just show recruiters your interests and personality. They also prove you have a range of valuable skills that you could apply to their vacancy. After all, your life outside of work and study says a lot about you as a person – and as a potential employee.
But which extra activities should you include in your CV? And how do they relate to your job search? We’ve already covered whether you should include your hobbies, but here are six of the best extracurricular activities to add to your CV.
What are extracurricular activities?
Extracurricular activities are anything you take part in outside your main studies or job. They’re the things that fill your time outside of school, university, or work hours. If you’ve spent time learning new skills, working on projects, or getting involved in your community beyond your core responsibilities, those all count as extracurricular activities.
What are some examples of extracurricular activities for a CV?
Examples of extracurricular activities that work well on a CV include:
- Volunteering or helping out with charity work
- Playing team or individual sports
- Joining school, university, or community clubs and societies
- Mentoring, tutoring, or offering peer support
- Creative hobbies like music, art, drama, writing, or podcasting
- Doing internships or work experience placements
- Organising events or leading club projects
Why include extracurricular activities in your CV?
Including extracurricular activities on your CV shows employers you have interests and skills outside your core qualifications. They can demonstrate qualities like teamwork, leadership, initiative, and time management. What’s more, they can give you examples to talk about in interviews, helping you show what you’re capable of beyond just academics or job titles.
Six extracurricular activities to include in your CV
Not sure on what to include? Here are six good extracurricular activities for your CV:
1. Volunteering and fundraising
This is a fantastic example of an extracurricular activity that demonstrates your commitment to causes you care about.
Volunteering, fundraising, or mentoring are all excellent ways to show how you contribute to society.
Whether it’s mentoring a fellow student, raising sponsorship for a charity event, or volunteering at a local charity shop – you’ll be demonstrating your communication skills, resourcefulness, and willingness to help others.
Skills it demonstrates
- Leadership
- Commitment
- Proactivity
- Communication
- Ingenuity
How to get involved
Research charitable organisations you’re passionate about and contact them directly to offer your services. Fundraising can be as simple as registering online to get sponsored for an event. If you want to become a mentor, tutor, or student rep, ask your school, college, or university about their programmes.
2. Sport
Playing a sport is one of the best extracurricular activities for your CV, showing everything from teamwork to dedication.
Whether you’re a member of your school’s football team, you play hockey at college, or university netball is your thing – there are many sports you can use to highlight your skills and abilities.
Just make sure you link them back to the role you’re applying for. If you don’t show how it’s relevant (e.g. how your competitive nature could help you thrive in sales), adding your favourite sport to your CV could actually be hindering your application.
Skills it demonstrates
- Teamwork
- Dedication
- Competitiveness
- Reliability
- Physical fitness
How to get involved
Most schools, colleges, and universities have their own sports teams or clubs. You don’t always need previous experience, so it’s a great chance to learn and develop new skills – and meet new people.
3. Music, drama, and theatre
It takes a lot to stand up in front of a crowd and perform, and it’s this kind of confidence that recruiters want to see; especially in jobs where speaking assertively is key (e.g. leadership, sales, or customer service roles).
And with a range of activities available in music, drama & theatre, there’s bound to be something to suit you and your personality. For example, you might be part of a band, music group, or even be a solo artist – playing anything from rock to classical.
Or, you could be an avid dancer or drama enthusiast – whether it’s through taking part in an afterschool club, or even teaching the basics to those younger than you.
Skills it demonstrates
- Confidence
- Self-presentation
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
How to get involved
If you want to join a band, orchestra, or music group, you’ll likely need to play an instrument. Your school or local community centre is a great place to ask about lessons, or you could consider studying music independently. For drama, singing, or dance, natural talent and enthusiasm are also key.
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4. Foreign languages
Not only does learning a new language make yourself available for roles in teaching, translating, tourism, and more; it can also strengthen your CV in a range of other ways.
For example, the dedication and enthusiasm involved with learning outside of your general education will undoubtedly stand out to recruiters.
And, with many organisations operating internationally – an ability to understand and translate communications from another country is extremely valuable.
Skills it demonstrates
This shows a recruiter you have skills in:
- Problem-solving
- Dedication
- Willingness to learn
- Patience
- Lateral thinking
How to get involved
Many school curriculums include at least one language. If you want to learn a language not offered, look for local classes or private tutors. Free language apps, audiobooks, and language courses are also great ways to boost your learning.
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5. Job-specific activities
Many extra activities in your CV can be the first steps towards your dream career, especially if you’re just starting out.
Hobbies related to a specific industry often teach you the practical skills needed for a job. For example, if you write for your university newspaper, take coding classes, or are the student life photographer, you’re showing employers you have the basic abilities and dedication to get started in fields like media, IT, or copywriting.
This is a great way to show your passion for a particular field.
Skills it demonstrates
- Writing and editing
- Creativity
- IT and technical skills
- Ability to take criticism
How to get involved
If you’re interested in blogging, web design, or media, see if you can contribute to your school or university’s website or newsletter. Proactivity is key, so consider taking an online course, starting your own blog, or building a website to showcase your skills.
6. Debating or public speaking
Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is a skill that’s valued in almost every profession.
Joining a debating society or a public speaking club like Toastmasters shows that you’re not afraid to stand up for your ideas and engage in thoughtful discussion.
This is a powerful extracurricular activity to have on your CV, especially for roles in law, politics, or management.
Skills it demonstrates
- Critical thinking skills
- Public speaking and communication
- Persuasion and negotiation
- Research and analysis
- Confidence
How to get involved
Most universities have debating societies that are easy to join. You can also look for local public speaking clubs in your area. These groups provide a supportive environment to practise and improve your skills.
How do I add extracurricular activities to my CV?
OK, so you know what extracurricular activities to include, how to get involved, and how they make you stand out from the crowd – but how do you add them to your CV?
Essentially, it’s up to you. Whether you want to state them in your hobbies and interests section, or you’d rather they accompanied your academic experience (e.g. alongside your grades), it’ll be a great way to demonstrate your suitability.
Alternatively, adding an ‘Achievements’ section provides the perfect opportunity to outline exactly what you gained from taking part in extracurricular activities. For example, it could be that you won an award for your contributions to the school newspaper, or your passion for sports allowed you to excel as a team player and consequently win a number of tournaments.
To find out more about writing a CV, read our guide on how to write a CV, or download our school leaver CV template.
Final thoughts
Extracurricular activities are more than just hobbies; they’re a testament to your character, skills, and dedication outside of the classroom or workplace.
By strategically including the best extracurricular activities for your CV, you can paint a fuller picture of who you are and what you can bring to a role.
From leading a team on the sports field to crafting compelling arguments in a debating society, these experiences enrich your personal development and make your CV much more attractive to a hiring manager.
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