Extra-curricular Activities: How They Can Help Get You Hired

In a competitive job market, it's important to stand out from other job candidates, and extra-curricular activities can help. Adding these activities to your CV might convince an employer that you have the character traits and special skills they are looking for.

Use this guide to find out what extra-curricular activities are, why they're beneficial, and why they belong on your CV. You can also explore 13 examples of extra-curricular activities that can help make your CV stronger.

What are extra-curricular activities?

When you participate in an activity that isn't required for school or a job, it is considered “extra-curricular.” You can choose an extra-curricular activity because you enjoy doing it or because it helps you meet a certain goal. Examples of extra-curricular activities can include membership in clubs, outdoor recreation, sports, volunteering, or other creative pursuits like dancing, baking, or gardening.

Why are extra-curricular activities important?

Extra-curricular activities can help grow your skill set. Types of skills you can develop through participation include communication, leadership, organisation, teamwork, and technical prowess. These skills transfer well to success at a job and in a career. Extra-curricular activities can also help you build character and instil important values like:

• Compassion

• Consideration

• Loyalty

• Independence

• Responsibility

• Self-confidence

• Work ethic

Extra-curriculars for adults

Although many people associate extra-curricular activities with secondary schools and university, you can participate in extra-curriculars even if you're not currently a student. If you're an adult who wants to go back to school or enhance your CV, consider the following extra-curriculars for adults:

*Join or create a group to help you engage in a favourite hobby

*Take a class to learn a new language or job skill (or teach one)

*Sign up to play on a community softball or football team

*Learn how to play an instrument

*Volunteer at a community centre or organisation

Why extra-curricular activities belong on a CV

Adding extra-curriculars to a CV can help show an employer that you're skilled and well-rounded. By highlighting skills and character traits you've picked up that might transfer to a job, extra-curriculars can also make up for limited work experience.

13 examples of extra-curricular activities to put on your CV

1. Academic clubs

Membership in an academic club in secondary school or uni can help you learn how to be a better team member and improve your communication skills, which look great on a CV. On a personal level, academic clubs can help you meet new people and have more fun. Examples of academic clubs you can join include the astronomy club, debate club, robotics club, and the school newspaper.

2. Arts

Outside activities involving fine arts, dramatic arts, or music can enhance your creative abilities and might help you land certain jobs. Arts extra-curriculars are especially helpful if you're applying for a creative position like art director, chef, graphic artist, or photographer. Types of creative pursuits you can explore include dance, drawing, painting, sculpture, community theatre, or playing in a local band.

3. Community volunteering

Volunteering in your community can help instil a sense of compassion, empathy, sacrifice, and a willingness to help others. Some examples of ways you can volunteer include:

• Working in food banks, emergency hostels, or allotments

• Participating in neighbourhood cleanups

• Volunteering for fundraisers like fun runs or auctions

• Coaching a youth sports team

4. Design

Whether you enjoy designing logos, decorating living spaces, or creating outdoor gardens, a design-inspired hobby can offer an array of benefits for you and a potential employer. You could learn design-related principles like balance, contrast, movement, and proportion or become more skilled at problem-solving. Additionally, you could learn to use design-related software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Live Home 3D Pro, or Realtime Landscaping Plus, that can help you thrive in a creative career.

5. Foreign language learning

Learning another language indicates open-mindedness and enthusiasm to learn about other cultures. It also shows an employer that you’re adept at processing and retaining information. Becoming fluent in a foreign language can help grow your career in a company with global markets. 

6. Political action

If you've been involved in political action, consider listing it on your CV. However, make sure to emphasise the skills you've picked up along the way rather than commenting on your political affiliation. Types of skills you might mention include communication, fundraising, staff management, budgeting, and organization.

7. Professional associations

Membership in a professional association shows a prospective employer that you're interested in growing professionally. Many of these associations offer mentorship programs, continuing education, access to educational resources, and networking opportunities.

8. Public speaking

Listing a membership or participation in a public speaking club or course on your CV signals that you've worked on your communication skills. In addition to enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication, practice in public speaking helps build confidence, boost your powers of persuasion, and develop critical thinking.  

9. Social activism

Participation in social activism shows an employer that you care about what is happening in your community and the world. It also highlights your willingness to stand up for your beliefs and defend your rights and the rights of others.

10. Sports

Playing a sport can highlight various attributes on a CV. For instance, participating in a team sport like volleyball or hockey can help you develop your sense of collaboration and teamwork. Participation in an individual sport like martial arts, skiing, or tennis can help build motivation, goal-setting skills, and mental fortitude. Individual and team sports also help foster a competitive spirit, dedication, and drive—qualities that many employers look for in a new recruit.

11. Student government

Involvement in student government in secondary school or at university can indicate several key strengths. These might include leadership, communication skills, organisation, and decision-making. These skills can help you in the workplace when you need to work with other staff members, stay on task, make decisions, or manage people or projects.

12. Travel

If you plan to include travel on your CV, consider what type of travel might interest an employer. For instance, half-term break trips with friends or family camping trips might not necessarily add to your employability. But, travel that relates to the job or promotes personal growth can make a good addition to a CV. Examples of travel scenarios that might pique an employer's interest include:

• International trips that introduced you to different cultures or helped you improve your foreign language skills

• Travel that included volunteer work

• Any travel that inspired you to write about or film your experience

• Trips that demanded strict planning and budgeting

• A particularly challenging trip that enhanced your sense of humour and highlighted your ability to adapt

• Any situation where you've worked or studied abroad

13. Writing

Writing as an extra-curricular activity might indicate that you have a creative spark and can improve your skills of self-expression. Writing can also help you think more constructively and improve emotional health, which can benefit you in any job position.

Take courses to build your list of extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities often help to develop your social, emotional, and collaborative skills and can help you become more employable. Looking for extra-curricular activities to add to your CV? Consider taking a course on a topic you're interested in on Coursera, such as Yale’s The Science of Well-Being or AI for Creative Work Specialization.

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