When they help
For a first job, a student or a school leaver, interests often hold your best evidence of reliability, teamwork and responsibility. For an experienced applicant they are optional: keep one line only if it adds something your work history does not show, such as a language, a relevant qualification or a community role.
Weak and specific, side by side
Specific interests say what you do, how often and what it shows. These fictional examples show the difference.
Captain of the under-16 team at a local netball club; organise the lift rota for away matches.
Shows leadership and organisation.
Run a monthly book group of eight at the local library and choose the titles.
Shows communication and planning.
Grade 6 piano; play for the school's weekly assembly.
Shows commitment over years and performing in front of people.
Volunteer every other Saturday at a food bank, sorting donations and serving visitors.
Shows reliability and work with the public.
Build and maintain a small Discord server of 300 members for a local gaming group, including its rules and moderation.
Shows digital skills and responsibility.
Conversational Spanish from a year living in Valencia; use it with Spanish-speaking customers at work.
Shows a language the employer may need.
What to leave out
Leave out anything you would not want to discuss at interview, and anything that reveals personal details a UK CV usually omits, such as religion or political views, unless the job is directly connected to it. Drop activities you stopped years ago and interests listed only to fill space.
Where they go
Put them near the end under “Interests” or “Additional information”, after skills. On a first CV they can sit higher, under “Activities” or “Achievements”, when they are your main evidence.