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Many job seekers often look for creative ways to stand out. One question that pops up often: Should you add fun facts about yourself to a resume?

Short answer: In most cases, no. But sometimes, yes—strategically. Let’s dive into when, where, and how it can work in your favor (and when it can backfire).


What Are Fun Facts About Yourself?

Fun facts are short, interesting tidbits about your life outside of work: hobbies, unique experiences, quirky skills, or unusual achievements.

Examples:

  • “Ran a marathon on every continent.”
  • “Self-taught ukulele player.”
  • “Published a sci-fi short story at 16.”

They show a glimpse of your personality, but are they resume material?


Should You Add Fun Facts to a Resume?

In most professional settings, fun facts do not belong on a resume. Your resume is a marketing document focused on your skills, experience, and achievements—not your hobbies or trivia.

Why it’s risky:

  • It can seem unprofessional in traditional industries (finance, law, healthcare).
  • It can distract from your core qualifications.
  • Recruiters skim resumes quickly; unrelated details could hurt your first impression.

Our expert advice: Keep your resume sharp, achievement-driven, and job-specific.


When Could It Be Acceptable to Add Fun Facts?

There are a few exceptions where a fun fact might help:

Creative industries (advertising, media, entertainment): Showing personality can make you more memorable.

Startups and youth-focused brands: Some employers value quirkiness and creativity.

Scholarship applications, fellowships, internships: When personal uniqueness matters alongside credentials.

When explicitly asked by employer: Rare, but some job postings do request “tell us a fun fact about you.”


Reactions by Industry and Geography

IndustryReaction
Finance, Law, HealthcareAvoid fun facts; stay formal.
Tech, Media, StartupsAcceptable if professional.
Nonprofits, Social ImpactPersonal touch sometimes valued.
North America, AustraliaModerate acceptance in creative sectors.
Europe (UK, Germany)More formal; fun facts risky.
Asia (India, Japan, Singapore)Stick to skills and achievements.

Fun Facts vs. Hobbies on a Resume

Fun facts are quick, quirky personal notes.

Hobbies are ongoing personal interests—and if done carefully, hobbies can have a small section on a resume.

Examples of acceptable hobbies on resumes:

  • “Certified scuba diver” (shows discipline and adventurousness)
  • “Volunteer coding instructor for underprivileged youth” (shows leadership and initiative)

Fun facts, however, are usually reserved for casual bios or networking events.


Where You Should Use Fun Facts Instead

Instead of your resume, showcase fun facts here:

  • LinkedIn “About” Section
  • Speaker bios for conferences
  • New employee introductions
  • Personal portfolio websites
  • Social media profiles (Instagram, Twitter bios, etc.)

Want help creating a short bio? Check out our Bio Myself Guide.


Good Fun Facts for Bios (Examples)

Strong Examples:

  • “I speak four languages.”
  • “I’ve visited 30 countries by age 30.”
  • “I once led a community garden project in my city.”

Fun but risky on a resume:

  • “I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute.”
  • “I have a TikTok cooking channel.”

Avoid:

  • Anything highly personal, political, or controversial.

How AI Resume Builders and ATS Resume Checkers Help

While you’re polishing your resume, make sure it’s not just creative — make it professional and ATS-friendly too.

At KudosWall, our AI Resume Builder helps you:

  • Write strong resume summaries (the correct place to show career highlights).
  • Create customized resumes for each job.
  • Optimize resumes to pass through ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).

Want to check if your resume is ready? Use our ATS Resume Checker — trusted by job seekers across the USA and India to scan and improve their resumes.

If you’re looking for a real example of a resume that balances professionalism and personality correctly, browse our Resume Examples Collection.


Final Verdict: Fun Facts Are Not for Resumes (Usually)

Your resume should highlight your professional skills and achievements — not your favorite Netflix show or unusual hobbies.

However, your “About Me” sections, bios, or networking intros are perfect places to humanize your professional image with a fun fact.

Expert Tip: Focus on creating a powerful, ATS friendly resume first. Then, craft a memorable bio or LinkedIn summary to show the world the full, authentic you.


Related Resources


Ready to build a resume that gets noticed — and leaves the fun facts for when it’s time to celebrate your new job?

Try KudosWall’s AI Resume Builder today — trusted by professionals across industries and borders.


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The Resume Whisperer

KudosWall helps students and professionals put their best selves forward. In our blog, you’ll find best practices, tips and tricks, and insights on building your portfolio or resume, as well as different ways to add more to it! We help you to plan your career.

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