So I'm working on a new resume. Nothing serious. I'm employed, but have begun checking around to see what else is out there. I've been browsing a lot of resumes online and many of them suggest listing non-work related hobbies and activities. Certain hobbies and interests can look good to employers. Reading, participating in sports, and other such things can reveal someone who is willing to learn as well as a competitive person. How about gaming? I can see how gaming could carry both good and bad notions for a potential employer or HR person. While most of us know the benefits of gaming- strategic thinking, competition, social interaction- I can also see how the stereotypical "game nerd" could cross an employers mind and create a negative idea for the potential employer. I'm wouldn't specifically list Magic or any of the other games I play, but am thinking of listing "tabletop strategy gaming" as a hobby. I play very, very little video games- so wording it like this is accurate. What do you think? Yea or nay? Good idea or bad idea? If you did add this as a hobby on a resume, how would you phrase it?
I hold the belief that listing hobbies on resumes tends to be a trap to weed out applicants. Experience, knowledge, and skills are more important than social activity. HR doesn't want to know about your social life. In fact, HR would prefer that you not have a social life and work endlessly for pennies on the dollar.
When workers comp asked me about hobbies I knew it was a trap. I didn't want workers comp to know I played MTG. They might think that a social life somehow negated my traumatic brain injury and crippling back and neck pain.
One recommendation when writing a resume is to focus not on responsibilities, but on accomplishments and impact to the company.
With that in mind, if you have achieved something that an outsider would think is impressive, then go ahead and include it. i.e., you sit on the board of a nonprofit, or you were fifth in your age group in the Kona Ironman. But if it is just something you do in your free time, I might not include it.
Yup, I wouldn't ever put hobbies on my resume. Gaming is probably only ever a good thing to put on there in the context of organizing and leading a group of people (WoW raid leaders of top guilds) and even then you'd want to be careful of how you portray it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Virtue, Jacques, is an excellent thing. Both good people and wicked people speak highly of it..."
A good rule of thumb is "if it's on your resume, be prepared to discuss it."
Putting hobbies on a resume is an easy way to find something in common with the interviewer. However, if your interviewer has no idea what you mean by "gaming" or what games you're playing, he or she may ask about it. If that happens, be prepared to discuss the kinds of things you do (abstract thinking, risk assessment, decision making, etc.), and how they're relevant to the business in question. If you can't do that, then it doesn't belong on a resume.
Playing millions of cards every turn... Slowly and systematically obliterating any chance my opponent has of winning... Clicking the multitude of locking mechanisms into place... Not even trying to win myself until turn 10+ once I have nigh absolute control... Watching my opponent desperately trying to navigate the labyrinthine prison that I've constructed... Seeing the light of hope fade and ultimately extinguished in an excruciatingly slow manner... THAT'S fun Magic.
We have 2-3 users that are dramatically making this thread incomprehensible and non-productive for anyone else to possibly join in the discussion. This needs to change.
Every time I see [ktkenshinx] post in here, I get the impression of a stern dad walking in on a bunch of kids trying to do something dumb and just shaking his head in disappointment.
Near Mint: The same as Slightly Played, but we threw some Altoids in the box we stored it in to cover up the scent of dead mice. Slightly Played: The base condition for all MTG cards. This card looks OK, but there’s one minor annoying ding in it that will always irritate and distract you whenever you draw it. Moderately Played: This card looks like it survived the Tet Offensive tucked inside the waistband of GI underwear. It may smell like it, too. Heavily Played: This card looks like the remains of Mohammed Atta’s passport after 9/11. It may be playable if you double-sleeve it to stop the chunks from falling out. The condition formerly known as "Washing Machine Grade" Damaged: This card is the unfortunate victim of a Mirrorweave/March of the Machines/Chaos Confetti/Mindslaver combo.
[M]aking counterfeit cards is the absolute height of dishonesty. Ask yourself this question: Since most people...are totally cool with the use of proxies...what purpose do [high] quality counterfeit cards serve?
I wouldn't recommend it. There still tends to be a negative stereotype about gaming out there, and you don't want your interviewer having a bad impression right off the bat.
HR doesn't want to know about your social life. In fact, HR would prefer that you not have a social life and work endlessly for pennies on the dollar.
Agree. I never mentioned anything about my personal/social life in resumes - those are better kept unknown to HR and interviewers unless you're being asked.
Just participating in gaming is not something that any employer outside of the game industry is going to look on in a positive light. If you do include anything about gaming, try to focus on accomplishments and leadership. I've definitely heard positive stories about people putting the fact that they lead a large WoW guild onto a resume. On an early resume of mine where I had little job experience, I put down a 100+ person M:tG tournament I judged and organized, and the "Pirate Club" I started at my university.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
My Moderator Helpdesk
Currently Playing:
Legacy: Something U/W Controlish EDH Cube
Hypercube! A New EDH Deck Every Week(ish)!
I've never heard of a professional resume having a "hobbies" section, and frankly I see no reason why they should. What I do outside of work has no relevance to what I do at work.
The only time I would discuss my hobbies is if I'm applying for a job that has to do with that hobby, and while I might talk about that in the cover letter or interview, let's face it, if I were applying for a gaming position, "interest in gaming" should go without saying.
Don't put hobbies on a professional resume. But DO put achievements on a resume if you feel they showcase positive qualities about you as an applicant. If you were ever an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, put that down. If you ever made academic honor roll or Dean's list, put that down. If you achieved something that showcases commitment and perseverance, put that down, because it illustrates that you are willing to dedicate yourself towards accomplishing a task which is hard.
Bottom line: your application for employment is meant to answer the question, "Why should I hire you?" So illustrate what you can bring to the table.
For me I wouldn't do that even for those industries
A bit risky, I think
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
712.5b The controller of another player can't make choices or decisions for that player that aren't called for by the rules or by any objects. The controller also can't make any choices or decisions for the player that would be called for by the tournament rules.
Example: The player who's being controlled still chooses whether he or she leaves to visit the restroom, trades a card to someone else, agrees to an intentional draw, or calls a judge about an error or infraction.
I've never heard of a professional resume having a "hobbies" section, and frankly I see no reason why they should. What I do outside of work has no relevance to what I do at work.
I've definitely seen applications that ask about hobbies, and a discussion of hobbies outside of work has come up several times in various interviews I've had. I've also definitely heard anecdotes about companoes that see gaming as a good thing, because there's the elements of decision-making. Most strategy games are really about resource management, after all.
A lot depends on the culture of the company. If the company is stuck in the 80s, or is Amazon, they probably won't care about your hobbies. Other companies - especially startups - want people who are skilled but also would mesh well with the other personalities on the team. I work in ecommerce, for instance, and we actually have a gaming club.
I have heard vague rumors of a moustache-dispensing vending machine in a distant laundromat, across the street from a tattoo parlor. However, this information is shaky, and time is of the essence.
You'll also see people hiring by personality/culture fit when the job market is saturated with workers. Noticed that a lot when I was looking the past few years.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Virtue, Jacques, is an excellent thing. Both good people and wicked people speak highly of it..."
You can tailor your resume to different jobs, so I don't think there's one right answer. If it directly pertains to the job you want, then go ahead and add it. Otherwise, it might be better to use that line for something more relevant.
For example, I am a programmer. On my resumes, I have listed Android app programming as a hobby. I have not done this in any professional capacity, but it is a skill relevant to many positions. I do not list Magic or video games as hobbies, even though my time with those activities outweighs my time with Android by literal decades.
No. The hobby section is a chance to express your uniqueness and personality. Practically everyone "games", from Monopoly and Candy Crush to EVE Online and Vampire the Masquerade.
No hobbies what so ever. Bad idea. Work resumes should be strictly business. No HR truly cares about your hobbies. Like when I worked for coca cola I knew people who would put on their resumes that they liked to drink coke. Ok so what? So u like to play sports? Who gives a ****?
And I've had 13 jobs and I'm 25 and I've never been asked about my personal life. Closest it's came has been do you use drugs tobacco can u get to work on time etc
Resumes are a set of qualifications. If you think the subject adds value to your resume, include it. Note that there is a difference between “weight” and “value”.
I am a magic player who regularly wins FNM and local tournaments, but I have never made top-8 at a PTQ or similarly high-profile event. I would never list Magic, the Gathering as a hobby, but if I were to ever top-8 a high-profile event, I may consider listing that on my resume (in broadly understandable terms). My logic is that an individual involved in the hiring process would not care about my hobbies, but might care about my accomplishments.
Likewise, I used to be my World of Warcraft guild raid leader (back in the day of 40-man Molten Core and Blackwing Lair raids). Although I believe that those skills are extremely valuable in a workplace environment, explaining to someone what a “raid” was that was not intimately familiar with WoW would not be valuable. For that reason, I would never list “Raid Leader” on my resume. I might, however, bring the subject up during an interview with someone if I felt it was appropriate, and that individual expressed a knowledge of MMORPGs.
I used to work seasonally at a Haunted House, and I used to list that on my resume. I actually credit that item with being a good ice-breaker with one of the individuals who interviewed me at my current position. Contrary to popular belief, most businesses do not want “worker drones” and being involved with a Haunted House (the one I worked at was particularly well known) was a good way to show that I was human. There was a good chance that anyone involved in the hiring process would have heard about (or visited) the Haunted House that I worked at, and people are always curious about the behind the scenes at places like that. In that regard, it was an asset.
I wouldn't list gaming per se. Can have negative connotation or be confusing for the employer.
When listed non-work, non-business, non-eduction items on the resume, make sure they are somewhat relevant to the job or highlight yourself. As in:
- community service
- respected hobbies: scuba diving
- high end rewards for sports, clubs, social groups
One thing to remember, would you put avarage Excel user on a resume? If not, then unless you are a professional gamer, then don't add gamer.
It really does depend on what occupation you're applying for. I applied to several architecture firms out of college and my portfolio had a couple pages showing how video game architecture had some influence on my studio designs (Bioshock, Shadow of the Colossus). I received a couple offers, but I believe this worked because it's a design-oriented corner of the job market--and because it was two pages out of 25 towards the back.
You can mask the term "gaming" in a resume by saying something like "Able to help coordinate and participate in group-oriented tasks and problem solving." It sounds like BS and if an interviewer calls you out on it then take the opportunity to make a joke and say "I tried to come up with a professional way of saying I enjoy card, board, and video gaming with friends." Laughs--and a bit of humility--go a long way.
Unless if you want to work in a comic book store, video game retailer, electronics department in a large store, or write for a specific site that deals with games. In essence, no.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Life is a beautiful engineer, yet a brutal scientist.
Current decks:
Legacy: Zoo, Aggro Elves, The Gate, White Weenie, Red Deck Wins, and Merfolk. Currently building Solidarity.
Casual: Warp World Revolution and Old School Red-Green.
Standard: Ob-Nixilis Wave and Elves.
When workers comp asked me about hobbies I knew it was a trap. I didn't want workers comp to know I played MTG. They might think that a social life somehow negated my traumatic brain injury and crippling back and neck pain.
With that in mind, if you have achieved something that an outsider would think is impressive, then go ahead and include it. i.e., you sit on the board of a nonprofit, or you were fifth in your age group in the Kona Ironman. But if it is just something you do in your free time, I might not include it.
Putting hobbies on a resume is an easy way to find something in common with the interviewer. However, if your interviewer has no idea what you mean by "gaming" or what games you're playing, he or she may ask about it. If that happens, be prepared to discuss the kinds of things you do (abstract thinking, risk assessment, decision making, etc.), and how they're relevant to the business in question. If you can't do that, then it doesn't belong on a resume.
WUDeath&TaxesWG
Legacy
UBRGDredgeUBRG
UHigh TideU
URGLandsURG
WR Card Choice List
WUR American D&T
WUB Esper D&T
The Reserved List
Heat Maps
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
Agree. I never mentioned anything about my personal/social life in resumes - those are better kept unknown to HR and interviewers unless you're being asked.
Currently Playing:
Legacy: Something U/W Controlish
EDH Cube
Hypercube! A New EDH Deck Every Week(ish)!
The only time I would discuss my hobbies is if I'm applying for a job that has to do with that hobby, and while I might talk about that in the cover letter or interview, let's face it, if I were applying for a gaming position, "interest in gaming" should go without saying.
Don't put hobbies on a professional resume. But DO put achievements on a resume if you feel they showcase positive qualities about you as an applicant. If you were ever an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, put that down. If you ever made academic honor roll or Dean's list, put that down. If you achieved something that showcases commitment and perseverance, put that down, because it illustrates that you are willing to dedicate yourself towards accomplishing a task which is hard.
Bottom line: your application for employment is meant to answer the question, "Why should I hire you?" So illustrate what you can bring to the table.
A bit risky, I think
Example: The player who's being controlled still chooses whether he or she leaves to visit the restroom, trades a card to someone else, agrees to an intentional draw, or calls a judge about an error or infraction.
How about this?
I've definitely seen applications that ask about hobbies, and a discussion of hobbies outside of work has come up several times in various interviews I've had. I've also definitely heard anecdotes about companoes that see gaming as a good thing, because there's the elements of decision-making. Most strategy games are really about resource management, after all.
A lot depends on the culture of the company. If the company is stuck in the 80s, or is Amazon, they probably won't care about your hobbies. Other companies - especially startups - want people who are skilled but also would mesh well with the other personalities on the team. I work in ecommerce, for instance, and we actually have a gaming club.
For example, I am a programmer. On my resumes, I have listed Android app programming as a hobby. I have not done this in any professional capacity, but it is a skill relevant to many positions. I do not list Magic or video games as hobbies, even though my time with those activities outweighs my time with Android by literal decades.
Playtesting | Karador, Ghost Chieftain | Narset, Enlightened Master | Ephara, God of the Polis
Established | Gahiji, Honored One | Shirei, Shizo's Caretaker | Opal-Eye, Konda's Yojimbo | Rubinia Soulsinger
Retired | Medomai the Ageless | Diaochan, Artful Beauty
Keep it business related.
-Made By PortalWish Studios-
-Made By PortalWish Studios-
I am a magic player who regularly wins FNM and local tournaments, but I have never made top-8 at a PTQ or similarly high-profile event. I would never list Magic, the Gathering as a hobby, but if I were to ever top-8 a high-profile event, I may consider listing that on my resume (in broadly understandable terms). My logic is that an individual involved in the hiring process would not care about my hobbies, but might care about my accomplishments.
Likewise, I used to be my World of Warcraft guild raid leader (back in the day of 40-man Molten Core and Blackwing Lair raids). Although I believe that those skills are extremely valuable in a workplace environment, explaining to someone what a “raid” was that was not intimately familiar with WoW would not be valuable. For that reason, I would never list “Raid Leader” on my resume. I might, however, bring the subject up during an interview with someone if I felt it was appropriate, and that individual expressed a knowledge of MMORPGs.
I used to work seasonally at a Haunted House, and I used to list that on my resume. I actually credit that item with being a good ice-breaker with one of the individuals who interviewed me at my current position. Contrary to popular belief, most businesses do not want “worker drones” and being involved with a Haunted House (the one I worked at was particularly well known) was a good way to show that I was human. There was a good chance that anyone involved in the hiring process would have heard about (or visited) the Haunted House that I worked at, and people are always curious about the behind the scenes at places like that. In that regard, it was an asset.
When listed non-work, non-business, non-eduction items on the resume, make sure they are somewhat relevant to the job or highlight yourself. As in:
- community service
- respected hobbies: scuba diving
- high end rewards for sports, clubs, social groups
One thing to remember, would you put avarage Excel user on a resume? If not, then unless you are a professional gamer, then don't add gamer.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
Only EDH:
Sigarda, Host of Herons: Enchantress' Enchantments
Jenara, Asura of War: ETB Value Town
Purphoros, God of the Forge: Global Punishment
Xenagos, God of Revels: Ramp, Sneak, & Heavy Hitters
Ghave, Guru of Spores: Dies_to_Doom_Blade's stax list
Edric, Spymaster of Trest: Donald's list
You can mask the term "gaming" in a resume by saying something like "Able to help coordinate and participate in group-oriented tasks and problem solving." It sounds like BS and if an interviewer calls you out on it then take the opportunity to make a joke and say "I tried to come up with a professional way of saying I enjoy card, board, and video gaming with friends." Laughs--and a bit of humility--go a long way.
Signature courtesy of Rivenor and Miraculous Recovery
EDH Altered Cards by Galspanic (Seriously, this guy's awesome.)
My Pauper Cube
Tapped-Out Simulator
My Trade Thread
-Decks-
Commander:
GWR Rith, the Awakener RWG
U Kami of the Crescent Moon U (Flagship Deck)
BW Teysa, Orzhov Scion WB
Under Construction:
UBR Crosis, the Purger RBU
Cube:
WUBRGX Pauper XGRBUW
Modern
Commander
Cube
<a href="http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/the-cube-forum/cube-lists/588020-unpowered-themed-enchantment-an-enchanted-evening">An Enchanted Evening Cube </a>
thanks to DNC of Heroes of the Plane Studios for the coolest sig
vintage-WBdark timesBW
legacy-BGRJund-51/60BGR
RBBob Sligh 48/60BR
GRone land belcherRG
URBTES-54/60URB
Fun deck-BBBBKobolds stormBBBB