Would you put an mmo on your resume? (Poll included)

Hockeyisthegame

Thought this was very interesting...can't say in my line of work it would have helped much (nuclear power plant).  But what about you, would you put an mmo on your resume?  

http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/19/technology/world-of-warcraft-resume/

 

Sovrath

Depends on your job.

Obviously, if you worked on the game you would include it as a developer.

As far a "an achievement" it depends on what job you are applying for, whether or not they are looking for "outside the box" thinkers and whether or not being a serious mmo player with certain achievements would transfer.

Over the years I've looked at many unique resumes. Sometimes they would work, especially if they were applying for a design job and they created a unique heavily designed resume.

As far as putting video games on my resume? Not on your life.

TheQuietGamer

Not a chance, it would have a huge negative affect on my chances to land a job in my industry (construction)- largely due to the prevalent negative stereotype given to gamers.

However, I will admit that many workplaces are as petty and full of pointless drama as raiding guilds, and many guild leaders are as pompous and egomaniacal as business leaders- so perhaps it is a good thing.     

Ludwik

Yes, sir!

I sat at home for the last 3 years leveling up my pally in WoW.

I'm a real go-getter.

Po_gg

Interesting question... I think it depends on your goal.

 

For example, I'm more a roleplayer than an mmo'er. It's on my cv as well, at the Hobbies section. So when I'm out for a job, that info is on the plate too, but without details. If the interviewer wants details, s/he can always ask about it (once it funneled into a nice discussion about W40K minis and paint jobs )

On the other hand, if I'm not on an actual job hunt, just "testing the waters"... the idea never occured to me so far, but there's a chance next time I'll drop on the cv LotRO as well who knows, maybe it's even a plus, if there's a team of Tolkien fans at the firm...

 

But yep, on a "serious" job application, Roleplaying among the Hobbies / other activities section is more than enough on the cv.

 

(edit: though I'm in IT so it's ok, we're allowed to be weirdos I guess... IT Crowd ftw )

Vendaku

I laughed out loud as soon as I read the title of this thread.

 

Unless you're a developer on an MMO, I don't think its a wise decision.

Loktofeit

It definitely depends on where you're applying and what you did in that MMO. Some examples:

There's a poster here that has written some crazy high number of quests for Vendetta Online. That could easily be used to show initiative, organization, or familiarity with particular tools/apps/sofftware. 

There are posters here that have created blogs and Twitch streams (ex: Paragus1) about various games and they can use their investment in a particular MMO to show how they built up a userbase or brought more people to it or had insight into a particular issue. 

There are posters here that have been LOTRO council members, DAoC Team Leads, EVE and DUST 514 council members, UO seers and interest team members, Asheron's Call advocates and sentinels... you see where I'm going with this.  

 

More than likely, if you've invested a couple years in an MMO, you probably did something worthy of note, even if it's just a one-liner in the "Hobbies" section.

 

Avarix

When I first read the title I thought "Good luck with that if you try it..." However, there are a TON of MMO players. You may just get lucky and interview with someone that shares the hobby, and views you in a better light for it. I personally wouldn't attempt it myself. You may get lucky with a manager/interviewer that enjoys MMOs as well or you may get one that only sees the stigma attached to gaming. It's a bit of a coin flip.

 

I know in the US the job market is very competitive right now so it may be worth trying out, anything to set yourself apart. With the current market I rather be seen as nerdy/eccentric on an application than boring/average joe.

zevian

It might not be something to feature on a resume, however during an interview given the proper questioning, of course this would only apply in my opinion if i managed a multi player guild with multiple feats etc...   Just mentioning that you got a server first or an ultra rare item would be pointless.    It might actually be detrimental most jobs want you to focus on them, not call off because a new expansion dropped, or missing days of work because you need to lead your guild etc...  

 

All of this goes out the window for a non traditional job though, if your applying to something directly related to the field than it would probably be a benefit.

TheQuietGamer

But in the real world clearing a dungeon in a game is not considered an achievement, rightly so since its a game and games as a rule are not that difficult.  In fact I would go as far as to say it would generally be considered slightly obsessive and rather anti-social behaviour which are not good traits for most jobs.  

Put it this way, if I went into an interview and started proudly showing everyone my tetris highscore on my phone as if this were a reason for employing me I would expect to be unceremoniously kicked out.  

In addition, rallying a bunch of like minded gamers to do what the game tells them to do is not an achievement in leadership... piss up and brewery spring to mind.  

rodingo

Interesting enough you almost always get posters here that list their MMO pedigree as if it was a resume in order to make their points seem more valid.  Usually you see those in doom and gloom posts.  However, for an actual job I think the only time you would want to list that MAYBE is if you are trying to get into a development team for another MMO, though I think you would be better off just listing the MMO in a cover letter instead of the resume.  Other than that, I would keep actual technical skills, WORK (not play) experience, and education on a resume.

3-4thElf

I've put 'no' because I don't think merely playing a MMO or even running a successful guild is resume / cv worthy material. Why? It's a hobby, if you list your interests then you can add it there.

If you've made Add-Ons, ran a successful fan / info site, beta tested and those are relevant skills for what you're applying for (creative industry is the only way to make $$ in the US now anyway) then add it in as skills first and the why after. 

Understanding APIs is a big marketable skill now. Been searching for someone who can just scratch them out for my company for awhile.

Crusades

In 20 years maybe, today no. Today's management is primarily baby boomers whom hate "childish" video games. It's childish to them the details do not matter.

DamonVile

Id list it under a hobby or interest but I wouldnt put it under a job skill.

Leiros

It would not be appropriate for my line of work. As a healthcare professional, my education and clinical experience is valued more than my leisure time activities. I could care less if a doctor or nurse has a level 70 paladin in WoW if they're going to be taking care of my sick family members. I'd rather know that they received a proper education and have the experience and knowledge to safely perform their job.

 

However, that's just my profession. I'm sure it might work in other fields such as certain businesses or technology jobs. According to the article it seemed to work out well for this gentleman.

rickenbe

Depends on what job you are applying for and what you did in the mmo.

 

For example, if you were a guild master of a large raiding guild or pvp guild, which required keeping scheduling commitments, organizing teams, giving concise or detailed instructions, executing the plans, and following up on any lack of performance . . . then those skills are directly transferable to a management type job.  You just have to spin it that way.

 

If you are applying for a job without directly transferable job skills, don't list it unless you are tipped off that the interviewer is a mmo junkie.

 

 

Nellus

"Depends on the job" seems like the appropriate answer for me. I've programmed a little as a hobby, and in high school, but never for a paycheck. If I decided I wanted to try and work in a related field I would find an appropriate way to include that on a resume, and likely try to do so as more than just a hobby section filler, since my direct experience is surely lacking. Of course, I'd also include a copy of the games I've created - however simple they may be.

It may be worth noting that if I was applying for a related job I'd likely be desperate, since it has always struck me as something I would hate doing as employment, but really enjoy in leisure time now and then. So, if I needed a job that badly I would be trying anything I could to catch someone's attention.

Gravarg

That depends on the job.  If I went and got a job at Blizz customer service, I'd put on there that I've played WoW since forever.  I played Warcraft 1-3, Diablo 1-3, Hearthstone, HotS, and Starcraft 1 and 2.  I know pretty much all the ins and outs of each game

Kyleran

Probably not, even if applying for job in the gaming industry (of which I have no experience) I would focus on my project delivery skills rather than my hobbies, which i don't include on my CV.

Hobbies, who has time for hobbies, I work all the time. 

 

Quesa

If you put any other answer other than "depends on the job", you are wrong.

 

Example, if you were applying to Blizzard as, say, a customer service rep, it would be a bonus to inform them you have played WoW.  Familiarity with a product that the company, you're applying for, is something you want the company to know during the hiring process.

TheQuietGamer

Originally posted by Quesa

If you put any other answer other than "depends on the job", you are wrong.

 

Example, if you were applying to Blizzard as, say, a customer service rep, it would be a bonus to inform them you have played WoW.  Familiarity with a product that the company, you're applying for, is something you want the company to know during the hiring process.

Well that goes without saying, but the vast majority of jobs are not for mmo companies.  

Bladestrom

Someone at work once toldme about an application for a lead test role where the applicant mentioned in his application that he was a 'raid leader' and then proceeded to explain how his command of his team gave a great example of his management skills. Unfortunately for him this ap was leaked and he was laughed at by many many people - he knows nothing of this ofc

Quesa

Originally posted by TheQuietGamer

Originally posted by Quesa

If you put any other answer other than "depends on the job", you are wrong.

 

Example, if you were applying to Blizzard as, say, a customer service rep, it would be a bonus to inform them you have played WoW.  Familiarity with a product that the company, you're applying for, is something you want the company to know during the hiring process.

Well that goes without saying, but the vast majority of jobs are not for mmo companies.  

You don't make and use one resume.  You're resumes should be different for almost every employer and should highlight the qualities that will make you're employment beneficial.

SomeOldBloke

I put 'No' mainly because I don't put hobbies or references on my resume (CV) anymore - it's 3 pages already with my work experience education and vocational training. If they ask in the interview I will tell them I play MMOs, it's nothing I'm ashamed of.

udon

I think some of the people running some of the larger, more successful goal oriented guilds could rightfully claim their experience could translate well into the real world.

Everyone else no more so than say building furniture as a hobby makes me a better engineer.  It might be a good discussion topic during a interview but not really worthy of a spot on my resume.

Bladestrom

I would agree, but 95% of raid leaders think that bullying, shouting and micromanagement is what a great leader is about