Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DMDaddy 10-27-06, 08:39 PM	Would you think this would be a good thing or a bad thing? It seems that DMs have to be responsible for: knowing rules abjudicating rules facilitating group cohension record keeping preparing a campaign in detail creativity The list goes on. Would you list it on your resume for a management job? I probably wouldn't seeing all the negative ideas about D&D.
Pandaemoni 10-27-06, 08:45 PM	I would not. For every one person who'd view it as a positive, I suspect there are several who'd not. Hell, my girlfriend often wishes aloud I'd give up the game. It would not have gone over well had I told her of the hobby on my first date.
rudie 10-27-06, 08:47 PM	That, and DM also stands for district manager...so there might be confusion..
Kadasbrass 10-27-06, 08:52 PM	I don't think it would be a professional thing on a resume. Even if the HR person plays D&D or at least doesn't buy the "D&D is bad" stories, it would make a person look unqualified for the job and unprofessional. Unless of course your applying for a DM postion ;)
Celestine_AutumnStar 10-27-06, 08:53 PM	I would not. For every one person who'd view it as a positive, I suspect there are several who'd not. Hell, my girlfriend often wishes aloud I'd give up the game. It would not have gone over well had I told her of the hobby on my first date. I hate to say this, but it probably isn't going to last then. If you can't be who you are without the other person either getting upset or "wishing" you would change then you are not off to a great start to a relationship. That out of the way I would say that DM would be a good thing to put down on a resume except for everyones ignorant views of RPGs.
Kadasbrass 10-27-06, 08:54 PM	I would not. For every one person who'd view it as a positive, I suspect there are several who'd not. Hell, my girlfriend often wishes aloud I'd give up the game. It would not have gone over well had I told her of the hobby on my first date. My friends wife says the same thing, but its only because its a game she can't beat (She HAS to win every game she plays, and since she can't win D&D and we won't play any other games with her anymore... well its a mess, luckly they work different shifts)
Pandaemoni 10-27-06, 08:54 PM	I don't think it would be a professional thing on a resume. Even if the HR person plays D&D or at least doesn't buy the "D&D is bad" stories, it would make a person look unqualified for the job and unprofessional. Unless of course your applying for a DM postion ;) Many people's resumes list hobbies and interests to humanize it and make it more memorable. I was assuming it would be in that sort of section.
PolasKasDorion 10-27-06, 08:59 PM	Perception is everything here... to the majority of coporate america D&D is a kid's game... or in some places, the devil's game. I think if you were applying for, say, a Gaming Store, Comic Shop, Fantasy Journal/Magazine... something related, then it might be worthwhile... but otherwise it's not a very "professional" thing to have on a resume.
Solaris 10-27-06, 10:01 PM	Would you list it on your resume for a management job? I probably wouldn't seeing all the negative ideas about D&D. I have no negative ideas about D&D, but I wouldn't hire you if you did that; I'd think negatively of you for thinking it was important or even relevant. Basically, you'd look like a complete dork.
BadCatMan 10-27-06, 10:19 PM	Give it a good spin, like "leader of an amateur dramatics group", "tactical simulationist", "situation optimiser". :D
TheMeanOne 10-27-06, 10:25 PM	I think putting that you enjoy pen and paper role playing games if you have a hobbies/interests section in your resume is okay. Mostly employers sort of flit through that to get an idea of your personality, so I can't imagine it hurting.
allenchan 10-27-06, 10:27 PM	http://beyond-summit.blogspot.com/2006/09/would-you-put-wow-on-your-resume.html
Tempest Stormwind 10-27-06, 10:30 PM	I have no negative ideas about D&D, but I wouldn't hire you if you did that; I'd think negatively of you for thinking it was important or even relevant. Basically, you'd look like a complete dork.Despite disagreements in the past, I agree with this 100%. I would, however, look differently on listing relevant skills (such as the ones mentioned above) in a section of a resume based on such skills. Moreso on ones relevant to whatever job you're tailoring the resume for (I never report *everything* I've done on my resume; if I'm applying as a lab demonstrator, I don't need to list that I worked for a year with elementary-school-age kids, say), and less on the less-transferrable skills. Thus, the only time I would put it on a resume was if my prospective employer was looking for a complete dork -- i.e. a comics/collectables shop or a gaming store. I remain convinced that the single most socially-required skill for all geeks is to learn when to *not* talk about your hobbies. I say this not as an insult or anything, and I use "geek" as a catchall for a variety of different stereotypes. Apologies if anyone took offense to that; it was not the intent.
ArchMage0271 10-27-06, 10:53 PM	I would not. For every one person who'd view it as a positive, I suspect there are several who'd not. Hell, my girlfriend often wishes aloud I'd give up the game. It would not have gone over well had I told her of the hobby on my first date. You cannot possibly be telling us that your GF would not date you because you play RPGs could you? My first wife smoked and I do not but I did not drop here like a bad habit because of that..... To me smoking is the most vile thing I can think of... But we married and had a chald together... Just cause you play D&D you think you girl would drop you.... Hell all of us gamers have had to deal with a special person in our lives not liking our hobby ( D&D ) but my motto is this... "You knew I was a gamer when you met me and I am not changing that" As far as the resume' idea... To me it is not a good thing, it is not considered to be a job reference...... But hey try it anyways..... I do not think there will be any negative feedback in a job interview.. Who knows you may get hired by a gamer to work in the mail room LOL.....
Pandaemoni 10-28-06, 12:00 AM	You cannot possibly be telling us that your GF would not date you because you play RPGs could you? My first wife smoked and I do not but I did not drop here like a bad habit because of that..... To me smoking is the most vile thing I can think of... But we married and had a chald together... Just cause you play D&D you think you girl would drop you.... Hell all of us gamers have had to deal with a special person in our lives not liking our hobby ( D&D ) but my motto is this... "You knew I was a gamer when you met me and I am not changing that" A first date is an iffy thing. Had I not bathed that day and smelled of a subtle but notuiceable funk, I suspect that her impression of me would have been negative, and I'd not have gotten the second date. One could still incredulously demand, "You cannot possibly be telling us that your GF would not date you because you had a little body odor problem," but the answer is: yes, I can tell you that she might mot have given me a second date if I smelled bad on the first. Similarly, had I let my inner-nerd shine through on date one, I'm sure she'd have spent her time with one of the other many men pursuing her at the time. She was a lady with plenty of options. I'm sure, in retrospect, she'd agree that that would have been her loss, but it's in the nature of first dates that people put their best foot forward, just as with job interviews.
Someone 10-28-06, 12:23 AM	On your resume, probably not, but it could be useful in an interview. You could mention it to describe how even in your free time you demonstrate qualities that would make you successful. Basically, it shows that: you prepare. you study volumes of work. you are in a position of responsibility. you work well in groups. Just be sure to show that it wouldn't be a distraction from your work, or how its just something you do in your free time.
Kadasbrass 10-28-06, 12:25 AM	Many people's resumes list hobbies and interests to humanize it and make it more memorable. I was assuming it would be in that sort of section. Yes and no, they do list hobbys, but I've come to the conclussion that employers use them as a trap. What you list there can be dangerous since their looking for certain items (its the difference between it saying "reading" and "reading the Wall Street Journal"). Their not looking for what you do in your spare time, but things that show you off more. And I doubt dming would be something that most would see as a plus.
Silverthumb128 10-28-06, 12:33 AM	I could put Dungeon Master on my resume, but it probably would look better that I saved Earth from Sephiroth, Kuja, and Sin.
darkness ninja of light 10-28-06, 12:41 AM	Just having DM on your resume doesn't say much anyways. I mean, yes, a GOOD DM is responsible and organized and diplomatic and whatnot, but there aren't many DMs out there who really go out of their way to make DMing like a job. If DM is good enough for a resume, just about any activity is. I believe there's a video floating around about a guy who put a bunch of different talents like dancing, tennis playing, karate, weightlifting, etc on a video resume. Poor guy's a laughing stock now. TV and such. Ick. Course, that was going a bit farther than being a DM, but still.
DMDaddy 10-28-06, 01:52 AM	I already have a very impressive resume, an Asociate's Degree, a Bachelor's (next semester I graduate with a 3.7 GPA), ex-military, many diverse jobs. And more. Nevertheless, what a DM does (should do) is very much management. I'm not talking about free play were the rules aren't important, and dungeons are made on the run. I'm talking about a full almost ready to be published dungeon/quest, managing the use of full RAW, organizing and conducting a session, team work, etc... Of course it would have to go in the hobbies section with less details (just dungeons and dragons game master), but, it could go in the "other skills" and list some of the more important managerial aspects of being a Dungeon Master. "leader of an amateur dramatics group", "tactical simulationist", "situation optimiser". lol...I should get out the DOT (Department of Occupational Titles) and other such books and see if there are any related titles for Game Masters.
Platonix 10-28-06, 02:05 AM	Would you think this would be a good thing or a bad thing? It seems that DMs have to be responsible for: knowing rules abjudicating rules facilitating group cohension record keeping preparing a campaign in detail creativity Ignoring for a moment the many relevant problems already brought up in this thread...there are, sadly, some DMs who don't have those qualities. There are good DMs and there are bad DMs...if you're going to list DM as an occupation, you should probably list some of your players as references, just like with any other position.
High Octane 10-28-06, 02:09 AM	Although we know its actually a sign of responsibility, to a human resource manager it would look about the same as "Saved the princess."
Celestine_AutumnStar 10-28-06, 02:58 AM	*Snip* but it's in the nature of first dates that people put their best foot forward, just as with job interviews. Acknowledging that you are a gamer constitutes not putting your best foot forward? What kind of mentality is that?
DMDaddy 10-28-06, 03:14 AM	Acknowledging that you are a gamer constitutes not putting your best foot forward? What kind of mentality is that? This is a good point. Seeing that in some parts, D&D has negativity associated with it, then some of us, like me, who are respectable and decent in all manners and ways should aknowledge our gaming life whenever appropriate to change such a view.
ArchMage0271 10-28-06, 03:20 AM	You know, just reading some of the posts in this thread brings me to a point that is well overlooked in the gaming community... That is " you do not have to be a geek or nerd to play D&D " To many of you post like you are playing a game of monopoly... You like playing with your friends but in social circles you would never admit to playing such a game..... This is coming from someone who has been playing the game for 25 years... I played football in HS and that is where I met alot of the ppl I play with. They are my friends... I am not a nerd or geek nor am I a mindless jock.. I am someone with an imgination for RPGs.... So saying you would not tell your GF about your imagination is retarted.... Would she bash yolu for going to see lord of the rings? probably not... but she would for not going to see a love movie with her... Come on get out of the dark ages and face your fears.... This is a world of computers and science.... Not everone that has a degree in computers is a nerd and no one that plays D&D is a nerd.... Back to the point.... I would put Role playing games on my list of hobies just like a christian would place belief in God and church as one of theirs. Has being a gamers become a bad thing?????? answer that question!!!!!!!!!!!
Solaris 10-28-06, 03:39 AM	I would put Role playing games on my list of hobies just like a christian would place belief in God and church as one of theirs.They would?
ArchMage0271 10-28-06, 03:59 AM	Yes they would Solaris... My first wife listed Church as one of her hobbies. It is something that she does on a regular basis and lots of ppl consider it as social interation which is something that employers are looking for in prospective employees.... Being able to stand up for your beliefs is not considered a bad thing.......
Androlphas 10-28-06, 07:16 AM	Unless you are applying for a job that's RPG-related, don't. In fact, ditto for any hobby unless it's directly related to the job you're applying for. This might sound cold, but the potential employer won't really care much about those things, and it could work against you because of human bias. By the way, don't mention that stuff in an interview when they ask you: "Tell me a little about yourself...". That's not really what they want to know.
Tyler Do'Urden 10-28-06, 07:52 AM	It's okay to put "Dungeon Master" on a resume in the following situations: You don't really want the job. You know beforehand that the interviewer plays too. You're applying for a job as a DM. You're applying for a job with WotC, specifically to work on Dungeons & Dragons or D&D Minis. If any or all of these apply, feel free to pencil in your gaming experience. List it as one of your jobs. That'll make a good impression.
mearrin69 10-28-06, 08:53 AM	Would you think this would be a good thing or a bad thing? It really depends on what you're applying for. If you want to be a manager of a local gaming store or some other job where it might be relevant then please, by all means, add it to your resume. Otherwise I'd suggest leaving it off. I've interviewed many people for 'white-collar' professional-type jobs and, unfortunately, most of the people who felt that it was important to list their hobbies didn't get a call back from me. I also left off the people who felt the need to tell me about their kids, pets, favorite rocks, etc. on their CV. These people tend to be 'dramatists' to some degree or another in my experience. But, hey, give it a shot ;) M edit: BTW, regarding http://beyond-summit.blogspot.com/20...ur-resume.html (from above) - I'm sure it sounds cool and seems tempting to do this but the first thing I would wonder is why you don't have a similar 'real life' example. Building and leading a WoW guild takes skill, no doubt, but as an employer I want to know that I'll get that sort of talent and dedication from you, not some game.
Millennium 10-28-06, 10:13 AM	If you're applying to work at a game company (RPG, board, video, or otherwise) then it might be a good idea. Otherwise, I'd be very wary of including it. You might want to keep two versions of your resume, one for "DM-friendly" industries and companies, and one for others.
SunTzuWarmaster 10-28-06, 10:30 AM	I put DDR (Dance! Dance! Revolution!) on my resume last June. The US Navy hired me in July. I now work in a Computer Science/Engineering lab in the Anti-Submarine Warfare department....along with 2 Everquest (II) addicts. Would I put DM on the resume? I can honestly say that I've put weirder.
Andron 10-28-06, 11:31 AM	If you really want to do it, I would come up with a creative way to rephrase eveything. Like when I was helping run a LARP I put it in my resume as an Assistant Advisor to an Explorer Post, which we were. I then listed my resposibilties as planning out weekend activities,a first responder, record keeping, etc... I really wouldn't put it in a resume as is, though, unless you were applying for a job at a game company. Then it would be appropiate.
Drucilla_Rocks_my_Socks 10-28-06, 11:53 AM	As others have said, depends on where your aplying. If you know that the guy who's interviewing you plays D&D or some other RPG (and thus understands the management skills that go into DMing) then it's a good thing. Obviousely gaming stoors and videogame companies would apriciate it. If I were aplying to be a writer for a TV show, I might put it down, at least for a "geek" show like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Battlestar Galactica. I'd probably put it down for any action/advanture TV show (Lost, 24, anything on the Sci-Fi Channel), but wouldn't put it down for Berly Hills 90210. Also it might be good for aplying for a job at a Haunted house, Rennacance fair, or LARP. Also it might be good for aplying for a teaching position, at least at a private-hippie school with a heavy arts/drama focus, especialy if you catch a wiff of the tell tale nerd scent in the staff or students. It definetely wouldn't hurt in these cases, but obviousely wouldn't be the main thing on your resume. Colledge and prior job experience will obviousely be more important.
High Octane 10-28-06, 12:29 PM	I got advice from my school, I was in a class about getting a job, and they said "Dont put anything on your resume that could cause you to not get the job" In other words, if you are an active pro-life activist involved in many activities, you may be very responsible and it is a positive thing from a work standpoint, showing energy and responsibility. However, if the person looking at that piece of paper sees "pro-life" and is a pro-choice person, they wont want to hire you. Writing you are a D&D player might set off some alarm is somebody's head. Unjustified? Yes. But thats the world at large. Most people wont care, but do you really want to take that chance? It wont add to the resume.
greatamericanfolkhero 10-28-06, 12:31 PM	It's because of the fact that I play D&D that I have my job today. My DM gave me a contact at the Temp agency, and after working the job for a year as a contractor I was hired on full time. So while I wouldn't put DM on a resume, I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a bad thing when it comes to employment.
Bob Loblaw 10-28-06, 05:53 PM	Your resume should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. The more you tailor it, the better your chances of getting that interview. Ideally, you should have several resumes if you are applying for several different jobs. You should only put things on the resume that apply to the job. For example, I was an infantry soldier during the Gulf War. When I applied for resturaunt management, I included things like effective planning, organizational skills, and ability to react quickly to changing situations. Things I left off my resume included the ability to kill someone from 300 meters under adverse conditions, my ability to find food and water in the desert, and my ability to read a contour map. When I applied for security work, I included some of my skills with weapons and basic combat training but left out my knowledge of food borne illnesses. Your resume need to include only the topics that will get you in the door. And remember, it isn't there to get you a job. It is only to get you the interview. The interview is meant to get you the job. You just want to get in the door so you can sell yourself.
Halidan 10-28-06, 07:11 PM	While I've never put DM on a resume (and I've been doing that particular duty since 1976) I recently did have one of my personal references mention that I helped on an annual basis to organize 250-300 D&D players at the GenCon game convention each year. :eek: :( Surprisingly (to me at least) I not only got an interview with the organization, but ended up getting the job as well. Given that the job had nothing to do with organizing and leading large groups of unwashed gamers, I was pleasantly surprised that my D&D experience wasn't being held against me.
ArcTan 10-30-06, 01:15 PM	Never list less-than-professional hobby responsibilities in the "real" part of a resume -- it makes it look like you're groping around for things to pad it with. I wouldn't mention being a DM on a resume any more than I'd mention being a member of a community theater troupe, or organizing a local sponsored-amateur basketball team. Not unless it was a not-that-serious resume for something directly relevant.
Ashen15 10-30-06, 02:15 PM	I think the hobbies section should be based on relevancy. My husband and I play airsoft (a tactical simulation game vaguely similiar to paintball) and he was able to use the tactical and competitive nature of the game on his PD resumes, and also because we belong to an actual state assocation with it. I don't think it's a matter of being ashamed of your hobbies...one of my hobbies is reading comic books, another hobby where few people have a good idea of the true genre...most think of Superman. It's just not relevant. A resume isn't a soapbox about your life; it's a professional statement about who you are professionally and why an employer should hire you. If DM-ing was a common known aspect, that someone who read it immediately thought of the associated qualities, it actually might be a good idea. I was a snowboarding instructor, and get to list snowboarding on my stuff. Someone listing "Christianity" is in some way taking the "risk" (good or bad) of being portrayed to a stereotype. If it's important to you to give the employer an idea of your nature and personality, I would find a humurous (or relevant emotion) way of addressing it in the interview, such as "How do you consider your self a planner, resourceful, etc..." That being said, someone we play with did his dissertations for his Masters and PhD on gaming and various perceptions. Fascinating stuff. http://hermeticgamer.livejournal.com/ I am very much not your "stereotypical" player. I'm female, I can be exceedingly preppy and chipper, I'm into a lot of intense sports, I'm married and to a cop...but we game with a college professor and several other individuals with degrees of higher learning. Unfortunately, perception is everything far too often...I'm a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I try to teach my Little Sister what to look for in a positive way. At the same time, there's no need to "be that guy" (such as on a resume) who has to push everything, regardless of the reasoning behind it. That makes you just as non-well balanced in your personailty as the "freaks and geeks" people perceive us as.