I'm about to graduate from graduate school, and I'm making a resume for job hunting. I'd like to know your opinions on whether it is bad to say that you like E-Sports and do well in several E-sports games in a resume. Or They might think you are smart for playing well in games?

Well, my major is Material Science and Engineering.

Bosu

United States3247 Posts

October 24 2010 05:07 GMT

If it is relevant to the job then probably. If it isn't relevant the the job then why would you put it on your resume.

eLiE

Canada1039 Posts

October 24 2010 05:09 GMT

probably better suited for blogs. idk about what videogames look like in china, but a lot of people consider them a childish waste of time. depending on the employer, they may look down on it. i personally wouldn't.

On October 24 2010 14:07 Bosu wrote:
If it is relevant to the job then probably. If it isn't relevant the the job then why would you put it on your resume.

resumes and applications often have spots where you include personal hobbies/interests

bonedriven

258 Posts

October 24 2010 05:10 GMT

On October 24 2010 14:07 Bosu wrote:
If it is relevant to the job then probably. If it isn't relevant the the job then why would you put it on your resume.

But most hobbies are irrelevant to the job. I think it kinda shows personality etc.

happyness

United States2400 Posts

October 24 2010 05:12 GMT

Ya it depends completly on the job.

I wouldn't put it on any resume except if it is actually for a video game company, simply because a lot of people don't think favorably of video games

SoLaR[i.C]

United States2969 Posts

October 24 2010 05:13 GMT

I don't know what Chinese employers look for specifically in their potential engineers, but here it'd be either disregarded entirely or possibly even looked at in a negative light.

I'd leave it out.

NadaSound

United States227 Posts

October 24 2010 05:14 GMT

I wouldn't say anything about it. Saying that you like to play video games with your spare time might put a bad image in their heads. Resumes are all about first impressions and saying that your hobby is playing video games sounds really risky.

AeroGear

Canada652 Posts

October 24 2010 05:17 GMT

Hobbies and such dont belong on a professionnal resume. During an interview you might be asked for interests and such, however I would avoid mentionning videogames as they are still frowned upon.

Sports, outdoors, travel, etc.

Its a bit different for people who work in arts, game design and such, they are a lot more laid back.

Hot_Bid

Braavos36379 Posts

October 24 2010 05:18 GMT

If you put it on your resume please use the correct spelling and punctuation - "ESPORTS."

ragnasaur

United States804 Posts

October 24 2010 05:20 GMT

#10

I always put on resumes 'Starcraft Club" lol

KaRnaGe[cF]

United States355 Posts

October 24 2010 05:21 GMT

#11

They will most likely not understand what "E-Sports" means and either assume it means sports in general, or ask you about it which could bring up an awkward conversation if the interviewer has no clue / negative view about gaming.

Unless it pertains specifically to your job i would leave it out since this is a career you are talking about and keep with more generally accepted hobbies.

Thats just what i would do though

Good Luck!

bonedriven

258 Posts

October 24 2010 05:23 GMT

#12

Thank you guys! I think it is pretty clear now.

Autobeat

United States53 Posts

October 24 2010 05:25 GMT

#13

@ NadaSound Completely agree. I've had this same decision before where I put it down on a few law school apps and job apps but then erased it off after some consideration. The sad fact of the matter is that the majority of the people who are high enough on the food chain at a university, or company etc. are going to be A) older B) less involved with tech. (Also I apologize for painting with such broad strokes to anyone who is older and in the know. Sry) But the fact of the matter is that when you say anything with video games. A lot of folks are going to look at you as either a kid who is still playing mario at their NES or as a potential school shooter. Its a sad stereotype but it exists and takes a whole lot more explaining as to what e-sports is versus what they think it is. To elaborate a little bit too, be careful when mentioning what books you like to read too. I said "sci-fi" on one app and in the sit down the interviewer asked me verbatim, "like star wars and stuff?" /condescending. So keep it off the resume, but feel free to talk about it with co-workers if you get the position. Makes for a good conversation topic when you have the time to flesh out what e-sports really is.

IsKas

Canada23 Posts

October 24 2010 05:25 GMT

#14

just be safe and leave it out, you dont want to risk anything.

Autobeat

United States53 Posts

October 24 2010 05:28 GMT

#15

just be safe and leave it out, you dont want to risk anything.

Sums it up perfectly. I type too much......

Ludrik

Australia523 Posts

October 24 2010 05:37 GMT

#16

Good resumes are short and to the point. They include all the necessary information with very little extra. You have to remember that the interview is the part where you get to show off your personality. Resumes often just get scanned through as the people doing the hiring are usually very busy.

I wouldn't include e-sports unless it is for a job where you are either selling games or doing something IT related.

SchAmToo

United States1141 Posts

October 24 2010 05:39 GMT

#17

Honestly, never put hobbies on a resume. Everyone always says it's a "Conversation starter" but if you want a good job, you're going to be able to start a conversation already.

If anything, but like..."Reading, swimming, rubicks cube" or something

chaokel

Australia535 Posts

October 24 2010 06:13 GMT

#18

Don't forget to put down your point rating.

On a more serious note i don't think that it would hurt in most cases, as games are becoming more and more acceptable as of late.

hazelynut

United States2195 Posts

October 24 2010 06:18 GMT

#19

Certain trading firms actually request information on whether you like strategic games (poker? Chess? SC?), and I know several firms were interested in the fact that our CSL ace was good at Go and Brood War.

rredtooth

5461 Posts

October 24 2010 06:19 GMT

#20

it depends on where you're applying. from what i've seen, some companies want to see that side of you. also, have you accomplished anything? one company that i'm looking to intern at actively encouraged people to put 'competitive gaming experience' in your resumes. i put WCG LoL in my resume and my interviewer and i talked about that for an hour haha. it ended up highlighting a lot of my strengths from just talking about something that was competitive and brought passion out. so from personal experience i've found that it can help in certain situations.