Mention Poker Playing/Studying in Job Interview?

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caracaski220

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caracaski220

I am my own boss, so I don't go to interviews. However, if I were to interview a candidate,I would probably frown on a gambler. Its probably better to not bring it up, and then use the skills you have derived from poker to enhance your work performance.
 
sedlacekj

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Generally, it is a bad idea to mention it. This is because of typical perceptions. Perhaps your examples of your skills need some wording reframing so that you are not mentioning Poker in your examples. While this can be done, this can be tricky because they might ask where you accomplished that item if your example sounds too general. Then you would be stuck bringing up Poker. Most employers want concrete examples of performance or skills. Often they want to follow up on your stories to see if a former employer will corroborate the account you provide. Then if your example was from poker, your example is in trouble.

On the other hand if you sensed somehow that the employer was interested in hiring a poker player for a finance job, you still need to provide ways for the employer to corroborate your performance examples, which can be hard to do still.

In short, best to avoid it. If you must involve it, then have a mix of examples that do not all come from poker.
 
RustyRed83

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I make the mistake, once, of mentioning poker as a hobby on my CV, this was for a job that I was told to go for from other management within the company, jobs for friends type thing. I never even got a interview, i asked my friends why. The answer, the boss does not like gamblers. It took me a while to figure out, where it came from, my CV one word poker. Whether or not we see poker as gambling, others do. And with gambling if it gets out of control, there comes addiction, risk, mood swings, irresponsible behaviour. And that is how a potential employer may see things. So in my opinion and experience, it is best to leave the poker bit out.
 
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Do you talk about being a poker player in job interviews? I have an interview coming for a financial analyst job and in prepping I realized I can answer a lot of common questions with experiences I have studying and playing poker. I'm just worried that interviewers might just hear that I play poker and write me off as a degenerate gambler.
That depends. Know your audience. If you don't, then I would say to stay clear of the subject to be on the safe side. You definitely don't want to give them the impression that you might miss time at work because you're trying to get yourself unstuck in a game.
 
Rvstam

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society is not yet ready for such summaries. I think many recruiters have heard it as if you are a junkie. don't tell unless asked.
 
ikescherer

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Only talk if u have good things to mention, like big victories, how u learned to manage bankroll, discipline, mathematics and psichology.

If u can’t pass the image of a winner, don’t do it.
 
Rahatis

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I have never mentioned poker at a job interview, but I have certainly considered it. Maybe next time. Good luck anyway!
 
steve01991

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i would mention it on your resume as a pastime, nothing more.
 
WrongUsername

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of course don´t tell anything about poker in a job interview.
 
john_entony

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Do you talk about being a poker player in job interviews? I have an interview coming for a financial analyst job and in prepping I realized I can answer a lot of common questions with experiences I have studying and playing poker. I'm just worried that interviewers might just hear that I play poker and write me off as a degenerate gambler.
No, I've never said I play poker in an interview. I don't think that would improve your profile, because poker is played by a very small percentage of people in the world. And yes, there is a high probability that the employer will not understand you. :unsure:
 
istbno

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Mentioning poker playing or studying in a job interview can be a double-edged sword. If framed correctly, it can showcase valuable skills like strategic thinking, emotional control, risk management, and decision-making under pressure. However, it’s crucial to connect these skills directly to the job you’re applying for. Be mindful of the potential stigma around gambling; some interviewers might view poker negatively. It’s essential to gauge the company culture and the interviewer's attitude before bringing it up. Always focus on the skills and positive attributes you've gained from poker.
 
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Yes, once at an interview when I was applying for a job, I mentioned that in my free time I play online poker, but mostly participate in freerolls, the employer said that it was necessary to switch to the game for real money, it seemed that he was also a player, but then there was a better offer and eventually this job I didn't hit it.
 
hardongear

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As someone who does hiring and firing I would advise against mentioning it unless you played for a number of years and can't explain not having a job or a blank space in your resume for a long period. Only then would I mention it but only if asked about all them missing/blank years.

If the job market is tough and you're competing with a lot of other similar qualified people you'd be as easy pass because of poker and what most people think of poker players.

Cheers!!!
 
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I don't think it's a good idea unless it's a job that is poker (or gaming) related. I'm from the health field, so, for me it doesn't make sense to mention anything about poker.
 
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stank12345

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Nope don't go there they will dismiss you in a heartbeat and you will forever remain in the ranks of the unemployed
 
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