I believe that playing Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) gives you many cross transferable skills for the world of leadership and teamwork. Of course, in today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Employers are looking for candidates with unique skills and experiences that make them valuable assets to their organization. One such experience that you might not have considered adding to your resume is playing Dungeons & Dragons. While D&D is commonly associated with fantasy adventures and storytelling, it offers much more than meets the eye.
Gone are the days when playing D&D was looked down upon as being too “nerdy” or antisocial. Nowadays, it is so ingrained in the zeitgeist that most future employers would have some idea of what the game entails. In this post, we will explore three compelling reasons why you should consider putting D&D on your CV.
Collaboration and Teamwork
One of the fundamental aspects of D&D is teamwork. As a player, you collaborate with a group of individuals to overcome challenges, solve problems, and achieve common goals. This experience translates seamlessly into the professional world. By including D&D on your CV, you showcase your ability to work effectively as part of a team, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and communicate and coordinate with others to achieve shared objectives. Employers value candidates who can thrive in a team-oriented environment, and D&D demonstrates your capacity to do just that.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
D&D is a game that demands critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a player, you encounter complex situations that require you to analyze information, assess risks, make decisions under pressure, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. These skills are highly transferable to the workplace, where problem-solving abilities are highly sought after. By highlighting your experience with D&D on your CV, you demonstrate your capacity to think critically, strategize effectively, and find creative solutions to challenges—a valuable asset in any professional setting.
Creativity and Imagination
Roleplaying games thrive on creativity and imagination. As a player, you have the opportunity to create unique characters, devise intricate backstories, and develop captivating narratives. These imaginative elements foster creativity, storytelling, and the ability to think outside the box. Showcasing your involvement with D&D, conveys your capacity to think creatively, bring fresh perspectives, and approach problems with an innovative mindset. This can set you apart from other candidates who may lack such creative experiences.
How to Add D&D to Your CV
This is the million dollar question. How can you incorporate D&D into your CV? If you are presenting a skills based resume then this becomes relatively easy. Use D&D examples alongside your work experience examples. This could include something like:
Teamwork: During my college years, I ran a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, fuelling my passion for storytelling and honing my teamwork skills. As the Dungeon Master, I facilitated a cooperative environment. My team of diverse individuals collaborated to overcome challenges, solve intricate puzzles, and navigate complex narratives. Through effective communication, active listening, and strategic planning, we leveraged each other’s strengths to achieve our goals and have fun. Our successful completion of the campaign highlighted my ability to foster an inclusive team dynamic, promoting cooperation and creative problem-solving. The experience strengthened my interpersonal skills and taught me the importance of trust, adaptability, and shared vision when working towards a common objective.
I see this being a really valuable addition. Especially if you don’t have a lot of work experience to date.
Here is some more advice on how to practically incorporate it into your CV.
Final Thoughts on Putting D&D on Your CV
Adding D&D to your CV can provide a unique advantage in the job market. The collaborative nature of the game demonstrates your ability to work effectively in teams. While the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required in game show your capacity to tackle complex challenges. Furthermore, the game’s emphasis on creativity and imagination highlights your ability to think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to the workplace. So, if you’ve enjoyed the adventures and camaraderie of Dungeons & Dragons, don’t hesitate to showcase it on your CV. Let it enhance your professional profile. Maybe it will help you get the job of your dreams.