Would you mention poker in a job interview?

[Henke]

There has been some debate concerning the "status" of poker players on this forum recently. I'm about to graduate from university and look for jobs in the technical research/developement field. This has made me think about how to deal with my "hobby" in a job interview. Because most people don't know anything about poker, I doubt that the interviewer will see that poker is an analytical and strategic game, but might instead see it as something negative.

What would you do in this situation? Or have you perhaps been in this situation? What was the reaction? And did you get the job? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[William]

Never, and I mean NEVER, mention Poker at your job, you will be looked at as a person with a gambling person, not at all good for your career.
Same applies to people outside your work, nobody understands, unless they themselves play poker seriously.

[rkiray]

I talked about poker at my job all the time at work and no one cared. Most people weren't interested and the few who were wanted to know how to do it. I got layed off when Comcast bought AT&T broadband (with over 8000 over headquarters people), it had nothing to do with poker. But my old southern Califorian techies friends are suddenly interested in poker (after years of me trying to convince them it was the one game in Vegas they could beat). In high tech poker is considered cool from what I can see right now. I still wouldn't mention it in a job interview though. Who can tell, your interviewer maybe a right wing Christian King George supporter.

[baggins]

I'm a Christian. And I tend to be fairly conservative on a lot of things (though in a way that defies the label of liberal, even). Anyway, I play poker, and see nothing wrong with it. It doesn't matter whether you're a Christian or not, it's whether you see poker as gambling or skill.

If you can tell by your conversation that the interviewer would be sympathetic, at least, to someone who played a skill game for money, then don't hesitate to mention it if it comes up. if you can tell the interviewer is uptight, or less than down-to-earth, or just a bit sheltered, then maybe you should refrain from it. use your best read in the situation. if you're asked about your hobbies, or asked another relevant question and you think you can put a positive spin on your poker playing, then do it. otherwise, let it go. you should have plenty of other interests besides poker to mention.

i had a job once that i didn't have to apply for - i had a connection and used it. however, my boss was the head accountant for the company, and he was a cool guy. in conversation, i told him i played poker. i explained that i studied it, and took a mathematical, logical approach to the game. he thought that was cool. and it never really came up again. just one of those things that some people are sympathetic toward, and some aren't.

my aunt, 5 years ago when i told her i played poker - sometimes in casinos - was dismayed and told me i should be very careful and that gambling could really become addictive, etc. now, after seeing poker on TV, has changed her views. on thanksgiving i turned on the WPT coverage, and she was like 'oh yeah. poker baby! that Moneymaker guy is good, huh?' and generally enthused about the whole thing. so, really this poker on tv thing has shed a new light on poker players and gained us a little more respect.

use your best judgement. after all, that's something you should learn playing poker...

[rkiray]

The evangelical Christans that make up King George's base consider gambling a sin. Some such as the Southern Baptists consider playing cards of any type a sin. One of my grandfathers never played any cards becaue of this. He also never drank alcohol or smoked. But KG's backers are definitely against gambling. KG has been trying to get rid internet gambling and both he and his AG have stated that internet gambling is already illegal. Most legal experts seem to think that only sports betting on the internet is illegal in most states. But hey both KG and John Ashcroft don't seem to care much about what the law or even the constitution actually say.

[BradleyT]

I agree with the first reply. You'll be thought of as some degenerate with a gambling problem.

[Jeremy'sSpoken]

I don't see how your hobby would have any relevance in your job interview.

[William]

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I don't see how your hobby would have any relevance in your job interview.

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they allways ask about your hobbies. it's in fact one of the important questions, but no need to mention poker.

[SheridanCat]

I've been interviewed for jobs at least 15 times, and I have never been asked about my hobbies. Ever.

Regards,

T

[Wake up CALL]

[ QUOTE ]
I've been interviewed for jobs at least 15 times, and I have never been asked about my hobbies. Ever.

Regards,

T

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps eventually someone will hire you. When this event, however unlikely, does occur please tell us if that prospective employer asked about your hobbies?