Chess & job interviews.

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Blackadder

  Hi guys, 

I'm in the process of writing my job application to a blue-chip company.

Anyway, this got me curious has anyone else attempted (successfully or otherwise) to use their interest in chess in order to get a job?   Were they interested??    Any tips greatly appreciated; I desperately need a job right now, lol. 

 

also a related a question, how would you sell chess on your CV?  I guess it ticks the "creative problem solving" box.

Oscar_the_Cat

I wouldnt.  I would only do so if I won some money off of it professionally or if you somehow consider it a career.  

jaaas

I would be happy to be able to recommend it, but, as Oscar above, I'm not.

From my point of view, the risk of it actually backfiring at you unfortunately seems to be greater than randomly expected benefits, at least if you're talking to an unknown person. You might get labeled based on some "uncommunicative nerd" stereotype, or someone could fear you might be tempted to spend a large proportion of your working hours playing chess rather than actually working.

On the other hand, should you know for a fact that the person who makes the hiring decision is a chess enthusiast him-/herself, it might be a card worth playing.

Ziryab

Yes, of course. But I do get paid for teaching chess. My experience with chess is directly relevant.

I know several young men who have used chess club activities to satisfy the scrutiny of college admission boards. I'm certain that there are non-chess jobs where some level of chess skill might be relevant. I doubt that weak players can translate their skills into a chip for negotiating a better salary. 

PhoenixTTD

In interviews you are often asked a question about out of work activities.  I have brought up chess before and I did not see it as a plus or minus.