Will including ‘Studying Poker’ in the Interests section of my resume negatively affect my job prospects?

Including ‘Studying Poker’ in your resume’s interests section can be a double-edged sword depending on the context of the job and company culture. If you’re applying for a position in an industry or company culture that values analytical thinking, probability, and strategic decision-making, referencing poker can showcase your ability to assess risk and make informed decisions under pressure, thus enhancing your profile. Poker, when mentioned strategically, can highlight qualities like patience, discipline, and a strong analytical mindset, which are relevant to roles in finance, data analysis, or strategic planning.

However, in some conservative industries or companies, mentioning poker could be perceived negatively as it might evoke associations with gambling, risk-taking behavior, or personal vice, which might not be compatible with the values of certain employers. In such cases, it might overshadow the skills it’s intended to demonstrate.

To mitigate potential downsides, focus on the skills and virtues poker has helped you develop, and how they are directly applicable to the job. Tailor this section to align with the company’s culture and the job’s requirements. Alternatively, consider using more neutral terms like ‘strategic gaming’ to convey the same skills without explicitly mentioning poker.

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