Thoughts on mentioning poker as a side hustle in an interview? I have a 5-month resume gap in which I played poker professionally to pay the bills while applying to other jobs. If they ask about the resume gap, should I even mention it?

I feel like it's one of those things that could be a big differentiator if the recruiter is open-minded. But some people (understandably) view poker as pure gambling rather than an exercise in probability/game theory.

What would you guys do?

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That’s such a random side hustle, I love it. I would mention it if they bring up the gap, and maybe include some of the tournaments you were a part of so they don’t just interpret as you gambling away your life savings at the local tables 😂

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Beats the hell out of “storyteller.” Would definitely include.

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By differentiator, I don't mean to imply that it's a skill that makes me a better fit for the job – moreso something that could make me unique and memorable. Orrrrr it could make me look like a freak, and not in the good way. Lmk

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I think it's cool.
More interesting than selling shoes, or whatever, to pay the bills.
And, assuming you were good, I think it shows you can read people, understand behavior, think strategically, and handle pressure.

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I would think it was fascinating. It’s probably true that some recruiter or company would think “gambling is bad!” but then that’s probably not the kind of place you would want to work, anyway.

smart

I wouldn't mention it. As a winning player, you should already know the odds of getting a good reception are against you. I say this as someone who wins 7bb/100 and learned the hard way to never bring it up unless I know the other person plays.

If you are good enough to pay the bills for 5 months (which screams method and not pure luck), why not? A gambler is someone who plays emotionally and loses money. If you win, I guess you're someone who can play smartly

Do it.

If I saw it on someone’s resume, I’d find it really interesting simply because the skills involved are so relevant for a strategy role. Just spell out why it’s relevant and in what ways, just in case someone can’t join the dots, and my view is it’d be an asset in finding somewhere you’ll thrive.

I think it's cool and memorable. It's not like advertising is some moral-centered industry.

It’s advertising, not working at a bank. I’d say in the creative field it’s a plus. Bring it up. But good point above about mentioning tournaments so it didn’t look like you were just wasting away at random tables(even if that was the case lol)

Why do you all seem to think tournaments are more respectable than cash games? Not slamming anyone, just curious

I love it - I would bring it up and spin it as a positive for your skill set (it helps you hone your strategic thinking outside of work). I’d totally dig it if someone brought it up to me!

Include !!!

I think you should have up your sleeve exactly the way you described it here. You changed my judgemental mind before the last paragraph!

Sounds really cool, I’d bring it up

It’s definitely cool. My cousin’s a professional poker player. He’s got stories… (and a couple of those ugly bracelets)

This is advertising…of course. Talk about everything you do that’s not fucking advertising.

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