obtaining a job at a game store


Off-Topic Discussions


So, I've been playing Pathfinder as a GM for about 2+ years now, and I heard from my local game store that they are hiring for a weekly GM to come in and produce campaigns for some of the players that come in.

My question is what sort of skills should I be putting on a resume for these kinds of jobs, or rather what kind of person would someone who owns a gaming store be looking for to fill this role in there store?

I find that I am authoritative, but relaxed in a GM role. I LOVE new players and have infinite patience with them, as I want them to experience the fantastic world of tabletop RPGs that I have come to love. My primary concern in any game is not just the fulfillment of the campaign's story, but also the player's enjoyment, for if my players are not having fun then I have failed as their GM.

I find that min-maxing is acceptable to the point of capability, but when you can one-hit-kill a red dragon I put my foot down, because that becomes no fun for anyone. On the flip side to that, I most definitely support building characters more for flavor purposes than for efficiency, but you must still be able to contribute to the party combat.

From a job perspective I am punctual, polite, a team-player, hygienic, and more than willing to contribute to any factor of your business to the best of my ability.

Silver Crusade

Angry Wizard wrote:

So, I've been playing Pathfinder as a GM for about 2+ years now, and I heard from my local game store that they are hiring for a weekly GM to come in and produce campaigns for some of the players that come in.

.

From a job perspective I am punctual, polite, a team-player, hygienic, and more than willing to contribute to any factor of your business to the best of my ability.

^^ This and recommendations from players who frequent the shop

Liberty's Edge

Add not an axe murderer to the list. Being an axe murderer is a big downer for managers.

Sovereign Court

1 person marked this as a favorite.

If your email is angry_wizard@gmail give them a different one.

Liberty's Edge

wear clothes to the interview, that helps


One thought that crosses my mind is, offer to run a game for free so they can see your style.


snickersimba wrote:
Add not an axe murderer to the list. Being an axe murderer is a big downer for managers.

It's a good qualification for being a murder hobo though.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Irontruth wrote:
snickersimba wrote:
Add not an axe murderer to the list. Being an axe murderer is a big downer for managers.
It's a good qualification for being a murder hobo though.

It shows commitment, a sharp wit, and a lack of fear of getting your hands dirty: all are admirable qualities. Please bring a picture-ID for your interview.

Yours,
~Jaspar "Shank Him Louis" Kahrdboordebachs~
your local GUMBO representative


Murderhobos can only do it in the dark.

The Exchange

Angry Wizard wrote:

So, I've been playing Pathfinder as a GM for about 2+ years now, and I heard from my local game store that they are hiring for a weekly GM to come in and produce campaigns for some of the players that come in.

My question is what sort of skills should I be putting on a resume for these kinds of jobs, or rather what kind of person would someone who owns a gaming store be looking for to fill this role in there store?

I find that I am authoritative, but relaxed in a GM role. I LOVE new players and have infinite patience with them, as I want them to experience the fantastic world of tabletop RPGs that I have come to love. My primary concern in any game is not just the fulfillment of the campaign's story, but also the player's enjoyment, for if my players are not having fun then I have failed as their GM.

I find that min-maxing is acceptable to the point of capability, but when you can one-hit-kill a red dragon I put my foot down, because that becomes no fun for anyone. On the flip side to that, I most definitely support building characters more for flavor purposes than for efficiency, but you must still be able to contribute to the party combat.

From a job perspective I am punctual, polite, a team-player, hygienic, and more than willing to contribute to any factor of your business to the best of my ability.

you might want to contribute that you are interested in playing dnd in store to give new gamers some exp...


Angry Wizard wrote:

I find that min-maxing is acceptable to the point of capability, but when you can one-hit-kill a red dragon I put my foot down, because that becomes no fun for anyone. On the flip side to that, I most definitely support building characters more for flavor purposes than for efficiency, but you must still be able to contribute to the party combat.

I'd recommend either talking about this (not on the resume, but when interviewing or meeting with them)... from previous discussions of other people wanting to be a professional GM, ideas from clients vary from "guy to create immersive campaign" to "neutral rules referee for published adventure" to "total slave to player empowerment". I'm not saying any of those are wrong, but I think expectations are important in GMing - it's hard enough when there isn't a formal contract with payment involved. Maybe I'm being overly skeptical though.

It might be best to offer to run a one-shot adventure (even something you have written if they want you to design your own) to best show off your style.


Malicious Rumourmonger wrote:
Murderhobos can only do it in the dark.

Let's test that hypothesis, shall we?

Yours,
~Jaspar "Shank Him Louis" Kahrdboordebachs~
your local GUMBO representative


Angry Wizard wrote:

So, I've been playing Pathfinder as a GM for about 2+ years now, and I heard from my local game store that they are hiring for a weekly GM to come in and produce campaigns for some of the players that come in.

My question is what sort of skills should I be putting on a resume for these kinds of jobs, or rather what kind of person would someone who owns a gaming store be looking for to fill this role in there store?

I find that I am authoritative, but relaxed in a GM role. I LOVE new players and have infinite patience with them, as I want them to experience the fantastic world of tabletop RPGs that I have come to love. My primary concern in any game is not just the fulfillment of the campaign's story, but also the player's enjoyment, for if my players are not having fun then I have failed as their GM.

I find that min-maxing is acceptable to the point of capability, but when you can one-hit-kill a red dragon I put my foot down, because that becomes no fun for anyone. On the flip side to that, I most definitely support building characters more for flavor purposes than for efficiency, but you must still be able to contribute to the party combat.

From a job perspective I am punctual, polite, a team-player, hygienic, and more than willing to contribute to any factor of your business to the best of my ability.

If I was hiring I would be looking for a GM that can run a game for new players and children. Bringing new players into the hobby is vital.

With young players and kids come parents. Do not be alarmed if the parent hover or sit within earshot. Many of them no very little about the hobby and are trying to figure out if this is appropriate or safe for their kids. Being able to put them at ease is part of the job.

So I'd advertise yourself as the person who can bring in new clients. Every kid you get hooked on gaming is a new client who spends money.

I wish you the best on this job opportunity.

-MD


A few more tips...

Come to the interview prepared.

1. If they want you to run a quick game on the spot, be ready for it! Have premade characters and a well rehearsed game at the ready.

2. Many game stores that I have seen have really weak social media support. Take stock in what they offer, if you find it lacking let them know that you can create a facebook page for your game/campaign, or tweet/email/text out game times. This is very important when running games with kids. Parents are the calendar keepers and it's really about working around the parents busy schedule. Using the social media that they prefer makes scheduling games much easier. I would make a sign up sheet that you can show to the perspective employer with info on how the gamer or parent wishes to be contacted.

3. Come with ideas! for instance, let them know that you are not only interested in running games but in teaching others to run games. I'm sure you can come up with a few. If they ask (and they might) you will have some ready made responses.

4. Get involved with Pathfinder Society and D&D encounters/Adventurers league. Some players are really into that organized play stuff.

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