Experience leading a clan in World of Warcraft or winning League of Legends championships are not just achievements that can impress video game communities. Today, the competences of so-called gamers are of increasing interest to employers, for whom the skills acquired in games to analyze the situation, make decisions, learn from mistakes and work in a team are extremely relevant. Experts studying this phenomenon note that many international companies have been looking at players as potential talents for some time and are actively trying to attract them.
Players' skills are increasingly appreciated
According to a study by scientists from the United States of America (USA) published in the academic publication "MIS Quarterly", organizations that are limited to the skills of candidates acquired during the work face the threat of filling their teams with talent that can perfectly complement them. One of the skills that personnel specialists of international organizations operating in the field of information technology are encouraged to pay attention to is computer games and the results achieved by playing them.
According to the director of the Lithuanian Game Developers Association (LŽKA), Gedimin Tarasevičius, although there is still a widespread view in Lithuania that video games are more often just a waste of time, this perception becomes false over time. According to the head of LŽKA, a significant number of popular modern computer games require a wide range of skills, which are also relevant for many organizations.
"The rise of the eSports phenomenon and online games where success depends on the coordination of efforts of many players, communication, choosing the right strategy, consistent effort and discipline, has drawn the attention of companies to players, not to mention the game development industry, where the personal experience of employees playing games sometimes it may even be necessary. Therefore, I think that the skills of the players will be valued more and more in the labor market and, next to the necessary hard competencies and education, they can undoubtedly become an additional advantage for the candidates", says G. Tarasevičius.
It's true, according to G. Tarasevičius, the mere fact that a person plays video games will probably not give a green light on the career path, but esports achievements, participation in tournaments, experience in leading player teams may be useful to mention when working - especially when positions are aimed at IT or game development in companies.
Their interests also help to select employees
According to Mindaugas Šestilos, HR Manager of the Competence Center "Telia Global Services Lithuania", so far few candidates emphasize their experience and achievements in playing computer games in Lithuania. According to the expert, computer games and esports in our country have not yet reached the same level of popularity and recognition as, for example, in the USA or Asian countries. As a result, candidates do not emphasize such interests yet.
"Of course, we've had candidates who have mentioned computer games as a hobby, but usually in those cases they just don't have any other experience and want to keep the resume from looking empty." However, the information provided about hobbies can be really useful. When evaluating potential employees, we analyze various aspects, from specific knowledge of technologies, systems or tools required for a specific position to soft skills. Their hobbies can really say this and that about them," M. Šestilo is convinced.
In a study conducted by US researchers, twelve competencies were identified that are necessary for specialists working in the field of IT. Among them are accountability, innovativeness, ability to adapt to different situations, teamwork, digital literacy, desire to learn, attention to the result and others. It is observed that various types of computer games develop different competencies, and especially popular MMO ( massively multiplayer online ) games contribute to the development of all twelve competencies.
"Depending on the type of game, it can be a simulation of real life situations. Computer games can help players develop attention to details, perseverance, help them learn how to work in a team, demonstrate leadership, and make quick decisions. Perhaps the most important feature formed by this way of spending time is the ability to constantly look for new ways to overcome challenges and creatively solve emerging problems. This is one of the most soft qualities in employers' evaluations," says M. Šestilo.
Preparation is also for the organization itself
In order to keep up with the ever-faster wave of popularity of skills acquired outside of work in the employment process, human resources specialists recommend that organizations themselves also prepare properly.
Clear communication about the competences revealed by computer games and other hobbies, employee surveys and encouragement to share their interests with colleagues or even computer game tournaments held in the organization can contribute to breaking prevailing stereotypes and opening up new opportunities.
"Today, when looking for an employee, it is important that he sees himself not only in work activities, but also in others. When an employee discovers or establishes a community in the organization, where he feels great and which is connected by strong social ties, the employee feels fully involved in the organization and its activities in all senses", sums up M. Šestilo, head of personnel at Telia Global Services Lithuania.
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