Level up your job application: the best games to showcase your job-ready skills
Key Points:
- Expert recommends five games to list as ‘interests’ on your resume that can improve your chances of getting your dream job
- Expert highlights five games—Chess, Minesweeper, Dungeons & Dragons, Portal, and Poker—each of which demonstrates valuable workplace skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork
- Gaming expert explains that games provide candidates with a unique way to showcase critical workplace skills
Standing out from the crowd is the only way to land your dream job in today’s competitive market. “Adding a few well-chosen interests or hobbies to your resume allows you to show recruiters your personality while providing another avenue to showcase your skills,” says Neal Taparia, the founder of 1000Mines, an online gaming platform that modernises the classic Minesweeper experience.
And what better way to highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills than by listing games that put them to the test? Below, Neal shares five games that will give your resume an impressive boost.
1. Chess – The Ultimate Strategic Showdown
If there’s one game that screams strategic genius, it’s chess. “This centuries-old battle of wits demonstrates your ability to plan strategically, recognise patterns, and make calculated decisions under pressure,” says Neal. “This shows employers you can plan multiple steps ahead—a skill you can transfer from the chessboard to the boardroom.”
Chess also strengthens your concentration and problem-solving skills. Each move requires analysing multiple possible outcomes and anticipating an opponent’s responses, mirroring the decision-making process in business, finance, and leadership roles.
2. Minesweeper – The Art of Logical Thinking
Though it may look like just a simple grid, Minesweeper is a game of deduction and risk assessment. Playing it well requires quick thinking, pattern recognition, and creative problem-solving—valuable skills in data analysis, engineering, and any role requiring meticulous attention to detail.
“Minesweeper also teaches players to handle uncertainty and make informed decisions with incomplete information; just like in project management or risk assessment roles, you must balance caution with calculated risk-taking,” says Neal. “The game’s methodical nature helps develop structured thinking and the ability to break complex problems into smaller, manageable parts—an invaluable skill for programmers, analysts, and strategists alike.”
3. Dungeons & Dragons – Leadership And Teamwork In Action
Think rolling dice and casting spells is just fantasy fun? Think again. Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) requires collaboration, storytelling, and decision-making in unpredictable scenarios.
Players have multiple opportunities to hone their negotiation and improvisation skills, while learning to work together as a cohesive team. The Dungeon Master (the person who runs the game) acts almost like a project manager, keeping teams on track and making sure everything goes smoothly. This involves a lot of planning and often split-second improvisation, as well as the responsibility to solve any interpersonal problems that crop up.
“Playing a character often helps people realise they can ‘perform’ different aspects of their own personality in real life – for example, roleplaying a confident character could open your eyes to a new, more confident version of yourself,” says Neal. “This is perfect if you’re aiming for a leadership or client-facing role.”
4. Portal – Innovation And Problem-Solving On Another Level
This puzzle-based video game challenges players to navigate increasingly complex environments using logic, spatial reasoning, and creativity. “For those who’ve never played, Portal’s key mechanic is shooting a ‘portal gun’ that creates the entrance and exit of a mini-wormhole every time it’s fired, allowing players to jump easily from place to place,” Neal explains.
Employers in tech and engineering fields, in particular, appreciate candidates who demonstrate the ability to think outside the box—just as Portal requires players to think outside the walls. Portal also requires adaptability; the game’s emphasis on trial and error mirrors real-world innovation, where creative thinking and persistence often lead to groundbreaking solutions.
5. Poker – Emotional Intelligence And Decision-Making Under Pressure
Knowing when to fold and when to go all in? That’s a lesson worth bringing to the workplace. A good poker player isn’t just lucky—they read people, manage risk, and maintain composure under stress. These skills translate directly to high-stakes business environments, from sales and finance to negotiation-heavy roles.
“Poker also develops emotional intelligence, a key trait in leadership and management,” says Neal. “Good players assess their opponents’ body language and interpret subtle cues while controlling their own reactions—great skills for anyone working in sales, human resources, or client relations.”
The ability to calculate odds, assess risk, and make snap decisions under pressure makes poker a perfect training ground for professionals in investment banking, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. Moreover, successful poker players understand long-term strategy, recognising that short-term losses can lead to greater overall gains—an approach that mirrors business and financial planning.
Neal Taparia, the founder of 1000Mines, commented:
“Gaming can be an excellent training ground for real-world skills. Employers are looking for candidates who bring creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking to the table, and games provide a unique way to showcase these skills in action.
“Next time you update your resume, consider swapping out generic hobbies like ‘reading’ for games that will catch the recruiters’ eye – while also demonstrating the skills they actually care about. Whether it’s planning ahead in chess or collaborating in Dungeons & Dragons, these experiences make job seekers stand out from the pack.”
