How to put DND on your resume

You might not realise it, but playing DND helps you build skills like communication, leadership, and conflict management – all of which are great for the workplace! In this guide, we’ll show you how to put DND on your resume, with tips on highlighting your skills and the do's and don’ts to boost your job chances.

Why you should put DND on your resume

D&D is good for your mental health, but did you know that both playing and being a Dungeon Master help you develop valuable skills that translate directly into the workplace?

When framed correctly, putting DND on your resume highlights skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and creative storytelling - key attributes for any professional environment. Let’s break down the top skills you gain from D&D and why they’re worth putting on your resume.

Communication skills

DND is all about effective communication. Whether you’re describing your character’s actions or strategising with your team, clear and concise communication is essential. These skills directly transfer to the workplace, where presenting ideas, sharing information, and collaborating with colleagues are crucial.

Team Building skills

D&D is the ultimate collaborative game. Players and Dungeon Masters work together to achieve shared goals, leveraging individual strengths to succeed. In the workplace, this translates into the ability to foster a cohesive, productive team dynamic while working together towards your goals. As you become a better D&D player, you learn how to bring out the best in yourself and your fellow players.

Problem-Solving skills

Every D&D session involves challenges: puzzles, obstacles, and unexpected twists. Tackling these scenarios sharpens your critical thinking and analytical skills. In a professional setting, this ability to assess complex situations and devise effective solutions is highly valued.

Mediation skills

D&D often brings together diverse personalities and perspectives. Managing in-game disputes in D&D builds mediation skills, helping you resolve interpersonal issues and foster positive relationships - an invaluable trait in any workplace.

Improvisation skills

D&D’s unpredictable nature teaches adaptability. Whether responding to an unforeseen plot twist or an unexpected player decision, you build your improvisation skills. Thinking on your feet is just as useful in a professional environment, where flexibility and quick thinking are vital for navigating dynamic challenges.

Leadership skills

Being a Dungeon Master or taking charge in your party showcases your leadership abilities. Guiding a team, making strategic decisions, and knowing how to ask for constructive feedback are all transferable leadership skills that make you a confident and capable professional.

How to put DND on your resume

The most common place to include D&D on your resume is in the ‘Hobbies’ or ‘Interests’ section, near the end of your CV. This allows you to showcase your personality and highlight soft skills that extend beyond your professional qualifications.

If your D&D experience is extensive or directly relevant to the job, consider listing it under ‘Professional Experience’ or ‘Volunteer Work’. This is particularly effective if the role values skills like leadership, teamwork, or creative problem-solving - skills often honed through playing or Dungeon Mastering.

When describing your D&D experience, use professional language and focus on the skills you’ve gained. For instance:

• Instead of: “I play D&D with friends every week.”
• Say: “Participated in a collaborative problem-solving team, contributing to strategy development, creative thinking, and effective communication during weekly role-playing sessions over two years.”

Still unsure? Check out DND At Work by Tom Watkin, which explores case studies on how D&D cultivates leadership, teamwork, and other professional skills.

How to put Dungeon Master on your resume

Instead of listing ‘Dungeon Master’, consider using a more universally understood title like ‘Tabletop Gaming Event Organiser’. Pair this with a clear explanation of your responsibilities and skills.

For example:

• Instead of: “Dungeon Master for weekly campaigns.”
• Say: “Organised and led weekly team-based events, requiring creative problem-solving, strong communication, and time management. Adapted to dynamic scenarios, fostering teamwork and enhancing leadership skills.”

Tailor your description to highlight skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This ensures your experience is accessible and demonstrates its professional value.

Should you put DND on your LinkedIn profile?

Absolutely! While LinkedIn doesn’t have a dedicated hobbies section, you can include D&D in the ‘Volunteering’ or ‘Projects’ section. Highlight how it helped you develop transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Tailor your description to align with your professional goals, showcasing the valuable attributes you’ve gained through playing or Dungeon Mastering.

What to avoid when adding DND to your resume

When adding D&D to your resume, avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting the skills you’ve gained. Be honest about your experience and focus on the transferable skills, like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

It’s also important to maintain a professional tone - resist the temptation to include humour or overly casual language. Your resume is a serious document, and the way you present your experiences should reflect that.

Keep your D&D details concise and relevant to the job you’re applying for. While it can be a valuable addition, D&D should never overshadow your primary qualifications. Tailor your resume to emphasise your D&D experience only if it directly aligns with the role. This way, you maintain focus on your professional qualifications while highlighting how your D&D experience enhances your skill set.

Dice and accessories for your fantasy adventures

Now that you know how to put DND on your resume, it's time to gear up for your next adventure! Our collection of D&D dice sets is the perfect companion for any campaign. Crafted for precision and style, our dice add an extra layer of excitement to your rolls, whether you're facing off against a mighty dragon or navigating a tricky puzzle.

Don’t forget to check out our D&D enamel pins, perfect for showing off your love for the game in a unique and stylish way. And if you want the perfect way to store your dice, our dice scrolls offer both convenience and flair. May your rolls always be in your favour!