Despite World of W
arcraft’s ceaseless evolution there has been at least one constant since guilds were formed and raiding commenced all those years ago: that of the bad guild application. Though retired, I try to keep up with WoW and guild news and it still amazes (and amuses) me to read some player’s paltry efforts. Most guilds’ recruitment web page offers templates to make it easier for the applicant to sell themselves and yet many players seemingly cannot clear even this first hurdle. Poor grammar and spelling, deception, inter-guild drama and obvious stupidity number among the many reasons an application will fall on its ass.It has been stated on many occasions that a guild application is not unlike a job application: both lead to a great deal of time devoted to their inherent necessities, fitting in to a new and intimate social environment and meeting what can be high-pressure targets. It’s just a shame most people don’t get paid to play WoW!
So I offer here some tips to the guild applicant.
Spelling & Grammar.
Poor spelling is perhaps the most common mistake that applicants make, and yet it is the easiest one to avoid. As most computers are equipped with some kind of spell checker it is no Herculean labour to copy the text of your application into a blank Word document and adjust the spelling. Even if English is not your first language there is no excuse and although spelling might be no reflection on your ninja-like DPS, not bothering to do yourself justice smacks of apathy.
There is a curious trend circulating among the non-British European players to announce their submission as an ‘Apply’. I have no idea where this originated, but if you’re trying to get into an English-speaking EU guild stick to using ‘Application’, it reads much better to those that are fluent in English, and although often not a deal-breaker, your fluency in the guild’s native language will count in your favour. Hell, even ‘App’ is more acceptable, although brevity is not something I would advocate; it can be interpreted as laziness.
Similarly, try to exclude in-game abbreviations. The use of words like ‘Warr’; ‘Drood’; ‘Destro’ etcetera are fine in chat boxes, but would it really kill you to write ‘Healing Druid’, or ‘Enhancement Shaman’?
Follow the freaking template, gah.
Guilds provide an application template so that they can make sure applicants provide the information that really counts, such as what class and talent tree they play as, how well they understand their role and class mechanics, and if they will fit into the guild infrastructure smoothly.
This template also helps the applicant immeasurably. A series of questions are far easier to answer than having to write what would be a short essay about your character and personality. Adhering to the template includes linking the correct Armoury profile (make sure your character is wearing the appropriate gear for the guild you’re applying to).
If you have anything to add then tag it onto the bottom, in a ‘Final Words’ section (more on this later, in the Final Words section).
At the risk of confusing you, dear reader, I will also say that there is a situation where you can dispense with the rigidity of a template and forge ahead under your own steam. Applying creativity to your application can help it really stand out amid hundreds of others. My old guild leader included a section where applicants could describe how they would escape a desert island given only a few items to help. Most of the answers were very similar (proving that these people didn’t read existing applications, or simply copied them) but occasionally there were ones which stood out. While not a pre-requisites for a good effort, a little creativity and light-heartedness can give you the edge, but you better make sure its worth the deviation, because if its not good enough it will be a good reason to be branded [Denied].
Be Honest.
It may be tempting to exaggerate how many times you’ve single-handedly killed every boss in the game while blindfolded and juggling pink-haired Gnomes but, unfortunately for the liar, there are many ways that deception can be discovered. A quick look at reputation and gear on an Armoury profile can instantly tell the viewer exactly how much of a raid instance a player has completed. Even your very own playing style and knowledge can give you away rapidly, especially in the top-end, competitive guilds where damage and healing statistics are monitored constantly.
Lying about your age, language fluency, gender and raid experience can all be discerned as soon as you are asked to join the guild’s TeamSpeak or Ventrilo server.
Also, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth. The vast majority of players have been in other guilds and have friends who might know you from groups, raids or even general chat. Don’t be naïve enough to assume your application won’t be discussed with your old guild leader or an ex-guildmate. That ninja you pulled in Wailing Caverns or the time you ripped off someone’s alt might come back to haunt you.
In short, honesty is the best policy.
Am I Needed?
If you’ve played the game for a while, you should know which aspect of it that you favour. Are you a life-saving healer? Perhaps you take the armour-denting path of the tank. Whatever niche you enjoy the most, make sure the guild you’re applying to needs you. There is little point spending hours on a cracking application for your Warlock if already has a thousand ‘caster DPS’ lined up for a handful of raid spots.
Similarly, if the guild is a PvE-oriented endeavour, there is no profit in bragging about the eight million points of resilience you are gemmed for. A switch from PvP to PvE should be accompanied by spending a while gathering at least basic, appropriate gear. Guilds rarely want to spend time and effort gearing up players who want a free ride to Epic City.
It is always advisable to study the guild’s raiding times, too.
In a few circumstances it can be worth applying even if you aren’t needed. Many guilds will say they retain exceptional applications for future reference. They may even throw you a trial to see if you’re worth cramming in.
You are not prepared: the grass is not always greener.
Nobody likes a guild-hopper as it suggests guild-drama and a problem player so never /GQuit until you’re absolutely sure you and your current guild are not compatible. Every guild has unlikeable characters, power-hungry or incompetent officers, failing raids, loot drama and sometimes claustrophobic rules.
Also remember that if you want to join a server-topping raid guild there is a massive amount of peripheral time that you will need to devote to being raid-ready.
You will be required to perform to the best of your ability in raids and, as WoW is essentially a giant mathematical equation, be prepared to spend a lot of time theory-crafting, reading class mechanics forums, researching raid tactics and downloading and updating mods/addons. Going AFK during raids without permission is also a cardinal sin, no matter if your dinner is ready, parents are angry or your house is burning down. The days of hiding inside the corpse of a Corehound are long gone, so get a comfortable chair and a pack of Red Bull.
Even your in-game time will be eaten up with raid preparation. Many guilds require their raiders to arrive on time, packed full of potions, reagents and alternative gear. So, say goodbye to that Battleground time you used to enjoy because there might be a never-ending amount of repair money, herbs, ores and gear to farm.
Final words: anything else you’d like to add?
That difficult section at the end that a lot of guilds tack onto their template can present a hurdle to some players, but should be seen as a golden opportunity to augment your achievements or smooth over your deficiencies. At the end of the day, guild masters, class leaders and officers are only looking for competent players who are not arrogant or boastful and who will quietly fit into the status quo, so a simple ‘Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to apply. I’d be happy to answer any more questions you have’ or ‘I’ve heard great things about this guild and have really enjoyed the groups where I’ve played alongside your members’ are enough to sign off with.
‘Pick me cus im gr8’, ‘can I have a quick reply because I’ve also applied to another guild?’ or ‘im better than some of ur current players’ are not suitable!
The last thing you should do is to read through your own application, check that the links work, spelling is correct and that you’ve answered everything asked of you. If you can't put five minutes of effort into a guild application, officers can only assume you won't pull your weight in the guild.
Good luck!
P.S. If you do follow any of the above and are successful, I reserve the right to 10% of your future epics. Thank you.
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