Your2ndPlace

I've actually been hired for real contracts from within Second Life myself - most of them having little to do with the virtual world - mainly web or writing related.

According to the Wall Street Journal, real companies are starting to formally recruit within Second Life. There are even some tips on how to interview within Second Life, which may seem a bit strange for some. Basically, the tips state that one should dress appropriately and not show up for an interview as a troll or whatever (but I have gotten contracts as a penguin...) - not 'shouting' (typing in all caps), and not running too many other applications while in Second Life. Generally good advice. I'll toss in that flying around with your digital genitals hanging out is a bad idea.

Here's my advice: Get in before the interview - hours before, days if possible, and spend time learning the basics. Clothing is fairly easy to find - if you need a suit, there are some here for 50L: Y2P Store.

Still, it does seem a bit one sided. After about 20 years in the technology industry, I don't see an interview as a one sided thing - I am also interviewing the employer. What should an employee look at in an employer when discussing potential jobs? Here are some of my pointers:

• Look at the avatar of the employer. If it looks completely new, don't expect to be working for a company that has a clue about Second Life. While this is not always the case, employers have a responsibility to portray their interest in the virtual world. The age of newbie employers should be safely over by now. After all, the way that they appear should reflect on the company that they work for.
• Wander around the area of the company. In the interview, bring something up about the area - a detail. If the person interviewing you isn't knowledgeable about the area, you're looking at a company which may not have great communication between departments.
• Don't be shy about asking questions. If the person doesn't know, they will say so. If a company isn't interested in answering your questions, do you really want to work for them?
• Ask if your potential manager is in Second Life, and whether you can meet them. Is the rest of the team you will be working with there?
• Don't expect to get anything in the way of proprietary information. The metaverse is not secure.
• Make sure they aren't trying to pay you in Lindens. :-)

If your knowledge of Second Life is greater than that of the employer and the job is related to Second Life - it could be either really good or really bad. In the end, a job isn't just about the money - it is about doing something you are good at and getting paid for it. If you're a creative person and the company doesn't demonstrate creativity... do you want to work there? If you don't fit, the job won't either. Interview your employer as well.

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