Large events are a fantastic experience, as a player and a judge, but competition to get on staff is fierce. Being passed over for an event can be disappointing, but in my experience there are many cases where the difference between acceptance and rejection is completely out of the applicant’s control.
Fortunately, there is still a lot that you can do to improve your chances of being selected. Now that I know a bit more about how selection works, I’m happy to share the best recommendations I can to help people make themselves as attractive as possible on their next application to a Grand Prix or SCG Open.
Work with your regional coordinator
Have strong, well-articulated goals
Knowing what you want to do in the judge program, and how you plan on achieving that is an important part of growing and becoming a better judge. The best candidate for working at a Grand Prix will make the event better, improve themselves and their fellow judges, and take those lessons back to their local Magic community. Once you have a plan, you are ready for the next tip: the cover letter.
Create a concise, well written cover letter for your application
For more guidance, see Writing Effective Cover Letters.
Be ready to test
Large events offer a lot of opportunities for testing for your next level, and not everyone has easy access to a judge that can test them. If you are well prepared, and your RC thinks you are ready to test, you will get higher priority for being selected. Note: If you are a Level 1 judge, this may be the only way you can get on staff for a Grand Prix, and will considerably improve your chances at an SCG Open. When I was staffing an event with 65 judges, only 3 were Level 1, and all of them were testing that weekend.
Be willing to work on Friday
This applies primarily to Grand Prix events. Staffing the first day of the event is often the hardest part. Many people choose to fly in on Friday, and can only work the latter half of the day. If your availability includes all day Friday, you are much more attractive candidate.
Make your own overnight arrangements
That covers the best tips I can provide to help you be more appealing to Tournament Organizers and Judge Managers selecting staff for large events. Hopefully, armed with this information, you can improve your chances to be on staff at the next event you apply for. Good luck with your next application!