EVE Evolved: Finding the perfect corporation in five easy steps, part 2
Step 4 - Applications and interviews:
Something new players are often unaware of is that the application process for joining a corp works backward to how a job application works in real life. Submitting an application to a corp without first talking to a recruiter and being offered a position is often considered rude and such unannounced applications are usually denied. Corps in EVE are essentially just like guilds and they'll want to chat with you about why you want to join and what you want to get out of EVE. Active corporations that are recruiting usually list their official recruiters in the corp's show info pane. If you're looking for a position in a pirate corp, another useful way to get a recruitment offer from them is to engage them in combat and then strike up a conversation. Many pirate and 0.0 PvP corps will hire those with the drive and courage to attack them, even if they lose.
Step 5 - Re-evaluating the corp:
This is perhaps the most important step in finding the perfect corp, and it's the one that most people ignore. Because your goals in EVE and those of your corporations can change over time, it's a good idea to periodically re-evaluate your corp to make sure there isn't a better fit out there for you. As sad as it sometimes is to leave a group of friends you've made in any game, staying in a corporation that isn't doing anything you find interesting will ruin your fun. Nobody will think less of you for leaving a corp to find a better one, it's a very common thing in EVE and some of the game's older players have very long corporate history lists as a result. Be aware that some corps may promise more than they can deliver. Others may make unreasonable demands of you such as turning over items or spending a lot of time mining for the corp. Remember that in EVE even your new corpmates and CEO should have to earn your trust.
Summary:
Finding the right corporation can completely transform your game experience. With a few friends, some focused goals and a healthy dose of determination, you can accomplish a lot in EVE and have a lot of fun. Whether you're looking for a mission-running corp that runs level 4 missions together or a pirate corp that runs PvP raids around low security space, I hope you've found this five-step guide to finding the perfect corporation hepful. For more information, visit this handy EVE wiki page on recruiting and CrazyKinux's guide to finding the right corp for you.
Brendan "Nyphur" Drain is an early veteran of EVE Online and writer of the weekly EVE Evolved column here at massively.com. The column covers anything and everything relating to EVE Online, from in-depth guides to speculative opinion pieces. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at brendan.drain AT weblogsinc DOT com. I'll write back, promise! :D
