In both DJs and Last Call, I handle the recruiting. Even though there are a few players who help with the outreach or bring certain players to my attention, I’m usually the guy who does the outward messaging to invite them to apply. One of my raiders recently questioned me about my recruiting process. Specifically, they took issue with one of the questions I ask during interviews: “How many progression bosses would you be comfortable sitting out for?”
If we’re working through a 10-boss raid, what’s the threshold for stepping aside when necessary?
To them, this question sends the wrong message. They argued that any serious Cutting Edge CE applicant should answer with “none.” They should want to be in for every fight if they’re dedicated enough. Otherwise, we’re attracting the wrong type of player (someone who’s willing to bench themselves rather than push for a spot).
I disagree.
Why It Matters
Progression raiding isn’t just about personal skill. It’s about the team. A CE focused raid group isn’t just 20 players! A solid roster is anywhere between 23 to 26, all working toward the same goal. While every player in that roster is talented, not every class, spec, or player skill set fits every boss encounter. Some fights require different tools, and it’s the raid leader’s job to optimize for success.
A great raider understands that. They recognize that their contribution isn’t just about their uptime on a boss but about what’s best for the kill. They don’t see sitting as a punishment; they see it as part of the bigger picture.
The “Me” vs “We” Mindset
A player who answers “I wouldn’t sit for any bosses” might think they’re showing dedication, but what they’re really signaling is inflexibility. Maybe they don’t trust leadership to make the right calls. Maybe they put their playtime above the raid’s progress. Either way, that mindset is dangerous in a progression guild.
On the flip side, any player who says, “I’d prefer to be in every fight, but I trust the leadership to make the best decision for the team” is exactly the kind of person we want. That response shows commitment, trust, and awareness, which are player aspects that are just as valuable as mechanical play and damage.
Building a Stronger Roster
The best rosters have depth. They have players who are not only willing to step in when needed but also willing to step out when it benefits the team. Having a few players who can confidently say, “I’d be okay sitting if it makes the fight easier for the raid” means we have a mature, team-focused group that won’t fall apart over a bench decision.
Regarding that roster construction, I don’t want players who want to sit. I want players who understand why sometimes they need to. That’s the difference between a good raider and a great one. There’s no real wrong answer to the question, as it just indicates the player’s preference. Sometimes a player wants to be in all the time as much as possible, and that’s okay if it can be justified.