Randy’s Career Tips

There are many things that can increase one’s chances of getting a a shot at elusive video game jobs. But if you talk to industry recruiters, they will tell you that there are just a few key items that are vitally important. They are…

1) Work on independent game projects. One of the most important aspects of an application that game company recruiters look for in applicants is their experience. If they can’t make a small game on their own, how are they going to work with a team to make a multi-million dollar title? Team up with some friends and work on a game. It doesn’t have to be a full featured console title, just make sure you finish it. Unfinished projects don’t count.

2) Narrow your field of expertise. While it’s good to be able to do many things at a small company or small project, larger more established companies will be looking to give video game jobs to the best people in a given specialty. If you’re an artist, pick characters or environments and focus on that. If you’re an engineer, focus on artificial intelligence, graphics, or whatever your passion is. Decide what you’re going to do and become an expert.

3) Join a game development organization. There are many good organizations for game development. Check your university or college activities center to see if there are any groups already created. You can also look at worldwide organizations such as the IGDA and get involved there. Better yet, if there isn’t a student organization at your school or a game development chapter in your town, consider starting one. Leadership is a huge asset in a job applicant.

4) Network and find industry insiders. Talk with your advisors, career counselors, and alumni network to see if you can find people who have already gotten video game jobs. Contact them, ask to get a tour of their workplace, and ask if they have any internshi Read the rest of this entry »

Career transition can be a stressful time. Many people, for one reason or another, find that their career is no longer suitable for them. Whether your family circumstances have changed or you are simply bored of the job you are currently doing, changing your career doesn’t have to be hard or stressful.

Every candidate has a CV of skills, experience and qualifications that they can offer to a position of employment. When changing employment, it is essential to know how to present these skills in a favorable, flexible way. Make sure you include the roles and duties you performed in each previous position of employment on your CV. It is your abilities and experience of certain tasks and situations that will be transferable to a new position, not the job title.

Once you have secured a career transition interview, you will need to put in the work to ensure it is a success. Research the role you have applied for. Knowing what an employer expects of you allows you to prepare answers that will put you in a good light. For example, mention experience that is relevant. No employer wants your life story, so tell them what they do want to hear. Select recent, relevant experience, which involves the personal qualities and ability vital to the role you are being interviewed for.

You should never lie in a job interview. An employer who finds out at a later date that you have lied or exaggerated about experience or qualifications will not only fail to consider you for employment, but could also make it difficult for you to undertake a successful career transition in other companies.

When presenting information that is less favorable to your candidacy, it is possible to turn it around into something positive. For example, your qualifications may be low graded. If this presents a problem, it could be an opportunity to explain that while you are Read the rest of this entry »