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A games industry junior's perspective on job hunts and interviews: a thread.
A lot of repeated info from stuff that's been said before me, but I definitely did not believe all this so I hope my baby career voice can help this sink in with other newbies.
A lot of repeated info from stuff that's been said before me, but I definitely did not believe all this so I hope my baby career voice can help this sink in with other newbies.
DISCLAIMER:
I AM A JUNIOR.
I am new on the block (<1 year), these things are not universal and I am definitely not an expert. These are merely the things I wish I knew when I was looking for and applying to jobs.
I AM A JUNIOR.
I am new on the block (<1 year), these things are not universal and I am definitely not an expert. These are merely the things I wish I knew when I was looking for and applying to jobs.
1. Know what you don't know.
The strongest indicator that someone knows what they're doing is if they can be upfront about what they don't know.
Be honest with your shortcomings while showing how you're making sure that doesn't stop you.
(1/2)
The strongest indicator that someone knows what they're doing is if they can be upfront about what they don't know.
Be honest with your shortcomings while showing how you're making sure that doesn't stop you.
(1/2)
That doesn't mean that you should not have any knowledge gaps! But be honest with where they are. It is completely fine to say "I have learned everything I can in my current environment, and I'm applying to this job so I can learn what my knowledge gaps are."
(2/2)
(2/2)
2. Breathe, take a sip, and try again.
Interviews are scary! Luckily for you, the interviewer is also a human being! They know how nerve-wracking an interview can be, so if you trip up or anything, take a sip of water and begin again. It isn't an exam, it's a conversation.
(1/2)
Interviews are scary! Luckily for you, the interviewer is also a human being! They know how nerve-wracking an interview can be, so if you trip up or anything, take a sip of water and begin again. It isn't an exam, it's a conversation.
(1/2)
Assume that they're your friend and that they're just curious about what you've done before! If you get a challenging question, don't be afraid to pause to collect your thoughts. It's better to be deliberate than rushed. Breathe and take a sip of your water. You got this.
(2/2)
(2/2)
3. You're not writing to a machine!
Don't be afraid to write casually if that's your preferred writing style. Swapping out "Dear hiring manager" for "Hello!" is completely fine, they're not looking for someone to write legal documents.
(1/2)
Don't be afraid to write casually if that's your preferred writing style. Swapping out "Dear hiring manager" for "Hello!" is completely fine, they're not looking for someone to write legal documents.
(1/2)
The person you're writing to is a fellow human being. They read a lot of these applications every day, so a friendly tone can often be a nice change of pace between rigidly formal cover letters.
(2/2)
(2/2)
4. Things take time
You're sending applications. You're writing and stressing and time feels like it's fading away. Be aware that things take time and people are way busier than you think. Don't expect quick replies (1-2 days), but don't be afraid to follow up after ~2 weeks.
You're sending applications. You're writing and stressing and time feels like it's fading away. Be aware that things take time and people are way busier than you think. Don't expect quick replies (1-2 days), but don't be afraid to follow up after ~2 weeks.
5. It's a lot of luck
No seriously. You might be the perfect artist, but there was this one other artist who had something in their portfolio that was exactly the type of work they'd be doing so they got the offer instead. A no is not always a failure from your end.
(1/2)
No seriously. You might be the perfect artist, but there was this one other artist who had something in their portfolio that was exactly the type of work they'd be doing so they got the offer instead. A no is not always a failure from your end.
(1/2)
Keep working on your projects, show growth and apply again later. They will remember you (or their database will) and can reference your new application. "Oh wow, they've been really working on this thing they were weak at last time!" is super valuable.
(2/2)
(2/2)
6. Do your research, but relax
Look into what the company has done in the past and in the present. See if there are any interviews that hint towards the future. But don't sweat it if you can't play all their games. Know what makes their games unique and go from there.
Look into what the company has done in the past and in the present. See if there are any interviews that hint towards the future. But don't sweat it if you can't play all their games. Know what makes their games unique and go from there.
7. Reach out!
If you're applying somewhere, don't be afraid to reach out to an employee via email or social media to get an inside scoop. It's not cheating, and if they don't want to respond they'll just ignore the message. Obviously, thank them for their time if they respond!
If you're applying somewhere, don't be afraid to reach out to an employee via email or social media to get an inside scoop. It's not cheating, and if they don't want to respond they'll just ignore the message. Obviously, thank them for their time if they respond!
Thanks for reading through all that! Let me know if that was helpful and feel free to add your experiences to this as well, especially if you disagree with anything!
