Job Applications & Interviews

Ways to Apply for a Job

Apply on Company Website

The most straight-forward method of applying is to apply to job opening that is listed on a company's career page. If you are interested at working at a particular studio, but do not see a job opening for a position you would be interested in, then contact an individual at the studio or apply to the general job application. Making a personal connection with a recruiter or developer through LinkedIn may increase your chances of your application getting reviewed.

Talk to recruiters at conventions

Studios will actively be recruiting at conventions and conferences, such as GDC and devcom. You will want to come prepared and put your best foot forward. Have digital or physical copies of your resume and portfolio with you.

Leverage your network

If you have an established network, contact your colleagues in the industry. People are always willing to help others in the Games Industry find a job, especially during times of mass layoffs at a studio. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and associates to find your next opportunity.

Apply if you meet 50% of the listed requirements

Don't be afraid if you do not meet every single requirement in the description of a job listing. The list of requirements in a job listing is a recruiter's "Unicorn List", all the things the perfect candidate would have. But if you meet at least 50% of the listed requirements on the job description and you feel confident in your abilities, go ahead and apply. Companies still expect to train and onboard new staff, so itis more important that an applicant has the ability to learn.

Making Your Application Stand Out

Apply with a Resume, Cover Letter, and Portfolio

Recruiters will toss out any job application that doesn’t have a genuine cover letter and a portfolio of your past works.

Tailor your Resume, Cover Letter, and Portfolio for the Job

Recruiters are looking for the right person for the job and who puts in the effort to make a personal connection. Make sure your resume, cover letter, and portfolio line up with or touch on the requirements of a job posting. Describe your abilities, talk about your personal experiences, and showcase how your skills would be a good fit for the job. Portray yourself as the solution to their problem.

Build a Strong Resume

Your Resume is a synopsis of your achievements through your work experience, skills, and education. Your name and contact info should be at the top of the resume. You may present an optional summary or objective section detailing who you are, what you've done, and why you are applying to the job. Work experience and education should be listed in reverse chronological order. The skills section can include hard skills, soft skills, or both. You can describe your skills by listing out accomplishments or graphical aids depicting your skill level. Education and academic achievements are usually placed at the bottom of the resume. You should keep your resume up to date as you make new accomplishments and advance your career.

Build a Strong Cover Letter

Cover letters should be clear, concise, and to the point, written specifically to address the description and requirements in the job listing. Explain how you are qualified for the role and describe any past achievements that proves your qualifications. Describe your apptitude on related skills based on work you are currently doing. Make it clear that you have the skills for the job and can solve problems the studio might be facing. Show interest in the studio by noting the experiences you had from playing their games.

Resume Builder and Cover Letter Samples

Share your Portfolio

Tailor your portfolio to showcase your best work for the position that you are applying to. Do not show work that is irrelevant to the position, as it might confuse the hiring manager.

Questions to Ask in an Interview

Interviews should be a conversation between you and the interviewers. Make sure to ask questions to show you are interested in learning more about the job, the company, and your potential coworkers.

Common Questions you will have to answer:

What do you already know about our company? What drew you to our company?
Why are you interested in this particular position?
Where do you see yourself heading in 5 to 10 years? -- company size, culture, position, responsibilities?