Job Hunt

Right now, finding a job in Games feels impossible. There's a limited amount of jobs on the market. Layoffs are seemingly everywhere. And a lot of people are tired, discouraged and powerless. Well let's try and end that shall we? Do you want to learn about managing Job Search Stress? [[There is always hope]] Need more practical help? [[I need CV / Resume / Portfolio / Social Media help!]] Struggling with motivation? [[I need help with motivation]] Want to access the wider resources available? [[I need more help]] Perhaps something else? [[Who are you?]] [[What is this?]] [[Contents]] [[Credits]]

Look at the Games Industry as a whole. It won’t be going anywhere. As a medium, Video Games are still one of the most popular forms of entertainment in existence. And if the game layoffs in of days gone by are anything to go by, this industry will shift, change, evolve and turn on a dime to another direction. But being consigned to history is not in the Games Industry story. And with the certainty that the industry will carry on in whatever form it evolves into, so too is the certainty that the industry still needs talented, enthusiastic, and willing people to create! It’s a question of when you get your job in games, not if. Here's how you can take control: [[Be realistic]] [[Contents]]

My name is Tim Wood, I founded a Headhunting Agency in Games called Write Finder Headhunting . I’ve also done a bit of Narrative Design. So, I’m pretty invested in this world. I’ve also been made redundant in my life 5 times. I’ve had to find rent money within a matter of days and skipped meals to survive to the end of the month. I’ve been between homes and completely uncertain of my future and place in the world. So, I know what it’s like to have to dig deep when it feels like the world itself is against you. I’ve had to learn how to keep a plucky, positive mindset when I’m stressed to high heaven and wanting to bury myself in duvets, pizza boxes and sci-fi novels. So let me assure you, my friend. There is always a path forward. And things will get better. [[There is always hope]] [[What is this?]] [[Contents]]

When you’re in need of a new job right now the desperation is strong. Sadly, our need for swift resolution will often not be returned in kind by companies. The job search process takes time, and you will probably face rejections. Try not to let the “No thank you” and no answers at all discourage you. Instead, try to view them as is filtering through the places that won’t give you a job, and instead taking the opportunity to go find the ones who will or might be able to give you a job. In my experience, many companies can take at least 4-6 weeks to complete an entire recruitment process if it has around two to three interview stages and a team that has a decent grasp of how to run such a process. There are outliers both ways of course, but this is a good rule of thumb which can inform you on when you should be chasing for updates/feedback. [[Manage your time]] [[Contents]]

It’s important to get the most out of the time in your day. But that doesn’t mean you should be relentlessly applying from dawn to dusk. Which sounds counterintuitive. There are many factors that go into what makes a ‘great candidate’, so we need to ensure all those things that go into making those factors are looked after. By structuring your time between Job Searching, developing your skills and importantly, looking after yourself you’ll give yourself 3 base activities you can rotate between when one inevitably fatigues you or gets boring. A routine, no matter how loose or rigid you personally need it, will give you a sense of control and purpose on those days where you feel adrift. When it comes to Job Seeking, it can be anything from applying for roles you feel you’re a match for, networking or working on your CV. Skill Development could be attending a webinar course, working on your portfolio, or even working on your own project (like putting one of your articles into a Twine), you can make it fun to serve multiple purposes at once! And self-care, well that can be literally anything. Eating good food, walking the dog, sleeping, gaming, or working out etc. Make sure you give your body and mind what it needs. If, like me, you feel that voice in your head trying to guilt you into working more when you feel you can’t. Just remember. All these activities serve the purpose of getting you that ideal role in games. Whether it’s creating the opportunity or getting you to your best self. It all serves a purpose, as well as each part of you. [[Focus on what you can control]] [[Contents]]

The ultimate outcome of your endeavors right now, are to get hired. However, we cannot control the decision makers. But we can take all the possible steps available to us to influence them. Don’t get bogged down in what ifs. Instead, ensure your energy is dedicated toward the effort you put into applications, your portfolio development, and networking. By shifting your energy to actions that move you forward. You’re cutting down on mental and physical wastes of efforts down thought processes that won’t lead anywhere productive. Keep learning, keep applying those learnings toward skilling yourself and your profile/CV toward a higher place and you will succeed. [[A win is a win, no matter how small]] [[Contents]]

Every positive reaction you get is valid and it deserves to be celebrated. It could be an invitation to an interview. A call with someone who could help you, or some positive feedback on your CV/Portfolio. Whatever it is, take that as something to galvanise yourself with. Celebrate it, internalise it, and use it as a source of inspiration when you’re not feeling as chipper. You could even make it fun. When I first started my business, every time I signed a new client, I’d buy myself a takeaway and have a little party with myself. I’ll be honest, I still do it. [[Look after you]] [[Contents]]

I’m not a medical expert, but I do know that a stress is a combination of the physical and mental, which is why it’s important for you to look after your needs. As I mentioned above, making time for your well-being is a crucial part of maintaining a productive and positive mindset. Whether you get those good endorphins from a walk or the gym, or one of your beloved hobbies or hanging out with friends. You might just want to have good naps and time outside. What matters is the space you give yourself, and that it’s helpful for your recovery. When you allow yourself that space and time to relax and recharge, you’ll then be in a space to come back to your other activities with relish. [[Forgive yourself]] [[Contents]]

Stress absolutely sucks. It’s also a very normal response to situations that are upsetting, scary or overwhelming. It can be tempting to tell yourself off for feeling like this. That it isn’t optimal for your needs, that it’s stopping you hitting your goals. But berating and constantly beating yourself down will only internalise and compound your stress more. Instead, take away the power it has on you by being kind to yourself, and acknowledge that it’s there. Focus on the positive things you can do to manage your stress effectively, and you will in time control it, not the other way around. [[Stay excited]] [[Contents]]

Why do you want to work in Games? Don’t tell me, I’m just a time capsule of one man’s thoughts on a Thursday Afternoon. (okay you can message me, I’d be delighted to know) Tell yourself. Write it down on a sign by your PC. Have it as a mantra you repeat to yourself, whatever you need. You’re likely wanting to work in Games because it’s fun, you want to contribute to the creation of products people often have a deep connection too. So, keep your own passion ignited and engaged. Play games, lose yourself in new ideas and technologies if that’s your thing. Read all the wiki pages for your favourite Ips, consume deep dives online or engage in the communities around your most loved titles. Maintaining that love and passion for what you do, and why you want to do it, will always help to keep you in a good place. [[Some final thoughts]] [[Contents]]

Do you want a comprehensive list of everything? Sure thing, here you go. Introduction: [[Finding a job in Games]] Managing Job Search Stress: [[There is always hope]] [[Be realistic]] [[Manage your time]] [[Focus on what you can control]] [[A win is a win, no matter how small]] [[Look after you]] [[Forgive yourself]] [[Stay excited]] [[Some final thoughts]] Making CV/Resumes/Portfolios/Social Media work for you: [[I need CV / Resume / Portfolio / Social Media help!]] [[Focus your portfolio]] [[Show your working]] [[Transfer your skills]] [[Link up your socials]] [[Be personal]] [[Ask for feedback]] [[Tailor your CV/Resume]] [[Keep updated]] [[CV/Resume final thoughts]] Motivation exercise: [[I need help with motivation]] Other stuff: [[I need more help]] [[What is this?]] [[Who are you?]] [[Credits]]

Looking for the dream job can take weeks, months or sometimes years. But focus on what you can control, look after your needs and you will build the resilience and positive, productive outlook you’ll need to carry you through this industry. Because people believe in you, or resources like this would not exist. So go tackle that stress and that job search with these techniques and forge the path you want to walk. You can absolutely do it. And those of us in Games can’t wait to meet you. Want help with your CV/Resume/Portfolio or Social Media? [[I need CV / Resume / Portfolio / Social Media help!]] [[I need help with motivation]] [[Contents]] [[I need more help]] [[Credits]]

This project is designed to help people who want to find a job in Games. Much of the content was originally put together in the form of articles for the Early Careers Resource Pack at www.amirsatvat.com, a completely free resource aimed at supporting game developers hit by layoffs, as well as those trying to get into Video Games. The motivation exercise I put together with the help of many tools and training I myself have benefitted from over my career, it's pretty simple, but should be a good starting point. I thought it would be accessible/interesting to this all into a Twine project, in the hopes that it helps at least one person somewhere. Thanks for reading. Tim Wood [[Who are you?]] [[Finding a job in Games]] [[Contents]]

The Games Industry is one of the most popular creative industries people want to work in. Consequently, it’s astronomically competitive, with high barriers to entry and can feel downright overwhelming. This is only compounded by the difficulties the industry has faced in the last year or so. At the time of writing in April 2024, we’re seeing some positive movement, but still layoffs and reduced funding are persisting. So, it’s important when job seeking that you give yourself every advantage possible. I’ve collated some of my advice typically reserved for video feedback calls or the occasional caffeine fueled LinkedIn post. As for who I am, I’m Tim Wood, an experienced recruiter and founder of Write Finder Headhunting, as well as a Narrative Designer for a VR title. So, I’m pretty invested in this industry and consequently, very invested in the new people who come to help evolve it. Hopefully, that includes you! [[Focus your portfolio]] [[Contents]]

Whatever your specialism your portfolio should highlight your skills, ability and projects that can evidence why you’re great for that role. Make sure it’s representative of your best and most relevant work. Reviewers often look at hundreds of portfolios a day. So, imagine you are catering to the worst-case review scenario. Someone could be assessing your work at the end of their day, with possible eye strain and way too much caffeine. Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate, and can demonstrate what you can do quickly, easily and in the best light of your skills. It ensures it’s optimized as well as catering to the human element of the selection process. Do take the time to make sure that any links to your portfolio on social media, CVs/Resumes etc work! I have reviewed many an application only to be hit by the dreaded 404! [[Show your working]] [[Contents]]

A huge part of decision making in hiring for games is whether the hiring manager feels you could adapt to working in their pipeline. So, by demonstrating your own process, from ideation, to overcoming problems, adapting to feedback to the finished article itself will show them how you will likely integrate and work within their system. For each project in your portfolio, include a brief description that explains your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes you achieved. This context helps employers understand your contributions and thought process. It can also help determine what training and guidance you may need, working style and what potential you have for other roles down the line. This results in a more fully rounded portfolio and will be very helpful for your own self assessment in the months and years to come too. [[Transfer your skills]] [[Contents]]

So, you have some experience in a professional or voluntary setting that isn’t the Games Industry. A lot of it is still relevant. Identify the skills in jobs you are applying for that are A) Valuable in Games B) Already have experience in. You might have worked with data analysis, project management or working as a link between teams with varied roles and skillsets. It doesn't matter what industry you worked in, those skills translate. You might have organised a gaming guild, dungeons and dragons games or worked on game jams. They build those "soft skills" in relation to interaction, organisation, collaboration, leadership or any other buzzword you can think of. These are just some things that you could easily evidence from your previous experience and use to demonstrate yourself as a good fit for a Games coded position. Why don't you take some time to write out some things you've done, and what skills you may have built as a result? Feel free to use search engines and other methods to look for what you may not have considered yet. Because that kind of self analysis and introspection, is very helpful when making CVs and going into interviews. [[Link up your socials]] [[Contents]]

One of the first things any team or recruiter will do when trying to find talent, is to open a search online, whether that’s on websites like LinkedIn or on Job Boards. So, it’s pretty much a requirement to ensure you are discoverable! You might have your own website, or you could have a portfolio combined with a LinkedIn. Whatever your chosen method, make sure your information is easy to read/navigate and that it’s accessible. This means making sure your contact information is up to date, that hyperlinks work and any work you are showcasing reflects your current abilities. If you have a visual component to your work, ensure it’s viewable on all devices from mobile to PC! It’s also very helpful to link all your socials together. For example, my job is to literally find people like you for Game Studios, so if I find you on LinkedIn, make sure your LinkedIn profile is linked to your website/cv/portfolio and vice versa. That way, wherever you are found, everything you want a potential employer to see is automatically linked and easy to find. You'd be amazed how many people haven't got round to doing it yet. [[Be personal]] [[Contents]]

You don’t have to hide who you are, neither do you have to hide your hobby/personal projects for fear they are “not work related”. You might be working on your own game on the side, or you could have taken part in a game jam. Showcase that stuff, it not only demonstrates your interest in the industry, but is an active demonstration of skills and behaviours you will absolutely need to work in the industry. It shows you are proactive and able to self-direct, learn and grow. [[Ask for feedback]] [[Contents]]

You may want to switch things up sometimes, or perhaps you feel that your portfolio/cv etc isn’t where it could be. It’s completely okay to seek feedback from people you know, peers or industry professionals if they are open to that. Typically, people working in the role you want to be in, are a good source of information and connection. Listen to what they say and incorporate the suggestions that resonate and can help you. And you’ll be in a much stronger position. People are generally very helpful in the industry, but just be mindful of how you ask for favours from people you don’t know. It can pay dividends to network and forge an authentic connection before asking people to work on your behalf! A great starting point is to ask Recruiters for feedback, especially those in an agency, as our business model revolved around having wide networks of current and aspiring talent in the industry! [[Tailor your CV/Resume]] [[Contents]]

The goal of a resume is to get you a conversation. So, by tailoring it toward what recruiters and hiring managers look for is a sure bet to stand apart from your competition. Only include the relevant experience/skills for the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re going for a Junior Art role, talk about the art you’ve been involved in, any personal projects/game jams or art aligned roles, rather than focusing on your experiences in irrelevant industries. You can certainly mention other industries for the soft/additional skills relevant to Games, but if your resume is not answering the questions those hiring want answered, it won’t help you. If you can, back your experiences up with data. Maybe you completed a landscape concept piece from brief to finish in a certain amount of time. Or you boosted downloads for your game jam through some use of social media. Whatever your contributions and wins were in your experiences were. Contextualize and demonstrate those, that’s what the assessors find helpful. You might want to also demonstrate your other skills like teamwork, ability to adapt or your wider creativity. Write concise examples of how you demonstrated these in your experience. A useful acronym to follow here is S.T.A.R, which stands for: Situation: What was the situation you were in? Task: What was the action or responsibility you took ownership of? Action: What did you do to complete this? Result: What happened as a result? Providing this deeper analysis of your experience will help hiring teams get the measure of you, and further demonstrate your suitability for the role. [[Keep updated]] [[Contents]]

View your resume and portfolio as living documents. In a way, they will never be finished. Because as you gain new skills, complete more projects, and publish more games. You have even more to include and evidence on those documents. Try to, at least update your resume and portfolio once a year, not only does this help you remember what you’ve got done each year, but should you find yourself in a position of seeking work again. You’ll be able to act a lot faster as the work is already done. By keeping updates regular, you’ll save yourself effort and in time notice companies may even proactively reach out to you with an offer you don’t want to refuse. I should know, I’m the one doing it. [[CV/Resume final thoughts]] [[Contents]]

By implementing an approach like this to all your points of discoverability, you’re massively increasing your chances of attaining a role in Games and standing apart from your competition. You’ll have made the lives of those who decide if you get in or not much easier and in the long run, save yourself a ton of effort too. Remember, it’s a question of when you get a win, not if! Good luck out there. Want help with ways to manage Job Search Stress? [[There is always hope]] [[I need help with motivation]] [[Contents]] [[I need more help]] [[Credits]]

There are a huge amount of completely free resources at www.amirsatvat.com You can access the Early Careers Resource Pack, which this content was originally written for by scrolling down to categories and navigating from there, but do check out everything else! This is a completely free resource aimed at supporting game developers hit by layoffs, as well as those trying to get into Video Games. Good luck! [[Contents]] [[Finding a job in Games]]

We all need help motivating. Remember, whatever you're able to do today, IS your 100%, don't compare yourself to others, or how you were in a past setting. Let's work together and see what we unlock. When you think about your current level of motivation, do you feel: a) In a place to try starting and eager to make progress on your goals? [[2]] b) Discouraged and unsure of how to move forward? [[3]]

What small thing can you do today to maintain your motivation and move closer to your goal? a) Break down your goal into smaller, easier tasks. [[4]] b) Create a visual representation of your progress, like a progress tracker. [[5]]

What do you think is the main reason for your lack of motivation? a) Not wanting to fail and/or feeling uncertain about your abilities. [[6]] b) Not sure about your goals or how to reach them. [[7]]

After breaking down your goal, what is the first small task you can complete today? Try doing it now, I'm not going anywhere, I'm a program! [[8]]

After creating a visual representation of your progress, how do you feel about tackling your goal? a) More confident and motivated to continue making progress. [[8]] b) Still unsure but willing to take a small step forward. [[9]]

What is one action you can take to build your confidence and overcome your fear of failure? a) Seek guidance or support from someone who has achieved a similar goal. [[10]] b) Start with a small, low-risk task to build momentum [[11]]

What can you do to gain clarity about your goals and the steps needed to achieve them? a) Write down your goal and map out the steps required to reach it. [[12]] b) Research and learn more about the skills and knowledge needed to pursue your goal. [[13]]

Thinking about your progress, how do you feel about your ability to reach your goal? a) Proud of your progress and motivated to continue. [[14]] b) Satisfied with your progress but still facing some challenges. [[15]]

What is one small action you can take to build your confidence and motivation? a) Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and share it with someone supportive. [[14]] b) Identify one obstacle you're facing and think of ways to overcome it. [[15]]

After seeking guidance, what is the most valuable piece of advice you received, and how can you apply it to your goal? [[14]]

After completing a small, low-risk task, how do you feel about your ability to make progress on your goal? a) More confident and ready to take on a slightly bigger challenge. [[8]] b) Still building confidence but committed to continuing the momentum. [[9]]

After writing down your goal and thinking through the steps required, what is the first action you can take to move forward? [[14]]

After researching and learning more about your goal, what is one new insight you gained, and how can you apply it to your journey? [[14]]

Well done, by going through these questions, you've already taken an additional action for your motivation and mindset! I'm proud of you! Reflecting on your progress and the actions you've taken, think about how your motivation has changed. What could you do to maintain it? Write it down on a piece of paper, and keep it somewhere you can see it. You can repeat this exercise, anytime you need to! [[Contents]] [[I need help with motivation]] [[Finding a job in Games]] [[There is always hope]] [[I need CV / Resume / Portfolio / Social Media help!]] [[What is this?]] [[Who are you?]] [[Credits]]

What is one lesson you've learned from facing challenges, and how can you use it to continue making progress on your goal? [[14]]

All content created by Tim Wood - Managing Director & Founder - www.writefinder.com Special thanks to Amir Satvat & his community at www.amirsatvat.com for featuring the original articles which formed [[There is always hope]] [[I need CV / Resume / Portfolio / Social Media help!]] An extra special thanks goes to you, for being proactive in downloading and using this little twine project, to try and help yourself, and by extention, the entire games industry. You got this, I believe in you. [[Contents]]