Looking for Advice

[ScHiZo]

I noticed everyone around here is friendly and helpful, so I thought I'd share my problem with you all. I'm trying to land a programming job in the games industry, but I've been searching for almost 4 months with only a couple phone interviews. One of the game studios came close to hiring me as I've done 2 phone interviews with them and the recruiter told me it came down to me or this other person. I'm now without any leads and I'm starting to get depressed about the situation. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong and how I can better myself for a new role. I have the required education (B.S. in comp sci) and 2 years of professional game programming experience. During my time at my previous game studio, I've released 2 games which I've listed in my resume gameography. I guessing game studios are looking for more experienced programmers and people at my level (junior/mid) are missing out on opportunities. Does anyone notice the same thing or have any advice for me? Thanks in advance.

[TG1]

Hey,

First of all, don't give up, these things can take time.
Second - From everything I've read (sadly I'm not in the industry myself yet) the three most important things for getting yourself noticed are your portfolio, your resume and the cover letter (You can find numorous features on this site and others about those three), So first I would look at them - Do you have a portfolio that shows your skills? How is your resume written? What do you write in your cover letter?
If you don't have a website yet, you should create one for yourself and put your portfolio and resume there (There are also many articles on how to do that).
Last thing 2 more questions - Where do you live? where are you looking for a job?

Hope this helps (Sorry I didn't post any links, but I'm late for work )
Good luck

[Claxon]

I second the "Don't give up" thing. Getting a games job can take a long time, even with a good track record. With the global economic situation right now, many companies are being careful about firing new staff too.

Originally Posted by TG1

Second - From everything I've read (sadly I'm not in the industry myself yet) the three most important things for getting yourself noticed are your portfolio, your resume and the cover letter

I'd say one thing trumps all of these - Contacts. Every job that I've got so far has been down to knowing someone at the company already (or knowing someone who knows someone at the company), that was willing to put in a good word for me. You say you have experience, so it would really be worthwhile to check up on your past co-workers to see if they can suggest a place for you to go.

[Mariol]

I agree with both responses above too. If it’s really what you want to do don’t give up. You’ll never be happy settling for your second best career choice. Sounds like you’ve just been hitting a string of bad luck unfortunately. But you’ve got actual industry experience so you’re already on the right track, and the fact that you’re getting through to the phone interview stage does suggest your CV and demo work is selling yourself well. However as TG1 said, I would look again at your CV and covering letter and see if they can be improved that little bit more just to give you that extra help. Also have you got demo work that’s showing off your skills? I don’t know what type of programming position you’re going for but make sure your demo work reflects the type of role you’re after. If you haven’t got a portfolio site yet get one! That way everyone can have access to your work.

I’ve had a job as a games recruiter and one thing I know is that junior programmers (especially ones with experience) are always sought after. So don’t give up! 4 months is a while to be looking but it’s nearing Christmas and with the economy the way it is company’s won’t tend to recruit around this time (and may not be willing to use recruiters either). So maybe you can use this time to look into companies that you haven’t applied to yet and whether that company is right for you.

One last thing I’ll say is don’t dismiss speculative applications. If you like the sound of a company but they aren’t actively recruiting for programmers on their website send them your stuff anyway, they can only say no. This will show the company that you use your initiative when job hunting. Agencies can only get you so far with games companies (and some may not even use the ones you’re registered with). So I’d recommend speculative applications for a while unless you’re totally confident with who you’re registered with.

Good luck!

[yaustar]

Have another shot after the new year. In general, very few companies hire or conduct interviews on the run up to the new year.

[ScHiZo]

Thanks for the responses guys! I'll definitely keep at it after the holidays and see what happens. To quickly answer a couple of your questions, I currently live on the west coast of the US. I don't have a website as of yet, but I'm working on it. I've also tried asking past coworkers for any job openings. I believe my resume is good because it has gotten me phone interviews and I've read alot of guides (including gamecareerguide's one) as to how to improve it. I'm not, however, confident about my interviewing skills, but I have done a number of them.

[Gshonk]

Originally Posted by ScHiZo

I'm not, however, confident about my interviewing skills, but I have done a number of them.

Then you need to improve your skills to a point where you are confident. Remember if they call you they WANT to like you and WANT to hire you. Also you might want to check out this book Programming Interviews Exposed While it is not game specific it helped me a lot with several interviews.

Keep your head up it takes some time, especially in this economic climate and time.

[yaustar]

Originally Posted by ScHiZo

I don't have a website as of yet, but I'm working on it. I've also tried asking past coworkers for any job openings.

This doesn't help, how are you showcasing your work?

[ScHiZo]

Originally Posted by yaustar

This doesn't help, how are you showcasing your work?

I probably should toss up something simple... In the past, I usually direct people to links through e-mail. Is it enough just to post links to my work and a little blurb about myself?

[yaustar]

If you don't have a site, then what are you linking to?