Game Developer Conventions 2015 Help?

News & General Discussion
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Hey guys, not sure if this is the best forum to place this thread in, so if it needs to be moved feel free to do so.

Anyways, I just graduated college a month ago and I’m ready to start looking for work. I’ve been compiling a long list of different studios across North America who could possibly hire me if they need work, but I’m also planning on going to video game developer conventions whenever I can in order to network.

  • What conventions would you guys recommend going to?

I’ve got a pretty meager list so far for 2015. I’ve already sent in my volunteer application for GDC2015, and I’m going to do everything I can to get into Unite2015(obviously), but aside from that, I’m not really sure what other cons would be smart to visit. I found a handy list of 2015 conventions for the game industry, but I’m not certain which of these would be best for me to visit either, because I’ve never been to a convention as a professional looking for work before. Cons are really expensive to visit I’ve learned, and I can’t afford to visit one that turns out to be entirely fruitless. Which brings me to my second question,

  • How exactly should I go about looking for work at these cons?

I know I’ll be bringing my business cards and a physical copy of my online portfolio, that much is a given. And I’ll be bring my nicest formal clothes in case anybody asks me to meet with them for any reason, of course. I’m also going to be printing out small booklets of my work to hand out to potential employers/clients who might be interested in the work I provide. But aside from that, I have no idea how I should be approaching anyone. How exactly do I go about that?

TLDR; Industry noob looking for general con attendance advice from industry veterans.

Thanks in advance!

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My advice isn’t specific to Cons, it focuses on getting a job.

I suggest finding the companies you truly deep down want to work for (Culture, the games they make, etc.) and start talking to them. If they have an “apply online” then apply online. But do NOT stop there.

Email them expressing your interest, state that you’ve already applied online and you’d like to know if there are any steps you can take.

Call them and speak person to person about your interest in the company. It is your dream to work there.

Mail them a resume and cover letter, write the letter as if you’ve already been hired: “When I found the posting for X position at Y company I knew I had to apply because it fit my…”
Be sure to write a cover letter for the online application if that applies.

Tweak your online resume to best fit the position you’d like, but don’t focus too much on a slight lack of skill, beat that to death with enthusiasm and a drive to learn/grow for said company. (Displayed skills still matter… especially in gaming industry)

I suggest doing the above things before you attend a conference, that way you run a chance of talking to someone who’s brushed your resume already. You will be surprised how far some effort on the personal side of things will take you. Game companies have stacks of resumes, you need to stand out as a person. That doesn’t mean being super personable, smelling good, or w/e. It means showing a true vested interest in the company and proving to them you want to be there.

If you are denied, send an Email saying “Thanks for consideration, what can I do to improve to make myself more marketable for a company such as yours?” More times than not this will A: put you back on their radar, B: They will reconsider you right then and there, or worse case C: You get advice directly from the industry.

Still go to your cons, but start applying now. Spend time on this, finding a job is your job right now. Jobs are usually 40hrs a week :wink:

1 Like
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Fantastic Advice! I was just finishing up my PDF Resume to put on my website today, once it’s done I’ll make use of that big list of potential studios I’ve got and start sending out applications!

I have a question about your “calling the company” thing, though. I’ve spoken with some other members of the industry who generally say calling the company, or showing up at their studio one day, is a good way to get yourself blacklisted, unless you’ve been invited to do so. What are your thoughts on this?