LinkedIn networking & CV Crafting tips to help your job hunt
LinkedIn is a powerful tool to network in the gaming industry. Crafting a compelling CV can help you land a job. Let's talk about both.
Getting better at communication is the key to stand out in the gaming industry. Communicating over LinkedIn, through a CV, or anywhere is about 2 things:
Understanding the information you want to portray
This includes your experiences and skillset you want to show.Putting out the information in a sensible structure
This includes writing or talking about the information in a smart fashion.
You don’t need to be an expert to network and grow on LinkedIn. You just need to talk about yourself, your skills, and your projects in a smart, sensible, and structured way.
LinkedIn is the eco-system where every recruiter, founder & job-seeker come together.
Networking on LinkedIn:
Brush up your profile
Start with your 'About' section. Clearly state your craft - are you a game developer, an artist, or something else?
Your cover image is prime real estate. Utilize Canva and look up 'LinkedIn Cover template'. Choose one and personalize it to reflect your skillset.Showcase Your Experience:
Share your projects and the challenges you've faced.
Narrate how you found innovative solutions to these problems.
Demonstrating gameplay videos or project walkthroughs can pique interest and drive engagement.Engage with Key Contacts:
Connect with relevant industry figures. When sending connection requests, avoid generic greetings.
Introduce yourself, state your purpose, and be direct in your approach.Consistency is the key
Initially, it may be tough to see any response.
It will feel a lot like working out - the first few weeks might feel bland and then all at once you will start noticing the results. Just stay at it and keep going.
Over the past 4 months, I have gained 5,000+ followers by sharing my experiences and tips on game development.
I have had numerous founders and companies reach out to me to discuss games and to work with me.
Crafting an Impactful CV:
A CV/Resume is meant to compile your experiences and skills in a single document. This is usually the first impression a hiring manager will have of you. Don’t miss the chance to nail it.
Content is King:
-Organize your CV for clarity. Consider using a template from Canva.
-Detail your role, responsibilities, and achievements.
-As a game dev, talk about your development processes, systems, and code. What kind of algorithms and gameplay mechanics can you implement?
-Always include links to your projects and portfolios.
-If you think you have a lot to write, highlight the best of your achievements and experiences.
-Consider removing old and irrelevant information. (Education or Jobs that are > 3-4 years old)Copywriting - How should it be written?
-Avoid repetitiveness. Ensure each section of your CV provides unique insights.
-Cut down on unnecessary topics and words.
-Use straightforward language that even non-industry professionals can understand.
-Always aim to write less and convey more.
An example:
”Rapid and fastprototyping of games”
”Improving and iteratingon game ideas” “Developing and iteratedon new and interesting game ideas”
Rapid = fast = repetitive
Improving = iterating = repetitive
New and interesting? How do you define this?
Define it like this: Game ideas based on market trends = new.
Portfolio
-Always prepare and have an updated portfolio. A portfolio should contain your latest works that showcase your skills.
-A portfolio can be a collection of gameplay videos on Google Drive or your artwork uploaded on ArtStation.
-It can be a collection of Game Design Docs as well.
-The viewer should understand what you have been doing in the past.
Conclusion
If you can get better at communication, you can stand out of the crowd.
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