GCG Feature: 'Getting a Game Industry Job: Part Two'

In the latest feature for Gamasutra's sister educational site Game Career Guide, game industry careers specialist Marc Mencher gives advice on resume writing, selling yourself, reference gathering, and job hunting when venturing out to get a job in the game industry. In this excerpt, Mencher highlights the importance of leaving your current job on a positive and professional note to ensure a good recommendation on your search for your new one: "Determined job seekers spend most of their time creating the perfect resume and demo reel. But few people realize the importance of maintaining solid references. When your potential employer calls for references, you should be able to immediately provide a list of at least three people, including current contact information, who you know will give positive feedback. This stage of the interviewing process should not find you scrambling for names, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, giving you no chance to talk to your references before your potential employer makes contact. You don't want to risk a situation where your potential employer hears something like this: "I'm sorry. Company policy prohibits us from saying anything. We can only verify title and dates of employment." Or this: "What was it Thumper's mom said? ‘If you can't say anything nice ...' " It may sound obvious, but it's never a good idea to burn bridges behind you. Sure, your current boss may be the biggest dunderhead you've ever had the misfortune to work for, but ripping him a new one on your way out the door won't do you any favors when you need a supervisor's reference. People don't always get along. That's just life. But before you exit your current job, just suck it up and take a moment to end your relationship on a handshake and a positive professional note. If you've done good work, begrudging professional admiration can overcome personal distaste." You can now read the full Game Career Guide feature for more on writing winning resumes and cover letters, and how to best target your job hunt (no registration required, please feel free to link to this column from external websites).