Gmoffi Corner - Gmoffi Insight: Finding work in the game industry

Finding work in the game industry isn't easy, as many can attest to, but it doesn't mean it's not possible. While getting hired is a two-way street with the applicant and the future employer, the job-seeker can, and should, be as well prepared as possible.  

As the game industry is a small industry in the grand scheme of things, it might not be clear to those looking to getting in the industry where to begin and how they should prepare. In this article will be some useful tips, tricks and resources to jump-start your job-seeking process. 

BEFORE BEGINNING THE SEARCH 

Before even starting your job search, there are some important things you should think about. 

What is your goal? 

Figure out what your specific goal is in the industry. Is your goal to work in a certain game company or a specific position or role? If you can't think of these specifics you can start my figuring out what motivates you or what your passion is. Maybe you're really passionate about storytelling and writing or are an artist who specialises in a specific art style. Perhaps you're a more business-oriented worker who is passionate about games. There are many different positions you can have in the industry, so no matter what you're passionate about there is bound to be a slot for you. 

What skills do you currently have? 

After you have defined your goals, you can start pinning down your current skills and researching in what areas you still need to improve in. If you're not sure what skills some roles require you can use resources like the Gamebadges Competence Map or Entry Level Skills Hub. Acquire the necessary skills, for example by taking courses, self-learning, participating in projects or utilising mentorship programs. The aforementioned ways to acquiring skills are also excellent ways to deepen and upkeep your expertise. 

Build a portfolio to show off your expertise if your target position requires it. You can also look at portfolios of people in the industry, both those of similar skill-level as yourself and those that have senior level skill-sets. This allows you to see the level of expectation for you currently as well as what level you might be aiming for. Remember to ask for feedback on your portfolio and learn how to take criticism.  

You shouldn't forget to hone your soft skills either. Soft skills include skills in communication, leadership, flexibility, problem solving and positivity among others.  

Start networking already 

Attend industry events, participate in development projects and join different industry communities. Be active and you can even volunteer. Just showing up is half the task and it'll give you familiarity in what kind of professional community the game industry has.  

STARTING THE SEARCH ITSELF 

When you have figured out what you want to do, and your current skills, you can start the actual work of looking for a job. There are multitude of resources at your disposal for this task so it can be easy to get overwhelmed. 

Company websites 

If you have a specific company in mind where you'd like to work in, start by going to their website and taking time to look through it. Read about their values and work environment, their projects and clients as well as possible job openings. Company websites also give you a good idea on the art style and platforms they work in, which as a result will inform you what to include in your portfolio. 

Events for job-seekers 

There are also many events throughout the year organized specifically for job-seekers. One such upcoming event is the Game Talent Fair Finland by Game Factory Talents which is held on the 23rd of April in Helsinki City Hall. These events usually have portfolio and CV review sessions, company showcases, talks from industry professionals as well as plenty of networking opportunities with other job-seekers and people already in the industry. 

Job boards 

You can find available positions posted by companies on different job boards. 

Job boards that are specifically for open positions within Finnish companies include Games Jobs Finland and Game in Finland LinkedIn search. Some global job boards include Play Ventures Job Board, Game Jobs Direct, GamesIndustry.biz Job Board, Hitmaker.net Job Board and Gamejobs.work (art specific). 

Other career resources 

We, at Game Makers of Finland, also offer many career services for our members through our collaboration with the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland and the Association of IT Sector Employees that are tailored for technology and game industry professionals. Together we offer trainings, courses, and personal guidance with a career coach among others. Additionally we can give feedback on your CV, portfolio and your job application. You can read more about our career services from our benefits and services page. 

There are also community driven career resources that can help you such as the ASGC Games Community by Amir Satvat, Career Resources document compiled by Jean Leggett, Games Career Resource Library by Susi Bauer and Into Games, as well as the  Game Jobs Search Resources document by Jan David Hassel. 

APPLYING FOR THE JOB 

When you have found the open position you want to apply to, or are ready to send an open application forward, remember to read the job advert carefully so you fully understand what the company is looking for.  

If you haven't already at this stage, go through the company's website and check out the games they have published. What style and genre they are, what game engine did they use, and which platform they are on.  

Match your CV, cover letter and portfolio to the job you're applying to. Make sure they have only relevant information to the position. At this stage, if you're our member, you should utilise the available career services to craft your application so that you can maximise your chances of success. 

IN CONCLUSION 

Finding work is not easy and actually getting the job isn't any easier. Nevertheless, you shouldn't let this discourage you in giving it your all. Whether you get an interview, a rejection letter, or ghosted, the time and effort you have put into your job search, and all that it entails, have not been in vain.  

Even in the worst-case scenario, you have built up your skills, learned more about the industry, and possibly made connections and friends through networking. 

Written by  

Wilma Ramona Ikäheimonen 

Chair of the Board, Game Makers of Finland