Game Industry Job Hunt

In this episode, we chat with Wargaming's Global Head of Early Careers, Callum Bridgmount-John. Callum leads the Early Careers Program (formerly known as Wargaming Forge), which assists job seekers of all stripes. From entry-level internships to online courses designed to level up your knowledge, Wargaming's Early Careers program is something all job seekers should be aware of. Callum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-bridgmount-john-b1244485/Wargaming Forge/Early Careers Program: https://wgforge.wargaming.com/Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode, I'm chatting with recruiter extraordinaire Anna Moss. Anna has held a wide range of recruiting and consulting roles in the video game and tech industries over her career. I talk to her about recruiting ethics, how she created her "#AnnaMosity" content, which exposes the "tips and tricks" that some recruiters may use, and maybe most notably, how she went through the recruiting process with The Church of Scientology to see what kinds of things she could learn. Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethicalrecruiter/Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode of the show, we're hearing from Charlie and Lawrence, two members of our growing community who came on to share their stories with us!Want to share your story on an upcoming episode? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/JxMG7oe7FAWWR7Gv6Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In episode 10 of the Game Industry Job Hunt podcast, we're hearing from gaming industry career coach and former Head of SEA Esports at Riot Games, Chris Tran. Not only is Chris full of great advice for every job hunter, but he also has a pretty awesome origin story. The current job market in the games industry can be scary, but scary is all relative. Chris went from the world of advertising to hiking in the mountains of Nepal, getting caught in an earthquake, and just trying to survive. After going through so much, Chris realized he needed to follow his dream of working in video games, which led him to Riot Games. After leading Riot's SEA Esports efforts for nearly 6 years, Chris found his way into coaching and has been helping job seekers in the games industry ever since. LinksChris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisltran/Chris's Website: https://www.christran.gg/Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode of the show, I'm chatting with Hilary Goldstein to get his insights as someone who's been a hiring manager many times in his career. Not only does he give us some super useful intel on what hiring managers may be looking for, but he also offers some great general tips on networking (and making it count), the importance of asking good questions in an interview yourself (and how to do so creatively), and even a couple of past interview stories. LinksHilary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarygoldstein/Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode, I'm flying solo and we're talking about AI and the part it plays in the job hunt. We go over some the challenges AI presents, like ATSs (applicant tracking systems) and the fact that it can make it harder to stand out in the crowd, as well as a few tips to help you use AI to your advantage. LinksHuntr: https://huntr.co/Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode of the Game Industry Job Hunt podcast, we dive deep into the challenges and experiences of entry-level job seekers in the gaming industry. I had the pleasure of speaking with Conor Ross, an aspiring community manager, social media manager, and producer who is currently navigating the job market while finishing his degree at Virginia Tech. Conor offers some great insights that will be useful for anyone looking to break into the games industry. LinksThe Conor Collection on YouTubeConor on LinkedInTimestamps00:00:00 - Introduction to Game Industry Job Hunt00:00:32 - Guest Introduction: Connor Ross00:01:40 - Connor's Background and Journey to Games00:02:38 - Transitioning from Military to College00:03:20 - Discovering Community Management00:04:36 - Starting the YouTube Channel and Interviews00:05:59 - The Importance of Taking Action00:06:42 - Challenges in the Job Search00:07:18 - Applying for Jobs and Networking00:08:54 - Reaching Out to Recruiters00:10:20 - Persistence in Job Hunting00:11:26 - Value of Transferable Skills00:12:45 - Using LinkedIn Effectively00:14:30 - Creating Content and Building Community00:15:49 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome00:20:00 - Building Confidence in Interviews00:22:52 - The Role of Passion in Job Applications00:25:38 - Impatience as a Motivator00:27:15 - Lessons Learned from Job Hunting00:29:35 - Final Thoughts and Advice00:32:16 - Where to Find Connor's Work00:33:10 - Closing RemarksCheck out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode of the show, we're hearing from two of our listeners -- Kai and Kevin -- as they share their stories with us. Not only that, they're also sharing invaluable insights and learnings that have come from their time on the hunt. Links:Amir Satvat's Discord CommunityCheck out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In episode 5 of the Game Industry Job Hunt podcast, I sit down with career coach Adam Hobbs, the CEO of GamingCareers.gg. With over a decade of experience in the gaming and esports industries, Adam shares invaluable insights into optimizing your job search and navigating career transitions.Looking to enhance your job search in the gaming industry? You've come to the right place. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, Adam's insights will help you navigate the complexities of the job market with confidence.Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth GodinAdam on LinkedIngamingcareers.ggTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to Job Search Tips00:00:32 - Meet Adam Hobbs, Career Coach00:02:15 - Adam's Journey into Career Coaching00:05:20 - The Importance of Selling Yourself00:06:29 - The Five N's of Job Searching00:10:11 - Niche: Specialization in Your Career00:11:45 - Networking: Building Relationships00:12:45 - Nurturing Existing Connections00:14:30 - Never Stop Learning00:15:52 - New Ideas: Staying Competitive00:18:02 - The Value of In-Person Networking00:19:34 - Strategies for Networking Events00:21:13 - Finding Meaningful Connections00:23:08 - Breaking into the Games Industry00:24:50 - Creating a Job Search Strategy00:27:15 - The Three Levels of Career Development00:30:03 - The Importance of Focused Applications00:31:09 - Staying in Action, Not Results00:32:22 - Transitioning from Other Industries00:37:15 - Soft Skills for Success in Gaming00:41:15 - Crafting Resumes and PortfoliosCheck out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Christina Drake, recruiter at Ghost Punch Games, public speaker, and founder of Moms and Gaming. Christina brings nearly a decade of experience in the gaming industry, making her a leading voice in job hunting strategies, especially for women in gaming.This episode is packed with actionable insights and personal anecdotes that will be useful to anyone navigating the job market, especially in the gaming industry. If you found some value in this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review and help us grow the community!Christina on LinkedInTimestamps00:00:00 - Introduction to Christina Drake00:01:05 - Time Management Strategies00:02:14 - Balancing ADHD and OCD in Daily Life00:04:18 - Christina's Career Journey00:07:29 - Networking and Job Search Strategies00:08:08 - Tracking Job Search Data00:12:39 - The Importance of Networking00:17:00 - Identifying Job Scams00:24:51 - Common Job Hunting Mistakes00:27:08 - Final Advice for Job Seekers00:29:45 - Conclusion and ResourcesCheck out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode of the Game Industry Job Hunt podcast, we're chatting with Arman Jivani, Senior Games Recruiter at Tencent, who works with Lightspeed Studios LA and Timi Studio Montreal. We delved into Arman's unique journey into the gaming industry, starting from his background in business management and his initial foray into QA at Gearbox. He shared how his passion for gaming led him to pivot from a potential career in finance to recruiting, ultimately finding his niche in the gaming sector. Key TopicsThe importance of understanding the various roles available in the gaming industry, particularly for those who may not have traditional skills in programming or art.The "red line, green line" strategy for salary negotiation. Arman explained how candidates can establish their worth by determining a "green line" number—the salary that would make them excited to accept an offer—and a "red line" number, which represents the minimum they would consider. How candidates can impress recruiters, highlighting the significance of having a clear understanding of their skills and being proactive in their job search.How pursuing side gigs and hobbies can provide fulfillment and potentially lead to new opportunities. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone navigating the job hunt in the video games industry!Connect with Arman on LinkedInThe Deep Dark | Everyday Carry Gear and Apparel00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:00:28 - Host's Mission and Background00:01:20 - Armand Giovanni's Background and Career Path00:04:02 - Transitioning Careers and Finding a Place in Gaming00:06:16 - Exploring Diverse Roles in the Gaming Industry00:07:04 - The Fortnite Creation Community00:08:29 - Understanding Your Worth in Salary Negotiations00:09:38 - The Red Line, Green Line Strategy Explained00:15:02 - Sharing Salary Expectations with Recruiters00:18:02 - The Recruiter's Role and Candidate Relationships00:20:21 - Agency vs. Corporate Recruiting00:22:42 - Introduction to The Deep Dark and Everyday Carry00:25:23 - The Importance of Hobbies and Side Projects00:28:10 - Impressing Recruiters: The Elevator Pitch00:29:53 - Common Mistakes Candidates Make00:31:29 - Final Thoughts and Networking Tips00:32:23 - Closing Remarks and ResourcesCheck out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In this episode of the Game Industry Job Hunt podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dellyn Lee, a career coach and recruiter from Dellyn Digital. With over nine years of experience in HR, Dellyn brings a unique perspective to the job-hunting process, particularly for those in the gaming industry. We started the conversation by discussing Dellyn's innovative approach to career coaching, inspired by the Bartle theory of player types. He explained how he tailors his coaching services based on different player motivations—achievers, killers, socializers, and explorers—drawing parallels between gaming and career paths. We delved into practical advice for job seekers, including the significance of having a well-structured resume, and highlighted the importance of using the right keywords and metrics to showcase achievements effectively. He also discussed the role of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and how candidates can optimize their applications to stand out. As we wrapped up, Dellyn provided insights into the interview process, stressing the importance of asking thoughtful questions to demonstrate a genuine interest in the role and the company. He shared tips on how candidates can prepare for interviews and what recruiters look for in potential hires. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone navigating the job hunt in the gaming industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Dellyn's expertise and advice can help you level up your job search strategy. Be sure to check out Dellyn's website for more resources and insights. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you find this episode helpful as you embark on your own game industry job hunt!Links From This EpisodeDellyn's WebsiteDellyn on LinkedInHighlight Time Stamps00:02:17 - Player Types in Career CoachingDellyn explains the Bartle theory of player types and how it relates to career coaching and job hunting.00:06:02 - The Role of a Career CoachDiscussion on what a career coach does, including resume audits, writing, and mock interviews.00:09:41 - Resume Tips for Job SeekersDellyn provides advice on structuring resumes and the importance of using metrics to showcase achievements.00:12:25 - Documenting AchievementsJoe emphasizes the importance of keeping track of metrics and achievements for future job applications.00:14:09 - Personal Branding and Online PresenceDiscussion on the significance of personal branding and maintaining a positive online presence.00:16:28 - Common Mistakes in the Hiring ProcessDellyn highlights mistakes candidates make, particularly regarding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).00:19:24 - The Importance of Asking Questions in InterviewsDellyn discusses why candidates should prepare questions for interviews and suggests effective questions to ask.Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo

In the premiere episode of the Game Industry Job Hunt, Joe briefly introduces the show and shares his personal origin story. Joe got his start in the video games industry in 2014 in an unlikely way when he applied to a Community Manager role at Gearbox Software. After making it through several stages of the interview process, they offered him a community contractor role (great for getting started) and he cut his teeth remotely in that role for a year and a half. In 2016, Gearbox hired Joe on as a full time Community Manager. During his three years at Gearbox, he helped to ship more than 13 titles including Borderlands 3 and Battleborn, as well as published projects like Fortnite's physical edition, Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition, and We Happy Few, among others. He also held a variety of roles touching things like social media, customer support, and influencer management. In 2019, Joe became the Senior Social Media manager for gaming and pop culture retailer GameStop, where he level up the brand's social presence using an engagement-focused strategy and more conversational tone of voice. Later that year, he trained hundreds of GameStop Store Leaders on social media best practices as a speaker at GameStop's annual conference in his hometown of Nashville, TN. During his time at GameStop, Joe traveled to and covered numerous industry events including E3, San Diego Comic Con, TwitchCon, PAX East, and more. In 2022, Tencent Games recruited Joe to join their team as a Senior Community Manager. At Tencent, Joe focused on strategy, creating effective community and social media strategies for two titles, NBA Infinite, a competitive mobile game, and SYNCED, a sci-fi shooter. Joe helped lead a team to execute strategy and create innovative engagement events and ideas. In May of 2024, Joe was impacted by layoffs at Tencent and joined the tens of thousands of gaming professionals looking for their next adventure in the industry. As he progressed in his job search, he realized that he wanted to create a way share the things he was learning with others to help them in their searches. And with that, the Game Industry Job Hunt podcast was born. On Game Industry Job Hunt, Joe will have unscripted conversations with recruiters, career coaches, and top industry voices to help his audience decode the job hunt with actionable information that they can use immediately to set themselves up for success. Check out http://gameindustryjobhunt.com for more episodes and resources!Follow the show on social!LinkedInYouTubeConnect with Joe on LinkedIn!Joe on LinkedInJoe's Headshot by Kyle Gaddo