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GCG Feature: 'Game QA & Testing - Ready, Set, Go!'
by Staff
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July 23, 2009
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In its latest feature, Gamasutra sister educational site GameCareerGuide.com presents an extract from new book Game QA & Testing -- the chapter entitled 'Ready, Set, Go!', which focuses on what job seekers should do in the application and interview process.
The recently launched book was written by industry professional Luis Levy and author and instructor Jeannie Novak, and is available now.
As the introduction to the chapter in question states:
"Getting a job in game testing is far from difficult -- but getting a good job is! Before jumping head first into job hunting, you need to assess your options. Will you immediately apply for a job as a game tester?
Will you be a step ahead of the competition by working on projects such as mods before you begin hunting? Or will you take some time to learn and hone new skills by taking game development courses or even enter a degree program in game development?
This chapter will also discuss what you need to do during the job application process -- and how to conduct yourself during the interview. At that final point, you will need to plan your strategy before facing the interviewer -- your personal 'mini-boss' of sorts!"
The chapter gathers advice from managers from studios including NetDevil, Twisted Pixel, THQ, and Sony Computer Entertainment America, among others. It includes practical interview and resume-building advice, as well as suggestions of websites, courses, and conferences industry hopefuls might like to attend.
In the extract, you'll find info like this -- a list of seven interview rules contributed by Jerome Strach, QA Manager at Sony Computer Entertainment America.
"7 Interview Rules
1. Interviews are all about impressions, and you won't have much time.
2. Listen as much if not more than the time you spend talking.
3. Keep all answers relevant to the questions being asked of you.
4. Use a firm handshake and strong eye contact.
5. Re-read #4.
6. Always... always... always ask questions of your potential employer if given the chance to demonstrate interest in the company and position.
7. Convey enthusiasm and desire (without coming across like a nut job).
There's more, but that's a great start -- and 7 is a lucky number!"
You can read the full chapter -- 'Ready, Set, Go!' -- today at Gamasutra's education-focused sister site, GameCareerGuide.com.
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Game QA & Testing was written based on my own experience testing for Activision and Treyarch. I literally had 1 DAY of training -- and that was it. Most of my peers had no idea what they were doing and saw the job as some form of "remunerated gaming" (not actual work, of course).
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter :)
I'd also like to argue against dressing professional. I've never heard of any incident where somebody had a bad impression due to being under dressed, but I have heard a few being over dressed. When interviewing for QA it's far more important to appear clean, than professional. Most QA teams spend long hours in hot rooms close together so if you're odor might be a problem you have no chance of being hired. As a friendly reminder this also goes for too much cologne.
Thanks for writing the article there's a lot of good info in there, and it's good to see more of the industry start taking a serious look at QA.
I've seen too many people let down by a bad resumé. The advice you give applies to any kind of job and its very good. I don't think people realise they have to sell themselves and the resumé is that sales pitch.
I'd also agree about not dressing up. I guess it's possibly a cultural thing depending on where you live but dressing up for an interview with a game developer or publisher in the UK isn't required. Just dress smart/casual, be yourself and try to research games that developer/publisher has worked on.
I agree with Jr Hawkins... I don't know if it is a sign of the times or not, but a lot of places are only hiring local contract people (I've been looking). That mostly leaves me to duct-taping myself to the doors of 2k Boston.
The few places I have seen post full positions have told me I am overqualified and no thanks(which is actually nice, because a lot of resumes fall into black holes of doom).