GDC Vault highlights from the 2012 Game Developers Conference a free lecture on the 5 best and worst practices to network for jobs, presented by now senior recruiter for Crystal Dynamics, Lindsey McQueeney.
Some of McQueeney's tips for job match-making success include online networking, local groups and communities, conferences and events, and friends. She also offers practical examples for each, such as joining a local IGDA chapter and volunteering.
Company Name(s): then 38 Studios/Big Huge Games, now Crystal Dynamics
Track / Format: Game Career Seminar
Overview:Feeling unwanted or ignored? Having trouble forging lasting relationships with game studios and developers? Concerned that it’s your breath, your BO, or worse?
Join senior games industry recruiter, Lindsey McQueeney as she addresses the top 5 best and worst ways to make an impression, with a focus on appropriate networking, as well as provides actual Developer anecdotes regarding their first forays into networking their way into the industry.
About the GDC Vault
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Good talk. I though the fact Lindsey really stressed linked in surprising. I've never really considered joining, but according to the talk a lot of game devs use it.
I have met a and got into contact with several developers through the use of Linkedin it also seems like several of the studios i have interviewed with have used it to " Screen" me to some extent and make sure I am real and have done what I claim on my resume.
I still have to say attending local user groups is my favorite form of networking though, especially when everyone sits back to have a good time and just chat .
I use it, but I'm not sure how much use I really get out of it. Its mostly recruiters. Still, its a good way to keep up with people, and get recommendations (NOT those stupid endorsements. those are useless).
you definitely have a point Dave i do have more recruiters in my network than i know what to do with, however i have gotten a chance to reach out to some fellow developers in my local area. i kind of consider it sifting through coal for a few nuggets of gold lol. and as you said i get to keep in contact with former contacts i no longer work with.
Very informative and helpful lecture. Its tough to sometimes stand out, when you are competing against others who are just as talented (if not more so) and competitive in acquiring the job. I look forward to using these tips to improve on my chances.
Thank you to Lindsey for the insight and sharing her knowledge and experiences with us. As an aspiring game designer that's merely a "young grasshopper" right now, this was very helpful.
I was wondering if someone could tell me whether there is an appropriate time to create a profile, say, for LinkedIn. I'm currently still in school, learning the core basics of level design, production workflow, and modeling. I don't quite have a portfolio or anything like that, so not sure if having a profile (with nothing much to show) really matters at this time.
I've used LinkedIn for the past 7 years or so. It started as a way to find and keep in touch with former colleagues. Gradually it became a way to find jobs as well. I'd recommend setting up a LinkedIn Profile as a student, but keep it bare bones. And then just add to it with every job and project you work on. I've used it to check out people I've hired and evaluated, and I know I've been evaluated in the same way. It doesn't need the full detail that a resume does, but it can give a certain legitimacy to your resume. In fact, I've had people use LinkedIn to find and communicate with mutual contacts to ask about me and not bother for references. For that matter I've done the same.
Good info, and a reminder about grit. I thought near the beginning of this video there was going to be more emphasis on independent networking. Still it was a good reminder of bottom line expectations check list for normal corporate structuring.
I think she rightly puts cold calling/screening interviews at the bottom. But I would think also just as bad is hiring "friends" while it can be quick sorting process, it's also a good way to make some serious hiring mistakes. The trust is there in heaps but so comes the baggage.
What I believe is pretty much everything under line 2 is best, + be overtly accessible (which includes having all your paperwork and info sites fleshed out well and updated regularly).
I still have to say attending local user groups is my favorite form of networking though, especially when everyone sits back to have a good time and just chat .
I was wondering if someone could tell me whether there is an appropriate time to create a profile, say, for LinkedIn. I'm currently still in school, learning the core basics of level design, production workflow, and modeling. I don't quite have a portfolio or anything like that, so not sure if having a profile (with nothing much to show) really matters at this time.
Good info, and a reminder about grit. I thought near the beginning of this video there was going to be more emphasis on independent networking. Still it was a good reminder of bottom line expectations check list for normal corporate structuring.
I think she rightly puts cold calling/screening interviews at the bottom. But I would think also just as bad is hiring "friends" while it can be quick sorting process, it's also a good way to make some serious hiring mistakes. The trust is there in heaps but so comes the baggage.
What I believe is pretty much everything under line 2 is best, + be overtly accessible (which includes having all your paperwork and info sites fleshed out well and updated regularly).