Need help! Job Interview tips from a games company.

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bum

bum

bum

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I just got notified today that a games company down Cambridge would like to conduct a phone interview with me tomorrow. The role I am going after is 3D character animator. I am pretty thrilled as if I get the job in the end, it will be the first permanent position I get after graduation since last June. I have been trying so hard to land a full time job and it wasn't so easy which require me to relocate from London in the end.

I have never really delt with games company before, as my previous freelance work were within films industry and because the studio was on such tight deadlines they didn't even interview me and let me got on with the work.

So apart from me being thrilled, I am also pretty damn nervous. especially it's going to be a phone interview. Any tips from you lads would be greatly appreciated.
 
Telephone interview will just be general questions as well, find out more about you and what kind of work you have done previously so when they ask questions give plenty of responses with a relevant reasons or something to back it up

And sound interesting! tough over the phone but if you can convey a personality that way your already halfway there :)
 
Bah, phone interviews are easy.

Just think they cant even see you! So theres no need to feel pressure, give yourself a few calming breaths before answering.

They are going to prompt you for examples. In my phone interviews I had a personal example for every eventually especially general points for questions like "When have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? When has one of your decisions had a negative impact on a team and how did you rectify this?"

Remember, if they ask you a question you dont have to respond immediately, you can ask for a second to think to give a more appropriate example/answer.

Through your examples you should be demonstrating your ability to perform but without sounding arrogant. Its easy to step into the realms of arrogance, but easy to step out again by qualifying your statements.

Just remember you have the skills to pay the bills and you have worked in higher pressure situations than a games company so you can take whatever they throw at you!

Good luck.
 
It's not these chaps is it?

And though I haven't got any games company specific tips: be yourself, sell yourself (in a non-whore like way) and be cool :) . Oh and do your homework on the company in question! I expect this is stuf you already know, but thought I should contribute in some way if I was gonna post :D . All the best.
 
Kua said:
It's not these chaps is it?

And though I haven't got any games company specific tips: be yourself, sell yourself (in a non-whore like way) and be cool :) . Oh and do your homework on the company in question! I expect this is stuf you already know, but thought I should contribute in some way if I was gonna post :D . All the best.
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Nah it's not Frontier, although I did apply for them as the company look pretty good. Unfortunately they were looking for a more senior person than junior.

Psypher5 said:
wow nice, what company :D?

Just be easy going but show them you want the job, and can do the job :)
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The one that I've got an interview for is called Jagex Ltd, those who did Runescape. It seems to be a very nice company that has a really good working environment. I read through the company brochure and would love to pay the place a visit.

I have always thought that most bigger game companies have better working environment, such as better production studio spaces, game/relax room and cafeteria compared to film production companies in London, where mostly the studio space is too small and it's located in the basement of the building.

By the way, thanks for all of those who contributed in this thread. Fingers crossed!
 
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bum said:
The one that I've got an interview for is called Jagex Ltd, those who did Runescape.
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My friend Dave works for them. He's pretty happy there from what I remember, been working for them for 2-3 years I reckon. He's on the web content team, but I think he was looking at moving towards the development side.

Good luck, Cambridge is quite nice from what I've seen. :)
 
Awesome, I currently work for Jagex, although I'm in the investigations department. Not sure how much help I'll be able to be for the role you are applying for but feel free to email me (In trust) any questions you may have about the company in general
 
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gord said:
Bah, phone interviews are easy.

Just think they cant even see you! So theres no need to feel pressure, give yourself a few calming breaths before answering.

They are going to prompt you for examples. In my phone interviews I had a personal example for every eventually especially general points for questions like "When have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? When has one of your decisions had a negative impact on a team and how did you rectify this?"

Remember, if they ask you a question you dont have to respond immediately, you can ask for a second to think to give a more appropriate example/answer.

Through your examples you should be demonstrating your ability to perform but without sounding arrogant. Its easy to step into the realms of arrogance, but easy to step out again by qualifying your statements.

Just remember you have the skills to pay the bills and you have worked in higher pressure situations than a games company so you can take whatever they throw at you!

Good luck.
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This chap talks sence. :)

Also, if you are being interviewed on your mobile or cordless phone, not only make sure the battery is toped up fully, but be in the room that you feel most comfortable (bedroom? living room? toilet even?). Like Gord says, remember that they cannot see you, so conduct the interview naked. That way, if you get the job, you can giggle to yourself that you boss has spoken to you whilst you were naked :D
 
Yup. Long pauses on the 'phone always go down well.
It isn't a customer facing role, you're gonna be coding. They just want to make sure you're not a complete **** so take it easy and you'll be fine... and remember to smile! ;)
 
lokkers said:
My friend Dave works for them. He's pretty happy there from what I remember, been working for them for 2-3 years I reckon. He's on the web content team, but I think he was looking at moving towards the development side.

Good luck, Cambridge is quite nice from what I've seen. :)
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i'm now working in cambridge, its quite nice, fairly busy but the town is a knightmare for cars and is full of cyclists

MW
 
Don't overdo 'I love playing gamez, me' stuff. They'd rather you love the stuff you'd actually be doing day to day :)

Maybe be prepared with examples (of the type or work you'll be doing) from other games that you think were good or done well, and explanations as to why.
 
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