Resumes and Interview Skills

How are job ads organized?

Most job ads are divided into four sections: 1) a job description; 2) a qualifications section; 3) an explanation of what the employee will have to do; 4) application requirements and contact information.

Job description

This section contains the title and basic description of the job:

Computer Programmer: GameRock Studios seeks an entry-level, full-time programmer who can work closely with game designers, artists, and gameplay programmers.

Qualifications section

The qualifications section usually gives the basic qualifications for the position:

  • 3+ years in the games industry or demonstrable work in a first-person shooter game
  • Strong knowledge of C/C++
  • Excellent math skills
  • Solid architecture and design ability
  • Ability to fearlessly jump into large, existing code bases
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to contribute innovative and original ideas towards all aspects of game production and development
  • Console experience
  • A.S. in computer science or equivalent study in related fields

Explanation or responsibilities section

The explanation section briefly describes what the employee will do on the job:

  • Collaborate on the implementation of new gameplay features: player and characters’ behaviors, combat and powers mechanics, user interface, etc..
  • Work closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to iterate on gameplay features and ensure a great player experience.
  • Develop and own full aspect of the game experience.
  • Collaborate with other members of the programmers’ team to build sustainable and maintainable technologies and optimized code on all platforms
  • Write clear, maintainable, portable C++ code
  • Capable of quick iteration and feedback loops while working with the team

Application requirements and contact information

The application requirements and contact information sections will explain what you need to do to apply for the job. The section should also include the address and/or phone number of the employer:

To apply, send cover letter, resume, and portfolio to: Reggie Gardien, GameRock Studios
5644 Obsidian St., Dallas, TX 78705 or rgardien@gamerock.com. Apply by June 25.

What do employers mean when they say…?

Reading job ads can be confusing. Sometimes, the employer uses terms you may not know. Sometimes different companies mean different things when they include terms like “more qualified” or “some experience” in job ads. This section will help you understand what companies mean when they write their job ads.

Entry-level position

Entry-level position means that workers will help other employees that rank above them in the company’s pay system. Entry-level positions usually require the least amount of education and experience in the company. Entry-level positions usually pay the least amount but can require some responsibility.

Mid-level position

Mid-level position means that workers will be paid more than entry-level employees but that they will be helping higher-level employees or managers. Mid-level positions usually require some education and/or experience. Mid-level positions usually require a fair amount of responsibility.

High-level or management position

High-level or management position means that workers will be paid the most in the company. However, these positions require the most education and/or experience. High-level or management positions also require the most responsibility in the company.

Fast-paced environment

Fast-paced environment usually means that employees must work in busy and often stressed situations.

Team Worker

Works well with deadlines means that employees will probably have to complete tasks within a certain amount of time. Employees will probably be expected to work extra hours or more hours to finish these tasks by the time they are due.

Self-starter

Self-starter means that employees will work without a lot of supervision by mid- or high-level employees.

Good communication skills

Good communication skills means that employees will probably be speaking and maybe even writing to customers and with one another.

Good English skills

Good English skills means that employees will have to speak and maybe even write to customers and with one another mainly in English.

Important to look for in language description is the word that comes before “English.” For example, fair English skills means that employees may not have to have to talk a lot with customers. Only basic conversation may be necessary.

Excellent English skills, however, probably means that employees have to be able to speak with customers or one another in English a lot. Employees will probably have to be able to explain job-related information in detail using English.

Self transportation

Self transportation means that employees must be able to get themselves to either the job location or sites where jobs are being done. For example, a construction job may require that employees show up to the company location and the construction sites. .

Good driving record

Good driving record means that employees will be driving some sort of vehicle. Companies requiring good driving records will probably depend on workers to complete some part of their business. For example, a good driving record will be required for use of a company vehicle. An excellent driving record may be required for a truck delivery job since the merchandise in the truck may be very valuable.

Room for advancement

Room for advancement means that employees may be able to move from an entry-level to a mid-level position or from a mid-level to a high-level position.