Preparation Don’t give us a reason to reject you!

1. Preparation Don’t give us a reason to reject you! Jim Rivers Hiring Manager

2. Preparation • Resumes • Cover Letters • Business Cards • Websites • Networking • The Interview

3. What is a resume? Definition: • A summary of a candidates educational and work experience, for the information of possible future employers. 

4. Resume formats Chronological Resume • A chronological resume enumerates a candidate's job experiences in reverse chronological order, generally covering the last 3 - 5 years or industry related experience. Functional Resume • This format directly highlights specific experience summaries and professional achievements as its primary means of communication.

5. What should I put on my resume? Do’s • Tailor your resume to each company you apply too • Keep your resume limited to 1 page unless you have the experience to back it up • Make downloading easy – WORD .DOC or .PDF Formats • Make sure that you spell check EVERYTHING and then have other people check it again • Make sure you have your web link on your resume • Keep updating the information and style of your resume

6. What should I not put on my resume? Don’ts • Do not bulk up your resume because you lack experience • No logos or artwork on your resume • No crazy FONTS – Veranda, Arial and Times New Roman is fine • Do not send your resume as a .JPEG or .AI • Put the wrong companies name on your resume • Hobbies, Marital status, Political Status, Social Security Number, Drivers License Number, Birthday or Picture of yourself

7. Resume Keep it simple and to the point Name – Avoid using nick names Address – Simple Email – Your name @ Whatever . Com Website – Keep it professional Phone – Have a professional answer Objective or Summary – So we don’t have to guess what you are Skills – What can you do? Work or Industry experience – Do you know the difference? Education – If you have a college degree leave off High School

8. What is a Cover Letter? Definition: • A cover letter is an accompanying letter or email that introduces you and your resume to a potential employer indicating your interest in the position or company.

9. What should I have in my Cover Letter? Do’s • Passion for what you do • Fan-boy a bit but don’t go overboard • Research the company you are applying too • Be confident • What can you bring to the team

10. What should I not have in my Cover Letter? Don’ts • Life story • Put the wrong companies name on your cover letter • Don’t beg or plead • No more than 1 page

11. Example - Cover Letter Date Your Name Address City/State/Zip Employer's Name Employer's Title Company Name Address City/State/Zip Dear Name, Introduction : Create interest; attract attention The Body: Discuss why you want to work for this company Closing: State that you would like an opportunity to be interviewed Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Printed

12. Websites Definition: • A collection of related web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are addressed with a common domain name

13. What should I have on my website? • What are you • Designer, Artist, Animator or Programmer • Links to your resume (Downloadable please) in .PDF or Word .DOC formats • Your best work • Split up your work into categories • Links to your friends websites • Keep your work organized and documented

14. What should I NOT have on my website? • Work that is not yours • Work that SCREAMS COLLEGE or your MOM said it looks great • Quantity over quality • Work that does not apply • Anime • Risqué or politically focused content • No dead links • No W.I.P.’s (Works in Progress)

15. Business Cards Definition: • Cards bearing business information about a company or individual

16. BUSINESS CARDS • Same as resume –Keep it professional • What are you? • If you have a business card you should use it

17. Networking Definition: • Networking is a powerful way of building professional and personal relationships. • It is a process of actively developing and maintainingcontacts and creating ways to circulate information.

18. How do you start networking • Hello goes a long way • Use your existing ties • Associations • Volunteer

19. Types of Networking Planned/Intentional • Conventions, Job Fairs, Competitions • GDC, Siggraph, Comic Con Social / Online • Online: MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn • Personal Website • Online forums/Blogs Chance / Unplanned • Family functions, waiting in line for a movie etc.

20. Networking Do’s Build relationships • Friends first business second Keep it Short & Sweet • Don’t bore them with your life's story Take Notes • Helps to remember for later Maintain your network • Just e-mail to say hello

21. Networking Don’ts Don't abuse relationships! • Do not STALK!!! • Don’t always come off as needy Don't be selfish! • Share the wealth Don't ask for a job! • You will force your contact to refuse you

22. NETWORKING STRATEGIES DO’s Know your TARGETS! Have a WINGMAN Be the INFO HUB Follow up or LOSE! Be Professional

23. Networking Strategies Don’ts Don’t be a WUSS! Don’t be CLINGY! Don’t be a FANBOY! Don’t be a CARD COLLECTOR!

24. DRIVE • Why should I hire you? • What makes you different?

25. The Interview Definition: An interview is a conversation between two or more people (the interviewer and the interviewee) where questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee for the possibility of future employment.

26. OBSIDIAN ENTERTAINMENTS Interview Process • Resumes • Review • Phone interview • In-house interview

27. Interview Do’s • Bathe • Be on time • Be prepared • Listen then answer • Get business cards • Be Professional

28. Interview Don’ts • Don’t be rude • Don’t blow it off • Don’t lie

29. SUMMARY • Be prepared to enter your career field • Know the companies you are applying to • Network! • Be professional!

30. QUESTIONS?