Tips on Landing a Job from Techland

Recent months have seen significant job cuts in the tech sector, impacting numerous game developers and artists. As a response, we have taken the initiative to offer assistance to those who have lost their jobs and are now looking for new employment opportunities. To achieve this, we've contacted game company recruiters to provide advice on coping with job loss and practical steps for moving forward.

This article features Michał Pękała, Principal Recruiter at Techland, who shares valuable insights and tips on this crucial subject.

Strategies for Coping with the Emotional Impact of Losing a Job

Receiving news of a layoff can be emotionally challenging for anyone. I think it's important to address the emotional aspects of the situation before looking for a new project. Here are some things that artists and developers can try:

• Take time to process your emotions and come to terms with the news.
• Take some time off and maybe talk to a trusted friend or family member. In some cases, you may want to seek support from a therapist. By taking the time to rest you can emerge from this situation with renewed focus and determination.
• Reflect on your career goals, consider what you want in your next job, and what kind of work environment would be the best fit for you.
  
  

Remember to take care of yourself, your health, and your well-being – anything to help manage stress and stay focused.
If you are taking time off then it's a great moment to also reconnect with your network and update your resume and portfolio. Those can really help you with finding and securing your next job.

Portfolio Tips That Can Help Artists and Developers Find Jobs More Quickly

A strong portfolio is essential for artists and developers looking for new job opportunities. I would love to share some tips:

• Your portfolio should showcase your best and most up-to-date work.
• If you can, tailor your portfolio to the job you're applying for, to show the most relevant skills and examples.
• If you decide to put your portfolio on a website or in an extended PDF file, make sure it is easy to navigate and organized in a logical way. Divide your work into categories, and provide clear descriptions for each project.
• Include examples of your process, such as sketches, wireframes, or progress shots. 
• Focus on your strengths and highlight what sets you apart from others. This can be a particular skill, a unique style, or an experience with a certain tool/technology.

There are also some technical tips here – if you have a website, video, or a Google Drive, please remember to put the link in your CV/Application form (and check if it's working and clickable). If your portfolio is password-protected, please remember to share it with the recruiter.

Using Social Media Effectively

Social media is a powerful tool for people to showcase their work and build their brands. Here are some tips to use social media effectively, especially if you want to build your network and find new opportunities:

• Regularly post your work, including drafts, works-in-progress, and finished projects. This goes for programmers as well.
• Share your knowledge and expertise with others, whether that's through social media posts, tutorials, or videos.
• Engage with your audience – always try to respond to comments and messages.
• Use relevant hashtags to help your work get discovered by people who are interested in your subject matter.
• Participate in online events, such as game jams or art challenges.
• Join online communities, such as Facebook/LinkedIn groups, forums, or Discord servers.

In every social media interaction, you have to remember to be professional – treat every interaction as a potential job opportunity. Be polite and responsive and always present yourself in the best possible light.

If Finding the Right Job Is Taking Longer Than Anticipated

There are several things artists can do to improve their chances of finding a new job:

• Review your portfolio and ask for feedback from peers and mentors. You may need to update your portfolio to showcase your skills and experience in a more effective way. If possible, you could try and tailor your portfolio to the job you are applying for.
• Consider expanding your skills by taking courses, attending workshops, or working on personal projects. Sometimes simply learning a new tool is the missing piece of the puzzle.
• Attend industry events, join online communities, and participate in online events to build relationships and connect with potential employers.
• Consider freelance work – this can be a good way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and make connections in the industry. This can also lead to potential job opportunities in the future.

How Studios Can Help Artists Adapt to Changes in the Industry

Studios should help mitigate the impact of layoffs on their employees and ensure that they are well-prepared to adapt to changes in the industry.

There are some specific actions that companies can undertake to mitigate the issue:

• Offer training programs that help employees stay up to date with new workflows, tools, and industry trends. This can help them stay competitive in the job market and make them more valuable to the company.
• Encourage employees to seek out new learning opportunities and support them in their professional development. This can include providing access to online courses, books, or other resources.
• Provide employees with job security whenever possible. This can include offering long-term contracts, clear communication about the company's financial situation, and transparency around potential layoffs.

Tips for Artists Willing to Join Techland

• Before applying, check our website for the most relevant position. It's important that you choose the best option for you. It helps us discuss your profile with the hiring managers.
• If possible, tailor your application to the chosen position. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant.
• Build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and creativity. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and includes your best work. Please use all the tips that I already provided before.
• If you receive feedback on your application or portfolio, be open to it and use it for future discussions.
• Techland is present at industry events, we also have a lot of online communities – feel free to talk with our team during events. Also, join our communities – it always helps!
• Not only technical skills and talent are important for us. Company/team match is also crucial, we really do care about a good atmosphere, teamwork, and supporting each other, so our new colleague has to match these expectations. 

To get in touch with our studio you can always visit our website or social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube) to find information on recent news and job openings.

Michał Pękała, Principal Recruiter at Techland

Interview conducted by Ana Kessler