Well it's all over now, life as normal resumes tomorrow. Email came through just three hours after the interview, they're not moving forward with my application.
Sorry to hear that, but don't drop your shoulders dude.
You are obviously talented and you had your first interview with valve. You will definitely find a job elsewhere.
Plus, in case they gave you some sort of feedback, you can work on improving whatever it was that made them not hire you. You can always set Valve as a goal and apply again at some point in the future (for example after gathering more experience etc.). If they see that you improved even more since your first time there, they might reconsider.
Did you get some sort of impression as to why they didn't hire you? Was it your design thoughts or something?
I don't think they made a mistake.
Just got an email about their reasons, they're concerned about the breadth of my portfolio, currently it sits at pretty much just TF2. They said I should get some single player done and try something outside of the norm.
Which, if I was to make two statements about my portfolio, is pretty much what I'd say. I've not finished anything singleplayer and I've not made anything that isn't different.
sorry to hear they didn't go forward. Your levels are pretty amazing! at least they gave you feedback, so it gives you another chance to apply again knowing what they are looking for.
Most companies say "sorry your not the right fit......" etc. I'm happy that Valve actually tells their applicants what they were looking for. Shame more companies don't do this.
ummm... I dunno if this is out of line or anything, but..... If they were concerned about your portfolio, why the F did you get an interview to begin with? Or why didnt they give you an art test first? I don't get it. And dont get me wrong. I think your work is stellar! But saying no after an interview, with reasons that they knew before the interview. I dunno. Seems odd to me.
Sorry to hear that mang. The fact they were interested is a very huge plus, though, and should be taken in a positive light that if you got that close with Valve, you would get even closer with another studio!
ummm... I dunno if this is out of line or anything, but..... If they were concerned about your portfolio, why the F did you get an interview to begin with? Or why didnt they give you an art test first? I don't get it. And dont get me wrong. I think your work is stellar! But saying no after an interview, with reasons that they knew before the interview. I dunno. Seems odd to me.
I think they looked at my portfolio and saw I'm obviously capable at TF2 maps, but wanted to know if I'd bring value to the company as a whole, rather than just the TF2 team. And I think they're absolutely right, I've shown I can make TF2 maps, but I haven't shown I can do anything else and failed to reassure them of that during the interview, so they cant see me adding much value to the company as a whole. They made the right call, I'm young and inexperienced. I've certainly done well so far, but I've a whole lot further to go before I'm Valve-worthy material.
I think the interview was "We've bought two maps off this guy, he's obviously worth our time" but I'm not at their level yet.
sorry to hear they didn't go forward. Your levels are pretty amazing! at least they gave you feedback, so it gives you another chance to apply again knowing what they are looking for.
Most companies say "sorry your not the right fit......" etc. I'm happy that Valve actually tells their applicants what they were looking for. Shame more companies don't do this.
I did have to ask, initially they just said we're not choosing to move forward with your application.
Sorry it didn't work out, buddy. Been there. But if working for valve is what you want then you are still way closer than most of your competition will be. And you know what to work on, so it's just matter of time. If there's one quality that outweighs all in the end - it's persistence.
And if it wasn't really your goal being a crazy scientist is also a lot of fun!
Replies
Thanks for all the support
Right so, which one of you has my pants?:poly142:
haisai filled em with hash and smoked them.
Did you get some sort of impression as to why they didn't hire you? Was it your design thoughts or something?
You are obviously talented and you had your first interview with valve. You will definitely find a job elsewhere.
Plus, in case they gave you some sort of feedback, you can work on improving whatever it was that made them not hire you. You can always set Valve as a goal and apply again at some point in the future (for example after gathering more experience etc.). If they see that you improved even more since your first time there, they might reconsider.
I don't think they made a mistake.
Just got an email about their reasons, they're concerned about the breadth of my portfolio, currently it sits at pretty much just TF2. They said I should get some single player done and try something outside of the norm.
Which, if I was to make two statements about my portfolio, is pretty much what I'd say. I've not finished anything singleplayer and I've not made anything that isn't different.
Most companies say "sorry your not the right fit......" etc. I'm happy that Valve actually tells their applicants what they were looking for. Shame more companies don't do this.
Also, that's extremely nice that you heard back so soon. Some companies wait weeks, some don't even respond.
Hahaha... WAT!
Sorry to hear that mang. The fact they were interested is a very huge plus, though, and should be taken in a positive light that if you got that close with Valve, you would get even closer with another studio!
I think they looked at my portfolio and saw I'm obviously capable at TF2 maps, but wanted to know if I'd bring value to the company as a whole, rather than just the TF2 team. And I think they're absolutely right, I've shown I can make TF2 maps, but I haven't shown I can do anything else and failed to reassure them of that during the interview, so they cant see me adding much value to the company as a whole. They made the right call, I'm young and inexperienced. I've certainly done well so far, but I've a whole lot further to go before I'm Valve-worthy material.
I think the interview was "We've bought two maps off this guy, he's obviously worth our time" but I'm not at their level yet.
I did have to ask, initially they just said we're not choosing to move forward with your application.
And if it wasn't really your goal being a crazy scientist is also a lot of fun!
Cheer up!