Explaining your absence of the scene in a cover letter?
polycounter lvl 10
Hi everyone!
Just to put things in perspective here's my brief story. I got a diploma in 3D animation in 2008. Didn't get a job in my area and got sidetracked by life for a while. My folio was a bunch of things I made during college and felt dated. Some time ago I decided to try architecture, didn't work out, figured out 3D was what I wanted to do for real and decided to work on that more. I did but it took longer than I wanted. The result is today I'm confident enough to send resumes again even if it doesn't land me a job interview.
The thing I want input on is this: Do you talk about the reasons why there is a huge gap regarding your 3D activity in your cover/motivation letter or just ignore that altogether? I got a few gigs here and there but nothing solid and my diploma dates of 6 years ago. I'm really motivated now compared to before and I feel like it might work out in the next couple of months but I fear a potential employer might fear that gap where I've "only been" a cleaner.
I'd love to hear what people with similar stories have to say on that as well as anyone who's going through piles of CVs and letters in their office.
Just to put things in perspective here's my brief story. I got a diploma in 3D animation in 2008. Didn't get a job in my area and got sidetracked by life for a while. My folio was a bunch of things I made during college and felt dated. Some time ago I decided to try architecture, didn't work out, figured out 3D was what I wanted to do for real and decided to work on that more. I did but it took longer than I wanted. The result is today I'm confident enough to send resumes again even if it doesn't land me a job interview.
The thing I want input on is this: Do you talk about the reasons why there is a huge gap regarding your 3D activity in your cover/motivation letter or just ignore that altogether? I got a few gigs here and there but nothing solid and my diploma dates of 6 years ago. I'm really motivated now compared to before and I feel like it might work out in the next couple of months but I fear a potential employer might fear that gap where I've "only been" a cleaner.
I'd love to hear what people with similar stories have to say on that as well as anyone who's going through piles of CVs and letters in their office.
Replies
First thing, the reviewer will look at your work. If it is good, you will go on to the next step, if it sucks, your application will be ignored/rejected.
If your work is good, they will see you have an education, but not much experience. Which is worse than someone with an education and a lot of experience, but better than someone with no education and no experience, and maybe about even or a little better/worse than someone with no education but some experience (depends on how much experience). This is of course assuming equally skilled applications (which seldom happens).
That's what it really comes down to, if it gets to the point where they're fussing over that gap in your work history, you're probably not going to get the position, so don't stress it. If it comes up in an interview, simply answer it honestly and explain your situation. Its ok, most people go through phases and take a little while before they figure out exactly what they want to do.
Again, just to stress it: portfolio quality trumps all these silly little concerns. So get to work on improving your portfolio, start posting in P&P for feedback, and don't worry about the things you can't control (unless you find a time machine).
If your work is top notch, like EQ said, you are fine. If not, make better work.
I think the long and short of it is, can you show you can do the art they need. I dont think it would matter if you were a knitting instructor. portfolio is king.