Question about the email when applying for a job.
interpolator
Please forgive the newbie question here:
I am getting ready to make the plunge, and start applying for jobs at smaller game companies.
So I have been looking around at job postings recently and I keep seeing stuff like: "click HERE to apply for job" Often times it doesn't say what they expect me include with the email they are linking me to.
I just want to be certain I don't look like an idiot when applying for a job, so I figured I would ask here first.
-Is it common practice to simply include a link to your portfolio and resume?
-Is the email normally treated as a cover letter, or should we be straight and to the point?
Here is what I am guessing the email should look like: (please correct me if I am wrong)
Hello, I recently came across your job posting at (name of site). I am highly interested in your character artist position that you have advertised.
Here is a link to my portfolio: (link)
Here is a link to my resume: (link)
Thank you for your consideration,
(Name)
Is that cool? Are there any pointers you guys can give me when sending this email?
Of course, anyone's advice would be highly appreciated.
I am getting ready to make the plunge, and start applying for jobs at smaller game companies.
So I have been looking around at job postings recently and I keep seeing stuff like: "click HERE to apply for job" Often times it doesn't say what they expect me include with the email they are linking me to.
I just want to be certain I don't look like an idiot when applying for a job, so I figured I would ask here first.
-Is it common practice to simply include a link to your portfolio and resume?
-Is the email normally treated as a cover letter, or should we be straight and to the point?
Here is what I am guessing the email should look like: (please correct me if I am wrong)
Hello, I recently came across your job posting at (name of site). I am highly interested in your character artist position that you have advertised.
Here is a link to my portfolio: (link)
Here is a link to my resume: (link)
Thank you for your consideration,
(Name)
Is that cool? Are there any pointers you guys can give me when sending this email?
Of course, anyone's advice would be highly appreciated.
Replies
low odor; Most job listings tend to ask for cv and portfolio, only a few ask for a cover letter as well. But all the companies can be assuming that the email is the cover letter so they dont specifically ask for it and just assumes you will do it.
Actually I've seen job listings that dont even ask for cv or portfolios, just "apply here". But its kinda common sense to include your portfolio in your application. Is it also common sense to send a cover letter to a job you're applying for? Some would say yes, some would say they dont care and some just don't know.
I guess that is why brad is asking. Its probably safer to just send a cover letter anyway, it cant do harm can it? Employers get the choice to ignore it if they wish so at least were giving them a choice.
Just make sure the change the name before you send it to another company! You'd be surprised how many people forget to do that.
In most cases treat your introductory email as your cover letter with your CV attached and a link to your portfolio in the body of the cover letter, as well as on your CV. You can just about use the same cover letter every time you apply once you write up a cover letter that you are happy with. You can then customize it for the company you are applying at to add a more personal touch. Also by all means, when you are copying and pasting that cover letter to apply at a different company, be absolutely sure to replace the company name and position
The format I use is three paragraphs:
1. Introduce yourself, name the position you are applying for and where you heard about it. Also work the company name in; i.e. - I am very interested in working for "company x." This paragraph is usually pretty short, just a couple of sentences.
2. Talk about your background and work experience. Pretty much summarize your resume in this paragraph. This tends to be the longest of the three paragraphs but should still be kept brief.
3. Your closing paragraph; thank them for their time and put the link to your portfolio in this paragraph. This one should just be a few lines as well.
Pretty much what you have been sending is good, just include a paragraph that summarizes your resume.
I'd post the exact cover letter I use, but I think it would be bad if a bunch of people started applying for jobs using variations of the exact same cover letter. Besides, you should tailor it somewhat to fit your own personality.
Best of luck!
That's usually what I go for, although I also list my qualifications.
Don't listen to me though, I haven't struck gold yet
Resume
Portfolio or link (portfolio or private site)
*very important* mention the position you are applying for. Yes this could be suprising but lots of people apply randomly or do not mention what type of positions they want (3D artist, animator etc etc etc). trust me with the numbers of CVs we get, those go directly into the trash or discarded.
Try to be different and sell yourself. In your Intro, you need to catch our attention within the first few sentences, so sell yourself quickly. Do so by mentioning experience for example.
Its also very nice to do a little summary of your skills, such as software you know.
basically sell yourself, know what you want and make it easy for the recruiter at the other end. that will differenciate your application.
hope this helps!
thats a very good example. See ae. 's post above mine
So I think I have the email bit figured out now.
Okay, one more question though,
I came across a recent job opportunity that I want to apply to , however; they ask that I include the amount of time that it took me to complete the work samples in my portfolio.
To be honest, I have no idea how long most of the stuff took me, and since I am just coming around as an artist now I might be much faster now then I was when I worked on the particular model.
Also, I have no idea what kind of time frame is expected for certain kinds of models. I don't want to lie about how long it takes me to do something, but at the same time, I don't want to turn potential employers off if they think I am too slow.
What's the best way to handle this development time issue, and how long does it take you guys to do things.
For example: How long to do a generic next gen character (A guy from say Call of duty):
How long to do a hand held character (PSP, or N DS):
How long to do a character for a mini challenge over at GA:
Once again, I would greatly appreciate any insight to this matter. And if your super fast that's fine; but please give me a reasonable completion time if at all possible.
wearing nothing but a smile...
Only send the picture of your head in your first letter. When you hired, send the whole image of you with thumbs up, saying "You hired ME!"
Letters starting a sentence get capitals, titles don't drop capitals mid-way through the title and stick a comma between hesitate to ask/look forward to hearing from you.
nope, you want a full-stop/period in there. It's two different sentences. Bloody scots ...
Bloody English. You'd think they invented the language or something...