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Hiring for this Community Manager role has been my first time as a direct hiring manager, and I wanted to share some stuff I've learned for other first-timers, and for applicants!
We had 250~ applicants in a little over 3 weeks:
#GameDev #GameJobs
We had 250~ applicants in a little over 3 weeks:
#GameDev #GameJobs
Applicants
Please, PLEASE attach a cover letter. Some of the people I put forward I did so based on the strength of the tone and copywriting on the cover letter. I can make allowances for a perceived lack in experience if your cover letter rocks.
Please, PLEASE attach a cover letter. Some of the people I put forward I did so based on the strength of the tone and copywriting on the cover letter. I can make allowances for a perceived lack in experience if your cover letter rocks.
Applicants
Please read the job descriptions of stuff you apply for! This is basic, I know, but if your cover letter isn't referencing specific callouts in the job description I'm going to pass.
Please don't tell me your favourite games are our studio's. I won't believe you.
Please read the job descriptions of stuff you apply for! This is basic, I know, but if your cover letter isn't referencing specific callouts in the job description I'm going to pass.Please don't tell me your favourite games are our studio's. I won't believe you.
Applicants
Don't be afraid to ask difficult questions in an interview - but judge timing and tone. I'm always happy to talk salary, culture, industry issues - some hiring managers might not be so comfortable.
Don't be afraid to ask difficult questions in an interview - but judge timing and tone. I'm always happy to talk salary, culture, industry issues - some hiring managers might not be so comfortable.
Hiring Managers
Give. Everyone. A. Fair. Shake. I read every CV that came in, and yeah it was tough going sometimes, but I'm incredibly happy about the people we got through for calls.
Be aware of your unconscious bias. (This could be a whole thread on its own)
Give. Everyone. A. Fair. Shake. I read every CV that came in, and yeah it was tough going sometimes, but I'm incredibly happy about the people we got through for calls.Be aware of your unconscious bias. (This could be a whole thread on its own)
Hiring Managers
Don't pass on tangential experience. Sure, you might be hiring for a *very specific* skillset - but if you aren't, why not look at folks who can do what you want, but in a different way?
Don't pass on tangential experience. Sure, you might be hiring for a *very specific* skillset - but if you aren't, why not look at folks who can do what you want, but in a different way?
Hiring Managers
Don't just hire from this industry. Yes, there are brilliant people in it, but there are *even more* brilliant people out of it who would make wonderful additions to your companies. Give them a shot!
Don't just hire from this industry. Yes, there are brilliant people in it, but there are *even more* brilliant people out of it who would make wonderful additions to your companies. Give them a shot!
Hiring Managers
Respond in a timely manner to applicants in the later stages. Yeah, you're busy, but it's your responsibility to make time. So do it.
If someone doesn't make the cut later on, you have a responsibility to give them useful feedback on why.
Respond in a timely manner to applicants in the later stages. Yeah, you're busy, but it's your responsibility to make time. So do it.If someone doesn't make the cut later on, you have a responsibility to give them useful feedback on why.
There's probably more stuff, but you all probably know it and disagree with most of what I've said anyway so whatever!
Also thanks to @HatsAndColacats for being a cracking interview buddy thus far.
Also thanks to @HatsAndColacats for being a cracking interview buddy thus far.
