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Thought I'd start a tips thread on applying to animation companies as a lot of schools don't teach basic job skills as part of their curriculum. Feel free to chime in if you've got anything tho add.
1) a clear resume is very important. Make sure you get someone to proof read it. If you apply with typos, a future boss might think you apply that level of quality control to your work.
2) it's ok to use a resume template, but make sure that template has a place for the information your future employer needs. Make sure you're including the studio, project AND role you worked. Without this, it's hard to get a clear picture of your employment history.
3) do a quick Google search about standard resume writing in the country you're applying to. In Canada for example, it's highly recommended that you NOT include a picture with your resume due to discrimination. Many templates include this. Avoid those in Canada.
4) this should go without saying, but check what language the company you're applying to does business in. If they work in English, make sure your resume is in English.
5) for your work history, it's helpful to list a brief sentence describing what you did. Especially if you went above and beyond in your role. Helped with library cycles? Mentored juniors? Social committee? Great! That helps employers see where you might fit.
6) Demo Reels. They're a pain. Totally. But cut a different cut for different fields. VFX shots look great, but if a tv company is trying to get a sense of your acting, it's really hard. Conversely a VFX creature company probably doesn't need your 30 second monologue shot.
7) Put a small breakdown under your reel link or include it with your resume. Sometimes different candidates submit the same VFX shot to a company, and it's hard to tell who did what. Did a fix? The layout? The camera? Put that.
8) Cover letters: are they not a thing anymore? If you're a junior applying in a sea of juniors, a letter describing what sets you apart and why you want to be hired can be the difference in getting the job. Especially one that's tailored to the company's work.
9) Reel: keep your strongest shot at the start. Always. Follow with your 2nd strongest shot. Chances are if a hiring manager gets to your 3rd shot, you've hooked them. If not, they've moved on.
10) creative resumes. There are thousands on Pinterest. If you can't within 10 seconds of skimming get an idea of your qualifications, then it really doesn't make your resume stand out if you have awesome graphics. Also..
11) make sure you are using a format that has copy-able text. If you have a graphic style resume and save as a jpeg, you may miss out. Some HR systems extract text to use as search keywords. If the system can't reach your resume, it's moving past you.
12). If you're a junior, including non-animation jobs is great on your resume. Make an effort to relate them to how they'd help your employer. Worked at McDonalds? You learned time management and organization. Yoga instructor? Understanding of body mechanics. Don't over do it.
Ok. I think that's it from me for now. I'll add more as I think of them. Also face palming the typos. Sorry.
13) LinkedIn is a great tool for networking. Recruiters will often search for people and reach out if they see something they like or see if you're available. Make sure you keep your profile up to date. If you actively post work to it, the more likely they are to find you.
14) Remember your social media etiquette though. It's ok to reach out to people and ask for feedback. It's not ok to ask for a job or a recommendation. If you don't get a response, don't get upset with them. Some people aren't active on social media or can be too busy.
15) If you don't get a response, a follow up is ok. People can get busy and mean to reply later and forget. Happens to everyone. Avoid multiple follow ups. Sometimes the question you ask can't be answered. You don't want to annoy the person you're trying to impress.
Adding more:
16) Ask for what you think you're worth, but do a quick check on Glassdoor about local average salaries. If you're not hearing back about your portfolio, it could be that expectations might not be in line with affordability: https://tinyurl.com/6ntfoeil
16) Ask for what you think you're worth, but do a quick check on Glassdoor about local average salaries. If you're not hearing back about your portfolio, it could be that expectations might not be in line with affordability: https://tinyurl.com/6ntfoeil
17) Artstation links are great, but make sure they're curated and that your primary reel is easy to find. Recruiters don't have a lot of time to dedicate to individual applicants, so they aren't going to dig. Make sure your best stuff is easy to find.
