Getting the job

1. Locate a suitable employer

Do your research. Make a list of companies you want to work for using the internet and trade magazines. On Best Companies Guide, you can get anonymous feedback from current employees.

Speak with your network. Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites can help you find people who already work in the companies you want to work for. Ask for information, advice, and assistance.

Don't wait for openings. Although the job sections of newspapers and trade magazines can provide vacancies or candidates for your short list, the best jobs and leads come from personal contact. In 1991, I placed an ad in the Guardian and received over 500 responses. For only one task. I'm significantly more willing to listen to a suggestion from an existing employee.

What do you desire? Create your own job description and ideal employer specifications. What plan do you have? What type of business is it? What size is it?

Consider a rifle, not a shotgun. It's better to concentrate on a few strong matches rather than blast hundreds of poorly duplicated CVs via an agency.

Agencies. Recruitment firms may be quite successful at putting you in front of a large number of businesses. Online recruiters such as Monster.com did not exist back then. Most agencies faxed faxed faxed faxed faxed faxed faxed faxe Online agencies, I believe, are just more efficient at doing the same thing. That's not good.

Be dedicated. Agencies are OK in my opinion, but it is your work and you must be totally involved in the process. Don't allow others choose what's best for you. Especially when all they have to motivate them is a commission.

2. Create an outstanding cover letter

Create a personalized letter. A cover letter allows you to personalize your application. Be succinct yet specific. A cover letter gave me an opportunity to evaluate whether the prospect understood anything about my firm and measure their interest. It was a rare delight to hear someone remark one of our games or that they had visited our website.

Make no errors. According to Hertfordshire University study, spelling errors repel 77% of business personnel. Make use of a spell checker. Get it proofread by someone you trust. Hire a proofreader from Elance.com to do the job for you.

Don't be a jerk. I would sometimes receive genuine howlers that doomed a candidate's prospects. Several people identified the incorrect firm. My name was often misspelled. One of them said, "I'm searching for a job in the insurance sector." (I'm looking for work in computer gaming!) Many were sarcastic or bizarre, such as "This employment is perfectly up my alley." No way, no how! It's just next door," or my personal favorite: "I'm not as fit as my dog, but I work well in groups and alone."

Presentation that is professional. Don't overdo it with the design. Dress professionally and conservatively. A excellent cover letter is around half a page long, carefully written, grammatically correct, and well spelled. It is customary to handwrite the greeting ("Dear Mr. Manager") and the signature ("Yours truly"). Check who you are applying to – phone if necessary – and make sure you have their name, title, and address accurate at the top of the page. Debrett's A-Z of Modern Manners contains useful tips on writing good letters and other traditional qualities.

Create a version for email. Emails must be more concise and targeted than letters. Use brief, declarative phrases. Don't dither. However, add the recipient's name and anything that makes it personal.

Directly apply. Remember that agencies do not include cover letters and often fax CVs, so a direct application with a decent cover letter might make you seem to be a better prospect merely by better presentation. Even if you believe you will win every job you apply for, it is important taking advantage of every chance to create a good impression since it will strengthen your case when negotiating a wage and people's impressions of you after you start.

3. Create an eye-catching resume/CV

Get some sound counsel. Consult your peers. Inquire with your present employer's human resources department (but only if they already know you're leaving!). Look for mentors. Read internet guidance.

Presentation that is professional. Programmers used to send in resumes that were filled with mistakes. In a career that values attention to detail, this is not a good indication. CVs for graphic designers used to seem like they were done by a five-year-old. Crazy. CVs, like cover letters, should be tidy, grammatically correct, and correctly worded.

Keep it short. There is no need to utilize more than one page for a CV unless you have had a highly distinguished career — second pages are seldom viewed.

Obtain a second opinion. It is also good having an honest buddy examine your CV so that you do not say anything that does not express what you intended. One applicant, for example, said, "I have a close and loving connection with my two sisters."

Don't be glib or frightening. People don't always have the same preferences or sense of humour, so keep it simple - don't add a photo of yourself dressed up as a Star Trek character, for example. "I am interested in the victory of justice," I read in one example. I've seen a few applicants claim to have worked for Mossad, MI5, or MI6. Believe me, the candidates in issue did not work for these organizations. In general, avoid amusing, frightening, or deceiving your potential employers.

Don't go overboard. Some of the more outlandish statements I've seen include "top secret NASA research work," "testing elasticity on incontinence underwear," and one applicant who claimed to have built an entire popular game for a well-known developer in a two-month summer internship on their own. Another said, "I am a world-class Rubics Cube champion, as well as having won the global mathematics championship in Hungary in 1993."

Do not change jobs. I was always skeptical of applicants who seemed to be 'job-hopping.' More than a few of employment lasting less than 12-18 months seems to be a poor sign. It suggests a severe issue with their job or attitude. The most extreme case I've seen was eight jobs in less than seven years. Needless to say, he was not hired. Have a really compelling rationale if you have a lot of jobs on your CV.

Make good use of references. The issue of naming referees is divisive. In general, we didn't ask for references until after we made an offer but before someone began — we just wanted to make sure the individual was who they claimed to be. If an employer need a reference, they may always request one. Because the games sector is so tiny, we often chat to someone at a past workplace informally if we are unsure about giving a prospect an offer. Other individuals would sometimes phone to warn me about particular applicants - a poor reputation may follow you. If you do provide references, it is preferable if they come from somebody who can make an impartial judgment, such as prior employers, tutors, or attorneys, rather than "my mum," as one foolish applicant did.

Obtain a referral. There is a significant difference between a CV reference and someone who actively promotes your cause. Do it if you can find a mentor, rabbi, or advocate who can put you in touch with the correct individuals. And be really appreciative.

Please spell your name correctly. If, like me, you have a remarkable yet unpronounceable name, include how you pronounce it anywhere in your CV or cover letter. Also, if it's not apparent which is your first name and which is your surname, it's a good idea to emphasize the latter.

Don't make something up that we can't verify. I've heard unbelievable boasts of Olympic victories, Rubik's Cube championships, hit games developed in a weekend, and ridiculous job titles at friends' firms. "Never hide anything that the press can find for themselves," said Sir Humphrey Appleby in Yes, Minister.

Check your application before submitting it. Many applicants included the names of rivals in the cover letter. Mailmerge failure indicates a lack of attention to detail.

Don't strike your employer if you want a reference. Fortunately, this did not happen to me. Threats of lawsuit, sabotage, and violence by leaving workers, on the other hand, are more likely to result in a negative reference.

4. Get an interview even if there is no opening.

You should have a list of target firms and persons inside those companies if you've done your homework. You could send them your CV, but there's a better way: a 15-minute talk and an introduction email. This is based on a sales method described in Mike Southron and Chris West's book "Sales on a Beermat."

What you're attempting to accomplish is a quick face-to-face encounter with someone from your target organization. It's not a job interview, but it's a good start. Remember, the finest jobs aren't advertised, and the best way to obtain them is via personal connections.

So you do the following:

Look for the appropriate opportunity. Monitor your target company using Google News or other media to find a suitable email hook.

Find the appropriate individual. Ideally, you'd prefer to be introduced or referred to someone in your desired organization by someone in your network.

Send a greetings email. Short and to the point. similar to this Subject: Ann's Referral Other Greetings, Mr. Smith. Good news on Megacorp's takeover. This implies that SuperSizers will need additional programmers. Ann recommended that I contact you since I was working as a programmer at WidgetCo. and am now searching for a new challenge. Ann.Other@Megacorp.com will be pleased to provide me with a reference. I'd want to set up a quick meeting so I can learn more about SuperSizers and get your suggestions on how I can join the team there. Could you spare 15 minutes next week? Best regards, Doe John

Introduce yourself, be liked, and ask for assistance. And depart when the time is over. It's not a job interview. It's all about making a buddy at your target firm, knowing more about it, and demonstrating initiative. If you succeed, you will have the assistance of an insider. This has to be a better use of your time than spamming a hundred firms with the same CV.

5. Conduct an excellent interview

We used to undertake two or three rounds of interviews at my previous gaming firm. The first step would be a brief interview to ensure that you would fit in and that you are who you claim you are on your CV (in part through a programming test and discussion or portfolio review).

A follow-up interview would be more detailed and extensive. It would center on your suitability for a certain project or job, and you would meet potential team members.

I always liked to meet anybody we were thinking about hiring, so a final interview with senior management meant you were on the home stretch. The whole procedure might take two or three weeks, although it could take longer if the project timetable changes.

Dress appropriately. One contestant brought in a photo of herself dressed in a Star Trek suit. I like it, however it looks strange on a job application. Another applicant for the position of graphic designer arrived wearing a cloak, hat, and cane (actually, I think we hired him). We didn't expect people to dress up for an interview, but it doesn't hurt to appear decent — clean trousers and a pressed shirt will look better than a crumpled, mouldy old suit that no longer fits. Of course, various vocations need different attire. If in doubt, phone ahead to double-check. As a rule of thumb, a nice suit and tie will suffice for virtually all interviews.

You should not bring your mother to the interview. This was done by one applicant. He was not hired by us.

Be on time. Allow plenty of time to arrive to the interview.

Prepare. Call beforehand and inquire about any potential issues. We used to provide C programming tests to programmers, for example. Anyone who knew about this beforehand would have an edge. Unlike one applicant who, despite having C on her CV, inquired, "What is C?"

Be pleasant (but not unctuous). Be upbeat and friendly, but not pushy or sycophantic. Pay attentive, but don't approach the interview like a scene from The Apprentice.

Always extend your hand. If you have nervousness and sweaty palms, discreetly wipe your hand on your clothing before the handshake. Nothing is worse than a wet fish handshake.

Hygiene is important. Candidates have made a terrible impression on me and my colleagues by not practicing basic hygiene, such as showering, cleaning their teeth, or wearing clean clothing. Such folks are unpleasant to be in the same room with.

Be courteous. Slandering prior employers is likewise prohibited. This is amusing chatter, but you can easily envision them doing the same to you.

Make a thank-you note. Following an interview, it is a good idea to write a brief, courteous letter to the primary person who interviewed you. You should thank them and emphasize anything you felt you missed in the interview (e.g., 'I think I may have forgotten to mention that although I dropped out of Harvard without graduating, I do run the world's largest software corporation') or anything you want to emphasize (e.g., 'I feel my experience with 3D graphics in my previous job would be very relevant to your project'). This is something that very few people do, and it is an excellent way to establish a powerful, favorable impression.

If you're going to be late, please call beforehand. If you are unable to attend an interview or change your mind, please notify the firm as soon as possible. Nothing is more infuriating than waiting for someone and not knowing whether or not they will arrive.

Pose your own inquiries. You should bring questions with you. Here are a few of the excellent questions I've received throughout the years: How do you plan training? How will my work be evaluated? (This is preferable than asking how frequently I receive a raise.) How do you guarantee projects are completed on time? How are games created? Who creates the designs? Can you describe a typical team?

Show some enthusiasm. An interview, like a cover letter, is an excellent chance for you to demonstrate your interest in the organization. Before the interview, review their website and prepare a few company-specific questions. You may not have much time for questions at the initial interview, but you should make sure that all of your questions are addressed before accepting a job offer. At this point, you are conducting an interview with them.

Find a hobby. 'What do you do in your leisure time?' I asked one lady. "I smoke a lot," was the response. It was not a joke, and she did not receive the job. You need to seem to have a life, so if you don't have any, obtain some.

Check out this guy's advice on interview approach. He and I differ on a few issues, such as cover letters, but we agree on many others. The video snippets he uses to explain his arguments are fantastic. (With thanks to Seth Godin.)

6. Discuss your salary.

Choose your moment. Salary negotiations should take place after a job offer has been made. This puts you in the strongest position since you know they want you, and it also keeps money discussion out of the interview.

Understand your value. However, you should anticipate to offer some indication of your expectations, if asked, during the interview process – possibly as a range based on the responsibilities needed by the position or by reference to your past wage – so that the employer can ensure that you are likely to fit into their budget.

Do your research. You should think about this thoroughly ahead of time, and don't do what one naive programmer did by asking for an excessively high number and then promptly lowering it to an impossibly low figure in minutes. That looks ridiculous. Any discussion you enter should be founded on some type of realistic premise, such as the seniority of the job, the degree of responsibility, or the level of competence necessary. This suggests that you are more knowledgeable about your company than just asking for additional money without rationale.

Take the cash and flee. If you get what you want, don't feel obligated to bargain for more. If you negotiate a higher-than-average compensation, you may find yourself underpaid at the following pay review — it's a game of swings and roundabouts. Companies will normally attempt to give you an appealing package with a "bid out premium" to entice you to leave employment, but one that balances their desire to obtain you with the budget they can afford. Remember that they will have a decent sense of what is a realistic compensation for a particular amount of experience and talent since they conduct hundreds of interviews and pay reviews each year! I think what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't be afraid to ask for a decent, but reasonable, pay – bargaining if necessary – but you also shouldn't haggle on principle.

7. Accept a proposal

Obtain a written offer. Don't give your notice or cease looking for work till you have formal confirmation. It should include the fundamental terms and circumstances of your position, such as income, vacation, incentives, job title, and so on. In general, I would not make a formal offer until the position was accepted in principle over the phone or in person.

In writing, confirm your acceptance. You must also confirm your acceptance in writing. Aside from the contractual aspects, this establishes a duty on both parties.

Inform them if your plans alter. If you change your mind, please notify the firm as soon as possible. I've had two or three incidents of 'no shows,' when individuals fail to show up for work on the first day without explanation. This is very inconvenient, and it also means that someone else who might have been a good fit for the position is passed over. Also, I remember the names of everyone who does it and would never hire them again — and you'd be shocked how many people reapply over time.

8. Deal with your current employment

Maintain a professional demeanor. When searching for a new job, most individuals prefer to keep it a secret and only share it with their present employer after a new position has been acquired. In most circumstances, this is reasonable. However, I've had some negative experiences with folks taking a big number of sick days or just failing to show up for interviews elsewhere. This is unprofessional and will very certainly result in a negative reference. It is preferable to take the time off as a vacation.

Do not enter 'exit mode.' Similarly, some individuals act poorly when they are in 'exit mode.' For example, they may arrive late, perform badly, or disparage their coworkers or the firm. Again, this reflects negatively on them and may have an impact on references. What's more, it's not professional. When you don't have a strong reason to conduct nicely, you should assess yourself by how you behave.

Don't quit for vengeance. If you wish to quit your current work because of an issue, such as feeling underpaid, undertrained, or whatever, I believe it is polite to give your current employer a decent opportunity to make reparations before searching elsewhere. In my experience, once individuals start seeking for work, it is extremely difficult for them to back down, therefore the time to raise your voice is before you start looking. We conducted exit interviews with folks in their last few days at IG, and it was discouraging to discover that a few people had departed for reasons that might have been readily corrected had we known about them. Discuss your concerns with your supervisor, and then evaluate the company's actions.

Resignation is not a bargaining chip. Do not, however, try the risky game of pay negotiating by resignation. This seems to be blackmail and, in my experience, does not work.

Quit with grace. To resign properly, request a personal meeting with your manager as soon as you have officially accepted another employment and inform him or her that you are leaving. You should provide a formal resignation letter to the meeting. Leaving a message in a pigeon-hole is fairly craven — you wouldn't want to get fired that way! They have probably seen a lot of individuals depart over the years and will not respond negatively. The worst encounter I've had in recent years was mild shock. Once again, this is a chance to demonstrate professionalism and decorum that will be remembered long after you have left.