I guess they started to use Resume as a resume of the CV.
The problem with the America term is like inyected in my blood since I was born. Or something. And I'm REALLY relaxed about the use of the term, just recently, I guess thanks to the earthquake, we are more nacionalist than ever and suddenly started to bother me. Never mind
It's good that Avistew pointed out the academic/medical usage here in the States, because I would have if she hadn't. I must admit, after I graduated college with my Molecular Genetics B.S., the first time someone asked for a CV, I was confused.
I guess a good presentation letter could help. One tip they told us at University is listing your activities out of school when you don't have enough experience. And... your hobbies. Somehow.
Allright, so I heard that I don't have the experience a good resume, but not the exp, how I do go and get the experience needed to be a tester?
You could always play all of Telltale's games, make a note of any bugs you find, then send them a list and say, "See? If you had hired me as a tester, these would have been found before you released it!"
More seriously, lots of companies and open software projects have "beta" or "pre-release" or "release candidate" versions of their software that they invite the general public to test. You don't usually get paid for doing so, but you can count it as experience.
Remember, testing games isn't as fun as playing them....
Telltale does have playtests, but you have to actually go to their office to do it. You don't spend that time looking for bugs either; it's more of a focus group environment, e.g. How did you like the story? Were the puzzles too easy or too difficult? Did you like the art style?
Telltale does have playtests, but you have to actually go to their office to do it. You don't spend that time looking for bugs either; it's more of a focus group environment, e.g. How did you like the story? Were the puzzles too easy or too difficult? Did you like the art style?
are there any playtests coming up up? That sounds like it would be a fun thing to get in on.
I imagine posting in these forums is a good start. Game companies with a strong community like TTG wisely use that community to their advantage. Free marketing, baby! But it doesn't end there...
Here's a story: One of my professors looked for a prolific (and intelligent) poster when he needed to fill an entry-level design position at Origin for Ultima Online (He was the EP on UO at the time). He found and hired one such poster, a guy by the name of Tom Chilton. What ever happened to Mr. Chilton, I wonder? Oh yeah, he's currently the lead designer of World of Warcraft!
Sure, things have changed since the days of UO, but talented, driven people still frequent forums just like these. A smart company like TTG knows this.
You know, I find it so infuriating that I have one last semester of college left, so even though I feel qualified for a few of these jobs... I can't even apply until a few months down the road!
Talk about bad timing on my part... Curse me for getting two degrees and taking the little extra time!
Oh well, best of luck to those who do apply. I'm sure Telltale will be a great place to work.
(I may be knocking on your guy's front door for web internship though in a couple months... if you all don't mind. )
I would but uh, I have no friggin clue how to apply right actually. My only job experience in any field IS freelancing for companies or groups online, games and otherwise. Even though I've done it a couple times, I don't really have any clue how to write a good resume or cover letter. So I'm sunk.
I would but uh, I have no friggin clue how to apply right actually. My only job experience in any field IS freelancing for companies or groups online, games and otherwise. Even though I've done it a couple times, I don't really have any clue how to write a good resume or cover letter. So I'm sunk.
The resume should be snappy. Don't let it read too long, imagine it's like a table of contents for your career. Showcase relevant jobs, or the most important ones that are relevant, and keep it to one page unless you're a super rockstar. The less relevant ones can be mentioned in less detail like "Experience working with companies like: Umbrella Corp, Aperture Science Labs, and the Mad Science Alliance."
Resumes should be easily browsed for information, make sure that you don't hide everything in text paragraphs, keep it concise and fit into blurbs. This is the technical writing part.
Microsoft Word has AWESOME resume templates that walk you through it lickety split. I highly suggest using those, 'cause I sure do. There's a lot of tricky tables and such to maneuver around at times, but it looks solid, professional, and organized. I bet other word processors have similar templates you can pull from as well. Also keep in mind other resumes you've written! If you have a job, look back on your old CV and think about what worked, and get inspiration from that.
So you have a table of contents for your jobs, how about a cover letter? It's exactly how it sounds. When you see the cover of a book or the inside flap, it's a quick overview of what the book is, and that's exactly what a cover letter is as well. Make sure it's relevant and friendly, this is where you add details about you as a person instead of just a straight up action list.
It should also be pretty short, I've seen some that are one paragraph in length for technical jobs, but in a more creative position or one that requires writing (like community manager for example) it's something of a built in writing sample.
The best things to do in a cover letter is express your knowledge and desire to work for the company, and how well you would fit the position. For instance:
To the Evil League of Evil,
My name is Dr. Horrible, I'm a long time fan of the Evil League of Evil and feel I am finally ready to join your ranks. I've been inspired by the League ever since I was a lonely child, and took only the most devious courses in college to fulfill the League's wish of world domination.
I have a wealth of experience in fields like heists, small acts of arson, and spreading the seeds of evil throughout large areas of the populace including grocery stores, laundry facilities and my apartment building. I have attached a Letter of Condemnation from the Deputy Mayor, and a long list of references claiming that my influence has been sufficiently villainous for this year.
My greatest project thus far is the Trans-Matter Ray, which teleports objects through walls and other barriers, made famous by stealing gold bars from the bank. My up-and-coming project, the Freeze Ray, stops time allowing the user unparalleled control over his surroundings. In my spare moments, I also host a popular video blog you can find at www.DrHorrible.com !
Nefariously Yours,
Dr. Horrible, PhD (Horribleness)
In general, whatever details don't fit on the resume can go into the cover letter, but don't worry about including all of it! If they like what they see, you'll be able to speak more in depth when you get an interview. Don't make it too long, this ain't a novel! It needs to be sincere, catch their attention, and give them a little detail about why you're qualified (and interested!) beyond just work experience.
It's not the best but it's something. Google for more samples and tips, it's helped me quite a bit! Hope this helps you.
Ah, thank you! Keeping it to one page is my biggest problem. lol My typing is wordy.
Here. I'll help you out.
To the Evil League of EvilTelltale Games,
My name is Dr. HorribleSecret Fawful, I'm a long time fan of the Evil League of EvilTelltale Games and feel I am finally ready to join your ranks. I've been inspired by the Leagueyour games ever since I was a lonely child, and took only the most deviousqualifying courses in college to fulfill the League'syour wish of world dominationproducing excellent games.
I have a wealth of experience in fields like heistscreating games, small acts of arsondrawing, and spreading the seeds of eviladvertising throughout large areas of the populace including grocery stores, laundry facilities and my apartment building. I have attached a Letter of CondemnationRecognition from the Deputy Mayor, and a long list of references claiming that my influence has been sufficiently villainousexcellent for this year.
My greatest project thus far is the Trans-Matter Ray video game, in which the player teleports objects through walls and other barriers, made famous byand have tostealingreturn gold bars fromto the bank. My up-and-coming project, the Freeze Ray Game, allows the player to stops time,allowinggiving the userplayer unparalleled control over his virtual surroundings. In my spare moments, I also host a popular video blog you can find at www.DrHorribleSecretFawful.com !
NefariouslyGraciously Yours,
Dr. HorribleSecret Fawful, PhD (HorriblenessComputer Sciences)
If not, I'm also available for tasks such as heists, small acts of arson, spreading the seeds of evil throughout large areas of the populace, fetching coffee and Ritz Bitz, combing Jory's luxuriant ponytail, or any other duty small or large, for the greater good of the company.
In the middle of downloading my Monkey Island review voucher on PSN -- pretty excited, lol. All 5 Chapters for free...should nail those out this weekend hopefully...if not sooner.
I'm an idiot- Oops, I mean, I'm a writer. Sorry, I get those two confused sometimes when I'm looking at the overdue bills. I joke, but I have a question for you Telltalians! (by this i mean employees of Telltale, not other fans... er...) let me just start over...
I wonder...
If I were geniusly enough and had designed a complete story line down to the last detail in genuine Telltale style. (Plot, Settings, Dialogue, Puzzles, Gameplay, Controls, and so on) Would it be possible to have it looked at by you Telltalian geniuses, and even possibly concidered as a future project IF it is up to the great standards that you of course hold.
I have absolutely no programming skills, but my imagination is further out than the milky way's big sister, the creamy way... ermm... *cough*
Anyway, I was just wondering because I have always wanted to design an entire game and who knows, you guys might just agree with my supposed genius and get something you never would have expected out of it.
I actually don't have anything concrete yet, but ever since I had my first experience with Telltale (which, honestly.. and unfortunately.. was only when The Devil's Playhouse first came out on the playstation network, which I naturally bought right away recognizing Sam & Max) I have wanted to design a complete concept for them. I have been playing with a handful of ideas here and there but I have yet to pick something and expand on it fully.
I'm an aspiring writer as I mentioned, currently trying to get some projects published, and I love the story telling style of gameplay that Telltale does. I can definitely say that the most fun I've had with videogames since... well, since that style of game was popular back in the early nineties... has been with Telltale's games. Sam & Max has been amazing so far, Tales of Monkey Island was hilariously epic, and I can't wait for Back to the Future and Jurassic Park.
If I had a choice to work with any videogame company to develop a story it would be right here, at Telltale, where a story is valued within a video game, and not just used for a colorful decoration set to some repetitive gameplay.
Most, if not all developers, like to keep all production in-house, including concepts to testing. I think the best way to get hired, wasted-talent (nice name, BTW), is to apply and get a job within Telltale.
I know this is difficult, and takes a huge "chance," but I'm sure TellTale won't really take a second glance at your concepts unless you were already "with them." This is just the nature of the industry: The moment a company allows one non-employee to submit concepts, there will be a FLOOD of them (most of them being really, really bad -- but I'm not saying that about your idea).
Give the Game Designer job a try! Apply! It wouldn't hurt.
You have a good point. The only issues with actually applying is the fact that I live in Canada and have absolutely no programming experience which it seems that you need for basically all jobs. It would be ideal if submitting a game concept were the same as submitting a manuscript. As long as you submit it in the proper format and include all the proper information it will at least be glanced through and concidered. That way the people who half ass their ideas won't even get read because they probably will format it incorrectly... Would be ideal, but much more work on their part having to sift through the garbage I'm sure.
Well, perhaps if I one day become the next Poe, Lovecraft, or Matheson they may consider working with me on something. Until then, I suppose I'll just have to keep my writing and my Telltale gaming separate... but when the day finally comes *keeps fingers tightly crossed* I'll be sure to contact Telltale with some fun ideas.
Comments
Actually, I love being "international"; it's just too bad it doesn't help you get a job (Back on topic!)
The problem with the America term is like inyected in my blood since I was born. Or something. And I'm REALLY relaxed about the use of the term, just recently, I guess thanks to the earthquake, we are more nacionalist than ever and suddenly started to bother me. Never mind
Yeah yeah, all that Molecular Genetics Bullshit...
You could always play all of Telltale's games, make a note of any bugs you find, then send them a list and say, "See? If you had hired me as a tester, these would have been found before you released it!"
More seriously, lots of companies and open software projects have "beta" or "pre-release" or "release candidate" versions of their software that they invite the general public to test. You don't usually get paid for doing so, but you can count it as experience.
Remember, testing games isn't as fun as playing them....
are there any playtests coming up up? That sounds like it would be a fun thing to get in on.
Here's a story: One of my professors looked for a prolific (and intelligent) poster when he needed to fill an entry-level design position at Origin for Ultima Online (He was the EP on UO at the time). He found and hired one such poster, a guy by the name of Tom Chilton. What ever happened to Mr. Chilton, I wonder? Oh yeah, he's currently the lead designer of World of Warcraft!
Sure, things have changed since the days of UO, but talented, driven people still frequent forums just like these. A smart company like TTG knows this.
Awwwwww.
Nope, we are strictly in-house here. Too important to be able to walk over and talk to people.
Then you should make me a mod! I mean... *cough*
You know, I find it so infuriating that I have one last semester of college left, so even though I feel qualified for a few of these jobs... I can't even apply until a few months down the road!
Talk about bad timing on my part... Curse me for getting two degrees and taking the little extra time!
Oh well, best of luck to those who do apply. I'm sure Telltale will be a great place to work.
(I may be knocking on your guy's front door for web internship though in a couple months... if you all don't mind. )
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/Resume_Writing.htm
My advice:
The resume should be snappy. Don't let it read too long, imagine it's like a table of contents for your career. Showcase relevant jobs, or the most important ones that are relevant, and keep it to one page unless you're a super rockstar. The less relevant ones can be mentioned in less detail like "Experience working with companies like: Umbrella Corp, Aperture Science Labs, and the Mad Science Alliance."
Resumes should be easily browsed for information, make sure that you don't hide everything in text paragraphs, keep it concise and fit into blurbs. This is the technical writing part.
Microsoft Word has AWESOME resume templates that walk you through it lickety split. I highly suggest using those, 'cause I sure do. There's a lot of tricky tables and such to maneuver around at times, but it looks solid, professional, and organized. I bet other word processors have similar templates you can pull from as well. Also keep in mind other resumes you've written! If you have a job, look back on your old CV and think about what worked, and get inspiration from that.
So you have a table of contents for your jobs, how about a cover letter? It's exactly how it sounds. When you see the cover of a book or the inside flap, it's a quick overview of what the book is, and that's exactly what a cover letter is as well. Make sure it's relevant and friendly, this is where you add details about you as a person instead of just a straight up action list.
It should also be pretty short, I've seen some that are one paragraph in length for technical jobs, but in a more creative position or one that requires writing (like community manager for example) it's something of a built in writing sample.
The best things to do in a cover letter is express your knowledge and desire to work for the company, and how well you would fit the position. For instance:
In general, whatever details don't fit on the resume can go into the cover letter, but don't worry about including all of it! If they like what they see, you'll be able to speak more in depth when you get an interview. Don't make it too long, this ain't a novel! It needs to be sincere, catch their attention, and give them a little detail about why you're qualified (and interested!) beyond just work experience.
It's not the best but it's something. Google for more samples and tips, it's helped me quite a bit! Hope this helps you.
Also, it's good seeing you more now
Oh, wait....
Here. I'll help you out.
Watch me actually use it.
If not, I'm also available for tasks such as heists, small acts of arson, spreading the seeds of evil throughout large areas of the populace, fetching coffee and Ritz Bitz, combing Jory's luxuriant ponytail, or any other duty small or large, for the greater good of the company.
I also do windows.
Give me a job, you bastard. May the seed of your loin be fruitful in the belly of your woman.
JP.
You'rer going to die a horrible death welcome.
haha fantastic
Did you use my application?
Yeah, but I made sure to make some edits so it was closer to myself
Glad to be of assistance!
Thanks
In the middle of downloading my Monkey Island review voucher on PSN -- pretty excited, lol. All 5 Chapters for free...should nail those out this weekend hopefully...if not sooner.
I wonder...
If I were geniusly enough and had designed a complete story line down to the last detail in genuine Telltale style. (Plot, Settings, Dialogue, Puzzles, Gameplay, Controls, and so on) Would it be possible to have it looked at by you Telltalian geniuses, and even possibly concidered as a future project IF it is up to the great standards that you of course hold.
I have absolutely no programming skills, but my imagination is further out than the milky way's big sister, the creamy way... ermm... *cough*
Anyway, I was just wondering because I have always wanted to design an entire game and who knows, you guys might just agree with my supposed genius and get something you never would have expected out of it.
I'm an aspiring writer as I mentioned, currently trying to get some projects published, and I love the story telling style of gameplay that Telltale does. I can definitely say that the most fun I've had with videogames since... well, since that style of game was popular back in the early nineties... has been with Telltale's games. Sam & Max has been amazing so far, Tales of Monkey Island was hilariously epic, and I can't wait for Back to the Future and Jurassic Park.
If I had a choice to work with any videogame company to develop a story it would be right here, at Telltale, where a story is valued within a video game, and not just used for a colorful decoration set to some repetitive gameplay.
I know this is difficult, and takes a huge "chance," but I'm sure TellTale won't really take a second glance at your concepts unless you were already "with them." This is just the nature of the industry: The moment a company allows one non-employee to submit concepts, there will be a FLOOD of them (most of them being really, really bad -- but I'm not saying that about your idea).
Give the Game Designer job a try! Apply! It wouldn't hurt.
Well, perhaps if I one day become the next Poe, Lovecraft, or Matheson they may consider working with me on something. Until then, I suppose I'll just have to keep my writing and my Telltale gaming separate... but when the day finally comes *keeps fingers tightly crossed* I'll be sure to contact Telltale with some fun ideas.