Serious jerb questions

[Ryko]

I'm applying for a job position that is essentially just playtesting games and capturing the gameplay to make trailers. Due to smash, my youtube channel, some work with AMVs and some XI stuff I'm actually deeply experienced with the entire concept but I'm wondering about the cover letter. If I have relevant links that exhibit my experience in the work is it out of line to put that stuff in the cover letter?

Yes, not knowing this sort of shit is why I fail at getting jerbs.

[Linliel]

I would say definitely not! If you have a portfolio of work or can show the sort of stuff you've done that's relevant to the position, absolutely put it in. Maybe not link directly in the cover letter, but definitely put the links in your CV part, and maybe a bit of explanatory drawing-attention-to-ness in the cover letter itself. Something like "I have had extensive experience playtesting and capturing, as can be seen in my portfolio; < insert maybe a bit about how you did it, why you did it, why you think it'll help you in the position you're applying for >".

Good luck!

[Ryko]

I'm also wondering if I should make a single reel of various highlights so I don't drown them with links. Otherwise it'd be like 3-5 links at most with a last link with a full gallery in case they want to see just the sheer amount of time I've put into capturing/editing.

[The Stig]

In this situation I would add something similar to:

"Attached is a DVD/link of some of my work. I have a large portfolio of other works too that can be viewed on request."

I think that if you show them too much they make you take as overqualified, or overwhelm to the fact that "wow, he can be my boss" and will rather take someone less experienced.

EDIT: Saw your reply, a trailer of some of your trailers would be cool too, to make them go "wow". Also, this company, have you seen what other work they do? As in, any existing trailers made by this company? It'll do good to have a quick look and see if it's on par or what they want.

[Ryko]

It's a large gaming company so I've seen pretty much every single one of their trailers at some point in time, but I've been going through their stuff just to remind myself of what they tend to put out.

[Lucavi]

I'd say compile a DVD and attach it on the side. You don't want to front-load a bulk of unnecessary information and statistics right off the back. Keep your cover letter clean, concise, and to the point, and avoid as many cliche's and as much jargon as you can.

If they get back to you, they'll have shown interest enough to warrant a full display, but you don't want to do anything that's going to cause them to toss your stuff out. Those people can be pretty cruel when it comes to the slightest thing warranting a throw-away.

[Absolutely Virtue]

Could just put links and examples in your LJ, and put a link to that in the cover letter.

[The Stig]

I haven't read Ryko's LJ but if what I believe most blogs are similar, they give away too much about you. Best to keep that stuff under the carpet until a job is landed and one gets more familiar with the new people at work.

[Lucavi]

I was going to joke and suggest that he just include a few links to BG, but that's a sure-fire way to kill any app you may have sent int.

Keep it strict, concise, and especially short. No interviewer wants to sift through dozens of accomplishments in word form. Many simply will not do it.

[Dezzimal]

Could just put links and examples in your LJ, and put a link to that in the cover letter.

That would probably work better if there was recent content in his LJ, which he never updates.

[jmc]

I haven't read Ryko's LJ but if what I believe most blogs are similar, they give away too much about you. Best to keep that stuff under the carpet until a job is landed and one gets more familiar with the new people at work.

I would go by this......... and keep any livejournals, facebooks, myspace website far far away from any job applications.

Nothing like having someone on your friends list, who is a complete retard.... and ends up costing you a job.

[Ryko]

To a third of you, fuck you.
To another third of you, thank you.
To the last third, I don't have a LJ

[tyven]

i have not read a single post in this thread. you do not put links in a cover letter

[Ryko]

yeah I gathered as much.

[tyven]

you will want to describe the different kinds of videos you have made and how those skillz used will translate to the position you are applying for

[Talint]

Any position in the VG industry that's actually VG related (and actually a lot that aren't, now that I think about it), will require you to at least have a portfolio of your work as well as a resume, so I wouldn't just submit a cover letter by itself. Someone suggested putting your vids on a CD. A good idea, but make sure that they accept non-digital submissions, since usually they'll have a special PO Box or something for resumes. If your Youtube page is presentable -- things with playlists and such that easily organize your work -- then a simple link to that should work.

I'd also avoid blog links, unless it's directly related to the work at hand. Since it's QA testing, I can't imagine it would.

The best rule of thumb is to be as professional as possible.

[Acturus]

Research a Media Kit. It's more expensive than a cover letter/resume, but it also seems more appropriate for the work you're looking to get into.

[Absolutely Virtue]

Don't listen to tyv, he's a fatty.

[tyven]

but so is ryko, i would never give bad advice to my own kind

[Conrad]

I haven't read Ryko's LJ

lol