Skeletons in Your Closet: How to Make the Gamedev Job Search Less Scary

The gamedev job search might feel like a spooky experience these days, with the industry still weathering a storm of layoffs. Many talented professionals need to brace themselves with patience before landing their next role, no matter their area of expertise. With Halloween around the corner, we were inspired to share some know-how. That’s something we’ve gathered over nearly a decade as games industry recruiters.

Although our tips focus on gamedev, we believe much of the advice is useful across industries. So, if your job hunt is focused on other fields, stay tuned. Let’s discuss the topic that many of us hold and hope won’t come to light. The skeletons in our career closets.

1. Employment Gaps

When talking with candidates, we often sense a bit of nervousness around employment gaps. Many worry these might be seen as red flags. If this resonates with you and you’re anxious about admitting you haven’t worked continuously since starting your career, let’s put it in perspective. There’s always a bigger picture and many times (like, 99% of the cases, really), taking time off work is for a very good reason.

Maybe you took a break to welcome a child, care for elderly family members, or recover from health issues (we hope all is well now!). Or perhaps you paused to explore a new side gig, finish a degree, relocate, or even take a well-deserved sabbatical. These are all valid reasons, and no good recruiter will judge you for them (🚩 if they do, that’s their red flag, not yours!). Just providing a general context, and—if relevant—sharing any personal growth from the break, is more than enough.

Professional Explanation:

“I took time off to focus on personal development. It allowed me to bring my art skills up to current trends. I’m excited to bring these fresh perspectives to my next role.”

Or, for personal reasons. “I used that time to realign my personal and career goals and am now fully committed to my next challenge.”

And that’s it. No need to over-explain or apologize for putting yourself or your loved ones first.

2. Short Job Tenures

Having multiple brief roles on your resume can sometimes raise concerns about “job-hopping,” which candidates may worry will be viewed negatively. With Gen-Z now established in the workforce, the stereotype of young employees frequently switching jobs has become a topic of debate. Many people feel this has added a layer of scrutiny, as the assumption is that younger employees leave at the first sign of dissatisfaction. But, as with any situation, context is what truly matters, and there are often valid reasons behind these short roles.

Scenario 1: Your Choice

If you made the choice to leave a series of roles in quick succession because they weren’t the right fit, it can be helpful to reflect on those experiences. Take time to identify what exactly wasn’t working in each position and why you decided to move on. Keep a list of specific reasons—was it a lack of growth opportunities, company culture, management style, or perhaps logistical issues like long commutes? This can also help you assess whether the same issues may come up in roles you’re considering now. Some of these factors can even be addressed early in your job search; for example, if the main reason you left prior roles was a long commute, consider this when evaluating the office location of your next opportunity (or focus your gamedev job search on remote first companies).

Scenario 2: Their Decision

In other cases, short roles are the result of decisions made by the employer, rather than the employee. In this scenario, review any feedback you received and try to shift your perspective to focus on what you learned from these experiences. These learnings may include insights into team dynamics, personal strengths, or even the kind of role or culture you’re better suited for. This approach can help you demonstrate to recruiters that these brief experiences added value to your professional growth rather than detracting from it.

Btw. If short roles were due to layoffs or other circumstances out of your control, check out point 6. There we explain handling layoff explanations professionally.

Professional Explanation:

“Each position has allowed me to develop a unique set of skills by working across a range of team sizes. From small indie projects where I wore multiple hats to larger AA teams with specialized roles. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how teams collaborate and adapt based on their structure. Now, I’m excited to find a long-term role where I can apply these skills fully. I want to contribute to a focused team, and continue to grow within a dedicated studio.”

3. Switching Industries to Gamedev

Switching fields or roles can sometimes make candidates appear uncertain about their career path. For those currently in gamedev but considering a shift in roles, the transition may be slightly easier. However, if you’re determined to make a major career leap from a different industry into gamedev, we highly recommend a carefully thought-out plan, a solid strategy, and keeping your options open. In today’s industry landscape, with many experienced gamedevs seeking new roles following the layoffs in games industry of 2023-24, we’re candid with job seekers from other sectors who are aiming to break into gamedev. Our main advice—though a bit blunt—is this: don’t focus exclusively on the games industry right now. Entering the field is particularly tough as you’ll be competing with seasoned professionals who already know gamedev inside out.

As recruiters, we appreciate when aspiring gamedevs are realistic about the industry climate. Candidates who recognize the competitive market and apply to roles in related fields like IT or media, while still aiming for gamedev, demonstrate adaptability and a grounded approach. It is beneficial for both them and potential employers.

Professional Explanation:

“I’m eager to apply my skills in a new context. I believe my background brings a unique perspective that can add value to your team. My experience in business development within the software industry has equipped me with transferable skills. I’m very confident this will meet the needs of your studio.”

4. Lack of Advanced Education or Certifications

Some candidates feel uneasy about lacking specific degrees or certifications. The good news is that if you have relevant work experience, most recruiters or hiring managers won’t focus on formal education. Hands-on experience is often valued more highly, especially in gamedev. Of course, formal education can be beneficial, particularly at the start of your career. If your job search is targeting internships or junior roles, completing a course or showcasing projects from your studies can provide a helpful boost. But as you progress in your career, the emphasis on formal education diminishes significantly.

Professional Explanation:

“My hands-on experience and self-directed learning have enabled me to build practical skills that are just as valuable as those gained in formal education.”

6. Being Laid Off or Fired

If you’re on a gamedev job search in 2024 (or perhaps later), can you honestly say you don’t know anyone affected by the waves of games industry layoffs that began in 2023? We’ll wait. Unfortunately, layoffs have become common in the current climate. As recruiters, we want to emphasize that we don’t view them as a red flag. In 99.9% of cases, layoffs aren’t a reflection of individual performance. They’re a result of shifting global economics, investors pulling back, and tough decisions made at the top. It’s understandable that candidates may feel anxious about being judged for a job loss beyond their control. But this is rarely about the person; it’s about broader circumstances.

Professional Explanation:

“I was impacted by layoffs. It gave me the opportunity to focus on developing my skills and exploring new areas of my field. I’m excited to bring these insights and renewed energy to this role.”

But if it’s still fresh and you’d rather keep it short, this version is also fine: “I was impacted by layoffs.” Period!

Gamedev Job Search Doesn’t Have to be Spooky

The gamedev job search may bring stress and anxiety, but the final thought we’d like to leave you with is this: as recruiters, our goal is to get to know you, not to judge you. We’re here to understand your experiences, skills, and aspirations. To help you find the right fit in this unique industry. So, show us the real you—challenges, gaps, strengths, and all.