4 Things Managers Look For During Game Job Interviews

This is the first in an ongoing series of advice columns, guest posts from industry leaders, and other resources designed to help game developers in their careers.

You've landed a job interview at the video game company you're dying to work for. Congratulations! Now here comes the hard part: How do you stand out? In this blog post, we'll share expert tips from a recent GDC talk on making a great impression and acing the interview process like a pro.

David Ventura, creative director and CEO at Ichigoichie, recently spoke at GDC 2024 about "Getting Hired With a Personal Touch." David navigates the job hunting process from nailing the first application to securing the offer letter.  We've brought a few of his key lessons on interviewing here (you can watch the full video here). Read on to learn the best strategies for video game job interviews and boost your chances of success.

Are you in (or working toward) the interview process, and looking to stand out from the hundreds of other applicants? Join David Ventura at GDC Showcase this September! In his talk, "More 'Getting Hired with a Personal Touch': The Side Door," he'll be speaking on finding success in the games career market, including new tactics to make a personal connection and how to avoid being stonewalled by an AI filter.

Designed for students, leaders, and everyone in between. Only $49! It's happening September 19-20, all online.

Sign Up For GDC Showcase Here (Only $49!)

4 Things Managers Look For During Game Job Interviews

1. Punctuality

You don’t want to be late, but you also don’t want to be too early. 

"Don't show up more than five minutes early to an interview. That's just trouble for both of us," David said. "If you show up 15 minutes early, then I gotta stop whatever it is I'm working on, go out to the street, let you in through security doors, sit you down in the conference room, get you a cup of coffee or something, and then you're gonna sit there and stew while I go back to my desk and get ready for the meeting because it was supposed to start at 3:00, not 2:45." 

2. Honesty

When asked about competitors (or the company itself), share the things you love, but also what you think could be better—and how you’d make it happen.

"I'm gonna ask these things: What are some strong points? What are some ways these things could be better? We're looking for critical evaluation here both on yourself and also on other people's competing products," David said. "You need to be able to be critical of our art as a game developer, and you need to be able to separate the love and the emotion from evaluating things objectively." 

3. Humility

You’re not perfect, and you’ve probably made mistakes. When asked about them, don’t just lay the blame on everyone else.

"Don't blame other team members or bosses that you've had in the past for failures," he said. "[I ask] 'Why did this project not go?' You said it was a disaster. 'We had this really difficult person in there and, well, you know.' It's a team effort all the time. Own up to being part of the process, and be able to have a holistic view on how you fit in with everyone else."

4. Curiosity

Never be afraid to ask questions. Don’t forget, you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.

"I'm gonna ask if you have questions for me, and I certainly hope that you do. Because if you've thought about this [job], there definitely should be some questions."

Make sure to watch the full video from David Ventura to learn more tips on "getting hired with a personal touch." And don't forget to join him and several other game career experts at the all-virtual GDC Showcase, happening this September! 

Register Here (Only $49!)

GDC is going virtual for its 2024 GDC Showcase, all about career development! For more information, be sure to visit our website and follow the #GDCShowcase hashtag on social media.

Subscribe to the GDC newsletter and RSS feed.

Get regular updates on GDC social media—including Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.