Level-Up Your Career: 20 Things to do Between Jobs

Level-Up Your Career, 10/17/11 Edition:

Turnover is a persistent fact in our industry under normal circumstances, but in this economy...

Here is a quick list of 20 tips for things you can do when you are between jobs in the games industry. (Are you transitioning between college and the industry? I’ve put an *asterisk next to tips that will help you, too!)

1. *Update your profiles.
   Facebook status: “Looking for work.” Twitter: “Anyone know companies looking for a good with expertise in ?” LinkedIn - Here’s a whole article on “What to Say on LinkedIn When You've Been Laid Off”.
2. Update your Resume.
   Evaluate your skills & experience to see the range of positions you qualify for. Junior engineers eventually become seniors and leads. You may have had the title of a level designer, but your practical experience may have shifted you into more of a producer role.
3. Reconnect.
   Contact former bosses who gave you glowing reviews and coworkers who said they would love to work with you again. Let them know you are looking. They may offer a lead to a new job opening or a great reference when you start interviewing.
4. *Manage your health.
   Don’t let yourself go, work harder on yourself! Exercise. Shower. Brush your teeth. Use deodorant. Get a haircut. Use the lack of money as an excuse to cut extra calories – like booze and snacks. No one jumps to hire smelly slobs.
5. *Network.
   Join the IGDA. (We have a “1 yr Unemployed Professional Rate” just for you!) Attend industry events. Get out there. LA events are posted here, so keeping reading this blog for more of them!
6. *Learn new skills.
   You could get certified in Scrum or learn Agile techniques at the IGDA Leadership Forum. Learn a new programming language – or a new natural language! You may not think that learning fencing will boost your career…until you end up doing a swashbuckling game.
7. *Work on a project.
   Join one of the many open source projects. Start or join a mod team. Start something on Kickstarter. Join a Game Jam.
8. *Upgrade your portfolio.
   Evaluate if there is something your portfolio is missing. Cut things that are beneath your current skill-level. If you are working on projects (as suggested above), put screen caps and assets.
9. *Get a Mentor.
   Get a GameMentorOnline. Mentors can be a great help in getting your career to the next level. You can also be a mentor for someone else - what a great line on a resume!
10. *Follow industry news.
    Hiring managers want people who are “in the know” and share a passion for the industry. Read articles in places like Gamasutra, The Escapist, and Kotaku. Stay up on the fun from people like Yahtzee and Penny Arcade.
11. *Write a Blog.
    You may become the unequivocal online authority for your job or you may catch the attention of a hiring manager. Either way, this is a great place for prospective employers to get to know your ideas and abilities. You can also write articles for us! Just email: brandii@igda.org
12. *Take contract work.
    Check out contractor places like oDesk or Elance.
13. *Volunteer.
    You can volunteer for industry events like the IGDA Leadership Forum. Help a cause you care about or support a campaign. Volunteer for events in other industries that interest you. (I volunteer for runway shows at LA Fashion Week.) This increases your networking opportunities and gives you a chance to exercise leadership skills.
14. *Participate in forums.
    Check out forums dedicated to both gaming in general and your area of expertise. Answer questions (truthfully), offer advice, ask questions – DON’T flame or troll. You'll learn what's going on in the industry and may find a lead for a job.
15. *Attend start-up and job fairs.
    Start-ups always need to hire and game-related startups are still a big thing. I just learned about the Under the Radar series. There are lots of these things in and around LA.
16. *Travel.
    This will release stress and give you a fresh perspective. Plus, you can find an IGDA chapter almost anywhere in the world – expand your network in a whole new city!
17. *Update your contact list.
    Make sure you have the latest info from the many contacts you have made. If you don’t have a contact list – make one. You should be filling it will all the contact info you’ve been collecting at all these networking events.
18. *Date.
    Or spend more time with your family. Some "experts" claim you shouldn't date if you can't afford to eat out somewhere fancy - WRONG! There are plenty of great ways to date without spending a lot. (One of my favorite dates: a picnic under the stars.) Family & relationships can boost your confidence and provide incredible emotional support.
19. Start your own company.
    Try your hand at consultancy or just try to generate a new revenue stream with a dream project. You may not have much funding, but have the time to put into “sweat equity”.
20. *PLAY GAMES!!!
    Why are you working in this industry if you don’t like playing games?! Stay up on current trends. Can’t afford the latest blockbuster? Play free online games. Borrow games from friends.