Creative Enterprise – Module Introduction

~ nutchelle25

Today we had our first Creative Enterprise class with Greg Maguire. This module is getting us prepared for job interviews. There will be several things that we will need when applying for jobs and we will cover these during class:

  • Showreel
  • CV – Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Web site
  • Interview
  • Networking

Show Reels

We will be creating a showreel showing all of our work (Best stuff first). It is important to have the showreels short and sweet ( 2 to 3 minutes) with our best work to try and impress future employers. They would be busy people looking at so many other showreels so it is a good idea to have something that catches their attention right away. (They may not even watching  the whole thing). It is important to include work that I am proud of so that there is no doubt when sending it to potential employers. It is a good idea to always have your showreel with you, on your phone or tablet. You never know when you are going to need it. Be ready all the time.

There are many types of showreels

  • Modelling Reel – Turntable, Textures, wireframes, UVs
  • Animation Reel – Short cycles
  • Coding Reel – Your code in action
  • Light Reel – Environments, Characters, Shading
  • Breakdown – What did you do?  It is important that the potential employer can see exactly what you did in you work.

CV – Resume 

Creating a CV it is a good idea to include the following:

  • Clear and Relevant – ensure that you explain exactly what you do at the start of the CV so the employer knows what your skills are.
  • Contact Information – make sure you have contact details on everything incase stuff gets separated .
  • Searchable Text – PDF
  • Chronological latest at top with dates – Most recent position should be at the top.
  • Brief descriptions of what you did – explain what you did in that position, what was your responsibility.

Cover Letter

Whatever company I send the cover letter to it is important to research about it and show interest in the company if I am wanting to work with them. Each time I apply for a position the cover letter should be different and relevant to that company, meaning that all cover letters should be done individually.  

  • Personalised to each company
  • Dear (research the name)
  • I Love your work on “Slimeballz from Hell”
  • I like doing this
  • I would be a good fit for your company because

Website 

When an employer is interested in you the first place they will look is your website. The website should be professional, with correct layout and coding. It should have easy navigation so that they can find your best work. it should also have the following:

  • Showreel
  • About you
  • Clear and Relevant
  • Professional Name
  • Experience

Interview

We will be doing a mock interview with this module to help us prepare and get a feel of what an interview will be like when we eventually apply for jobs. It is important arrive early, even though most interviews will run over it is good to show good time keeping . Showing that you are confident also gives a good first impression. Do not slouch, cross arms, avoid eye contact etc. Do not rely on the internet in interviews. Prepare for everything that may go wrong, bring a hard copy of your work. Generally in animation business they do not wear a suits. During an interview wear something formal but still fit in with what the interviewers are wearing.

  • Arrive early
  • Confident Pose
  • Bring hard copies
  • Sketchbooks
  • Bring Laptop/PC/tablet/USB
  • Expect no internet
  • Don’t wear a suit

Networking 

It is a good idea to get to know people in the same industry (they could be potential future employees)

  • Online and face to  face
  • Toody Threedy
  • Games NI
  • NI Screen – Important funding body (projects and training)
  • Facebook
  • Business Cards
  • Reel on Phone

Job

Even when you have been offered a job it is always important to keep learning, training and practising. The first job is not going to be your last but I will be taking my experience and knowledge from one job to another. Always keep looking for other things. Keep the blog going to see your past work, and reflect. I can see where I went wrong and how I can do better next time.

  • Take direction well . Make your boss happy
  • Keep networking
  • Keep reel up to date
  • Keep looking for other opportunities
  • Keep learning
  • Blog
  • Work at work. Stay off Facebook

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