How to get a game testing job

A lot of people probably sit around in their rooms playing video games wondering how they could possibly find a job that is as much fun! Believe it or not, there are people out there who actually test computer games for a living, and here we are going to give you some tips about how to break into this fantastic industry!

1. Find out where the work is. This is one of those industries that just isn’t advertised. You will never see a job advert in your local paper for games testers, despite the fact there might be a game company just five miles from where you live! You need to find out who can give you the work you need, so you should look on the internet at all of the game manufacturers and get in touch with them all. Make sure people know who you are and what you like to play.

2. Understand your strengths and think about what you can offer these people. It is quite important for you to have a general interest in games. It is no good being interested in only one type of game – these people will be giving you assignments based on what they need testing, not what games you like to play! If you are into a particular genre of game, make sure you expand your knowledge base before trying to find work.

3. Compile a one off resume. A resume for a game tester is a completely different thing from a normal resume. They will not be expecting to see ten years experience in the video game industry, but they will want a potted history of your gaming career, including favourite consoles and games. You can use this to show your analytical skills when it comes to games, which will indicate to the potential employer that you understand how to be constructively critical of games.

4. Take things seriously. Video games are fun, but to the people that make them it is a very serious business. Of course show your positive passion about games, but you also need to show that you understand what is good and bad. You can also show that you are taking the whole thing seriously by dressing appropriately for an interview. Just because you are going to conduct your video game testing work in your underpants, shouldn’t mean you interview in them!

5. Keep plugging away. These people can be extremely busy, and you may not get that many responses, which is why it is particularly important for you to contact literally all of the game developers you can find, and then contact them again if you don’t hear back. Persistence will get you everywhere!

Good luck with your hunt for a position, and stick to these guidelines to give yourself the best chance of success!