Preparation is Key to Finding Video Game Tester Jobs

Dec 30, 2009 – Despite the allure of the jobbe to put in a long day playing and replaying the
title, video game tester jobs are no different thansame game in order to find problems and help
any others. They can bore you to tears. For aneliminate them. When the problem is fixed, you'll
ardent gamer who enjoys the competitive thrill oftest again to make sure it's gone.
playing these incredible games, having a job as a2. Make sure that you understand that when
game tester sounds like dying and going toyou're testing, video games are simply software
heaven; fun all day long, and for pay! Many withfiles, not games. You'll be playing, not for
jobs as video game testers enjoy their work; butenjoyment, but as a sleuth looking for problems
they know that the career is not suitable forwith the software. You'll be expected to learn all
everyone. It takes a certain special mindset.videoof the functions of a software tester. As you
game tester job video game jobsvideo gamebecome more proficient at finding bugs, you're
testersreputation and income will grow.
When you're playing video games, it's exciting.3. Prepare to be flexible. Don't take jobs as a
You're in control. You're pitting your intelligencegame tester from just one company. It may
and speed against a virtual enemy. It can besound like a great career move working for one
heart-pounding fun. It sounds glamorous to beof the big three gaming companies like Sony,
able to play these amazing games for a living; butMicrosoft, and Nintendo, but there are many other
it's really just a job, and can be extremely tiring.companies out there that are up and coming
When you're gaming for fun, you're in charge. Youfirms. Working for them may offer you better
play when you want to. When you get bored,opportunities for career growth.
you do something else. Not so with video game4. Try to gain some game testing experience
tester jobs. You'll be playing the same game overbefore you write up your resume. There are
and over again, not for fun, but to find bugs inoften opportunities for beta game testing that are
the game so they can be corrected. After aunpaid. Working on a few of these will give you
while, it's not fun-it's work.excellent experience and solid resume material.
Having said all that, it probably makes you think5. Learn all you can about the video game
that video game tester jobs are really lousy ones.industry itself. Knowing how games are
Well, that's not true either. You simply have todeveloped, made, shipped, and sold will go a long
understand that it is a real job. It's work; not play.way in impressing a prospective employer with
Game testers are not hired to enjoy the game;you capabilities and interest, giving you a leg up on
they're hired to work at making it a better game.other applicants.
If you love to play video games and would like a6. Decide which of the gaming companies you'd
job where you can be exposed to the newestmost like to work for. Not all companies allow
games while understanding that it is a job withtesting from home. Many have on site testing
responsibilities, you can have a good career anddepartments. You have to decide if you're the
make an excellent income by becoming atype to work in an office, or if you're one who
professional game tester. It's not that difficult towould prefer to work at home.
get into the business.7. Create an excellent resume and cover letter. It
The following seven-step process has been foundshould show your passion for video games with a
to be an excellent way to get that first job as aspecial emphasis on your understanding of the
game tester. It's all about preparation andimportance of game testing, and your experience
presentation. Take some time and give it aand training that make you a candidate for such a
serious look.position. A well thought out and neatly presented
1. Make sure you're the type that really enjoysresume can make a world of difference, and
playing video games. If you don't seriously enjoyseparate you from the crowd of applicants for
playing, you'll end up hating the job. You're job willvideo game tester jobs.