Professional Video Gaming In Five Simple Steps!

Becoming a video game tester is a dream job. Who wouldn't want to get paid for playing video games? Here are five easy steps to becoming a video game tester.

1.) Practice testing a game. Take out a game you haven't played in a while. Treat it as if it were brand new. Play the game but make notes as you go along. Are there any glitches? Are there dialog boxes that don't work? Is the game confusing? Write a short critique pointing out both good and bad points about the game. State them in a professional, constructive manner. That is, don't say, "This game sucks." Instead say, "Beginning players may have difficulty using the controller in the first level. The directions were confusing at the first door. Better instructions are needed."

2.) After you've written a few of these critiques. Send them to the game manufacturer along with a resume. Ask them about job opportunities as a game tester. Offer to call in about a week to answer any questions they may have about your qualifications. Make the call as promised. If you get someone's voicemail, leave a message stating the reason for your call. Leave your contact information.

3.) Check the internet for job postings. These may be posted at company websites. They may also be posted on outsourcing sites and online classified ad services. Be careful, however, some of the outsourcing sites are scams: they charge a hefty fee but don't provide real work. In addition, they don't help you if there are problems with a job.

4.) If you don't have them already, create a blog and a website that highlight your gaming abilities. List awards you have won, platforms you use etc. Post a sample critique, so potential employers can assess your skills.

5.) Join Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking sites. Join communities and groups devoted to video game development. This is how you gain connections to the gaming community. The video game industry is highly competitive so you want to develop many good relationships with game designers and developers.

Tips for scoring a testing job

In your blog, website and social networking pages, it is very important to be professional. Do not post pictures of yourself in embarrassing positions. Do not use foul language. Be cautious in using humor: Those who don't know you might misunderstand.

Video game testing is a job. As with any other job hunt, it is best to present yourself in the best possible light. For every video game testing job there are hundreds of applicants, so make sure you stand out.

For example, make sure your resume and your sample game critiques use correct spelling and grammar. Have someone else proofread it so you are sure.

If you are fortunate enough to get called in for an interview, dress appropriately. Make sure your face, hair and hands are clean and neat. Be sure to arrive on time (between five and 15 minutes early is sufficient).

During the interview, be polite in your answers. Do not degrade former employers. Show that you understand the video gaming industry and that you realize that this is a real job with real responsibilities.

There you have it: Five easy steps to becoming a video game tester. It's a competitive field but the jobs are out there, if you know where and how to look for them.