Video Game Tester Jobs

Want to get an amazing video game testing job? Well, there are plenty of them out there, but the competition of these jobs is often very stiff. A lot of game players want to get paid to test games, and just like you, they're all applying for these jobs. However, if you follow these five simple steps, you'll find it's easier to get hired as a video game tester.

1.) Do your homework. Know what game companies product what games. If you're looking to test games in a particular genre, you need to know what companies make the top games in that genre. Likewise, you need to know what companies have large releases coming up and may need some testers. You should also find out which companies accept unsolicited resumes for testing jobs and which require you to wait until they post a call for testers. Some companies also  go through temp agencies to hire game testers. If that's the case, you may have to apply with the temp agency before you can work for that game company.

2.) Get some experience. This includes signing up for beta tests. Joining these tests is a great way to gain real-world testing experience and gives you the chance to play some games before they're released to the general public. Other ways of getting some game testing experience includes testing computer programs. While there are differences in how you test computer programs and games, a lot of the basic concepts are the same.

3.) Work on your resume. You'll want to list all of the testing experience you have, even if it is testing computer programs. You also want to list any writing experience you have since game testing involves a lot of writing. If you've had jobs where you had to write up reports, be certain to mention this. Also list writing classes you've taken. It's also a good idea to list what systems you currently own and what genres of games you play the most.

4.) Do some volunteer game-related work. This may involve beta testing, but it can also involve other things. Some game websites, for example, invite players to send in game reviews. You may also start your own video game blog and post your thoughts on games and the gaming industry. Either way, it's important that you can show that you have a passion for gaming. Writing articles and reviews without pay is one way of doing this.

5.) Finally, do some mock interviews so you'll be ready when the real thing happens. However, don't do all of your mock interviews in person. Instead, have a friend call you and do several phone interviews. It's important to get used to doing an interview over the phone since many game testers do not live in the same city as the video game company for which they work. Doing a phone interview is different from doing an interview in person, so you need to get comfortable answering questions and talking to people on the phone.

Review Title: 5 Simple Steps towards Getting Hired As a Video Game Tester