Video Game Tester Sample Resume
As with any job, your resume is vital to securing a position as a video game tester. However, you might wonder what exactly you can list on your resume to make you look like a better client for a testing job. After all, there are few things that seem to count as relevant work experience for a video game testing job short of, well, testing video games. There are some things, though, that can help push your resume to the top of the pile.
» Show any previous writing experience. As a video game tester, it is very important that you can clearly communicate your experiences playing a game. In fact, a degree in English is often seen as being just as, if not more, useful than a degree in computer programming. Video game testing actually requires very little knowledge of how to make video games. It's much more important that you can tell the actual programmers what about the game needs improving, and to do that, you have to be able to write clear, informative reports. Even if you don't have a degree in English, listing any writing you've done for previous jobs is helpful.
» Don't have any writing experience? Get some! One easy way of doing this is to start a blog or submit video game reviews to sites like "associatedcontent.com". Associated Content doesn't always pay for video game reviews, but they will often publish them. If you don't want to submit your content to a site like this, you can start your own blog and review video games. However, you need to do this several months before applying for testing jobs so that you have a good number of posts. A blog like this does several things for you: it shows you have a passion for video games and demonstrates your writing skills. Just remember to make certain the writing you publish on your blog is polished, grammatically correct, and contains no typos.
» In addition to writing experience, point out any job in which you had to pay attention to detail. Video game testing involves paying attention to every tiny little aspect of the game and going over it with a fine toothed comb. Testers have to be very detail-oriented and organized. Showing that you have the ability to pick up on even the smallest of errors can move your resume ahead of others.

» Sign up for beta test programs. Many games, especially online games like World of Warcraft, give players the chance to participate in beta testing for new content. Beta testers get to see the new content before other players, but in exchange, they're asked to make note of anything odd or broken. Basically, this is exactly what a professional video game tester does. Even if you just beta tested programs for computer programming majors at college, list this experience on your resume.
» Don't simply use your generic resume. Some people create one resume and then use it for every job they apply for. Don't do this. Instead, take the time to customize each resume you send out. For a video game tester resume, the "skills" or "knowledge" section is a great place to list your video game playing habits. Include what genres you enjoy and which consoles you own.
» Make certain your resume is polished and error-free. Again, this is true for any resume you send out, but it's especially important for video game testers. A great looking resume goes back to the point of writing clearly. Your resume is most likely the first writing sample a potential employer will see, so it's very, very important that it can be easily read and has no spelling or grammar errors. Most employers operate under the assumption that individuals who can't write a clear, error-free resume won't be able to write clear, error-free game test reports or memos.


Hi! I have two questions that I’ve been wondering for awhile, while reading this article.
What if I’m just starting out as a video game tester, with nothing but a High-School education, several years (Or alot) of gaming experiance, and a passion for games behind to back me up? Any thoughts on what to up on a resume with that type of limited experience?
My second question is what do you think of the websites who “offer” jobs to the newer group of testers? Do you feel that perhaps its better to directly find someone who can hire you, rather than rely on a website?
Hi! To whom it may concern,
I have been very intrested in video game testing for a few months now. I’ve play a variety of game systems like: Atari Pong, Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Colecovision, NEC Turbo Grafx 16, NES, Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Atari Jaguar, Nintendo 64, X-Box, Playstaion 1,2&3, and Wii.
I have been wondering about how I could get started in the gaming industry. To do something that I love to do. I would be very greatful if you could please give me a direction to get started in. I have a high school education. I have been in the United States Army National Guard. I have experience in computers from the military and personal work.
Please email with you comment or form of direction.
Thank You
Hello,
I have read through a number of your articles and have taken a strong intrest in the video gaming industry. I’ve been playing video games for about 8 years with a passion. And I am wondering if you could shed some light on what I would put on a resume considering I don’t have many qualifications. I have a high-school education and study some subjects at an AS level.
I am also wondering if you know any websites who offer jobs for somebody new to video game testing; If you could perhaps send me a link or any information which might help it would be much appreciated.
Hello,
I have been playing games since I was 3 years old(im 23 now). I love gaming and all that it entails. Like others I too am seeking a job as a QA tester and I have zero experiance in actual testing. I am going to college and I have tons of experiance with any video game system you can name. My question is… Is it possible to get a testing job when you dont live near a QA office? I think the closest ones to me are in LA and I live 2 hours away… Could you give me a link or any information which might help not only finding a job but maybe a way to do it from home? Anything close to the Palm Springs area would help me out a lot, oh and thanks for making this site, it is great.
What if I’m just starting out as a video game tester, with nothing but a High-School education, several years of gaming experiance, and a passion for games behind to back me up? Any thoughts on what to put on a resume with that type of limited experience?