Basic Tips for Resume/Demo Submission

Every good application needs a cover letter and resume. Furthermore, for art and cinematics positions, you will need a solid demo reel or portfolio in addition to your resume and cover letter to be seriously considered. Here are some additional tips to help your chances of being considered for a position at Blizzard Entertainment.

The Cover letter: A cover letter explains why you want this particular job at this particular company. It gives the employer better insight on your desire, writing skills, and personality. A good cover letter should be one page, with three full paragraphs describing why you are exceptionally qualified for the position for which you are applying. Remember, this is your opportunity to stand apart from the hundreds of other people who are applying for the same position. A letter that seems very general will only give the impression that you are mass mailing your resume out for any job available. Also, make sure you proofread and spell-check your cover letter. Spelling and grammatical errors suggest a lacking attention to detail.

The Resume: A resume is an organized list of your skills and experience, nothing more. Several pages of fluff can frustrate an employer who is trying to find key information. Like your cover letter, you should tailor your resume to the position for which you are applying. If the job requires any special information, such as salary history or requirements, please give detailed and correct figures instead of writing "negotiable" or "average." Make sure your resume is honest, correct, and up-to-date.

A good resume will be no longer than two pages and will include:

1. Contact information (phone numbers, email address, and mailing address)
2. Objective (the exact position you are applying for, and your goals)
3. Work experience (employment dates, job titles, and concise descriptions of responsibilities)
4. Skills (C++ and Java, 3D Studio Max, Networking, Excel, etc.)
5. Education (degrees, certifications, and additional training)
6. Other relevant skills (related skills, personal notes)

Artists are REQUIRED to send a portfolio with resume and cover letter. Texture artists and illustrators can send a physical folder as their portfolio, whereas modelers and animators must submit a demo reel in CD or DVD format or email a link to your online portfolio to resumes@blizzard.com. Your demo reel should be no longer than five minutes, and make sure you include your best and newest work at the beginning. Remember that your demo reel will not be returned to you. Tips for game-art submissions can be found here. Tips for cinematic-art submissions can be found here.

Level designers should include a CD or DVD that contains files of 3D levels and maps that you've created Make sure you carefully label your files and folders. You should also include .jpegs of your levels and maps. You can also email a link to your online portfolio to resumes@blizzard.com.

Sound designers should include a CD with several tracks that include fantasy and sci-fi sound effects. Composers should submit several tracks of original scores that would be a fit for Blizzard games. You can also email a link to your online portfolio to resumes@blizzard.com.

For business development, public relations, and marketing positions, please submit a resume and cover letter along with any business plans or writing samples.

Any materials mailed to Blizzard should be sent to the following address. Please list the job title on your mailing, as indicated below.

Blizzard Human Resources
Attn: Jack Sterling
INSERT JOB TITLE HERE
P.O. Box 18979
Irvine, CA 92623