Open Applications
Let’s talk open applications.
Even as a small game studio that has stated we are not currently hiring, we get a large volume of submissions to the open application portal on our website.
And while every hiring manager looks for something different and has their own preferences, I thought I’d share some things we’ve appreciated seeing in the submissions that have come through our inbox.
Be Concise.
Or, more bluntly: keep it short.
(Please.)
You don’t need to summarize your whole work history; that’s what your resume is for. You don’t need to explain every experience and skill you have; that’s what the interview stage is for.
Given the high volume of open applications most studios receive, keeping your message sharp and to the point will be a huge help to the hiring team.
The more efficiently you can share your info, the more likely a hiring team can understand your skill set and appropriately catalog your application for when they do open the role that you’d be perfect for.
The Approach
The open applications that I found the most effective generally followed this structure:
Introduce yourself and your discipline.
If someone is referring you, mention them here.
Give one sentence about what sets you apart.
Give one sentence about what motivated you to apply / your personal connection and interest in the company.
Attach or link your resume.
Link your portfolio, reel, github, etc
Link your LinkedIn if you have one.
Sign off, with an optional call to action / statement of when you’ll follow up.
That’s it! Keep it simple. Simple is clear is good.
The Example
Below is an example application that we found effective and concise. (Personal details removed for privacy.)
Dear Jam & Tea,
My name is [first name]. I’m a narrative designer based in [location]. [Name of mutual] put your company on my radar. I appreciated your values you stated on your website, and your recent post about your company sick policy also really resonated with me.
While I know you aren’t currently hiring for narrative, if in the future you’re looking for a writer with 6+ years experience in games and a deep background in writing for comics before that, then I’m your person.
You can find my resume on my LinkedIn [link], and you can review a portfolio and reel of my work at [personal website].
Wishing you well, and looking forward to staying in touch.
[Full Name]
The Studio’s POV
From a hiring manager’s perspective, each open application is a chance to make their life is much easier in the future. Because, ideally, the applicant is the dream employee that solves all of the hiring manager’s (future) problems. At the very least, when they open a new role, they’ll have several awesome candidates already lined up to review.
When you’re applying, write with the confidence that you might be the perfect solution to the company’s future hiring challenge. Your unique set of skills and experience will be the match that the team needs.
That said, company timelines are often longer than individuals’ timelines. Know that an open application is a seed to a longer relationship, in contrast to a more traditional application. If you’re hoping it will bear fruit right away, you might be disappointed. Conversely, silence doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t a match or your application didn’t catch someone’s eye. It most likely just means the team isn’t hiring for your role at the moment.
Here at Jam & Tea, we mean it when we say we’re keeping your info on file. And we make every effort to reply to each open applicant to let them know we’ve received their application. We deeply appreciate your time and effort in reaching out, and can’t wait for our future selves to get to work with the future you.
