subject: Video Games Testing Opportunities - Where To Begin [print this page] Video Games Testing Opportunities - Where To Begin
For passionate video game players, one of the most exciting options available for a job is that of game tester. video games tester jobs are unique in the world of employment, since most testers are also avid players. There aren't too many professions that are full of people who love what they are doing, but video games testing is certainly one of them. The trick, however, is to learn how to get tester jobs for a living without previous testing experience.
This doesn't have to be a setback, however, if you know how to present yourself on your resume, in terms of associated experience - employed or not. And their are some proactive steps you can take to make sure that when they are hiring for new games testers, the person they hire is you.
The way you go about doing this is by showcasing experience that is interdependent, even if not in the capacity of a job. There are a few ways to go about doing this, but the important thing is to actually have experience with several games - in terms of playing, but also in terms of some introductory level testing.
Beta testing opportunities abound, mostly unpaid, for a variety of games. To get these opportunities, become a member or subscriber to your top 3 game software makers, and sign up for their beta testing list. Chances are, by going this route, you will get the chance to test a game before it goes public, and rack up some valuable experience you can post on your resume.
Another way of gaining experience before interviewing is to get a couple of software testing manuals, and practice going through a game and getting bugs. Then, compose a report of the bugs you found and send them into the company that makes the game, as a "voluntary testing report". On your resume, you can list this activity as experience.
Finally, there are many online games that also request beta testers on a regular basis, either for an expansion pack or game update. Sign up and test away, and keep copies of your bug reports. Compose a summary of your reports to include with your resume.
Using these techniques to find out how to get a game testing job for a living will give you a real edge when it comes to interviewing - and getting employed for - video games tester jobs. In addition to giving you some real world experience in the art of video games testing, it will highlight the fact that you are the kind of person who goes the extra mile in pursuit of goal - and exactly the kind of person that employers are looking for.
