Day 4: Smarter Job Search

Relevant tips for production. Click on the number for more info.

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#277: Rest is guild free.

#280: The word "Production" can mean multiple things, and it's not always referring to the Production Department.

#295: Most studios have a referral program.

#305: Always thank people who refer you.

TIP: It’s always worth asking your network because sometimes, jobs like Production Assistant or Production Coordinator do not always get posted in public pending a possible internal hire. If that doesn’t pan out, it’d be great if your resume in mind as backup!

TIP: Ask your connections currently working in a studio that you’re interested in if they know if a job posting on their studio’s website is still active or outdated.

TIP: You can learn more about some of the roles by reading about them in The Prod Word Bank.

TIP: Feeling alone during job search is common, but it doesn’t have to be. Find ways to be able to chat with others to avoid the dread and feeling of isolation. You can start by joining fellow campers here!

TIP: When you’re faced with a lot of closed doors, remember that every rejection is a redirection. You’re still on your way.

TIP: Try the Pomodoro Technique to curb burnout.

TIP: Celebrate other small wins in your journey, not just when you land the job.

TIP: Your physical well-being and your surrounding space affect your mental health too.

TIP: Keep a tracker of jobs you’ve applied for.

TIP: Quality job applications are more worth the effort than quantity.

TIP: Search for roles in job board platforms that collates all listings from multiple studios at once to save time.

TIP: Follow studio social accounts for early tips on job openings.

TIP: Job Fairs are not always effective in job search, but a fantastic way to grow your network and connect with recruiters.

TIP: Use hotkeys to speed up your job application process.

TIP: Break up the job search tasks into smaller tasks and focus on 1 thing at a time for a short time period. This makes it easier to start and more sustainable to continue.

TIP: “Virtual” in the title does not mean Work From Home. It’s most likely pertaining to a type of production. See virtual production.

TIP: Speculative Applications or Expression of Interest are valid. You may happen to apply right when a need arises and before an official job listing is posted —or at the very least, it’ll be good interview practice.

TIP: Keep a copy of studio job postings as a handy reference for role descriptions. This makes it easier to update your resume later, even if the studio removes the original listing. Or, a go-to reference for your roles & responsibilities when you get hired.

TIP: Check Glassdoor for typical pay range for a studio and Production roles.

TIP: You can let the job find you. Instead of you having to find it.
Talk to your network, let others know that you’re Open to Work.
#269: People like to help

Anecdotes from the real life.

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1. When it takes so long for the webpage to load because the studio wants to have some fancy animation/transition widget.

2. When a studio does not utilize their own Job or Career page to post job listings.

3. When you have to scroll and scroll…and scroll before you get to the actual job list. Worse is, you get there, and there’s a separate button to take you to yet another different page to see the list.

4. When a studio career page stays dormant and job postings remain on the page for months, and you never know if they ARE still looking or if the position’s since been filled. Do I apply again???

5. The classic. After writing and uploading your resume and cover letter, the online form then asks you to fill out the same information.

6. When you need to create an account on their website first before being able to submit your application.

7. When the application form has mandatory long answer questions —questions that would normally be asked in an interview. Let’s meet.

8. When it takes too long to find “the right career page.” Why is it hidden???

Here are the main takeaways from today’s camp.

1. Being smarter in your job search not only saves time and effort, but it also takes better care of your mind and body, making the process healthier and more sustainable.

2. There are other platforms that already exist to help the job search less grueling and a little more intuitive. Seek out job boards and studio social media pages to get early tips on job postings.

3. Break up the job search process into smaller tasks and do them in smaller time chunks to make it easier to start and less overwhelming.

4. Track job applications to avoid redoing the same work.

5. Having “Production” in the job title doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a role in the Production Department. Knowing the difference will help avoid putting effort on an otherwise incorrect application.

6. The Job Description of a job listing is an invaluable source of key skills as well as information to determine if a job is a fit for you.

SOY is not affiliated with the external links below, but these references are listed here in case they may be helpful to others.

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• Video by Mei Pak, Creative Hive

  • Why to-do lists fail

• Videos by Emily Yakashiro, A Course in Production

  • My Experience in Production

  • Are the Hours Worth the Pay?

  • Mindset & Production Career Advancement

• Entry Level Opportunities by Cinesite

• Recommended books - these are affiliate links

  • Feel Good Productivity, by Ali Abdaal

  • Essentialism, by Greg McKeown

  • Atomic Habits, by James Clear

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GUIDED TRAIL - Got any recommendation for job search sites?

• Submit it here.

• Or let us know directly in the Discord #land-the-job channel here.