This week Henry and Aodhan talked about creating cover letters, portfolios and showreels. These are the points Henry made about cover letters.
Cover letters
- A cover letter is a page long document that complements your CV
- It should include info about yourself, relevant experience and why you are suitable for the role
- Name and contact details should be in the upper right
- Do not send the same cover letter to a different company as you can accidentally forget to change the name.
- Highlight key points that appeal to the key points the company is looking for
The first section:
- Why are you applying?
- What position are you applying for?
- Where you heard about the job
- Do you have contact in the studio?
The second section:
- What you have to offer
- Make sure you explain how your qualifications match the requirements
- Use your best work/experience from your CV with additional detail as examples
- Be clear and specific
The third section:
- Thank your employer for considering you
- Mention that you are looking forward to hearing back from your employer
- End with “Sincerely”, “Best regards”, “Kind regards”, etc.
Emailing your employer
- Follow instructions on the advertised job (specific format)
- Specify the subject
- Customise your email for each employer
- Use professional email account (no code names or inappropriate names)
- Proofread the email and get someone else to read it
Making a Portfolio
Things to remember:
- Art first
- Only include your best work. Quality over quantity
- Focus your portfolio (think about the role and the company you want)
- Think about the practicality of your work
- Role in the pipeline
- Easy navigation
- Show your progress not unfinished work
- Keep it up to date
- Contact info
- Use ArtStation for the portfolio as it is easy to navigate, and most people know how to use it
Making a Showreel
- Bookend your showreel. Name, contact info and role
- Best work at the start
- 1-2 minutes
- Edit to the music, make sure it is copyright free
- Trim the fat (get rid of any work that is not your best)
- Focus (think about the role and company you want)
- Test audience (show friends and family, get their feedback)
- Show your progress but don’t feature it (start with the final render and then show the process)
- Credit each shot properly (if it is group work make sure you say what you did on the project)