Applying for a job. Need some opinions here.

[Anguyen92]

Hey guys.  So, I've been thinking about applying to Blizzard Entertainment (the video game company that created World of Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, etc.) in their finance division for their Associate Financial Analyst position.  I feel like I can do the job well based on what they stated here.

https://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/careers/posting.html?id=16000TQ

I don't have any job experience, though, but have done class projects where I believe my roles in those projects fit well with the responsibilities (analyzing financial data and make forecasts and provide reports, etc.) and what they are looking for in an employee (team player, have standards of accuracy and attention to detail, is willing to commit time needed, etc.)

The only drawback, though, is that they want students from grad schools, which I am not (though I contemplate it from time to time in the last few months after graduating college).

Should I still apply and see what happens?  I feel like this job would really suit me well and I would think it would be really cool to work in Blizzard.  The company that made one of my favorite games ever, WoW, and I've been keeping track of most of the latest news and events they got going for their games.  I'm probably going to apply anyway (almost got a cover letter done) and hope for the best.

[King Postwhore]

Apply to a low level pos5.  Get you're foot in the door.  Ask to learn, take on other responsibilities.   Getting in the door is what you need to at least go for. Never shy away for trying 

[millahh]

Assuming you make it to interview stage, have a read through this thread.  I consider it my major contribution to DTF (and good god, I started it seven years ago):
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=8401.0

Also, definitely worth a shot, as the posting is quite ambiguous...you need a bachelor's degree, but also to currently be enrolled in college/university ("college" typically implies undergrad), and it's also addressed to "graduating students", not "graduate students".

[Anguyen92]

^^ I certainly will read that if I land an interview opportunity.  I actually bookmarked that page.  As for the main subject, since as you stated, the description for requirements is a bit ambiguous, maybe the window is more open to me than I thought.  Maybe, I'll try to call Blizzard about that.  I will apply though and hope for the best.

[King Postwhore]

Don't hesitate.   Apply.

[CDrice]

I was in a similar situation a few months ago. I saw an offer from a gaming studio who was looking for a 2D artist.  It was in another city than where I live and I was lacking in the years of experience that they were asking, but the job seemed like exactly what I was looking for, so I applied. The next day I had a call to schedule an interview for the following week. In the end I didn't get the job, but it wasn't because of the lack of experience or a bad interview. It was because of the stylistic difference between what the company does and what I do. But at least I have no regrets over ''what if I had applied?''

Now I know that a Finance department probably doesn't work like an Art department, but at the end of the day the worst thing that can happen is that they don't call you. The best case is that you get an interview and they eventually hire you. So if you really feel like this is your dream job I think you should definitely go for it. And if you have any missing qualifications, just put forward your strenghts and explain how what you know can compensate for any shortcomings.

[mikeyd23]

Yeah, as others have said, definitely apply. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get a call. It might be a bit of stretch because it seems like they wrote the whole position description based on wanting to hire a grad student to do the job...But, you won't regret trying though it seems like you would probably regret not trying.

[Chino]

I'd apply for sure. Associate positions come with a ton a leeway and are glorified internships in a lot of cases.

[Destiny Of Chaos]

The worst thing that would happen is they say no. Go for it!

[ReaperKK]

I'd apply for sure. Associate positions come with a ton a leeway and are glorified internships in a lot of cases.

I'll echo this, you never know what might happen.

[Stadler]

ALWAYS APPLY. 

[rumborak]

DIRECTLY TO FOREHEAD.

[Jester]

If you truly want it, then just apply.  Even if you don't get that job, they might offer you another position.

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback if you don't get the job.  Instead of asking "why didn't I get it?" ask "What steps could I take to improve my chances in the future?"  It is uncomfortable for the employer to say no, so the way you ask is important so instead of feeling like they are on defense, they are instead helping.

[Chino]

If you truly want it, then just apply.  Even if you don't get that job, they might offer you another position.

This is a great point. When I applied to the place I'm currently working, I applied to one job in particular and actually got called in for interviews for three different positions (the one I applied for included).

[Anguyen92]

If you truly want it, then just apply.  Even if you don't get that job, they might offer you another position.

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback if you don't get the job.  Instead of asking "why didn't I get it?" ask "What steps could I take to improve my chances in the future?"  It is uncomfortable for the employer to say no, so the way you ask is important so instead of feeling like they are on defense, they are instead helping.

This is a great point. When I applied to the place I'm currently working, I applied to one job in particular and actually got called in for interviews for three different positions (the one I applied for included).

Wow, great points, all of it, especially these quoted, guys.  Thanks.  I gladly appreciate it.

[7th]

Definitely apply.  Many employers appreciate enthusiasm and skill above academic status.

[Anguyen92]

So, an update.  I think I got a good version of my cover letter. Well, it's slightly more than a page (one page and about 11 spaces) and I pretty much fit everything I want in there. Listed my intentions to apply and how I believe I would be a good fit for the company and how I can help them, mentioned two key class projects and how it relates to the job responsibilities, mentions me doing a Volunteer Tax program, where I help families prepare tax returns, and how I interact with clients, and mentions what games I am currently playing.

Is the cover letter length I have, atm, a bit too much, and how can I condense it if so?

[Stadler]

So, an update.  I think I got a good version of my cover letter. Well, it's slightly more than a page (one page and about 11 spaces) and I pretty much fit everything I want in there. Listed my intentions to apply and how I believe I would be a good fit for the company and how I can help them, mentioned two key class projects and how it relates to the job responsibilities, mentions me doing a Volunteer Tax program, where I help families prepare tax returns, and how I interact with clients, and mentions what games I am currently playing.

Is the cover letter length I have, atm, a bit too much, and how can I condense it if so?

DO NOT EVER send a cover letter more than one page, or a resume more than two pages.   You might get lucky and not have the rest thrown out, but many places do (or they electronically scan in the first x characters)   I've got 25 years of professional experience, as an engineer, project manager, and counsel, in three different industries (four actually):  construction, environmental remediation, real estate, and manufacturing (Including rail).  I can fit everything into a one page cover letter and a two page resume. 

[bosk1]

I wholeheartedly agree with Stadler.  And unless you were applying for something in game design/testing (which you aren't), or unless they asked, I would not mention what games you play.  The type of position you are applying for is very corporate and professional.  I could be wrong, but I think that if you play up the game side of it at all, they will hold it against you and view you as immature and not really understanding what the position is about.  This is kinda tricky, but you have to show that you understand their business, not simply that you like to play their games. 

[Anguyen92]

It's hard to avoid talking about what games I am playing when they mentioned this in the posting.

"Passion for video games, especially Blizzard products and MMORPGs." and to include this in the cover letter, "Why you are interested in working at Blizzard. What games you are currently playing."

[bosk1]

Okay, well if they asked for it, different story.  You absolutely should mention it then.

[millahh]

Yeah, definitely agreed on cover letters being not more than a page...and not being a single page wall of text.  Less is more.  Frankly, i don't even see what their use is.

Also agree on resumes not being more than two pages.  If it's more than two pages, it's a CV...and I'll be honest, I get annoyed with CVs that don't start listing publications after the first two pages (if I worked in academia, I'd feel differently, but this is industry, and relevance matters a whole lot more than comprehensively listing everything you've ever thought about for more than five minutes).

Based on an experience a couple of days ago, I may need to resurrect the Interviewing thread, got a couple of additions to make.

[Chino]

When it come to the resume, keep it short and to the most important/applicable stuff. Wrap it up with a "more information about past experience available upon request".

[millahh]

When it come to the resume, keep it short and to the most important/applicable stuff. Wrap it up with a "more information about past experience available upon request".

Then"upon request" thing, whether for additional info or for references, is generally frowned upon.  Better to hit the high points of each position, and be economical in your wording.  And relevance is key...you can customize your resume for each position you're applying for, there is no rule about one-size-fits-all.  Really, a smartly-constructed, efficiently-worded resume that captures the important stuff is way better than something comprehensive.

I suggest following the "mini-skirt" rule:  It should be long enough to cover the essentials, but be short enough to be interesting.

[Anguyen92]

Well, I just submitted my application to Blizzard.  I think it's as well constructed as it can be.  Now for the waiting game.

[lonestar]

I applied as well, may the best man win.

[Anguyen92]

^^ Oh cripes, there's no way I can stack up well against you.  At least, if they hold potlucks, you can whip up something amazing for them. I can't do something like that.......

[MetalJunkie]

I applied as well, may the best man win.

You can cook the meals, he can cook the books.

[Anguyen92]

Well, got the automated rejection letter.  That sucks, but if Blizzard has another position in finance/accounting, that fits well with me, I can always try again.  Anyway, thanks you guys for the advice regarding cover letters/resumes.  I really appreciate it and I think I got a better grasp of how to format those than when I started with the whole wanting to do apply to Blizzard.

[ReaperKK]

Well props to putting yourself out there!

[Jester]

I'd take your experience and apply to just about every similar position (different companies) out there.  Odds are, you will get a ton of rejection letters.  I did that for what was a compromise of my dream job (music field indirectly).  Tons of automated "sorry not looking to fill that position right now".  But even though I had a pile of rejection letters, I got a phone call and invitation to meet at the NAMM show to discuss a job that would take me all over the world (mainly to Pacific Asia).  I actually knew the person that had become the CEO and they liked what they saw.

Not to relate it too close to me because I turned it down because everybody that had a "secure job" convinced me not to waste my life in the very tumultuous music-related industry.  Meanwhile, that company went from a niche small time, Hollywood Blvd. outfit to one of the biggies in the music gear industry.  Even though I did ok the other route, I probably would have had much more fun the other route.

[mikeyd23]

Well, got the automated rejection letter.  That sucks, but if Blizzard has another position in finance/accounting, that fits well with me, I can always try again.  Anyway, thanks you guys for the advice regarding cover letters/resumes.  I really appreciate it and I think I got a better grasp of how to format those than when I started with the whole wanting to do apply to Blizzard.

Follow up, ask for feedback from them, etc...

Learn from it and keep applying. For a field like finance, your first job might not be for your dream company (I'm assuming Blizzard would be that for you). You might have to take a position in finance at a company that isn't as "cool" in your mind, in order to gain experience for one that you think is.

[Anguyen92]

^^ Here's an interesting twist, I did try to ask for feedback to that email address they used to send those emails, but it's one of those emails that doesn't take responses.

Anywho, yeah, the way I'm thinking about it more, the more that I will have to take a position in finance/accounting for a company that may not be an ideal fit for me.  I still would want to try applying for companies like Blizzard/Live Nation/AEG Live, but I may have to wait a few more years and get more experience.

[mikeyd23]

Anywho, yeah, the way I'm thinking about it more, the more that I will have to take a position in finance/accounting for a company that may not be an ideal fit for me.  I still would want to try applying for companies like Blizzard/Live Nation/AEG Live, but I may have to wait a few more years and get more experience.

Right on, sometimes you have to take a job that might not be ideal, but because you have your eye on the bigger picture and that job could help you get the "next" job.

[Stadler]

It might be just me, but I don't really put a lot of stock in "industry".  To me, a company isn't a good fit because they DO something, they are a good fit because of HOW they do what they do.