The ultimate guide to getting hired in the games industry

Course summary

Getting hired in the games industry can feel overwhelming, especially when the competition is high and expectations are unclear. The Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired in the Games Industry is a structured, step-by-step online course designed to guide you through the full hiring journey: from understanding the current industry climate, to building a portfolio, writing your resume, applying strategically, handling interviews, completing art tests, and navigating job offers.

This course, created by Mikael Karnell, Art Lead at EA DICE, gives you a complete A–Z overview of how hiring works in the games industry, and what studios look for in candidates at every stage of the process.

What you’ll learn

• How hiring in the games industry really works (A–Z)

• What studios need, how hiring decisions are made, and why timing matters

• How to build and present a portfolio that matches studio expectations

• Social media strategies for visibility (including LinkedIn and posting habits)

• How to write a resume: structure, format, and what to include (and leave out)

• When cover letters matter and how to write one effectively

• How networking fits into hiring and career growth

• How to apply strategically — even if you’re new

• How application reviews work, who reviews applications, and how shortlisting happens

• Common reasons for rejection and why context matters

• What screening calls are and how salary discussions work

• How interviews are structured, how to handle questions, and how to use the STAR approach

• What art tests are and best practices for completing them professionally

• What to expect from job offers

• What happens after getting hired (including burnout, impostor syndrome, and industry reality)

• How to keep improving if you don’t get the job (re-applying and creating new content

About Mikael Karnell

Mikael Karnell is an Art Lead in the video game industry, with experience spanning art production, leadership, and education. He began his career studying game art at PlaygroundSquad in Falun, followed by an internship at Fatshark in Stockholm. From there, he worked on a range of smaller mobile and indie titles before moving to England, where he collaborated with several educational institutions to help develop new game development courses.

He later returned to Stockholm to join EA DICE, where he has been since 2018, contributing to major franchises such as Battlefield and Star Wars Battlefront. At DICE, Mikael combines hands-on artistic expertise with a strong focus on team health, workflow improvement, and studio culture.

In addition to his studio work, Mikael currently sits on the boards of several vocational schools in Sweden, frequently gives lectures on a range of topics, and is active in various industry-related Discord communities, where he regularly shares advice and feedback to help aspiring artists find their way into the industry.

Module 3: The Portfolio

• What is a Portfolio?
• Where do you start?
• Concept vs Production Artist

Social Media

• Why is social media important?
• Growing an audience
• LinkedIn
• Best time to post new art

Presentation

• Consistent visual profile
• Choosing a host for your portfolio
• What should you include in your portfolio?
• Descriptions
• Why presentation matters
• Presentation of your portfolio
• Presentation breakdowns

Practical Advice

• What hiring managers are looking for in breakdowns
• Portfolio Benchmarks
• Common portfolio mistakes

Portfolio Review

• Reviewing your portfolio
• Seeking feedback
• Fan art
• Finding your style

Module 4: Resume

• Purpose of resumes
• Format and aesthetics
• How to write your resume
• What to include in your resume
• Personal details

Module 5: Cover Letter

• Are cover letters still a thing?
• How to write a good cover letter

Modules 6: Networking

• Networking

Module 7: Being ready for the Industry

• Getting ready for the Industry
• What studios expect

Module 8: Applying

• How studios hire
• Applying when you are new
• Timing
• Where to find jobs

The Employer

• Avoiding scam companies
• Choosing the right employer
• Applying for a job abroad

The Process

• Can I apply for a more senior role?
• Different types of recruiters
• How long does it take?
• What are evergreen roles?
• What to write when you apply

Module 9: Review

• About review
• Who reviews my application?
• Shortlist
• Common reasons for rejection
• Context matters
• Screening call
• Talking about salary
• Feedback

Module 10: Interview

• Interviews introduction
• How to handle questions
• The STAR approach
• Questions to ask
• Importance of attitude

Module 11: Art Tests

• Best practice Art tests
• What is an art test?

Module 12: Offers

• Offers

Module 13: When you get the job

• When you get the job introduction
• What I wish I knew before starting
• Portfolio vs. Production
• Dealing with burnout part |
• Impostor syndrome
• Dealing with burnout part ||

Module 14: If you don’t get the job

• Keep learning and growing
• Can i re-apply?
• Making new content part |
• Making new content part ||

  The Ultimate Guide is Done

• Course Outro

The course also includes a list of valuable external resources.