Recruiter Hot Seat: Climax Studios

BIO
Name: Stuart Godfrey
Title: Recruitment manager
Developer: Climax Studios
Country: United Kingdom
www.climaxstudios.com

What differentiates Climax from other developers?
We are a truly independent development studio based on the South Coast that has a great handle on leading edge gaming technology across a multitude of gaming platforms and technical disciplines.

We actively encourage our staff to have a voice and to pro-actively contribute their ideas. From the most junior of our team members to our most senior artists, if they have something to say of value then they are listened to. It’s key to us that they have a real sense of ownership of what it is that they are looking to achieve. Every member of staff is a valued key component at Climax Studios – where everyone is encouraged to highlight their ideas and suggestions.

How many staff are you looking to take on?
It is difficult to give an exact number at any given stage, but we are currently looking to attract experienced programmers, level designers and a talented lead designer. For example, last week alone we employed 13 new members of staff.

We have a number of truly exceptional opportunities currently available in the coding team for experienced and senior programmers especially in the engine and graphics departments. Another excellent opportunity that has just opened up, is for a UI/UX Artist with an exceptional eye for detail and excellent 2D artistic ability with a strong technical slant. A look at our website will give you a full picture of the talent and skillsets we are looking to take on, with all the details of the relevant job descriptions.

What perks are available to devs working at your studio?
Again, as Climax Studios is a truly independent studio we have numerous projects running concurrently; the positive side to this is that we do work across numerous platforms and with any technology.

We already have many key members of staff that are top in their respective fields. Those successful candidates we do recruit will subsequently be able to learn from and be trained by some of the industry’s best. As an employee at Climax Studios you will be able to get involved in all kinds of projects on many platforms and in many genres. Our recent VR work is a perfect example of this.

Take your CV back to basics, make it succinct, concise and simple, clearly listing ‘all’ your skill sets and give a clear idea of what drives you on a daily basis.

In terms of employment, the packages we have on offer include highly competitive salaries and an extensive range of benefits that include private health care cover, a pension scheme, an excellent holiday package, flexi-time, subsidised gym memberships, Gunwharf Quays discount shopping card and the ever popular Beer Fridays.

This all comes with the added bonus of our stunning harbour-side location with sweeping sea views across the Solent.

What should aspiring devs do with their CV to get an interview?
Take your CV back to basics, make it succinct, concise and simple, clearly listing ‘all’ your skill sets and give a clear idea of what drives you on a daily basis. We would actively encourage any applicants to apply direct to Climax Studios as these CV’s will always get priority treatment and attention.

We feel this shows us that the applicant has a strong interest in working for us and that they are targeting the role they wish to secure.

Once the applicant has submitted their CV, it’s always a good idea to follow this up with an email or a telephone call to ensure that the application has landed safely and is in the correct hands. Climax is a busy place so go that extra mile to give your application that all important extra edge. And finally, where possible, make sure your passion for games flows through your CV.

Who is the best interviewee you have ever had and how did they impress you?
It is still without doubt a young character artist we met at a university showcase. Her passion and drive to get into the industry really left a mark on me. We kept in touch all through her studies and when she returned to her home country. When we had a position open up, I got back in touch, we interviewed her and shortly after she was offered the job. She went on to become a lead artist.

What advice would you give for a successful interview at your studio?
Research. Find out what we are all about. You are looking to come and work with us so you should find out as much about the company and its pedigree as possible. Learn, in advance, direct from ourselves as much as you can about the role you are interviewing for.

Be prepared and make sure you get across to the company what you want to and try and be as confident and as passionate as you can. If you are an artist or an animator bring in your reel, portfolio and sketchbook. Designers should come prepared with examples of their work, and coders should bring along any demos or code samples.

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