Poster: Aeus at 5/18/2006 8:23:33 AM PDT
Subject: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Blizzard Europe is looking for enthusiastic and experienced gamers with excellent teamwork skills to join our Game Master, Technical Support and Billing teams and be part of Blizzard Entertainment Europe.
You can learn more about working at Blizzard by visiting our Recruitment section:
http://www.wow-europe.com/en/recruitment/
and by reading A Game Master's Life:
http://www.wow-europe.com/en/support/gm-article.html
If you think you are up to the challenge, take a look at our jobs page:
http://www.blizzard-europe.com/jobopp/index.shtml
read our Recruitment F.A.Q:
http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=48644
and then send in your C.V. with a cover letter![ post edited by Aeus ]
You cannot do that while posting.
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1016299 | | | Poster: Thundgot at 5/18/2006 9:24:52 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
We'll be collecting any questions you may have about recruitment (after reading the FAQ) from this thread and try provide you with adequate answers.
That there is one damn fine epic you're wearin'.
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1016349 | Poster: Thundgot at 5/18/2006 9:24:52 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! *edited post* |
| |
We'll be collecting any questions you may have about recruitment (after reading the FAQ) from this thread and try provide you with adequate answers.
That there is one damn fine epic you're wearin'.
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1016349 | Poster: Gamemaster at 5/22/2006 11:24:02 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Good day to you all!
Wow, what a great lot of questions, thank you everyone for your interest. We hope the following responses will help you a bit with your application, and perhaps also feed your curiosity somewhat.
On with the fun!
Yogo asked:
Q u o t e:
Do you need another other experience than with the game, how to operate a computer and how to act in a teamwork? Ex. program learning and that kind of stuff?
We are looking to recruit the best people we can. This means people who not only know the game and have a great love of WoW, but also those who can interact with players, get on well with colleagues and have fun in an often high-stress environment. A sense of humor and being to, as the Python boys say, "always look on the bright side of life" are a must. As for specific skills, knowledge of specific programs and such -- a lot of this comes with experience. Being able to use a computer well is an obvious point, but we do not conduct tests on a person's ability to program in C or anything like that.
Q u o t e:
What's the average age of the GM team?
I would like to say that they're timeless, but the average age is 23 -- 25.
Q u o t e:
And do you still believe you have need of GM's in the years to come? ;D
Yes we're confident we'll still be recruiting. :)
Lunamaria asked:
Q u o t e:
How much does education play a role in getting a job as a GM vs. previous customer service skills and a drive to do the job?
Customer service skills are a definite plus, but we have some fantastic GMs who have never done a classic CS job previously and just have a good head on their shoulders, a great deal of common sense and the desire to learn.
We also look into the playing experience of each applicant. We want GMs who not only love the game, but who are also well versed in its content. High-end playing experience is preferred, but we also look at applications with experience in higher mid-range content.
Q u o t e:
Various people on these forums have compared their feedback when applying to Blizzard. Most get a reply confirming or denying them an interview; however over the last few months a lot of people have not got a reply. Is this because of a change of policy (or sticking closer to the recruitment FAQ)or due to a huge amount of applications?
This is a very difficult question to answer as we obviously judge each application on a case by case basis. We do, however, have certain guidelines. An education is important for obvious reasons of literacy ;) -- be this high-school or university isn't really the most important thing, as we DO take previous professional experience into great consideration.
It's actually a mix of both. We literally receive hundreds of applications a week -- as well as the few hundred more emails requesting further information. We follow up on any application which has an attached CV (or one included in the body of the email), however it is possible that Bernard, our CV sorting goblin, misses some in the sifting process. To ensure you get a response keep the following in mind:
- Attach a CV (resume) to your email (.rtf or .doc format)
- Include a cover letter as an attachment or in the body of the email
- Use the correct tag in the subject line of your email depending on the position for which you are applying. These are at the bottom of each job description. For a GM on the English team it is GM EN
Q u o t e:
Who is first, and last person to get into work? ^^
The aforementioned Bernard actually lives in the Blizzard catacombs, so he's a permanent fixture. As we provide 24/7 support there is always someone in the office. Thundgot tends to stay rather late before pedaling home. ;)[ post edited by Gamemaster ]
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1022820 | Poster: Gamemaster at 5/22/2006 11:26:11 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Rane asked:
Q u o t e:
Should I send my resume/cover letter by e-mail again, or are you also still actively browsing the apps you received a few months ago.
I'm sorry to hear you didn't receive a response, Rane. It's possible it just slipped through the net. Please feel free to re-apply, following the guidelines above.
Drahcir asked:
Q u o t e:
Just 1 question for now;
I'm curious to know how Blizzard Employers feel about University students seeking employment for a 'working gap-year' during their university studies; whether its encouraged, or avoided because of possible limited employment period?
Hey Drahcir. We actually receive a lot of applications from Uni students wishing to work for us during their gap year. As you have guessed, the limited employment period is the main stopper, as we are looking to employ people who will stay with us for quite some time.
Bittit asked:
Q u o t e:
What is wrong with me? Too old? (26!) Too over-qualified? Im willing to move, I dont mind working at nights, I will quite happily do overtime (as long as im paid for it) Why am I an unsuitable employee?
As with Rane it's possible you just slipped through the net, but to me, you seem like a pretty good candidate! There have been candidates who were not taken due to being over-qualified. If, however, you feel you are good for the position please feel free to reapply following the guidelines outlined above.
Tuscanor asked:
Q u o t e:
After sending an e-mail about being a Game Master, and explaining what experience i had. I was simply told "experience is better" HOW MUCH experience? (bit like a raid, eh? shane dabri is the final boss :P)
Hey Tuscanor, raid experience is a definite plus, however we are looking for people who have high-end game experience. Shane Dabiri is the final boss of the game. You beat him, you win WoW. ;) More seriously though, we look into the gaming experience of each applicant. Higher level characters are needed as well as good responses to any game-related questions we might throw at you. As for professional experience, a working knowledge of customer service is preferred, however that doesn't mean you have to have previous GM-like experience.
Q u o t e:
If my first question is nulled, what english qualifications are minimal and which improve your chances.
Excellent written English is essential. The GM work is text-based, so being able to write concise, polite and well-constructed responses is a must. Yes, applicants have been rejected based on the quality of English in their CV or cover letter. If you're not 100% sure, though, feel free to apply and see how it goes!
Swiftfoot (and Insanity) asked:
Q u o t e:
Does blizzard offer competitive wages towards that education requirement?
So back to the big question: After all these discounts for public transportation etc, what does blizz pay for GMs? :D
The GM salary is more than enough to live off and save some money on the side. The salary is something which is discussed in more detail during the live interview.
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1022822 | Poster: Gamemaster at 5/22/2006 11:26:39 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Florienne asked:
Q u o t e:
What i would like to see from blizzard is a little bit more inside information, not perticullary about what yo will do, but moving to France and all is for alot of people an issue. I would like to see or hear how blizz-eployees managed to do this, and what their impressions were.
Thanks for the idea, Florienne! As this question would require a rather lengthy response, this is something we will definitely work on incorporating into the Recruitment FAQ.
Bse asked:
Q u o t e:
Any plans in the future of using the powers of the intranet for accomodations like remote working?
Directly from the Recruitment FAQ:
Q: Can I work from home?
A: No, all job vacancies require that staff work from our offices which are located just outside of Paris. There are also no plans to create any sort of volunteer program that players can work on from home at this time.
More specifically -- the nature of the GM job is such that responding to petitions from home is just not a viable option. There is a lot of essential face-to-face interaction with colleagues and superiors which render the option of teleworking impossible.
Gebariel (also Winterwind and others)
Q u o t e:
How about sending back a response to the hundreds if not thousands of people that applyed trough e-mail?
We are hoping to set something up very soon regarding this. A lot of you have been (quite rightly) asking for at least a notification that your email came through -- and this is what we are working on implementing. With regards to personal replies, it is simply not possible to reply to every single application we receive. We are, however, following up on applications that move to the next stage in a rather timely fashion with the average response going out within a couple of weeks of an application being received.
Tinytroll asked:
Q u o t e:
My question is: How important is the verbal communication skills?
Being able to understand and communicate with your colleagues is important and as English is the official language used in the Blizzard office, you will need to have a high level of both written and spoken English.
Elvagilth asked:
Q u o t e:
I would like to have more information on how Blizzard supports GM's that also study - I want to keep studying, so ofc this takes time for exams etc etc. Do you support that?
Hey Elvagilth, we do not actually have many GMs who study, and those that do are studying through the Open University or something similar. We do not officially support students, and require all applicants to be able to work full time, with differing shifts and weekends. Time out for exams is possible, however it would be considered as a day off and would need to be asked for as one.
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1022824 | Poster: Gamemaster at 5/22/2006 11:26:58 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Synid asked:
Q u o t e:
I heard several very disturbing facts from several sources. In the way how some people applied and got in straight away. (?) While others who more than qualify for the job, don't even get a single response, not even the semi-automated "We got your e-mail" with a spelling error one.
Still the flags return time after time; we need more people.
Explain me that, please.
Unfortunately recruiting GMs is never as black and white as "qualified" and "not qualified". Many factors can contribute to a successful or unsuccessful application -- game experience and previous work experience being the main two. If you feel your application has been erroneously overlooked, please resubmit it following the guidelines above.
Mylo asked:
Q u o t e:
I would just like to enquire what kind of advancement opportunities would exist from this initial "GM" position. Is it one of those jobs where it is really impossible to advance to management positions (and I don't just mean supervisor to other GM's) or are there serious future prospects?
It is important that if you apply for the GM position, that it is really the position in which you want to work. That said, we have had many qualified people who began as GMs move to management roles and also different departments, including web and network ops. Obviously, we want all our employees to grow and be able to progress if something comes up. Potential amongst our GMs is something which is actively nurtured and advice and guidance is given by higher members of staff.
Zeraph asked:
Q u o t e:
Q u o t e:
Q: Do you recruit from all countries?
A: We currently only recruit from countries that are full members of the European Union, this is due to Visa and work permit restrictions. If however you are from a country outside of the EU, and already live and work in France, you may still apply.
________________________________________
Any plans to change this or are there any ways around it, as in applying for a work permit?
At this point in time, we do not have any plans to change this requirement. If you wish to apply for a working permit for France, you are obviously welcome to, unfortunately we are unable to assist with this process.
Marlla asked:
Q u o t e:
So my question is does GMsm do something else or just ticket answering, also would you be so kind and explain to people complete GMs dutys, thier ordinary day in office and things like that.
Hi Marlla. A good majority of the GM's work day consist of responding to tickets from players and assisting them with a vast number of issues. Some GMs assist with the writing for Gadgetzan Times, and others assist newer GMs with learning the job as best they can. We will be updating the Recruitment FAQ with more information like this in the near future (along with more detailed information on moving to France, etc).
Phew! What a lot of questions! Thanks a lot for these, and please keep them coming. :)
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1022825 | Poster: Gamemaster at 5/24/2006 9:42:24 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Hello again! Thank you for the additional questions, and for your continued interest. Please refer to my previous posts if you have sent an application and not received a reply, or are unsure about how best to send your application. Details and hints are there.
On to the questions!
Kimahri asked:
Q u o t e:
I have been looking over the requirements of the job and feel that I am a possible candidate however one thing I lack at the moment is high level gaming experience on WoW. I have played through the entirety of other MMORPGs but I have just started on WoW and am at level 40. I am confident I will be knowledgeable about the game in it's entirety given a little more time but I was wondering if being new to the game right now would disqualify me from being considered?
I would suggest getting a little bit more game experience under your belt -- not based on your character level necessarily, but more on the fact that you say you will be more knowledgeable about the game given more time. We do ask specific game-related questions during the interview process, so the better you can prepare yourself for this, the more chance you have of being successful.
Q u o t e:
The covering letter, is it restricted to one side of A4 as Weebul stated?
Whilst not restricted to one A4 page, it is recommended to keep the covering letter and CV as concise as possible. As already stated, we receive many applications and having CVs and letters which are well written and to-the-point are more likely to be seriously considered than long, flowery pieces of prose.
Q u o t e:
Is there a deadline for applications, or are you constantly looking?
We are constantly looking for people to join our team.
Q u o t e:
The format im thinking of using is:
Personal Details
Educational Background
Employment History
Other Interests
That seems to be a rather standard and generally accepted format. There are many resources to be found online about how best to prepare a CV.
Missdaisy asked:
Q u o t e:
Who is the person (or persons) that make the initial decision, if the applicant goes through the initial screening?
Hello Missdaisy. We have several people dedicated to the recruitment process regularly going through incoming applications, sorting them and sending them to the appropriate departments. It is then the departments themselves who screen applications and proceed with the interviewing.
Q u o t e:
And how long does it take to get a reply once you've gone through the screening, or more so, how long before you can start work? :)
On average, it takes a couple of months for the entire process from screening to beginning work to be completed.
Lunamaria asked:
Q u o t e:
Is there a trial period during the job itself?
Yes, there is a trial period. :)
Thrias asked:
Q u o t e:
I'd love to apply and I am going to apply as a GM as well as soon as the school is over. The only worries I can think of is finding somewhere to live in France since you need to live here.
Check out our Recruitment FAQ (link in the OP of this thread) for information about relocation to France.
Natassja asked:
Q u o t e:
My question is, which countries you consider as full members? My country joined the EU in 2004 and we did have some restrictions working in France. However this spring some of those restrictions to some job types were lifted, my second question is about this. Are we still not allowed to apply for Blizzard jobs? (From countries which joined the EU in May 2004.)
If you are currently able to work in France without requiring a work permit then you are more than welcome to apply. Unfortunately we are unable to assist with the acquisition of work permits.
Moorderer asked:
Q u o t e:
I have heard rumours about new servers being in Sweden. Thundgot couldn't confirm it, but then again, it would be nice to know, since if it is true Blizzard will need workers in Sweden aswell.
At this point in time we do not have any plans to offer positions in Sweden or other European countries. All positions are based in Velizy, near Paris, and relocation to France is required.
Again, thank you, and I hope to see some more questions incoming. Also keep the applications coming in, Bernard thanks you all for keeping him very busy! :)
(Post edited to fix typo)[ post edited by Gamemaster ]
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1026524 | Poster: Gamemaster at 6/15/2006 1:53:40 AM PDT
Subject: Re: 18/05 - Recruiting! |
| |
Greetings! Apologies for the delay in answering these questions, but with all the CVs you guys have been sending, Bernard and I have been rather busy! We thank you all again for your continued interest in Blizzard Entertainment, and hope that these answers help you.
Deanio asked
Q u o t e:
Does the relocation agency help you complete the move to France before or after the trial period?
Hi there Deanio! The relocation agency help you with your initial move to France, that is, during your trial period, in the first month you are in France and at Blizzard.
Q u o t e:
Who is responsible for paying the relocation agency? As in the FAQ it would seem that Blizzard only put you in contact with the agency, I'm unsure as to whether it says Blizzard pay for the agencies services?
Blizzard pay the agency for their services.
Q u o t e:
For previous succesful candidates and as a guideline for possible candidates what is the average "relocation cost" paid by new employees themselves?
You should aim to have around 2000€ available to cover relocation costs, apartment deposit and other costs (food, for example :) ).
Bryon asked
Q u o t e:
Experience, would that be in how to work a game, how it's built and how to play it?
Experience can be a number of things, from customer service experience, previous GM experience, high-end gaming experience and so on. Of course, someone with all these traits would be ideal, but we realize that people gain experience in different ways. It is for this reason that we take into consideration all these areas and more.
Subsonic asked
Q u o t e:
Would having previous GM exp be gd also? Have had 4 years GM exp from other games
Previous GM experience would definitely be a help, but it is not essential in order to be eligible for the position of GM here at Blizzard. See previous responses for an idea of what we seek in applicants.
Elvagilth asked
Q u o t e:
I finished high school, but havent got any further diploma's because I started working immidiatly after finishing that. Do you need any certificates next to finishing ' high school' ?
Hello again Elvagilth, good to see some more questions from you. :) In response to your question -- a high school diploma (or equivalent) is the minimum education we seek in all applicants. That said, a majority of our GMs are university or college graduates. In all applicants, we look for a mix of education, professional experience, gaming experience (WoW and other games), a passion for gaming and good linguistic skills. If they happen to be a PhD in MMORPG's then all the better, but it's not essential. We look at the whole package.
Q u o t e:
What is the average time a Blizzard employee stays employed at Blizzard? And obviously I m talking about the GM function :) seeing the whole relocating thing, I am curious what do you expect from your employees, and what is the experience you got with the time they stay employed at Blizzard?
We require our employees to start with us on the assumption that they are in it for the long-run. It is for this reason, for example, that we do not hire people for summer employment. The GM job is a full-time position, and we are looking for people who can commit for at least 2 years.
Q u o t e:
How would you describe the way in which the experience of working at Blizzard would contribute to my cv, general experience and personal profile?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry, having Blizzard feature on your CV can only help. :)
Thanks again for the questions, guys, and keep them coming!
| | | http://forums-en.wow-europe.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general-en&t=1016299&p=#post1062346 |
View all recent official Blue Posts
|
