You're preparing for a career in eSports. What are the best interview strategies to help you get there?

The worst thing whenever I conducted interviews at Fnatic was when someone would turn up and clearly not understand what we did or who we were. If you're strapped for time, do the basics; values, how the company makes money, what work the department has just completed. It will go a long long way.

Before highlighting your strengths to your interviewer, I believe it's vital to highlight them to yourself. Sit down and review the key skills required for the role, and honestly assess if they align with yours. If they do, prepare stories that exemplify your strength in such skills, and avoid being a generalist. A recruiter is looking for certain qualities in a professional to do a certain job, don't fog their vision with too many unrelated skills, even if you truly posses them. It's always better to be specific and let the unsaid be revealed with time. And of course, be authentic and avoid exaggeration as recruiters can often spot insincerity so focus on highlighting genuine strengths that you're truly confident in.

Don't be afraid to own up to weaknesses you have. We all have them! It shows a maturity and self awareness to understand your weaknesses and show that you're willing to improve on them. Or even ask your potential new employer to help support with training, this will show that you're willing to learn and improve. All big ticks for hiring managers.

As the saying goes "no matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up". As much as people don't want to admit it, we make a decision about an individual within 30 seconds of meeting them. So if anything else, dress to impress. Look like you're serious about working there, worthy of their time and investment in you. Turn up early just to give yourself a moment to relax and compose yourself as well as showing that you're dependable. Understand that you don't need to give your personal opinion on every matter, just the relevant ones and communicated in a way that is constructive. No-one needs to know about what dream you had last night or what you ate for dinner.

Just like any other job, prepare. The esports ecosystem is a different beast. Yes, people want to know your hard skills, but, in my opinion, your soft skills matter even more. I suggest that you be your true authentic self. Be willing to be vulnerable and real, be truthful. The esports community is very tight knit, we support one another, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and harness the power of social emotional learning and growth. Be ready to embrace those who are different than you and focus on growing the community. Above all else… leave your ego at the door!

I’d say do your research and have knowledge of the company or organization. But, be authentic it’s a lot of fake individuals in a lot of industries and bad actors be sure that your are there not just for the paycheck, but because you’d genuinely like see change and be the change you’d like to see in the Esports Industry or just in general. Good genuine people very hard to come across in a universe full of actors fake individuals.

Preparing for a career in eSports requires a strategic approach to interviews. Firstly, it's crucial to showcase your genuine passion for the industry. This enthusiasm is difficult to fake and can leave a lasting impression on interviewers. Secondly, thoroughly prepare by researching the company and understanding its values, goals, and the specific role you're applying for. Tailoring your answers to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs is key. Finally, practice answering common interview questions and consider how you can highlight your unique strengths and contributions. By being authentic, well-prepared, and professional, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive field of eSports.