Crafting a compelling cover letter is crucial when applying for a position at Blizzard Entertainment. With its reputation for innovation and quality in the gaming industry, Blizzard receives countless applications. Therefore, to stand out, your cover letter must be meticulously crafted. This guide provides seven essential tips to help you write a cover letter that captures the attention of Blizzard recruiters and increases your chances of landing your dream job. By following these suggestions, you can demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate to join the Blizzard team.
Understand Blizzard’s Culture
Blizzard Entertainment is known for its unique culture. It’s a company where passion for games, innovation, and a strong sense of community thrive. A great cover letter demonstrates that you understand and align with these core values. Your goal is to show that you aren’t just looking for a job, but that you’re seeking to contribute to a culture you admire and want to be a part of. Highlighting your understanding of their culture will make you stand out.
Research Blizzard’s Values and Mission
Before you start writing, thoroughly research Blizzard’s values and mission. These can usually be found on their official website or in their job descriptions. Understand what Blizzard stands for. Look for keywords and phrases that resonate with you. Integrate these values into your cover letter to show that you understand the company’s ethos and that you share similar principles. Demonstrating this knowledge shows that you have taken the time to learn about the company, indicating a genuine interest beyond just the job itself.
Showcase Your Passion for Gaming
Blizzard hires individuals who are passionate about gaming. Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for games, and, specifically, for Blizzard’s titles. Mentioning specific games that you enjoy playing, or have a deep understanding of, demonstrates your genuine interest in the company. Furthermore, discuss what you appreciate about these games. If you have a favorite Blizzard game, share why it resonates with you, highlighting its unique aspects and what makes it special in your eyes. This enthusiasm will make you memorable.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Identify and emphasize the skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the required skills, such as technical expertise, creative abilities, project management experience, or customer service skills. Then, showcase how your skills match the job requirements. Provide specific examples of how you have used these skills in past roles or projects. This helps the hiring manager see, at a glance, how your skills align with their needs, increasing your chances of getting noticed.
Tailor Your Skills to the Job Description
Don’t use a generic cover letter. Customize your letter for each position you apply for. The best cover letters directly address the requirements outlined in the job description. Use the same language and keywords as the description to demonstrate that you are a great fit. For example, if the job description emphasizes teamwork, use that term and provide examples of your teamwork experiences. This helps the hiring manager quickly understand how your skills align with their needs. It shows that you have carefully considered the role and are not just sending a generic application.
Quantify Your Achievements
Instead of simply listing your skills, provide measurable results to support your claims. Quantifying your achievements can significantly strengthen your cover letter. For example, if you managed a project, state how many team members were involved, the budget you managed, and the project’s outcomes. Did you improve efficiency? Did you increase revenue? Did you reduce costs? Using numbers and statistics, such as percentages or dollar amounts, paints a vivid picture of your capabilities and the value you can bring to Blizzard. This concrete evidence demonstrates your impact and gives the hiring manager a clearer understanding of your potential.
Demonstrate Your Teamwork Abilities
Blizzard values teamwork highly, making it essential to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. The cover letter should highlight how you have worked in teams, the roles you’ve played, and the results you achieved through teamwork. Emphasize your ability to communicate clearly, support your colleagues, and contribute positively to a team environment. A team player fits well with Blizzard’s collaborative culture. Showing your teamwork abilities can make you an attractive candidate.
Provide Examples of Collaboration
Use your cover letter to provide specific examples of successful collaborations. Describe situations where you worked with others to achieve a common goal. Detail your role in the collaboration, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them through teamwork. If you were involved in a project with multiple departments, or managed conflicting viewpoints, explain how you navigated these situations effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly illustrate your contributions and the positive outcomes achieved through collaboration. This reinforces your ability to contribute effectively within a team.
Emphasize Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for success at Blizzard. Highlight your communication skills, both written and verbal, in your cover letter. Provide examples of situations where you communicated complex information clearly and concisely, whether to a team, clients, or management. Mention any experience with presentations, public speaking, or writing reports. Blizzard values individuals who can articulate their thoughts effectively. This will help you convey your ideas and contribute successfully to projects. Show that you can communicate across various channels and adapt your style to different audiences.
Format Your Cover Letter Professionally
Your cover letter’s format is just as important as its content. A clean, well-structured cover letter demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Use a standard business letter format, including a clear heading with your contact information, the date, and the hiring manager’s name (if known). Choose a professional font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in a readable size. Ensure that the text is well-organized with clear paragraphs and spacing. A well-formatted cover letter indicates that you have put thought and effort into your application.
Use a Clear and Concise Structure
A clear and concise structure is crucial. Divide your cover letter into logical sections, such as an introductory paragraph, a section detailing your skills and experience, and a concluding paragraph. Each section should focus on a specific aspect of your qualifications. Keep your sentences and paragraphs brief and to the point. Avoid jargon or overly complex language. The goal is to make it easy for the hiring manager to quickly grasp your qualifications and understand why you are a suitable candidate for the role. Make sure your writing flows smoothly.
Proofread for Errors
Proofreading your cover letter is non-negotiable. Errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation can create a negative impression and undermine your credibility. Before submitting your application, carefully review your cover letter multiple times. Ask a friend or colleague to proofread it as well. Make sure there are no typos, grammatical errors, or formatting inconsistencies. A polished cover letter demonstrates that you are detail-oriented and care about the quality of your work. It also shows that you are prepared to put in the extra effort, which is important in the gaming industry.
Mention Specific Blizzard Games
Expressing your knowledge of and enthusiasm for Blizzard’s games can significantly boost your chances. Mentioning specific games you enjoy shows that you are familiar with their products and culture. Choose games that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Your cover letter will stand out if you show that you’re genuinely interested in the company’s products. Avoid generic statements and instead, provide specific details about what you appreciate about the games.
Connect Your Experience to Blizzard Titles
Connect your experience to the specific needs of Blizzard games. Think about how your previous experience aligns with the game development process. For instance, if you have project management experience, relate it to how you would manage the development of a new character. If you have art experience, discuss how your style could contribute to the aesthetic of a specific game. Providing concrete examples of how your skills translate into the development or promotion of Blizzard’s games shows that you understand their product and how you could add value.
Express Your Enthusiasm for Specific Games
Demonstrate your enthusiasm by discussing your experiences playing or engaging with Blizzard’s games. Discuss what you love about the game and how you interact with the community. Share anecdotes of memorable moments, or achievements within the game. Mention your favorite characters, maps, or storylines and explain why they resonate with you. This level of engagement indicates that you’re more than just a gamer – you are also deeply invested in Blizzard’s world and its products.
Follow Up and Show Initiative
After submitting your cover letter and resume, follow up to show your interest and initiative. Following up at the right time can make you memorable. The following steps can set you apart from other candidates. It also shows that you’re proactive and keen on the opportunity.
Send a Thank-You Note
If you have interviewed for the position, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. Thank them for their time, reiterate your interest in the role, and mention something specific from your conversation. This is a professional courtesy and provides an opportunity to reinforce your positive attributes and show your appreciation. Be sincere in your message, and reinforce your interest in the role. This gesture will enhance your impression on the hiring manager and boost your chances.
Be Persistent Without Being Pushy
Following up is important, but avoid being too pushy. Allow the hiring manager some time to review your application. Then, a polite email or a brief phone call after the specified time frame is appropriate. Be respectful of their time and express your continued interest. Demonstrate your patience and your enthusiasm for the position. This will show your initiative without being overbearing. Be polite and professional. Good luck!
In conclusion, writing a compelling cover letter for Blizzard Entertainment requires careful attention to detail, a genuine passion for gaming, and a clear understanding of their values and culture. By following these seven tips, you can create a cover letter that captures the attention of recruiters, showcases your skills, and ultimately increases your chances of landing a job at this prestigious company. Take the time to tailor your application, highlight your achievements, and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Your dream job at Blizzard could be just a cover letter away!