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VFX Job Interview Questions – Top 5 Tips (For 3D Artists)

In this video I answer the top 5 toughest VFX Job Interview Questions that you’re likely to run into. As we discuss not only what to say to these questions, but also the real meaning behind them — and why these job interview questions are asked in the first place.

This is not the corporate interviews that others experience, but actual design, games and VFX job interview questions that you’re likely to come up at, at actual VFX studios; what we’re typically trying to find out from you — as well as how to overcome a lot of the nerves and other insecurities we might experience going to job interviews. I break down the different type of job interviews you might experience in VFX, as well as in the games industry (and design); and how to discuss the subject of money: what the common mistakes people make and how to handle yourself as the best candidate for the job. There are even questions that shouldn’t be asked in the first place like: “How much money did you earn at your last job?” However, answering the question wrong — even simply dismissing the question — can show you in the wrong light.

So there are lots of canned responses I include, to be able to divert the questions and continue on with the discussion without any conflict or friction. Job interviews are not meant to be an interrogation – but a lot of us still feel uneasy about them. I want this to be a chance to communicate how I’ve handled job interviews in the past, how I handle them now, as well as how (as an employer) I interview, the mistakes I see happen regularly and what ideally are the best was to respond to these questions.

Finally, I made sure to include a lot of responses from many teams I’ve interviewed on my Podcast such as id Software, Image engine, ILM and others and their views on many of their candidates interviews as well. I hope you find this interesting!

QUICK QUESTION: What are the questions you have around job interviews, or specifically the questions you want to see how to answer? Leave a comment and let me know!

Thanks for watching!

Allan

 

By the way, I have a new free VFX class you can check out at www.VFXCOURSE.com: “City Destruction”. It’s 18 hours of training, spanned over 9 videos. This also includes all assets, 3D tracked camera, live footage (shot on RED Epic Dragon 6K (I’ve since upgraded to 8K Helium Weapon)), all geometry and everything else you need to do the course. Also check out these resources. I hope that help!

 

ULTIMATE DEMO REEL GUIDE www.allanmckay.com/myreel/

FREE 18 Hour VFX Class (City Destruction) www.vfxcourse.com

VFX RATES SALARY CALCULATOR www.vfxrates.com

ALLAN’S INNER CIRCLE (My weekly newsletter) www.allanmckay.com/inside/

ALLAN MCKAY PODCAST www.allanmckay.com/podcast/

Youtube comments:

@ArjunGhimire
It's crazy how we get to learn so much things regarding this field due to this amazing person ALLAN MCKAY!! 🔥🔥♥️♥️
@vfxank
❤thanks Allan well yesterday I have an interview for the role of compositor and what a coincidence running into your vedio suddenly felt like blessing... thankyou for taking out your time and guidance:)
@cantabrian1009
The tell me about yourself question has been so unnecessarily tricky for me and I don't think I've heard anyone take the time to elaborate upon this like you have done. In hindsight, this kind of advice around demo reels, interviews etc should have been up there with the main points of focus in uni courses. Nice one Alan, binge watching your content at the moment.
@rattlesnake3d
Hey Allan, great job with your videos! Thanks for sharing all this info with everyone 😎🙂
@belovedangels6457
Hi allan i noticed alot of your tips are how to stand out amongst Houdini and 3D artists, such as creating particles and simulation showreels that VFX hirers look for. However, what about compositors and someone who looks to get a job as a compositor in a high budget studio like ILM? How does someone looking to get into this, create a reel that stands out from the crowd? What can you put inside a reel to make it outstanding?
@lwandolawrencemoshani4879
This is a very helpful video. thank you very much for making it.
@yeongyeongkim7523
Thank you so much for giving us warm and very useful tips. Hope I work with you for making cool works :)
@dimitriskoutris6139
I always wanted to destroy cities lol! Oof interview tommorow wish me luck! Thx for the content!
@irisfailsafe
The most intimidating thing is that you feel that you cannot screw up
@seung2694
19:26 research about the company 20:56The reason why do you want to work with us
@flurishart612
Thank you for this. I'm still trying to land my first 3d job this is really useful.
@Yetike
Wish I found this video a few days ago! The hr interviewer was solely focusing on my management, leadership and coordination skills... art wasn't even on the menu. For a senior artist position. I was so dumbfounded, had to improvise and keep a pokerface. We'll see how it goes.
@karanparekh3947
Just Finished with the interview, 1 hour before i started watching this video, found very useful. So i made some notes. This was my first Job interview and was nervous . And I Cracked it. Thank you Very Very much McKay. Thank you for All the information.
@hugowijaya883
I got an interview with a VFX studio tmr and i'm pretty nervous rn... wish me luck!
@unknown-hj4gh
Thank you Allan! :)
@mannywiebe
Great video! Also regarding the explosion scenario. I would say to make sure the explosion is over exposed as well. If it's too underexposed and you see alot of detail in the explosion it will look alot more fake. Explosions are very very bright and camera exposure will normally be adjusted to darker things so when explosion happens it will be over exposed. Also reference. Reference is great. That was a bit of a mouth full but felt I had to say lol
@MarisaBigeyes
So I got a big question, I am working for a bachelors degree for computer animation and I really want to succeed in the future. I know I am very new to computer animation and definitely need a mentor, someone who can guide me to be the best I can be. My question is how do you get a job and a mentor to gain experience while in school so when I graduate I will have gained a good reputation? Will companies hire you while your in school?
@rossgilbert6459
this is great
@Kardasov-films
Thanks a lot Allan. Great information
@makowiec2k
What do you know about the company? AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ME?
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