Hiring, Networking, and Career Growth in Gaming with Emily Scahill

Episode Recap

Episode Overview:
In this episode of Player Driven, we dive into the realities of hiring, recruitment, and career growth in the gaming industry with Emily Scahill, Head of Client Success for Games at Skillsearch. With a background in HR and recruitment, Emily brings a wealth of insight into what studios get right—and wrong—about hiring, and how job seekers can better position themselves in a competitive industry.

From the post-pandemic job market to the power of networking, this conversation explores the evolving landscape of game industry careers.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

1. The Hiring Mistakes Studios Keep Making

The gaming industry has long been reactive rather than proactive when it comes to hiring. COVID-era overhiring led to massive layoffs, and Emily highlights how studios can prevent history from repeating itself.

• Studios often hire aggressively when times are good but don’t plan for long-term sustainability.

• The industry needs to prioritize strategic hiring over short-term staffing surges.

• Overlooking risk assessment leads to production bottlenecks when key employees leave unexpectedly.

🔹 Takeaway for studios: Build hiring plans that consider long-term growth, rather than reacting to immediate market trends.

2. What Candidates Get Wrong About Job Hunting

Emily shares insights into why job seekers struggle to land roles in gaming, even when they have the skills.

Common mistakes include:

• Not researching the real challenges of a role before applying.

• Overlooking the power of networking—most jobs come from referrals, not job boards.

• Failing to highlight transferable skills—gaming roles aren’t just for programmers and designers.

• Ignoring their online presence—recruiters check LinkedIn, ArtStation, and other platforms.

🔹 Takeaway for job seekers: A great portfolio isn’t enough. Strategic networking, strong applications, and an understanding of industry trends are key to success.

3. The Hidden Power of Networking in Gaming

One of the strongest themes in this conversation was the importance of building relationships.

• Most professionals are happy to share their insights if approached the right way.

• Networking isn’t just about getting a job today—it’s about creating opportunities down the line.

• Emily’s advice: Don’t just reach out when you need something—engage in conversations and add value.

How to network like a pro:
✔️ Engage on LinkedIn—comment, share insights, and interact with industry professionals.
✔️ Ask for informational chats with people you admire.
✔️ Join industry events, Discords, and online communities to stay plugged in.
✔️ Be curious, not transactional—genuine connections matter.

🔹 Takeaway: The people who build strong networks get ahead faster—whether they’re hiring or job hunting.

4. Resumes & Recruiters: How to Stand Out

With hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applicants per job, candidates need to stand out.

Emily’s top resume tips:

• Keep it clear & concise—avoid text-heavy layouts.

• Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to ensure your resume gets seen.

• Tailor each application to match the job description.

• Show impact, not just responsibilities—what did you achieve in past roles?

🔹 Takeaway: A great resume won’t guarantee a job, but a poorly crafted one will hold you back.

And when recruiters reach out? Don’t ignore them. Even if you’re not job hunting, staying on their radar opens doors for the future.

5. Career Growth: Where Do You Go Next?

For those in client success, sales, or recruitment, career progression isn’t always linear.

Common paths include:
➡️ The traditional route—moving up to Director, VP, or Chief roles.
➡️ A lateral move—shifting into business development, game scouting, or partnerships.

For developers, designers, and artists, adaptability is key. The industry is evolving, and new career paths emerge constantly.

🔹 Takeaway: Growth isn’t just about promotions—it’s about finding the right opportunities to evolve your career.

Final Thoughts: Winning the Talent Game in Gaming

Whether you’re hiring, job-hunting, or navigating career growth, success comes down to strategy, adaptability, and connections.

🎯 For Studios:
✅ Hire strategically, not reactively.
✅ Avoid over-hiring and plan for long-term stability.
✅ Invest in strong hiring practices to retain top talent.

🎯 For Job Seekers:
✅ Network early—don’t wait until you need a job.
✅ Optimize your LinkedIn, resume, and cover letter.
✅ Be open to recruiter outreach—you never know where it might lead.

🎯 For Everyone:
✅ Be proactive, not reactive.
✅ Keep learning. Keep networking. Keep growing.