How does one get hired by Valve?

[Exhibit A]

Working at Valve is basically a dream job.

From what I know, getting into Valve is pretty hard. The Valve website has a "Jobs" section that you can basically apply at, but I assume it can't be that easy. If I were to try and join Valve, what would I need to do? I obviously can't do it now, but I'm asking out of curiousity. Thanks in advance.

[Cathulhu]

http://www.valvesoftware.com/jobs/job_postings.html

[Exhibit A]

Originally posted by Cathulhu:

http://www.valvesoftware.com/jobs/job_postings.html

But what happens once I apply for one of the job openings? What would influence whether they accept or not? And if they were to accept that application for any reason, what would happen then? Would I have to go somewhere for a face to face interview? Or would other things have to be done? As you can tell, I'm really looking for the details in this, as it's not easy to find this information anywhere else.

[Baum]

You will probably be contacted if they are interested.

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by Abe091:

But what happens once I apply for one of the job openings? What would influence whether they accept or not? And if they were to accept that application for any reason, what would happen then? Would I have to go somewhere for a face to face interview? Or would other things have to be done? As you can tell, I'm really looking for the details in this, as it's not easy to find this information anywhere else.

It would be like applying to any other company. Yes, you would have to have a fact to fact interview at some point.

Other then that, no one here would know as none of us work for Valve.

[SpunkyJones]

Originally posted by Abe091:

Originally posted by Cathulhu:

http://www.valvesoftware.com/jobs/job_postings.html

But what happens once I apply for one of the job openings? What would influence whether they accept or not? And if they were to accept that application for any reason, what would happen then? Would I have to go somewhere for a face to face interview? Or would other things have to be done? As you can tell, I'm really looking for the details in this, as it's not easy to find this information anywhere else.

Have you worked before? There is nothing special about this, it would be a normal job interview process.

[BossGalaga]

Originally posted by Abe091:

But what happens once I apply for one of the job openings? What would influence whether they accept or not?

Well for starters, you would need to meet the requirements. For example as a software engineer the requirements are:

"Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or applied mathematics (or equivalent)
Strong analysis, debugging, and reverse engineering skills
Five years experience with:
C/C++, in-depth knowledge of Windows platforms
Windows process management, dynamic link libraries, memory management
Using networking technologies in large-scale systems or gaming platforms
Taking a computer software product or video game from conception and development through publication and product shipment"

Do you meet those requirements? Do you fully meet the requirements for any of the listed jobs?

It probably would help if you live in or near Seattle or are willing to move at your own expense.

[Washell]

http://www.valvesoftware.com/company/Valve_Handbook_LowRes.pdf

[Exhibit A]

Originally posted by Baum:

You will probably be contacted if they are interested.

I know that. But what I want to know is what exactly they would tell me to do next. Would I be taken straight in for an interview? Or would they confirm some other things first through email first?

Originally posted by BossGalaga:

Originally posted by Abe091:

But what happens once I apply for one of the job openings? What would influence whether they accept or not?

Well for starters, you would need to meet the requirements. For example as a software engineer the requirements are:

"Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or applied mathematics (or equivalent)
Strong analysis, debugging, and reverse engineering skills
Five years experience with:
C/C++, in-depth knowledge of Windows platforms
Windows process management, dynamic link libraries, memory management
Using networking technologies in large-scale systems or gaming platforms
Taking a computer software product or video game from conception and development through publication and product shipment"

Do you meet those requirements? Do you fully meet the requirements for any of the listed jobs?

It probably would help if you live in or near Seattle or are willing to move at your own expense.

Thanks for the info, that's good to know.

Originally posted by Spawn Of Totoro:

Originally posted by Abe091:

But what happens once I apply for one of the job openings? What would influence whether they accept or not? And if they were to accept that application for any reason, what would happen then? Would I have to go somewhere for a face to face interview? Or would other things have to be done? As you can tell, I'm really looking for the details in this, as it's not easy to find this information anywhere else.

It would be like applying to any other company. Yes, you would have to have a fact to fact interview at some point.

Other then that, no one here would know as none of us work for Valve.

Basically what I want to know is at what point would they decide to do the interview. However, you mentioned that most people wouldn't know because they haven't worked at Valve, so I understand if you wouldn't know. I wonder if it would be okay for me to send an application just to see what I will need to do once the application has been read, without expecting it to be accepted (just to know what the next step would be.)



Thanks everyone for your responses so far. I've always wanted to know exactly what process you go through in order to be employed by Valve, so your comments are appreciated.

[HEART]

They'd probably do a phone screen first if you met the qualifications.

[Exhibit A]

Originally posted by Silversun ✴ Moon 0430:

They'd probably do a phone screen first if you met the qualifications.

Ah, okay. I was thinking they would probably do something like that first. Thanks.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

you also need a resume with your qualifications and degrees for the certain position you are applying for.

[Exhibit A]

Originally posted by cSg|mc-Hotsauce:

you also need a resume with your qualifications and degrees for the certain position you are applying for.

:qr:

That's understandable. I suppose I'll have to look through the qualifications of all the job openings on their website.

Still, I'm curious as to what job opening would cover making updates for one of Valve's multiplayer games like TF2. When making updates for TF2, Valve doesn't usually make their own assets anymore, and they normally take cosmetics from the community workshop (as well as maps) so I know that asset modelling wouldn't play as big of a part as other things, as well as level designers who would normally make the maps. What job would cover simply adding new features to a game in general? Or making changes to a game, like upgrading something to a newer engine such as Source 2.

[smash]

The bottom line is that Valve hires people with a proven track record of getting things done. Every employee at Valve takes complete ownership over their tasks and projects. Since this is the case, you need to have a resume of projects you've worked from start to finish.

[HEART]

Originally posted by smash:

The bottom line is that Valve hires people with a proven track record of getting things done. Every member at Valve takes complete ownership over their tasks and projects. Since this is the case, you need to have a resume of projects you've worked from start to finish.

Sounds about right. This being said, you will need VERY strong references as well as a portfolio of work.

[MancSoulja]

Depends what position you're applying for. You don't need a degree in maths to be a receptionist, but you do to be a software developer.