APPLICATION:
To apply for a General Manager role, you usually need a combination of educational qualifications, industry experience and specific skills. A degree in business administration, management, or a related field is often preferred. Additionally, experience in game design, computer science, or a related discipline may be an advantage, as a detailed understanding of the gaming industry is critical to effective decision-making in this role.
Professional industry experience is highly valued. Ideally, you should have experience in successful project management, team leadership and strategic decision-making. Relevant experience may include previous work in positions such as Project Manager, Producer or Lead in a development team, where you have demonstrated your ability to navigate the complexities of the gaming industry. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as General Managers must collaborate with diverse teams, communicate with stakeholders and articulate a compelling company vision. In addition, a good understanding of financial management, market trends and the competitive landscape of the industry is important for success in this role.
INTERVIEW:
At the interview, you can expect questions that assess your leadership skills, strategic thinking and industry knowledge. In addition to the Recruiter, the CEO, Director of Operations and representatives of various teams can also attend the interview. They may ask about your experience managing cross-functional teams, handling complex projects and making strategic decisions in a dynamic environment. Questions can explore your approach to balancing creativity with business goals, understanding market trends and ability to meet industry challenges. Additionally, your communication and interpersonal skills can be assessed as effective collaboration with different teams and stakeholders is key to success in this role. Common interview questions are:
- Can you provide an example of a challenging project you managed in the industry, highlighting how you overcame obstacles and ensured successful project delivery?
- How do you approach balancing the creative aspects of game development with the company’s business goals? Can you share a specific instance where this balance was key to the success of the project?
- How do you stay informed about industry trends and how do you incorporate that knowledge into strategic decision-making?
- Describe a situation in which you had to resolve a conflict within the team. What approach did you take and what was the result?
- In a rapidly evolving industry, how do you ensure your company remains competitive and innovative?
TECHNICAL TASK:
The technical task for a General Manager role usually focuses on your ability to understand the technical aspects related to game development. Although the role itself is more strategic and managerial, it is good to have a fundamental understanding of the technical processes and challenges of game development. The task may involve analyzing a hypothetical or real scenario, where you are asked to assess technical constraints, resource requirements and potential risks. This may include an assessment of project timelines, resource allocation and technical challenges that may affect the successful delivery of the project. The purpose of the assignment is to ensure that you can effectively bridge the gap between the game’s creative vision and its technical implementation, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
In addition, a technical task may include problem-solving scenarios related to new technologies, industry trends, or advancements in game development tools. You may be asked to propose strategies for integrating new technologies into the development process, optimize technical workflows, or solve potential technical obstacles. This aspect of the technical assignment assesses your ability to stay informed of industry developments and make informed decisions that contribute to the company’s technical success and innovation.