SOMA

   "SOMA" is a science fiction survival horror video game that was released on the 22nd of September 2015 and developed by Frictional Games (Whom are best known for the "Penumbra" series and "Amnesia: The Dark Descent", that continues to receive critical acclaim and praise for its ominous atmosphere and horror elements to this day). The game takes place on PATHOS-II, an underwater remote research facility with machinery that begins to take on human characteristics.

   The game may not be as terrifying as past titles by Frictional Games, but once again, its developers have done an absolutely amazing job when it comes to its narrative. When it might have been considered exposition for there to be so much dialogue going on between otherwise face-less characters (The only ally you truly have also happens to be a static portrait on a screen), I felt that in this case, the script was just so incredibly well written and read by the voice actors in the most heartfelt manner that it actually works, and that we as the players are still drawn in by their worries, fears and sorrows.

   It of course, still has its scary moments, or more accurately, 'heart-poundingly' intense moments, especially during chase sequences. Very much like those sequences featured in "Amnesia", Frictional games definitely hasn't lost its touch when it comes to them. Due to the distortion of the screen however when enemies are nearby or are coming after you, it is a pity that you can't actually properly see how incredibly detailed these models actually are (I was especially fascinated over one particular robot girl proxy, who had the eeriest lurking and attack themes to me as well, and so I was glad that the designers decided to post up their model sheets eventually).

   A game that focuses on a really interesting subject matter (And doing so in the heaviest manner possible), I would consider this to be one of this year's better indie horror games for its quality narrative alone. There are of course bonus points for the amount of love and effort that was clearly put into the models and settings (I have never seen such a gorgeously rendered underwater setting since the first "Bioshock") and the overall atmosphere (They have also done an amazing job at making a subtle play at thalassophobia, a phobia that is still not often made use of in most horror games).

CV Writing Workshop

• A solid 2 page, black and white, suitable for HR Standard CV is incredibly necessary
• One cannot simply rely on a creative CV
• Why? It is often the first impression that someone will get of you. You need to position and sell yourself well.
• How:
• Name and Contact Details - Use the name you use the most or want to be known by.
• Address - Use your HOME address (Where you live) not your parents.
• Email - Use an appropriate address. NOT your student email, or something with an embarrassing voice.
• Keep the address broad, eg if you live in Cullingworth put Bradford it has BD postcode. Potential employees will be aware of Bradford...
• Phone - Use your mobile. Don't use a landline if you live at home.
• Personal Profile/Statement - You really should have one and identify what you want. 
• It should be lively, succinct, avoid cliches or overused buzzwords and phrases like excellent organisational skills and be around 150 words.
• Need to contain, Aim, Ambitions, Experience and be appropriate to the job you are applying for.
• Keep it short - 6-7 lines or around 150 words.
• First impressions count. Make your statement sell you. You can use it to quickly identify relevant skills.
• List Relevant Skills - Be prepared to tweak these depending on the job you are applying for and list/prioritise appropriately.
• Do NOT Lie - It will come back and bite you. If you have a working knowledge of a piece of kit or software. don't write expert.
• List Relevant Experience - Be prepared to tweak and prioritise dependent on the job.
• No point in putting the cashiers job when you were 16 as a top experience when an employer want to know about your Maya skills.
• Make use of the placements, commissions, internships or live jobs you may have done. That's why you did them.
• Employer (Left) Role (Middle) Date (Right)
• Education - It's important but not the most important bit.
• List as most recent (Usually highest award) first.
• Don't full lis all your GCSEs or A Levels unless there  requested.
• Format Dates all to the right.
• Relevant Interests and Hobbies - These are often a god conversation point at an interview. Don't undersell them.
• References - If references are a bit thin on the ground, put that they are available on request. Always ask if it's okay to put someone down. Yes, you can put staff down but ask/inform us first.
• Photograph not needed.
• Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• RECAP:
• NAME
• ADDRESS
• CONTACT NUMBER
• PERSONAL PROFILE/STATEMENT
• SKILLS
• EXPERIENCE
• EDUCATION
• HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
• REFERENCES

Putting a Covering Letter Together

• A short letter introducing yourself going into some detail as to why you want a particular job, placement or internship.
• It can also be used as a speculative letter but would need to be broad as you may not know what a company has to offer.
• Introducing yourself - Always start with Dear. Be formal, you are not their friend yet.
• Never use I WANT or I NEED.
• Be considerate and use I would be grateful, or it would be much appreciated.
• Check your spelling.
• You need to do some research
• Find out where possible who you should be addressing and spell their name and title correctly.
• Easiest way to wind someone up is to address them wrongly.
• Keep it short - 3 Paragraphs
• Explain - What you want to do/or applying for
• Butter them up! - Show interest in their company, perhaps explain why you like their last animation, game or campaign.
• Be enthusiastic - But don't be patronising or go over the top.
• Follow up your emails/letters
• Keep in contact and ask if they got your letter/CV
• Leave it for 1-2 weeks before doing so.
• Keep track of who is interested in you. Thank those that reply, even if they say no at this time. Develop a database of Companies, contacts etc.
• Don't be afraid to apply to the same place more than once.
• Finally:
• When you send the email/letter thank the employer and say that you look forward to hearing from them.
• Make sure you actually attach your CV to the email you are sending.
• POSITIVE NEWS! You are invited in for a chat/interview:
• What to wear? In the creative industry, suit/dress and tie are not necessary.
• Be smart - Dress casually but not scruffy. Be comfortable in your self and what you are wearing.
• Attitude - First impressions are based on 55% how you look, 38%, how you sound and 7% what you actually say.