Job hunting after a layoff or a career gap

On our 2026 calls, 66 of the 108 games candidates where we recorded it mentioned a layoff or a gap, so you are in common company.

On your CV

• Real dates for every job, matching LinkedIn

• One line for the gap: what happened and what you did in that time

• Freelance work, courses and side projects listed like any other work

• Your latest shipped work near the top

Your portfolio

• Add one small new piece if your last work is more than a year old

• Ask your old studio what you are allowed to show

• Keep a short write up for anything under NDA

On the call

• Say it early, in a sentence or two

• Keep it factual, with no complaints about your last employer

• Move on to the work you want to do next

• Say how soon you can join. It helps you

Questions you can ask

• How long is this project funded?

• Who does this role report to, and how long has the team been together?

• For contract roles: length, renewal, leave and insurance

• When is salary paid each month?

Money while you search

• Set a range you can explain, based on what similar roles pay

• Short contracts can be a good bridge, once you know what they include

• Have your full and final settlement and relieving letter in order, or know their status