Yes, Yes and Yes.

But...the portfolio has to be geared toward the particular part of the industry you want to get into. So theres no point showing off you meshes and textures if you want to animate stuff. Horses for course and all that.

Also be aware of the industry you want to work in. games developers dont want to see hi res meshes, despite thats what alot of cool in game cinematics have.

Experience is also worth noting. Im 38 years old and have no experience in games whatsoever and despite 14 collective years in 3d and 2d, in some companies I would be considered a junior, a...F******* insult in my opinion. This has happened to me from a couple of well known companies too.

So even at my 'age' you would still need to start at the bottom in some cases, unless the portfolio is a killer and and they'll consider otherwise.

But not all games places are like it though so thats the upside. Some places like a fresh approach, it keeps the company alive so to speak.

Anyway, portfolio wise, get still images done and a website, but above all a reel is the important thing here, people like the rotational models or the character animation it gives a better perspective on what they are looking at, I guess its nearer to a game graphic or final shot in a movie, so....

salary, hmm, always a difficult one, you'll want what you think you are worth and the company will pay you as to what they think you are worth (and get away with LOL).

Once your reel is done etc, yes, just find the appropriate area you want to get into and send it out with a decent cover letter, showing your enthusiasms. Keep it brief and polite though but to the point. Let your work do the talking.

Oh and dont give any B/S at an interview, you'll get found out later on if you get the job...believe me Ive had the experience of getting rid of people that have done this - on their first day too!

cheers
Jay