How can I land my first job as a data analyst?
How can I land my first job as a data analyst?
I have been studying data analytics for a while now. And I have extensive experience in the banking and finance industry. but it just seems impossible for me to land my first job as a data analyst.
I must have applied for more than 200 jobs by now, and I had my CV looked at by professionals whom I paid more than 100 dollars for and I update my cover letters according to different jobs.
But I have only gotten one interview.
I don't understand what's happening. Is it that hard to land your first job as a data analyst??
PS: Thank you everyone for your answers. I think what I lack is networking. I have the technical skills required for at least a junior data analyst, I've got SQL excel, tableau even Power Bi. I have many qualifications and certificates from reputable universities. For example, my certificate for Power Bi is with the University of Sydney. And I'm currently studying Master of Business Analytics at the University of Technology Sydney. I have participated in Virtual Internship with KPMG and I have Google Data Analytics certificate as well.
But, I am not a big fan of networking to be honest, and I use to hate those events, it really felt like a slaughter market for me lol! I think I should change my mindset and be brave. Thanks guys!
11 answers
Chirayu’s Answer
Zachary’s Answer
Getting started in or transitioning into a career can feel like a Sisyphean effort. While time and effort will eventually get you where you want to be, it's not an efficient approach to entering a career field.
Instead of measuring your effort by volume of resumes sent or investments in professional resume writers, try measuring it in the quality of your time invested. Investing as much time into research and building bridges as you do into sending resumes can make a world of difference. I recommend the following:
1 - identify firms with employees who fill roles similar to your desired position where you have connections.
2 - consider your connection and reach out appropriately.
a. friend - be direct and ask them for some insight to the hiring practices, who makes decisions in hiring, and what skills they most appreciate.
b. peer-level contact - be respectful of their time and curious about their experiences with the company. Ask if they could help you connect with someone in the field to discuss their work, skills, and what makes for a good fit with the company.
c. senior contact - be respectful and concise. Defer to their experience and ask if they would be open to periodic mentoring chats where you can discuss your goals, possible next steps, etc. Eventually, you may reach a place where you can ask about best practices for seeking a role in their company or if they know anyone in their network who would be looking for someone with your skills.
3 - maintain connections that you build and offer to assist them in turn if anything comes up.
Definitely keep submitting your resume for openings that interest you alongside building some relationships that could help open doors.
Juliana’s Answer
I agree to all other answers. If I may add, the thing that really made the difference for me was creating a public porfolio. My last two roles gave me a positive feedback regarding the fact that I was willing to share what I knew. It was really outside my comfort zone (as I was afraid that I might share code or solutions that weren't perfect). As I am not a WebDeveloper, I used GitHub to create a simple website and saved all of my Jupyter Notebooks there. Writing a Medium or any other article definitely gives a positive impact as well.
You probably already have material to get started, use your dissertations and other tasks from your previous courses you mentioned.
Also, just keep applying. Seriously. Eventually things will happen.
All the best,
Juliana
Juliana recommends the following next steps:
Mara’s Answer
Brandy’s Answer
Sarah’s Answer
Zoe’s Answer
Aaron’s Answer
Gabriela’s Answer
- Network: Networking can be a powerful tool for finding job opportunities. Consider joining professional organizations or attending industry events to meet people who work in data analysis or related fields. These connections may be able to help you find job openings or provide you with valuable advice and guidance.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter: Make sure that your resume and cover letter are tailored specifically to the job you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and be sure to use language that is consistent with the job description.
- Enhance your skills: Consider taking additional courses or earning certifications to enhance your skills and make yourself a more competitive candidate.
- Consider internships or part-time work: Even if you can't find a full-time job right away, consider looking for internships or part-time work in data analysis. This can be a great way to gain experience and build your resume.
- Be persistent: Keep applying for jobs and don't get discouraged if you don't get a response right away. It can take time to find the right opportunity, so be persistent and keep trying.
I hope these suggestions are helpful!
Olivia’s Answer
I am an IT recruiter for more than 20 years, I can say that First job is very challenging, but there are some actions you can do.
-Certifications are very important and helpful, if you study a course and can aprove the certification test it could help a lot.\
- Look for Bootcamps there are some organizations that can help in starting your career.
- In my Country there is an organization named https://www.laboratoria.la/ is an organization for Women in technology that offer training, mentoring and also help you to found your first job, review if in your country are organization alike.
- Join groups Women in Technology and data Analyst groups.
- Go to events, conferences or trainings for data Analyst, you can met people in the area of data Analyst that can help you or mentor.
- Ask for internships or trainee programs all the companies have those programs.
Good Luck
Hector’s Answer
Sometimes it can be frustrated when we start looking for a job, but the important thing here is not decline, if this is something you really like, and desire keep looking for it. You mentioned you have experience on finance and banking, take advantage of that, so maybe an option could be apply on that sector, but not looking only for a position as a data analyst, because companies have same role with many different names, like business analyst, system analyst, data analytics, etc. ; as some colleagues suggested previously, on your CV focus and highlight your strengths, technical and soft skills, be descriptive on what can you provide to the companies, what kind of solutions/fresh ideas you can bring to the companies, what is your objective and goals. Don't forget to be updated on new technologies and I wish you the best and success in your career.