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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!
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11 answers
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
I was in the similar position as yourself and not being able to land a job in data analyst role but over time it happened. Started with a role where my background was and then by building connections and going to networking events eventually landed a data analyst role when a position opened up and I was reached out too. Applying to jobs, getting your resume/ CV perfected, and having the skills to perform the job is one thing but by having hands on experience whether it be an internship or reaching out to people with similar roles on LinkedIn for example can help you tremendously as you never know what doors will open for you. I wish you the best of luck and you find what you want to do with your career.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Gave me hope :)
Coral
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Keep sticking with it!
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.
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.
Thank you Zachary it was very helpful!
Coral
Updated
Juliana’s Answer
Hi Coral,
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
Create and share portfolio/articles regarding what you know
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:
Updated
Mara’s Answer
Sometimes it's about finding the company you want to work at, landing a position there, and then working to move laterally within a company. Many big Technology firms have entry level roles (SDRs, BDRs) that fall within the sales organization and typically have employees spend 1-2 years in seat. Employees can learn a lot during these two years about the company's product and mobility within the organization. It is often easier to move internally and take a role with less experience when you're already employed and vetted than applying from the outside with no experience.
That's very true. Thank you!
Coral
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Try to provide real world examples in interviews that could be similar to what you may experience in the job you're applying for.
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Coral
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
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
I really like the women in Tech idea, thank you!
Coral
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Landing your first job can be challenging, especially in a competitive field like data analysis. Here are a few tips that may help you increase your chances of success:
- 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!
- 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!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Coral
Updated
Hector’s Answer
Hello Coral,
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.
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.
Thank you for the advice.
Coral
Updated
Zoe’s Answer
Hi Coral, I agree with the great advises above. I started in the Data science field in 2012 coming from a financial background, as an economist, and learned a lot of the technical skills required on the job itself. A related degree or / and certificates are always recommended and there are plenty of great options out there. Data analytics bootcamp can be a great way to learn new skills as well as getting some business connections. Once applying to a job, notice the keywords they are mostly using in the job descriptions and try to adjust your resume. In general I would say it's good to know at list one language (like sql , Python, R ) and one BI tool (like Qlik, powerBI, Tableau). Connect to people on LinkedIn can also help. Don't stop trying and you'll get there.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Coral
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Sometimes you need to start at a lower position and work your way into that role. I understand that could be frustrating at times, but in the end, you learn more about the company and how the data is used. In the long run, it will benefit you greatly. Many call centers have a multiple data roles, so this would be a good place to look.
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
I can second Mara's response. I became a data analyst by first joining Verizon wireless as a customer service agent. Then as I learned about the company, I began to move up throughout different areas of the business which took me to an operations role. The role I am currently in allows me to have a main focus on data analytics but also to apply the skills that I learned along my path to where I am now. I feel that it makes me a more holistic employee which is marketable and when looking at the data you are analyzing, you can get a more complete picture. This helps lead to more complete research and more creative recommendations to help drive improvements within the company.
Thank you Brandy :)
Coral