After reviewing about 175 applications for my open #data #analyst position, I feel I need to share some advise to those looking for a position. I hope this helps some people.
1. Stop copying/pasting your resume content directly out of ChatGPT. Of the ~175 resumes I looked at, about 1/4 had nearly identical content. I'm not talking about the format of the resume. I mean the actual words on the page. You need to stand out when you are applying for a job. That means demonstrating you are the right fit for the position. Not spamming your resume with every technology and industry buzz word out there. Carefully read the job posting and tailor your resume to what they are hiring for.
2. Read the job description fully and only apply for positions if you are sure that you want THIS job and not just a job. When hiring managers read resumes, it is obvious when someone is spamming jobs boards with applications. The experience listed is only tangentially related and there is nothing specific in their resume about the position being hired for. The position I have open right now is a data analyst position largely responsible for data collection and entry. The position barely mentions reporting and definitely doesn't mention anything having to do with machine learning or data engineering. Yet, the number of data scientist and engineers that applied for the position was remarkable. There is no way they would be happy in the position and if they read the description they would have realized it.
3. If you are applying for a position that isn't closely related to your previous experience, write a cover letter and tell the hiring manager why you are applying for THEIR SPECIFIC POSITION. This is necessary whether you are applying for a data analyst job as a current barista, project manager, or data engineer. Hiring managers are looking for reasons to hire YOU. I need to know why you want THIS job and blanket statements of "I think my experience perfectly aligns with the requirements" tells me you either haven't actually read the position description or didn't care enough to write a cover level specific to my open position. Additionally, just dropping in a few key phrases from the job posting is not enough. I need to know WHY you applied for the job.
Hiring manager are looking for the right candidate, not necessarily the right experience. Especially for entry level positions. I can train you and get you the experience. I need to know that you are going to be passionate about the specific work we do and that you are eager to learn any new skills needed for the job. I know it can be tough when you're out of work and just need a job, but focus on quality applications and not quantity. The number one things that catches my eye when reviewing resumes is when it's obvious someone spent the time to understand the position I'm hiring for. That goes along way when considering who to interview.
Good Luck in your search!
