What I'd Tell You Over Coffee: The Master Guide for Breaking Into Data
I get a lot of messages from people about how to break into data.
Students finishing up their degrees and wanting to set themselves up for success.
Grads sending out resumes into the void and not hearing back from recruiters.
Career Changers wondering if it's too late or if anyone will take a chance on them.
And I've been there.
In 2022, I had started a Data & Analytics Bootcamp and had no idea what a job looked like.
I was applying for any 'Data Analyst' roles on Seek and hoping for the best.
I sent hundreds of applications but got minimal responses.
Breaking into data can be hard.
That was the case until one breakthrough changed everything.
And I landed a job as a Data Analyst but it wasn't easy.
I want to speak to the person that is there now, but am spread too thin.
So...
Here are years of knowledge in one master guide that I've cultivated from being in the shoes of an aspiring data professional, landing a job in data at an ASX-listed company to now running a recruitment agency specialised in data folk.
This is everything I’d tell you if we were having a coffee chat.
Whether you're fresh out of uni or changing careers at 40, there’s a path forward.
You just need to understand the map.
(Pro Tip: Run this through ChatGPT and share your own background to get a tailored strategy)
1. Finding Your Bearings in Data
If you're early on in the piece, trying to figure out what roles even exist can be challenge.
Let me tell you, there is more than just 'Data Analyst' positions out there (at first I thought that was the only one!).
Start here to get more direction:
Brick by Brick: A Guide for Breaking into Data | Step-by-step thinking around how to move from zero to your first gig.
The Triple Fork in the Road: Data Analyst, Data Scientist or Data Engineer | Not sure what path to choose? This one breaks it down without the fluff.
The Job Titles Across Data, Analytics & AI | Understand what roles actually exist in the real world.
2. Building Skills Without a Job Title
The a classic chicken & egg problem of job hunting:
No one wants to give you a job without experience.
You can't get experience without a job.
This is a reality and a chasm to navigate. Here’s how you build your bridge:
No Experience, No Data, No Problem: A Project Guide for New Data Professionals | Build a portfolio that makes hiring managers pay attention.
4 Strategies for Building Soft Skills as a Data Professional | It’s not just about code. People hire people.
SELECT Mentor: Navigating Mentorship in Data & Analytics | Find people who’ll help you level up faster and avoid the dumb mistakes.
Networking in Data: Connecting Skills & Opportunities | Networking is underestimated and an area where you can get huge returns over time.
3. Crafting a Resume That Doesn’t Suck
You don’t need a flashy resume listing 42 different Python libraries.
You need a clear one that works and represents you for you.
Please don't include 'spearheaded' or 'robust' like the rest of the ChatGPT generated ones:
How to Write a CV That Doesn’t Suck (For People in Data & Tech) Straightforward advice on what to say and what to leave out.
The Resume Checklist For: Data Analysts, Data Engineers, Data Scientists Role-specific guidance so you don't sound generic.
The Secret Sauce of Top Data Hires (Hint: It’s Not Python) What actually stands out on a resume or in an interview.
4. Understanding the Hiring Process
Data hiring can be a bit of a black box.
Here’s how it actually works so you know what you're up against:
Types of Technical Testing in Data & Analytics Recruitment From take-home tasks to live SQL screens, know what to expect.
How to hire a Data Analyst in Perth Reverse engineer this process to see how companies hire.
How to Hire a Data Engineer in Perth Also to be reverse-engineered if you're going down this path.
5. Running Your Job Searcg
Job searching can feel like a full-time gig in itself.
That’s because it kind of is...treat it like it:
Run Your Job Search Like a Business | Organise your search, track your efforts, treat it like a project.
Unlocking Your Potential: Mastering the Job Search for Data Professionals | Tips for staying sharp, focused and sane while applying.
The Reverse Job Search: Leverage the Full-Power of LinkedIn | Not every job out there is online, actually there's a whole Hidden Job market.
A Word of Caution
There is a lot of hype around the Data & AI industry.
It's coined as the job of the future and sometimes is glorified.
I mean, this was why I was originally interested in it.
But, I didn't actually like doing the projects and learning about how to code or visualise data.
So, if you don't like doing projects and diving into data is an absolute chore that you abhor.
Reconsider your path. Seriously. Don't figure it out 2 years later like me.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into data isn't a binary approach. You're neither in nor out at any one time.
It's about building the brick wall that is your experience, resume, projects and network.
And to keep at it. You only fail when you stop.
And if you’ve made it in, don't forget what it felt like at the start.
Be the mentor you wish you had.
Mentor it Forward is a great avenue to give back
(Shout out 🎗️Haim Ozchakir )
DR Analytics Recruitment
As a specialist recruitment agency, we typically support experienced and niche data hires. We don’t get as many entry-level or graduate roles, and as much as I’d love to help everyone, I’m not hiding 42 grad jobs up my sleeve!
If you do want to share your resume for us to keep on file, feel free to register it below:
I'm Douglas - former data analyst and Founder of DR Analytics Recruitment. We're putting people first by building a community that connects top data and technology talent with the right companies. Our vision is an Australia empowered by data literacy.
Get in touch to learn more!
📧 Email: douglas@analyticsrecruitment.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 430 846 876
🌐 Website: https://www.analyticsrecruitment.com.au
⭕ Data Community: https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/industry-inner-join/
