Job Search Tips for Data Scientists
If you’re like me, you’ve built upon your existing technical skills and are looking for new opportunities. A little bit about myself, I’m a Mechanical Engineer turned Data Scientist. I’m actively on the market for a new opportunity having completed Flatiron School’s Data Science program.
Remember, job searching is a process. The average job search takes 3 to 5 months. Job searching gets draining and it’s easy to lose confidence in yourself and be overcome with imposter syndrome. Being a professional looking for new opportunities I’ve taken the time to note down what strategies help stick out to companies and organizations.
Resume & Cover letter
There’s so much I can say about what to do with a resume but one thing I’ve learned tends to be the downfall of candidates is they are note prepared to discuss their projects in depth. As a Data Scientist I am frequently asked about the projects I have worked on. These projects are what highlighted me a candidate to an employer. So when they call me in to interview, I better know my resume inside and out. Nothing is worse than a candidate who looks like they lied on their resume. I’ve had classmates and friends who unfortunately didn’t prepare to discuss the contents of their resume and lost out on opportunities. I’ll repeat it one more time because it is so important, know your resume inside and out.
You should also cater your resume to the organization’s needs. Ultimately when a position opens up, the company has a need they need to fill. A smart applicant will put the technologies and relevant projects that relate to the position’s needs will stick out to a recruiter. It’s easy to keep hitting the apply button but it will not get you very far. Remember, quality over quantity.
I also recommend reorganizing your projects on your resume so that the relevant technologies and skills you used on your project can be shown to the recruiter.
Although I’ve heard that many recruiters don’t look at cover letters anymore, my rule of thumb is to ALWAYS add a cover letter if the option is given. You want to show an organization that you care enough and took the time to include a cover letter for that very organization. That being said, I understand that cover letter’s are long and can get exhausting rewriting for every organization. In order to save time, make a template cover letter where you can change the necessary details for every organization you apply to. That way you keep that personal input, while catering the needs and your personality to an organization.
Your Online Profile
It’s 2020. If you don’t have a LinkedIn you are behind the times. LinkedIn is how many recruiters scope out candidates today. It’s an amazing tool to network with professionals in every industry. Most jobs are filled through a referral through a network connect. LinkedIn has revolutionized professional networking by acting a social media platform for professionals. You can reach out and connect with recruiters, that was much harder before.
Make sure to keep you online profile clean and concise. I stand by the school of thought that the smallest detail is the difference between a resume landing in the rejection pile and the interview pile. You want recruiters to visit your LinkedIn and be impressed with what they see. So update your work experience with detailed information, upload a nice picture and be active.
Write blogs to expand your online presence. Write about your field of study. Write about what you love about your field of study. This shows you’re passionate about what you study and your field of expertise. Employers like that in an employee. This is a part of your online profile and is an amazing opportunity for you to flex your knowledge.
Be active on your Github! Show that you’re still coding everyday! Even better, work on projects that are relevant to the company you’re aiming at. This will both keep you active on your Github, but also give you a talking point when you go in for that interview.
Network
Learning how to leverage will set you up for success. Who in your family / friend group can help you out? What advice can they give? Do any of them know anyone at a company that’s looking to hire?
Go even further from your family and friends. Look for meetup events in your city. In New York City there are a lot of Data Science and Tech meetups that take place for professionals and candidates to network with one another. I’ve met with several professionals, gotten coffee with and even gotten job referrals from networks I’ve made at these professional meetups. It’s hidden opportunity to take advantage of.
Networking in person gives you the opportunity to leave a personal impression and have an actual conversation with someone at a company. That in my belief, is the most valuable key in this whole process; leaving a last ing impression on someone at the company you’re targeting.
Final Remarks
Job searching is difficult and tends to be about being at the right place at the right time. It is a long process but the most successful job seekers are active and thorough in their approach. They leave no stone left unturned and prioritize quality over quantity. Be a little patient. You’ll get that dream job soon. If you’d like to connect on LinkedIn, follow the link and say hi!
