I started applying for data analyst jobs in beginning of October of this year. At first I wasn't getting any interviews, I had applied to 50+ jobs but nothing. I decided to change my strategy. I went to LinkedIn and started following content creators who had experience in HR or who have been on hiring teams. I began implementing their suggestions. Since then I've gotten more interviews.
Please note I don't have experience in hiring but I this has think improved my likelihood of getting an interview.
Below are the four ways.
1 - Posting on LinkedIn
I have been posting 3x a week. This is a sweet spot for me because I'm posting regularly and improving my chance of a recruiter or hiring manager looking at my profile. But it gives me enough time to work on job applications.
My content has shifted and focuses on data analytics. Specifically the tools, what I've learned, any resources and anything else I can think of. This showcase my knowledge and skills of data analytics and makes it more likely someone in the data field will find my LinkedIn profile.
I also interact with people who comment on my posts. I either react to the common or I reply. This is how I've made some great connections with other data content creators.
2 - Networking
I prioritize building relationships with people instead of collecting as many connections as possible. Which isn't a bad way of using LinkedIn. But for me I like to get to know my connections better. It's not possible for every single one but I now have a group of people that I talk to regularly.
One of the best ways to build relationships with others is by commenting on their posts. People notice who comments frequently. It's a great way to start forming a deeper relationship with someone.
I am also an advocate for coffee chats and I wrote an article about that here. It's a way to get to know certain connections better and to practice my conversation skills. I know it's not possible to talk with everyone but people who I regularly interact with I like to have a coffee chat.
3 - Revising my resume
In the bullet points for each of my jobs I am focusing on metrics. Also how I've used my analytical skills or problem solving skills in each job. Since these are common skills needed for data analyst.
I've also had my resume looked over and have changed and updated my format. I prioritize making the resume as easy to read as possible, simple enough that the ATS system can read it, and have a clean aesthetic. You can view my resume here. I created it using Figma.
I've also created a master resume listing all of the previous jobs. This is never submitted to a job application but used as a record of my past jobs and volunteer work. Each has several bullet points that focus on metrics and the value I brought to each job. It helps when I'm applying to jobs. I can easily switch out the bullet points or the jobs to tailor better to the job post. More on that below.
4 - Being specific with job applications
For each job description I review it carefully and then tailor my resume to include keywords that the job posting mentioned. For instance if the post mentioned the importance of communication I would definitely mention that in one of my bullet points for a job (using one of my bullet points from my master resume).
I also try to find job applications that people are less likely to fill out. I try not to use LinkedIn's easy apply because everyone does that and that probably means you're facing a lot of competition in that job post. I typically apply for jobs that may have you apply on their website or I apply for jobs in my area because there is less competition than if it was remote
I do write cover letters occasionally and I have a general template. But only when I feel the need or if it's required. Mostly because I am transitioning careers and It may be helpful to explain my story that my resume couldn't. But I'm prepared for no one reading my cover letter but I'd like to have one rather than not in some cases. I also make sure to research each job posting, company and if given the hiring manager I message them on LinkedIn.
These are all the ways I've increased my chances of getting an interview. To be honest some of this is speculation (like posting frequently on LinkedIn). But networking has been vital since at least two of my interviews have been through referrals.