Finding a Job in Data Science

Now that you have decided to grow your career in data science, let's go and get one!

This chapter will cover effective job search strategies, including how to mentally prepare yourself and develop an effective resume and work portfolio. Our goal is to position you to be successful in your job search. In addition, we provide tips from insiders.

After completing this chapter, you will know how to properly develop a data science job search plan and strategy, complete with a stellar resume and cover letter to attract potential employers and an impressive project portfolio. You will also have a grasp on when and how to source jobs through networking and online job posts, and how to stay ahead of the curve with new technology skills.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

• Searching for your first data science job
• Constructing the golden resume
• Prepping for landing the interview

Searching for your first data science job

Embarking on your data science job search requires careful preparation, diligence, patience, and thick skin. Mental readiness is as vital as technical expertise, with the search often becoming a marathon rather than a sprint. Therefore, maintaining composure and perseverance in this demanding field is paramount for success. To achieve this mindset, it is pertinent that you leverage effective job-hunting skills.

An effective job hunt leverages several tools and resources at your disposal. Job board sites are crucial, functioning as bridges between you and potential employers. Learning how to navigate these platforms effectively can convert them from daunting job databases into your personal gold mines. Equally crucial is a professionally curated portfolio that showcases your technical acumen, problem-solving prowess, creativity, and passion for data science. That’s right – landing a data science job will require more than technical...

Constructing the Golden Resume

Your resume is arguably the single most important document in your job search journey. It acts as a first impression, a summary of your skills and experiences, and, ultimately, the key to unlocking the door to the interview stage. Given its importance, investing time and effort into crafting a compelling resume is critical.

In today’s digital age, the initial review of your resume is often not performed by a human but rather by an algorithmic system known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems perform the initial screening and filtering of resumes. However, while optimizing your resume for ATS, it’s equally crucial to make it compelling for human readers. This is why resumes should contain a cohesive and concise structure and format.

The perfect resume myth

When creating a resume, many job seekers fall into the trap of striving for an elusive perfect document. They spend countless hours fine-tuning every word and agonizing...

Prepping for landing the interview

The guidelines in this section will help you increase your chances of reaching the initial screening stage and landing an interview.

Thorough interview preparation is paramount. It requires keeping pace with industry changes, researching target companies and hiring managers, and cultivating your professional brand and network.

Staying current with the fast-paced changes in the data science industry is crucial for differentiating yourself against candidates with outdated skills. Demonstrating your knowledge of the latest trends and technologies showcases your dedication and ability to master emerging challenges. Additionally, conducting extensive research on companies and hiring managers allows you to effectively align your skills and values with their needs and tailor your application and interview responses. Meanwhile, investing time in building your professional brand and network enhances your visibility and provides valuable connections and...

References

• [1] Working Whole: How to Unite Your Career and Your Work To Live Fullfilled by Kourtney Whitehead (Simply Service, 2019)
• [2] The Biggest Job Search Myth, Debunked by Jennifer Parris, from Flexjobs: https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/biggest-job-search-myth-debunked/#:~:text=About%2070-80%20percent%20of%20job%20listings%20are%20never,public.%20Instead%2C%20they%E2%80%99re%20filled%20through%20word-of-mouth%2C%20or%20networking
• [3] Use the 70% Principle To Find Your Next Job, by Kelly Studer, from Ivy Exec: https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2014/use-70-principle-find-next-job/
• [4] 7 Benchmark Metrics to Improve Your Recruiting Funnel by Stephanie Sparks, from Jobvite: https://www.jobvite.com/blog/recruiting-funnel/