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So, you’re pursuing a career in Data & Analytics. The brilliant thing about this is you’re entering a fast-growing industry with the potential for a great salary. But, unfortunately, this also means you’re probably entering into one of the most competitive fields out there right now. The question is, how can you ensure your resume stands out from the crowd and impresses any potential employer? Here are some top tips to help boost your Data & Analytics resume. Formatting is important It may seem obvious, but handing over a messy resume with no headings and massive blocks of text is no way to make a good first impression. Research suggests your resume is only looked at for a total of six seconds, so it’s important to make an impact on first glance. Not only does this entail creating a well-presented document overall, but it also means paying attention to the small details such as structuring your resume to best emphasise the qualities and experience you think speak most highly of your ability to do the job well. This is why utilising a reverse chronological format is sometimes a worthwhile idea. For a highly competitive job in a Data & Analytics related field, where past experience is an important factor, beginning a resume with your most recent experience nearest the top will draw the eye and attention of the hiring manager reading it. Additionally, make sure your skills, qualifications, extra courses and impressive achievements are highlighted and clearly stated within the main body. As such, it’s better to use bullet points wherever possible instead of paragraphs and, consequently, you’ll find your resume a lot more compact and legible; in other words, much more likely to be read and remembered. Quality over quantity Having the most aesthetically pleasing resume in the world will mean nothing if the content doesn’t relate to the job you’re applying for. Again, this may sound obvious but it’s always worth combing through your resume to eliminate any irrelevant features and leave more space to talk about the things that matter. Having a single page summarizing the most impressive contributions in your last role, or the most valuable insights gathered from a particular project you were involved with, is much more valuable than a multi-page essay about your volunteering with a local soccer club five years ago (unless, of course, your role heavily related to Data & Analytics). When introducing yourself, avoid long sentences and pronouns, and use impactful verbs when describing your achievements: for instance, try “instigated” instead of “started” and “spearheaded” instead of “led”. Also be sure to highlight and, where possible, quantify how your previous work in data/analytics benefitted your old company. Know the value of your skillset It’s worth dedicating a section of your resume just to listing your most valuable skills as they relate to the job you want. However, make sure to be specific when describing your technical skills and experience with whichever tool you’re talking about. State your level of expertise and how you utilized said software to make your knowledge clear to whoever’s reading. If you’re applying for an entry level position, however, and don’t have much experience or technical skills yet, it’s important to show off whichever skills you already have and how they will make you a great addition. It’s worth researching which of your more general skills are the most sought after by employers, and then gaining an understanding of which ones best relate to the job you’re trying to get. For jobs working in Data Science, for instance, maths skills, analytical skills and problem solving are well worth mentioning. Ultimately, you want this section to contain a comprehensive, impressive sounding, and accurate, list of your most relevant skills. If you’re interested in Big Data & Analytics, we may have a role for you. Take a look at our latest opportunities or contact one of our expert consultants to find out more: For our West Coast Team, call (415) 614 - 4999 or send an email to sanfraninfo@harnham.com. For our Mid-West and East Coast Teams, call (212) 796 - 6070 or send an email to newyorkinfo@harnham.com. This guest blog was provided by check-a-salary.
by Guest Blog
16. October 2019
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