Hi Jen, I have exp of 4.5 years and then took time off and that got stretched and now there is a career gap of 14 years. Been trying hard for entry-level and returnship data analyst opportunities but not getting any calls. I am well versed with Excel and SQL. Intermediate knowledge of Tableau as well . Have done multiple small-medium projects involving the three skills. Is this something that you think I need mentoring help with? Thanks for your time
It sounds like you have the skills but maybe aren't communicating them in a way that's connecting with employers. This is definitely something that can be a part of mentorship. I often work with people on boosting their resume as part of a mentorship session focused on job search strategy.
you need to be very careful how you structure your resume because many companies have software that filter resumes for essential keywords or even the way your format is structured/organized could make the software be confused and accidentally toss it to the trash. I tested this hypothesis once by making 4 types of resumes with different structures for the same position at different companies that I was interested in and found that they all used different resumes whenever I would get called for an interview.
There's not much you can do other than respect their decision and look for another mentor. There are lots of reasons someone might not want to be a mentor and it may not have anything to do with you. They might not have the time or capacity, might not feel like they can meaningfully help you, or may just be prioritizing other things in their life. You could ask them once why they don't want to mentor you, but they don't owe you an explanation and trying to force someone to mentor you when they don't want to isn't going to work out well. Even if they eventually agreed, they're not likely to put the energy and engagement into mentoring you that you want.
just do what I am doing......becoming a virtual assistant and entrepeneur. In this day and age employers are EXTREMELY selective and require a lot of skills and experience because they just simply don't trust anyone like ourselves who are self taught and changing careers (Even Jen could admit, but wouldn't, that working with someone with no education or experience will make her want to look the other way). Take matters into your own hands and sell your skills for people as a service. Make a website that showcases your interests and personal projects. I even think that you could potentially make more income on your own than at a company, which I find could lead you into a digital nomad lifestyle and travel the world. it's 2023 now .......make this YOUR year!!!!! good luck!
Apply for mentorship: thecareerforce.com/coaching
Hi Jen, I have exp of 4.5 years and then took time off and that got stretched and now there is a career gap of 14 years. Been trying hard for entry-level and returnship data analyst opportunities but not getting any calls. I am well versed with Excel and SQL. Intermediate knowledge of Tableau as well . Have done multiple small-medium projects involving the three skills.
Is this something that you think I need mentoring help with?
Thanks for your time
It sounds like you have the skills but maybe aren't communicating them in a way that's connecting with employers. This is definitely something that can be a part of mentorship. I often work with people on boosting their resume as part of a mentorship session focused on job search strategy.
you need to be very careful how you structure your resume because many companies have software that filter resumes for essential keywords or even the way your format is structured/organized could make the software be confused and accidentally toss it to the trash. I tested this hypothesis once by making 4 types of resumes with different structures for the same position at different companies that I was interested in and found that they all used different resumes whenever I would get called for an interview.
You are mentoring via this channel!!
BTW, Thankyou!!
Merry Christmas!!
Thanks for the kind words! Merry Christmas! 🎄
hi - looking to change career into data analysis - what should i do if i ask someone to be a mentor and they say no?
There's not much you can do other than respect their decision and look for another mentor. There are lots of reasons someone might not want to be a mentor and it may not have anything to do with you. They might not have the time or capacity, might not feel like they can meaningfully help you, or may just be prioritizing other things in their life.
You could ask them once why they don't want to mentor you, but they don't owe you an explanation and trying to force someone to mentor you when they don't want to isn't going to work out well. Even if they eventually agreed, they're not likely to put the energy and engagement into mentoring you that you want.
just do what I am doing......becoming a virtual assistant and entrepeneur. In this day and age employers are EXTREMELY selective and require a lot of skills and experience because they just simply don't trust anyone like ourselves who are self taught and changing careers (Even Jen could admit, but wouldn't, that working with someone with no education or experience will make her want to look the other way).
Take matters into your own hands and sell your skills for people as a service. Make a website that showcases your interests and personal projects.
I even think that you could potentially make more income on your own than at a company, which I find could lead you into a digital nomad lifestyle and travel the world.
it's 2023 now .......make this YOUR year!!!!!
good luck!