8 answers
Joshua
Student
Rockville, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
2446 views
How as a recent graduate do I get interview for entry data and business analyst jobs when no one seems to be hiring or AI is looking at the resume?
Highly dedicated and detailed-oriented Information Systems Graduate with organizational proficiency, attention to detail, analytical expertise, and a commitment to
continuous learning. Seeking a full-time opportunity that offers growth and learning while
contributing to the organization's success.
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8 answers
Marty Meyer
General Manager
62
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Getting from a resume to an interview can be challenging, but here are some steps to help:
1. Use the exact words and phrases from the job ad in your resume.
2. Ensure every line on your resume highlights a skill or experience relevant to the job. Be clear and direct so that both AI and hiring managers can easily see your qualifications.
3. Customize your resume for each job application. Use AI tools to tailor your resume to match the specific requirements of each position.
4. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and engaging. Regularly post content related to your field, even if it's not strictly business-related. For example, if you work in entertainment, you might post about sports.
Best of luck!
1. Use the exact words and phrases from the job ad in your resume.
2. Ensure every line on your resume highlights a skill or experience relevant to the job. Be clear and direct so that both AI and hiring managers can easily see your qualifications.
3. Customize your resume for each job application. Use AI tools to tailor your resume to match the specific requirements of each position.
4. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and engaging. Regularly post content related to your field, even if it's not strictly business-related. For example, if you work in entertainment, you might post about sports.
Best of luck!
Theophilus Mensah
Discovery Intern @Deloitte |2x Founder | TMCF Scholar | Business + CIS @ GSU | Harvard ALP 25’
71
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Joshua, here is the truth I want you to understand clearly. Listen closely.
Sometimes the jobs you’re applying for aren’t even publicly posted. Why? Because the company only needs one or two people, and they already know who they want to hire usually someone who’s already in their network, or someone who made a strong impression on them.
Now picture this: what if a hiring manager, a senior analyst, or even a director at one of these companies was your mentor?
Do you think you’d be overlooked? No. They would help you succeed. They would walk you in the door.
But that doesn’t happen by luck. That happens by genuinely caring about what people do and letting them see your hunger to learn, your curiosity, your dedication.
Here’s what I want you to start doing:
Instead of only applying for jobs, go deeper.
1. Build connections inside the company.
2. Ask people what they’re working on.
3. Ask how they bring value to their team and clients.
4. Ask why they chose that company or even that office.
5. Show them you’re not just interested in a job but you are also interested in the work, in their mission, values, and the people.
Once you start doing that, I promise it won’t be AI scanning your résumé that gets you in.
People will open doors for you.
Because let’s be honest, people hire people they like, people they trust, and people who show real interest.
So let your curiosity speak louder than your résumé.
Now go out there and make the right people remember your name.
Sometimes the jobs you’re applying for aren’t even publicly posted. Why? Because the company only needs one or two people, and they already know who they want to hire usually someone who’s already in their network, or someone who made a strong impression on them.
Now picture this: what if a hiring manager, a senior analyst, or even a director at one of these companies was your mentor?
Do you think you’d be overlooked? No. They would help you succeed. They would walk you in the door.
But that doesn’t happen by luck. That happens by genuinely caring about what people do and letting them see your hunger to learn, your curiosity, your dedication.
Here’s what I want you to start doing:
Instead of only applying for jobs, go deeper.
1. Build connections inside the company.
2. Ask people what they’re working on.
3. Ask how they bring value to their team and clients.
4. Ask why they chose that company or even that office.
5. Show them you’re not just interested in a job but you are also interested in the work, in their mission, values, and the people.
Once you start doing that, I promise it won’t be AI scanning your résumé that gets you in.
People will open doors for you.
Because let’s be honest, people hire people they like, people they trust, and people who show real interest.
So let your curiosity speak louder than your résumé.
Now go out there and make the right people remember your name.
I came in here to say what Theophilus just commented about. He's 100% right. It's often "who you know". I work for GitLab, we do not use AI to screen resumes here. We will always have Human Interviewers, but we do use AI to supplement our roles, take off some of the Administrative load for Recruiters.
Jessica Lacey
Thank you, Jessica! I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn. I tried to send an invite but I don't have your personal email so it didn't go through due to the settings in your account. Thank you!
Theophilus Mensah
Peter Nelson
Recruiter
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hello! Try to meet people face-to-face as much as possible. When you do, be ready with a quick introduction about yourself. Attend seminars and association meetings in person whenever you can. Practice describing yourself in just 30 seconds. Make sure to have your own business cards to give out. Stand out from the crowd!
Neil Maude
Business Leader
22
Answers
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Hi Joshua
This is one of those situations where hard work is going to win out.
As you say, there are signs of a slow down in hiring ... but that's a slow down, not a stop and there are *always* companies out there who're hiring.
You just need to find them ... that'll mean a lot of speculative contacting.
Just remember that you only need *one* success and a 'no' just means you're learning (good companies will give you feedback ... if not, well, you've dodged a bullet and their loss).
Also, make up a portfolio of your personal projects and get it online. That might well be enough to pique someone's curiosity ... and there you go. Create some permalinks, so you can see who's checking out your portfolio etc.
Good luck - you'll be great!
Neil
This is one of those situations where hard work is going to win out.
As you say, there are signs of a slow down in hiring ... but that's a slow down, not a stop and there are *always* companies out there who're hiring.
You just need to find them ... that'll mean a lot of speculative contacting.
Just remember that you only need *one* success and a 'no' just means you're learning (good companies will give you feedback ... if not, well, you've dodged a bullet and their loss).
Also, make up a portfolio of your personal projects and get it online. That might well be enough to pique someone's curiosity ... and there you go. Create some permalinks, so you can see who's checking out your portfolio etc.
Good luck - you'll be great!
Neil
Kate Conroy
Associate Marketing Manager
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kate’s Answer
I would recommend reaching out to any connections or mutual connections you may have from places you are applying to - getting a referral is a really good way to get your resume on the table to get looked at, and a lot of the time that can make all the difference. As far as your concerns about AI, you can use this to your advantage. I would recommend feeding your resume and the job posting into an AI platform and asking what areas of improvement there are on your resume based on the posting to ensure you have all your bases covered.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Mateo Williams
10
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Mateo’s Answer
Breaking into data/business analyst roles as a recent grad is tough, but there are some strategies that can increase your chances:
Tailor your resume to job descriptions – Use keywords from each posting so your resume gets past ATS filters. Even small wording tweaks (SQL vs. “structured query language”) can make a big difference.
Build a small portfolio – Recruiters love to see practical proof. Publish a few projects on GitHub or Kaggle (e.g., data cleaning, dashboarding in Power BI/Tableau, basic predictive analysis). It shows initiative and separates you from other grads.
Leverage LinkedIn networking – Reach out to analysts at companies you admire. Ask for quick informational chats rather than jobs directly. Sometimes referrals open more doors than cold applications.
Apply broadly, including internships/contract roles – Even short-term projects can give you experience that converts into full-time work.
Keep learning – Certifications like Google Data Analytics, SQL, or Tableau can boost your resume. They’re affordable and widely recognized.
It’s frustrating right now with slower hiring + AI screening, but persistence plus showing tangible skills usually wins. Many analysts I know landed their first role through projects + networking, not just job boards.
Tailor your resume to job descriptions – Use keywords from each posting so your resume gets past ATS filters. Even small wording tweaks (SQL vs. “structured query language”) can make a big difference.
Build a small portfolio – Recruiters love to see practical proof. Publish a few projects on GitHub or Kaggle (e.g., data cleaning, dashboarding in Power BI/Tableau, basic predictive analysis). It shows initiative and separates you from other grads.
Leverage LinkedIn networking – Reach out to analysts at companies you admire. Ask for quick informational chats rather than jobs directly. Sometimes referrals open more doors than cold applications.
Apply broadly, including internships/contract roles – Even short-term projects can give you experience that converts into full-time work.
Keep learning – Certifications like Google Data Analytics, SQL, or Tableau can boost your resume. They’re affordable and widely recognized.
It’s frustrating right now with slower hiring + AI screening, but persistence plus showing tangible skills usually wins. Many analysts I know landed their first role through projects + networking, not just job boards.
Kate Porter
Strategy & Planning
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Your question resonates so strongly. I think we have all experienced feeling something similar to what you are experiencing. It's tough trying to say the right things on a resume, worrying that technology might miss your application. AI can make this feeling stronger. Here are a few tips that have helped:
- Remember, this feeling isn't the whole story. You still have control over your next steps.
- Focus on building human connections. While technology can be a barrier, connecting with people is often more effective and lasting.
Let's focus on building human connections. Many people reach out to me on LinkedIn with curiosity. Those who succeed typically do these three things, and some even add a fourth:
1. Start with curiosity. Most people want to help and connect with others.
2. Share your interests and goals. This helps people understand why you want to connect, making them more likely to assist.
3. Offer your time and insights. Sharing your unique perspective can be valuable to experienced professionals. (explore the concept of 'reverse mentoring')
4. Optional: Connect through mutual contacts. Being introduced by someone they trust can make a big difference. I recently had a former colleague reach out to introduce me to a recent graduate they knew for a conversation. I was more than happy to meet with that person because I had such a strong relationship with that colleague.
Try reaching out to others. Be brave, explore with curiosity, and share your insights. Build genuine connections.
It will take practice and might feel uncomfortable, but it's worth it. Human connections can open new doors beyond the usual paths.
Rooting for you in your pursuit!
- Remember, this feeling isn't the whole story. You still have control over your next steps.
- Focus on building human connections. While technology can be a barrier, connecting with people is often more effective and lasting.
Let's focus on building human connections. Many people reach out to me on LinkedIn with curiosity. Those who succeed typically do these three things, and some even add a fourth:
1. Start with curiosity. Most people want to help and connect with others.
2. Share your interests and goals. This helps people understand why you want to connect, making them more likely to assist.
3. Offer your time and insights. Sharing your unique perspective can be valuable to experienced professionals. (explore the concept of 'reverse mentoring')
4. Optional: Connect through mutual contacts. Being introduced by someone they trust can make a big difference. I recently had a former colleague reach out to introduce me to a recent graduate they knew for a conversation. I was more than happy to meet with that person because I had such a strong relationship with that colleague.
Try reaching out to others. Be brave, explore with curiosity, and share your insights. Build genuine connections.
It will take practice and might feel uncomfortable, but it's worth it. Human connections can open new doors beyond the usual paths.
Rooting for you in your pursuit!
Shonda Magee
Program Coordinator, Quality Assurance Compliance Coordinator
2
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Shonda’s Answer
Consider looking into staffing agencies. Many temporary jobs can turn into permanent ones if you do well. I've experienced both sides of this process: working as a recruiter and being hired permanently from a temporary role. I suggest signing up with all the local staffing agencies online. Don't worry too much about the starting salary; what's important is getting your foot in the door. If a temporary job doesn't suit you, you can always leave and try something else.
This is what I was going to say. We almost exclusively hire from Staffing agencies to start and them look to convert after a short period. Its a good way to get your foot in the door.
David O'Daniel