6 answers
Usama
Student
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
1
Question
Updated
887 views
How can one land a job at an entry level as market is overcrowded and you easily get rejected??
Looking for data analyst entry level job but getting no responses even if using tailored resume, even applying to other roles.
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6 answers
Lys Severtson
program management
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Lys’s Answer
Focus on conversations/networking rather than applying to online postings. Here's why:
Online submissions go into a big void. You rarely hear back. It's discouraging. Here's why applying to any and all job postings can quickly make it feel like a loosing battle.
1) Some job postings are simply feeling out the market but don't have actual funding for the position yet, executive approval to hire, etc.
2) Because it's easy to post, hiring parties have no incentive to be selective about the number of applicants they allow, the specificity of their requirements, or the seriousness with which they are actually considering hiring for the position.
3) The amount of effort you put into applying for jobs at which you know no one is HUGE. The feedback your receive by doing this is LITTLE to NONE. That feels pretty discouraging.
On the other hand, conversations give you the following things that make you feel good about your progress.
1) Immediate information and feedback about a particular organization.
2) A pulse on whether you even LIKE the "vibe" of that organization.
3) A possible indication of whether that company is hiring (or plans to hire in the near future) in anything you're qualified to do.
4) Potential feedback about the particular story/resume that you bring to the conversation.
5) The potential to acquire a new mentor/advocate on your career journey (You'll know it when it happens. This is a very organic process and it doesn't happen with everyone you talk to. The person will volunteer to do things like have another conversation with you, give you more people to talk to, etc. without you even having to ask. )
6) The encouragement to keep going!
7) Potentially 1 or 2 names to talk to next. (Make sure to end your conversation asking for these referrals. People generally love to give you this info. You're not asking for a job - you're simply asking for someone to talk to next.
Online submissions go into a big void. You rarely hear back. It's discouraging. Here's why applying to any and all job postings can quickly make it feel like a loosing battle.
1) Some job postings are simply feeling out the market but don't have actual funding for the position yet, executive approval to hire, etc.
2) Because it's easy to post, hiring parties have no incentive to be selective about the number of applicants they allow, the specificity of their requirements, or the seriousness with which they are actually considering hiring for the position.
3) The amount of effort you put into applying for jobs at which you know no one is HUGE. The feedback your receive by doing this is LITTLE to NONE. That feels pretty discouraging.
On the other hand, conversations give you the following things that make you feel good about your progress.
1) Immediate information and feedback about a particular organization.
2) A pulse on whether you even LIKE the "vibe" of that organization.
3) A possible indication of whether that company is hiring (or plans to hire in the near future) in anything you're qualified to do.
4) Potential feedback about the particular story/resume that you bring to the conversation.
5) The potential to acquire a new mentor/advocate on your career journey (You'll know it when it happens. This is a very organic process and it doesn't happen with everyone you talk to. The person will volunteer to do things like have another conversation with you, give you more people to talk to, etc. without you even having to ask. )
6) The encouragement to keep going!
7) Potentially 1 or 2 names to talk to next. (Make sure to end your conversation asking for these referrals. People generally love to give you this info. You're not asking for a job - you're simply asking for someone to talk to next.
Rachael Parekh
UX designer
8
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
Hi there! While this isn't my specific area, I've been in a similar situation in my own field. Let me share what I found helpful...
Think about what sorts of companies you want to work for, who did they hire? What are the companies values? What is their business strategy? What is their culture?
Send a targeted email to a few people on linkedin that have the job you want asking VERY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS such as "If you could please spend just a few moments to tell me what is the most important thing you look for when you hire?" Or if you are lucky enough you can get time with someone that has the job you want and interview them. Most of the time they want to see that you took the time to prepare yourself before you reached out to them and if you are a promising candidate they are more likely to talk to you.
Keep refining your skill set to match the desired traits and keep active in that community. It's sort of a time and numbers game. You can document your journey and start to build a personal brand in the industry.
Rachael recommends the following next steps:
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
764
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
The entry-level data analyst market is very competitive. Many companies receive hundreds of applications for a single role, and even strong candidates may not get an interview.
Instead of only applying for jobs, focus on improving your skills and building a stronger profile. Create 3–5 projects using tools like Excel to show your data analysis abilities. For each project, explain the problem you worked on, how you analyzed the data, what steps you followed, and the results or recommendations you discovered.
Broaden your job search as well. In addition to "Data Analyst," apply for roles such as Reporting Analyst, Business Analyst, Operations Analyst, Junior Data Analyst, or Data Coordinator. These positions often involve similar skills and can be a pathway into analytics.
Networking can make a significant difference. You can reach out to alumni, attend industry events, connect with recruiters and professionals on LinkedIn, and ask for informational interviews. Many entry-level opportunities are filled through referrals rather than online applications.
Instead of only applying for jobs, focus on improving your skills and building a stronger profile. Create 3–5 projects using tools like Excel to show your data analysis abilities. For each project, explain the problem you worked on, how you analyzed the data, what steps you followed, and the results or recommendations you discovered.
Broaden your job search as well. In addition to "Data Analyst," apply for roles such as Reporting Analyst, Business Analyst, Operations Analyst, Junior Data Analyst, or Data Coordinator. These positions often involve similar skills and can be a pathway into analytics.
Networking can make a significant difference. You can reach out to alumni, attend industry events, connect with recruiters and professionals on LinkedIn, and ask for informational interviews. Many entry-level opportunities are filled through referrals rather than online applications.
Hassan Khider
Email Marketing Lead
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
The job market might be challenging right now, but don't lose hope. There is a job out there just for you. Stay patient and keep following what you love. Volunteering in areas you like can help you meet new people and open doors.
Franny Buzimkich
Executive Concierge
43
Answers
Wolcott, Connecticut
Updated
Franny’s Answer
Hi Usama,
This is one of the toughest parts of starting a career, and you're not imagining it. Many entry-level candidates feel stuck in a cycle of:
"I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience."
The good news is that the people who eventually break through usually stop competing on applications alone.
1. Stop Relying on Online Applications Alone
Many entry-level jobs receive hundreds of applications.
Instead:
Connect with alumni from your school.
Attend industry events and career fairs.
Reach out to professionals for informational interviews.
Ask friends, family, professors, coaches, and former coworkers if they know anyone hiring.
Networking often gets your résumé seen before it enters the large applicant pool.
2. Tailor Every Application
Don't send the same résumé everywhere.
Study the job description and:
Match relevant skills.
Use similar keywords.
Highlight projects, coursework, volunteer work, and internships that relate to the role.
Many employers use applicant tracking systems, so relevant keywords can make a difference.
3. Build Experience Before You're Hired
If you lack experience, create some.
Examples:
Volunteer work
Freelance projects
Student organizations
Personal projects
Competitions
Research opportunities
A project demonstrating your skills is often better than saying you're "motivated."
4. Develop Skills Employers Value
Career development resources emphasize building:
Communication skills
Relationship building
Critical thinking and problem solving
Adaptability
Teamwork
Presentation skills
These skills matter regardless of industry.
5. Apply Strategically, Not Randomly
Instead of submitting 200 generic applications:
Try:
10 highly targeted applications per week.
Research each company.
Identify a contact if possible.
Follow up professionally.
Quality frequently beats quantity.
6. Expect Rejection
Most successful professionals have been rejected many times.
A rejection usually means one of these:
Someone had more experience.
An internal candidate was chosen.
The position was canceled.
Your résumé wasn't aligned enough.
It rarely means you're not capable.
7. Focus on What You Can Control
You can't control:
The economy.
Hiring freezes.
Number of applicants.
You can control:
Your skills.
Your network.
Your résumé.
Your interview preparation.
The number of quality applications you submit.
A Mindset Shift
Many people think their first job must be their dream job.
In reality, your first job's main purpose is to:
Give you experience.
Build your network.
Teach professional skills.
Open the door to the second job.
Your first opportunity is usually a stepping stone, not your final destination.
One career-development guide emphasizes taking ownership of your growth by seeking feedback, enhancing skills, building networks, and embracing new opportunities. Those actions tend to create more opportunities over time.
If you're a recent graduate, tell me your field (HR, finance, biochemistry, marketing, engineering, etc.), and I can suggest specific entry-level roles that are often easier to break into first.
AllPeoplePeopleFilesFilesMeetingsMeetingsEmailsEmailsChatsChatsChannelsChannelsSitesSitesOtherOther
This is one of the toughest parts of starting a career, and you're not imagining it. Many entry-level candidates feel stuck in a cycle of:
"I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience."
The good news is that the people who eventually break through usually stop competing on applications alone.
1. Stop Relying on Online Applications Alone
Many entry-level jobs receive hundreds of applications.
Instead:
Connect with alumni from your school.
Attend industry events and career fairs.
Reach out to professionals for informational interviews.
Ask friends, family, professors, coaches, and former coworkers if they know anyone hiring.
Networking often gets your résumé seen before it enters the large applicant pool.
2. Tailor Every Application
Don't send the same résumé everywhere.
Study the job description and:
Match relevant skills.
Use similar keywords.
Highlight projects, coursework, volunteer work, and internships that relate to the role.
Many employers use applicant tracking systems, so relevant keywords can make a difference.
3. Build Experience Before You're Hired
If you lack experience, create some.
Examples:
Volunteer work
Freelance projects
Student organizations
Personal projects
Competitions
Research opportunities
A project demonstrating your skills is often better than saying you're "motivated."
4. Develop Skills Employers Value
Career development resources emphasize building:
Communication skills
Relationship building
Critical thinking and problem solving
Adaptability
Teamwork
Presentation skills
These skills matter regardless of industry.
5. Apply Strategically, Not Randomly
Instead of submitting 200 generic applications:
Try:
10 highly targeted applications per week.
Research each company.
Identify a contact if possible.
Follow up professionally.
Quality frequently beats quantity.
6. Expect Rejection
Most successful professionals have been rejected many times.
A rejection usually means one of these:
Someone had more experience.
An internal candidate was chosen.
The position was canceled.
Your résumé wasn't aligned enough.
It rarely means you're not capable.
7. Focus on What You Can Control
You can't control:
The economy.
Hiring freezes.
Number of applicants.
You can control:
Your skills.
Your network.
Your résumé.
Your interview preparation.
The number of quality applications you submit.
A Mindset Shift
Many people think their first job must be their dream job.
In reality, your first job's main purpose is to:
Give you experience.
Build your network.
Teach professional skills.
Open the door to the second job.
Your first opportunity is usually a stepping stone, not your final destination.
One career-development guide emphasizes taking ownership of your growth by seeking feedback, enhancing skills, building networks, and embracing new opportunities. Those actions tend to create more opportunities over time.
If you're a recent graduate, tell me your field (HR, finance, biochemistry, marketing, engineering, etc.), and I can suggest specific entry-level roles that are often easier to break into first.
AllPeoplePeopleFilesFilesMeetingsMeetingsEmailsEmailsChatsChatsChannelsChannelsSitesSitesOtherOther
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
330
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Apply aggressively and build a large verbose resume and make sure your linkedin profile matches it. Post the large resume on job search sites, indeed, careerbuilder, dice and double the number of applications you are making daily.