Breathe in, breathe out, and try to find that patience. Finding the right job sometimes feels like you are wandering through a maze. Every twist and turn feels overwhelming as you try to find your career path. Over the last 135 days, I've applied to 76 jobs in my quest to find my happy data home. I started back in September 2024 but have really been more focused these past few months on applying. I used a combination of Tableau, Google Sheets, and Canva in this analysis. Let's dig in and see how my journey has been so far....
Most Productive Day? Thursday Won the Race!
One unexpected insight from my analysis is that Thursdays emerged as my most productive day for job applications. It was fun to find this trend emerge and to realize I end my week with motivated energy - keeping momentum through Friday.
Call to Action:
Find ways to stay motivated throughout the week, especially on Wednesday which showed a major dip in applications. Also having a goal to set aside time in the evening on weekends to job hunt, because you never know what is lurking around the corner.
Job Categories: Consulting & Technology Dominated the Field!
As I analyzed my job applications, I noticed a strong pull toward the consulting and technology sectors— a natural fit for my skills in the Business & Data Analyst realm.
Call to Action:Â
It may be beneficial to broaden my search into other fields where I have experience, such as special needs. What data-related opportunities exist in that space? Exploring this could lead me to a new path.
Pending Applications: 41 out of 64 Applications are Still in Limbo!
The waiting period in job hunting can be challenging. Currently, 41 out of my 64 applications remain in limbo, leaving me balancing hope for interviews with uncertainty about the future. Also facing rejection is never easy. Out of the 76 jobs I applied for, I received mainly rejections, which has been tough to swallow. However the high amount of pending applications could have a gem interview waiting just for me.
Call to Action:Â
To stay positive I need to focus on submitting new applications rather than dwelling on the 'WAITING' cells in my spreadsheet. Â Every NOÂ is a step closer to YES, and even interviews that end in rejection are valuable experiences. My goal is to keep that momentum and celebrate the small wins.
Location Type: I’m Exploring My Options & Chasing the Remote Dream!
In my job search, I have also explored different location types, with a good portion focused on remote opportunities. I am very fortunate that quite a few companies in the tech sector are increasingly offering remote positions, making it easier to find opportunities.
Call to Action:Â
I need to continue to look for jobs in all scopes of location types to not corner myself into one position. This will help me be flexible and uncover some unique career choices as I continue to apply.
Short & Sweet Learning Experience: Reflections on My Job Application Journey
This short and sweet analysis has been a great learning experience of where I can grow in my application era. I believe in each step, whether it's applying, being offered a job, rejection, or uncertainty. Each step in the road provides a valuable lesson.
Main Takeaways?
Adjusting my expectations - it's not a sprint, it's a marathon!
Celebrate my small victories, like completing an application or receiving feedback or finding a new opportunity by networking!
Making Blogs or posting to LinkedIn: by continuing to share my experience will pay off by finding others in the same boat and it's rewarding to share in that journey.
Just keep applying, stay motivated, and focus on the future!
Cheers to the adventure waiting for each us, I hope we all find our Happy Data Home.
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