Data modeling is a process that transforms data into information that can be acted on. All businesses generate data, be it sales, revenue, expenditure, turnover, website traffic statistics, customer information, etc. In its raw form, this data is essentially meaningless. However, a good data model enables a business to develop a logical database that users can access to get meaningful information.
Data modeling is a technical skill that requires foundational knowledge in information technology, computer science, or applied mathematics. Some employers prefer candidates with additional training in business management or information systems management. Proficiency in the following areas is an added advantage:
Data modelers often start as data analysts and transition to senior roles as they gain experience. Having certifications is crucial, especially in formal settings. So consider extra training in courses like Big Data Science, Big Data Engineering, Data Science with R, and Big Data Hadoop Training, among others. The demand for data modelers is expected to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028, translating into 10,500 jobs in the U.S. alone.
If this is your career line, here is how to tailor your data modeler resume.
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A data modeler develops data models. This means designing, implementing, and documenting data modeling solutions and data architecture using the various types of databases, i.e., relational, NoSQL, and dimensional. These models are then used to support other business processes.
This resume focuses on the applicant's skill set and experience. Being a technical job, data modelers mostly stand out on the basis of their skill set. So, having a specific 'Skills' section is a good way to tell the hiring managers that you are well-trained. A data modeler is an experienced data analyst. So, show your career growth, highlighting your accomplishments over the years.
Use metrics (numbers and percentages) to show the scale of your accomplishments. Hiring managers want to know the impact you will have on their organization should they hire you. So quantify your achievements. Write them like this: "Developed & implemented custom SSRS-SSIS reports improving workflow by 45%."
Certifications prove that you have much more than foundational knowledge in data modeling. If you're transitioning from a data analyst to a data modeler position, show that your have furthered your training. Valuable certifications for a data modeler include IBM Certified Data Architect, Amazon Web Services Certified Big Data, MapR Certified Data Analyst, and so on. Include these in your resume.
Aligning your data modeling skills to a specific niche makes your resume stand out. As an Oracle Data modeler, your expertise is in developing Oracle databases. These databases are fully scalable, so they are preferred by enterprises managing and processing data across local and wide area networks.
An Oracle Data Modeler resume focuses on showcasing experience and value using Oracle. As one of the most cost-effective and flexible databases for managing applications and information, Oracle skills are in-demand. So, the resume summary should ideally capture your top oracle data modeling skills and their impact on organizational goals.
Action verbs help your achievements capture the hiring manager's attention. More importantly, ensure that you use fresh and industry-specific words to give your resume a confident tone and add clarity to your contributions. So use verbs like "spearheaded," "analyzed," "architected," and so on.
Tailor your resume to a specific niche. This resume mentions the job title (Oracle Data Modeler) at the top to portray the applicant as an authority in the field and get past ATS. Also, use keywords related to that specific field throughout your resume, e.g., Oracle File Systems, Oracle Reports, etc.
Junior Data Modeling jobs are entry-level positions that mostly involve developing conceptual, physical, and logical data models to support business intelligence and data analysis requirements. They also ensure technology solutions align with data architecture principles. A person in this position is expected to be experienced in complex data systems and solutions.
The resume highlights the key technical skills of the applicant. The job applicant prioritizes the experience gained over five years in the industry. Skills are a staple for data modeling resumes. Therefore, resumes devote a special section to highlight the applicant's skills regardless of their duration in the industry.
Since you're just getting into mainstream data modeling, show the hiring manager that you have a solid educational background that enhances your data modeling knowledge. So if you have a BSc. In Computer Engineering, add the Mathematics and Statistics units you took or something related.
Hiring managers and recruiters rarely go through an entire resume – they don't have that time. However, you can still ensure they get the most out of your resume by condensing your skills and experience in a resume summary. Remember to start with the skills stated in the job description.
We asked hiring managers from top companies like Oracle, SAP, and Salesforce about what they look for in data modeling resumes. Their insights helped shape the following tips to make your resume stand out. These tips go beyond the basic resume writing advice and focus on what works for data modeling roles.
Numbers speak louder than words when it comes to your data modeling experience. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to give hiring managers a clear picture of your capabilities.
In contrast, simply listing your responsibilities without measurable outcomes makes your experience less impactful. Avoid vague statements like:
A resume summary for a Data Modeling role is optional but can be highly beneficial if you want to provide additional context or highlight key qualifications that may not be immediately apparent from the rest of your resume. It's a concise, targeted statement that summarizes your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements as they relate to the Data Modeling position you're seeking.
When crafting your summary, focus on showcasing your expertise in data modeling, database design, and any specific tools or methodologies you specialize in. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you've made in previous roles. Remember, your summary should complement the rest of your resume, not duplicate it.
The work experience section is the core of your resume. It's where you highlight your most relevant and impressive professional experiences. When applying for data modeling roles, it's crucial to showcase your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the impact you've made in previous positions.
In this section, we'll guide you through the key steps to craft a compelling work experience section that will catch the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.
The education section of your data modeling resume should be concise and highlight your most relevant qualifications. Here are some key tips to make this section stand out to hiring managers.
The best way to showcase your experience and skill set is by using bulleted statements that start with an action verb. As a rule of thumb, the action verbs should be past tense. In your resume, this should look like this:
Strong action verbs make your achievements stand out and get the hiring manager's attention. However, ensure you use a different verb for every achievement and accomplishment that you highlight. Also, use fresh action verbs to sharpen your language.
Here are fresh resume action verbs you can use:
For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
Data modeling is a technical subject that needs you to showcase and demonstrate that you possess the skills necessary to succeed in the field. Start by reviewing the skills stated in the job description and include these in your resume. For highly technical jobs like data modeling, we recommend having a Skills section where you highlight these skills. Mentioning skills like Data Warehousing, Erwin, OLAP Tools, etc., strengthens your resume and makes you appear conversant with industry practices.
Here are some skills to mention in your data modeling resume.
You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Data Modeling job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
