How to Show Your SQL Experience

Do you want to work in the IT industry? This is now one of the best ideas for a good career. What should convince you to do so? Demand for specialists, high earnings, and the fact that it is a future-proof profession. Interestingly, it's not gonna be that hard – especially for you, smartie! You just need some skills and good preparation for an interview to be successful. I'll tell you how to land a great job!

Every day, we observe how much technology is developing. People all over the world produce thousands of terabytes of data every day. The one who can dig into them and deduce something from them wins, especially in organizations that have long recognized data is the new gold!

Working as a data analyst or a data scientist is a hot topic today. There are many job opportunities, and there are still not enough specialists. Why? Because most people are afraid these types of roles require exceptional skills and natural abilities.

But you don't have to be a mathematical or programming genius. All you need to do is learn the database language, and you can start creating your own projects. SQL is a language that can help you get there.

Do I Need to Learn SQL to Find a Good Job?

YES! SQL is a relational database language widely used in many industries. Today, every major organization has its own IT department that deals with both technical matters and data analysis. Sometimes, data analysis is a separate department. That may turn out to be an ideal place for you to develop.

SQL has been in the market for over 50 years. That’s a long time, isn't it? A lot has changed during this time. There’s been a technological revolution, and the amount of data has increased dramatically.

SQL and data analysis have not lost their relevance. There are many popular DBMSs for you to learn. The most popular ones are MS SQL Server and PostgreSQL (find out how MS SQL Server and PostgreSQL have changed!), which you can learn with us!

Skilled data analysts are in great demand in organizations all over the world. Even if you don’t dream of an international career, you will find thousands of attractive job opportunities in the United States alone. Therefore, it still makes sense to learn SQL. A good SQL course opens the door to new career paths.

What Perspectives Does the SQL Course Give You?

The amount of data is growing all the time. Tick, tock, tick, tock. The Internet is full of information that can be very valuable. Data affects the competitiveness of the business, its efficiency in the market, and its financial results. Data can be a bargaining power and can determine success. Entrepreneurs and managers know that very well – the reason why data analytics experts are incredibly valuable as employees.

People who handle databases are needed and can count on a well-paid job. As an efficient and effective data analyst with proficiency in SQL, you contribute directly to the growth of your business.

You may want to start your own business one day, perhaps based on data analysis. Can you imagine how much benefit you can get by learning SQL? By working in a professional environment and becoming one of the best? It all starts with SQL Basics!

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But… I'm not an Expert yet; I Just Started Learning SQL!

It's very good you have started! I have some good news for you. There are also opportunities for internships and entry-level employees in the job market.

For many of them, knowing SQL basics is enough. Thanks to a set of really great tips from Jakub, getting a new job will become easier for you. Effective learning is possible with free SQL courses, which you can do online.

It can be challenging to focus on learning and to find the right motivation at first. So, if possible, develop your skills in practice. Theoretical knowledge is very important, but let's be honest – learning only theories over time can be frustrating. I’ve also prepared a set of tips to help you learn SQL faster.

Comprehensive courses from LearnSQL.com will also prove helpful. With them, you systematize the knowledge you’ve already gained or start learning from scratch. We have some great SQL for beginners courses, and one of them is SQL Basics – where I gained my first experience. If you want to read my story, you can find it here!

So? Do you want to learn how to work with databases?

Now That You've Made Your Decision... Let's See What You Can Get!

It's great you want to join the data analysis community!

If you've already browsed job sites, you know there are thousands of opportunities for pros, mids, and beginners. The positions are varied in requirements. You can be a data analyst or data engineer. And many more – the choice is yours! There are many types of database jobs. Choose one of them and start being awesome.

Let's face it – we all know salary matters a lot. Working with data is very well paid. Average earnings in the United States for SQL-related jobs are impressive.

According to the most popular websites:

Junior Data Analyst: $ 54,497 / year [indeed.com]

Data Analyst: $ 68,455 / year [glassdoor.com]

SQL Developer: $ 87,262 / year [indeed.com]

Database Administrator with SQL: $ 95,000 / year [LinkedIn Salaries]

Data Engineer: $ 125,993 / year [indeed.com]

Do you know where a good SQL course can lead you? With the right level of commitment, you can completely change your life. By learning SQL, you increase your chances of getting a great job.

Let's Find the Best Opportunities!

IT is considered to be one of the most promising directions for professional development. This is for many reasons, and in my opinion, it is rightly so. IT is constantly developing, and you can derive more and more business benefits from it.

There is a shortage of qualified specialists – enthusiasts who can support and accelerate the growth process. If you fancy databases, you can become one of them.

Let's focus on popular websites with job opportunities.

On most websites, you should use filters when querying job postings. That way, you only see postings that meet your expectations. You can choose the level of experience, the type of job, estimated earnings – except location, of course.

The vast majority of organizations advertise on Indeed.com, where you find opportunities not only in the United States but also elsewhere in the world. There are other great platforms like this.

You can use your SQL knowledge in many areas and earn good money at the same time. If you work best at home, there are also many opportunities waiting for you, which you can confidently apply for.

Do you know what to do when you find the perfect opportunity?

How to Prepare for an Interview

You have found an opportunity that meets your expectations. Are you excited about the proposed terms? You want to do your best during your interview with the recruiter! I won’t let you feel unprepared. Let's start with a few tips that help you succeed in your interview.

Do Your Research

Find out all the information available on the web about the organization you are applying to. If you have the opportunity, try to get acquainted with any comments and feedback about your potential future employer. You will likely find many sources of information on the Internet from current and former employees.

Organizations are looking for data analysts with SQL knowledge for many purposes. To best understand the needs of the organization where you are applying for a job, read the posting carefully and learn as much about the business as possible.

Knowing why you are needed in the organization may turn out to be a huge advantage over other candidates. It will be easier for you to adjust your rhetoric during the conversation. Look here to find out what questions are asked most often during interviews for positions related to data analysis. Do you see a question that is easier to answer once you understand the organization’s perspective?

A Good Resume Is Your First Advantage

Your resume is your first point of contact with the recruiter. You need to be aware your application is assessed based on one document. This is why you should take care of all the details you include in it.

Now that you understand what your dream employer requires from you, it's time to write the perfect resume. Experts in business and human resource management often agree on one aspect: your resume should be tailored to the requirements in the posting. It should also be as up-to-date as possible.

Create a resume that suits the needs of the organization you are applying to. It's best to focus on your strengths, experience, and hard skills the organization requires in the position as stated in the posting.

Also, don’t forget about the importance of a legible and attractive format that draws attention to the most important information. You can use online resume generators such as MyPerfectResume.com or ResumeBuild.com. This significantly reduces the time it takes to create a resume. Many of the generators also provide very useful tips that increase your chances of success.

Dress Appropriately

If your resume catches the recruiter's attention, you will be invited for an interview. It can be done online or at the organization’s premises.

In either case, you should dress appropriately. I know this may be so obvious that mentioning it seems like a waste of time. However, we often forget the most obvious things that can make a difference in the outcome of an interview.

In this situation, the information you have obtained from your research may be helpful. Many IT organizations recognize a loose dress code or do not require it at all. But...

The interview is not an ordinary social gathering. It’s also not a prom, so you should definitely not come in a tuxedo or a long ball gown.

Just try to look neat and appropriate to the situation. There are many practices for both women and men you should follow for formal meetings. You can learn them in this article on GlassDoor.com.

Keep Calm and Be Yourself

It often happens that we prepare for a job interview like actors do for a new role. This is a very poor approach. Why?

By pretending to be someone you are not, you are cheating. Depending on your acting talent, your role may convince the recruiter you are the perfect candidate. We don't want to convince the recruiter with your acting, but rather with your competencies.

Try to present your best side. Be confident about your strengths and stay proactive. You should be proud of your achievements and speak of them with confidence. Don't ignore this rule – sometimes the most obvious things get sidetracked, and that's a big mistake.

Do Your Training Before the Interview

Practice makes perfect. You already know what you are capable of.

But you don't know what task you may be asked to perform during the recruitment process. It’s worth reinforcing everything potentially involved in your prospective job. You may find our SQL Practice very useful. Use this great interactive SQL course to review all the SQL topics and to see where you need brushing up.

Today, more and more organizations focus on multi-stage recruitment, during which not only your attitude and theoretical knowledge are tested but also practical skills. To increase your chances and be a few times better than others, prepare as best you can – especially by cultivating your SQL skills.

If you've already worked on our courses, you know you don't need to install any external software. To learn SQL effectively, all you need is a web browser and an Internet connection.

When applying for a job in data analysis, I recommend learning also about database infrastructure. Our SQL courses are interactive, practical in nature, but you should also train on a real database. You can easily install any DBMS on your computer. Find out how easy it is to install PostgreSQL and MS SQL Server on your PC! These guides are also useful after you learn SQL when you want to create your own database projects.

Or Let Them Find You: Present Your Portfolio Online!

If you have already worked with SQL and have the opportunity, present the results of your work so far. If you are just taking your first steps in data analysis – prepare a project you can show off.

There are many places where you can post the results of your work.

Developing a portfolio is the best way to showcase your skills. They are evidence of your knowledge and your study effort. By showing what you can do with SQL, you automatically increase your employability, even if you only did SQL for beginners.

You don't have to include only large, complex projects in your portfolio. Simple analyses are also valuable for your future employer. You should show that you can use SQL to address the task at hand, that you think critically, logically, and that you are problem-solving.

There are tons of solutions for you to easily upload your portfolio. This includes traditional file sharing online (for example, via SlideShare.net), applications, and dedicated services.

GitHub.com: The Programmers’ Icon

On this website, you can create a professional portfolio. The query examples you created on GitHub.com are kept in their original form and may be shared. Showing your projects at the resume submission stage gives you a plus. You show your technical skills as best you can.

All you need to do is create a profile on the site and share the link with the recruiter. You have the option of choosing which codes are made available to the public and which are available only to you!

StackOverflow.com

If you have actively looked for solutions to problems you encountered while learning, you almost surely have come across this site. It’s a gigantic platform for programmers and coding virtuosos and also an invaluable source of knowledge for beginners. It’s a social medium – a forum where you can ask other users for advice or help.

Many IT professionals are prowling on StackOverflow.com. By putting yourself in the role of an expert (i.e., actively solving problems together with other users), you build your image and strengthen your credibility. Don't be surprised if, one day, you get a job offer through this site!

PortfolioBox.net: A Swedish Gem Among Online Portfolio Configurators

For a small amount of $2.90 a month, you get basic access to the application. You can create a fully coded, aesthetic portfolio in which you highlight what is most important. And if you have the soul of an artist, you even have an option in the most expensive package ($10.90/month) of integrating online applications with Adobe Lightroom.

Now you Know how to Improve Your Chances!

I hope you find this information useful. Don't hesitate to present your competencies. You already know a lot, and I know you can work with databases. Don't be afraid to show it off in your portfolio and in practice.

It is not easy to overcome your fears sometimes. However, if you dream of working as an SQL professional, you should get started! Learn from the best and achieve your goals!

Good luck getting ready for your job interview. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!