Land Your First Data Job In 5 Actionable Steps: From Portfolio-Building To Crushing Your First Month

(Even if you’ve already applied to 150+ companies)

Hey there!

Struggling to get Data Science interviews? You're not alone.

Here’s a message we got recently:

Sai Kumar Bysani

and I have heard this story so many times—and we’ve lived it, too.

I remember sending out 50+ applications in two weeks and hearing nothing back.

• No interviews.

• No feedback.

• Just... silence.

That’s why Sai and I created the Data Job Search Blueprint—a free 5-day email course to help early-career data scientists finally break through the wall and start getting interview calls.

This course walks you through:

✅ How to craft a standout portfolio

✅ How to message hiring managers without it feeling awkward

✅ How to apply with intention and see results

We’re launching July 17th—and it’ll only be available for 3 months. No archives. No replays.

Now, to give you a sneak peek, here are 5 tactical shifts you’ll learn inside the Blueprint.

Let’s dive in 👇

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1. Build a portfolio that gets interviews, not compliments.

Most portfolios don’t fail because the projects are bad—they fail because the storytelling is missing.

Here’s how to fix that:

• Showcase 2–3 real-world projects that solve specific problems

• Write short, clear project summaries (what problem, what data, what impact)

• Host your work on GitHub, Notion, or a simple site that doesn’t crash

• Tailor one project to the kind of role you’re applying for (analytics ≠ ML ≠ product)

If your portfolio doesn’t make a hiring manager say “this person gets it”—you’re leaving interviews on the table.

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2. Network like a human, not a hustler.

You don’t need to spam 100 people on LinkedIn.

Instead, do this:

• Start by messaging alumni from your school or bootcamp

• Use a 3-line message: who you are, why you're reaching out, what you’d like

• Join active LinkedIn comment sections where hiring managers hang out

• Stay top of mind by occasionally sharing useful content or a progress update

Pro tip: People hire people they know. Don’t wait for job posts—start building relationships early.

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3. Apply smart—1 focused action per day beats 100 random ones.

More applications ≠ better results.

Here’s a smarter system:

• Limit yourself to 1 meaningful action per day (apply, connect, or follow up)

• Keep a simple tracker to avoid applying to the same job twice

• Customize your resume for each role based on the posting

Hiring managers can spot mass applications a mile away.

Give them a reason to pause—and read.

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4. Interview like a teammate, not a test-taker.

Want to stand out in interviews? Act like someone they’d want on their team.

Here’s how:

• Practice solving problems out loud (your thought process is the product)

• Use STAR format to prep for behavioral questions

• Learn how to guide a technical walkthrough with business context

• Ask good questions about the team, tools, and challenges—not just “what’s next?”

Confidence isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about showing you know how to figure them out.

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5. Rejections aren’t the end—they’re your R&D.

Here’s what most people do after a rejection: nothing.

Here’s what you should do:

• Follow up and ask for specific feedback (even if you don’t get it, you signal maturity)

• Review the job post and reflect: did your materials match the role?

• Use this line: “If you know anyone hiring for roles like X, I’d be grateful for a warm intro.”

One “no” can become your next “yes”—if you know how to use it.

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🎁 Want early access + exclusive bonuses?

If this breakdown helped, you’ll love the Data Job Search Blueprint.

Inside the full course, you’ll get:

✅ Templates for cold outreach and resume writing

✅ Tactical guidance for interviews and follow-ups

✅ Notion templates, mini-challenges, and bonus tools

✅ All in a daily email that takes 15 minutes or less to action

We start July 17th. It’s free. And there are no replays.

Only action-takers will get in.

👉 Click here to join early

Let’s get you out of the application void—and into real conversations with real teams.

We’ve got you.

Penelope