The Analytics Power Hour: Episode #275 – The Modern Data Job Search with Albert Bellamy

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Hosts: Michael Helbling, Moe Kiss, Tim Wilson, Val Kroll, and Julie Hoyer
Guest: Albert Bellamy

Introduction

In Episode #275 of The Analytics Power Hour, hosts Michael Helbling, Tim Wilson, and co-host emeritus Jim Cain welcome Albert Bellamy, a seasoned analytics professional and career coach. Formerly a member of the United States Marine Corps, Albert transitioned into the analytics field and now works at Alteryx while running his own coaching company, Major Data. The episode delves into the evolving landscape of job searches within the data and analytics sector, offering listeners valuable insights and actionable strategies.

The Changing Landscape of Job Searches in Analytics

Michael Helbling opens the discussion by addressing the shifting dynamics of job searches in the analytics field. He observes that simply listing "analytics" on a LinkedIn profile no longer guarantees a steady influx of recruiter inquiries. Instead, the job search has become more competitive and complex, with challenges like ghosting becoming commonplace.

Michael Helbling [00:14]: "All too often people you'd least expect it are showing up with that green open to work badge on their LinkedIn profile. And even if you have a job, maybe you're looking for something else. And it just seems like every place you apply just ghosts you."

This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of effective job search strategies tailored to the modern digital landscape.

Albert Bellamy's Journey and Expertise

Albert Bellamy shares his personal journey from a 24-year career in the Marine Corps to the analytics industry. He highlights the transition period marked by limited time due to leadership responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and how he leveraged LinkedIn to network effectively despite these constraints.

Albert Bellamy [02:21]: "I found that was there for me and it was there for me in an analytic space working for contractors... I ended up getting my first job, which was in marketing analytics, which is why I started listening to marketing analytics podcasts."

Albert's experience underscores the importance of strategic networking and the potential of platforms like LinkedIn in facilitating career transitions.

Networking Strategies on LinkedIn

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on leveraging LinkedIn for networking and job searches. Tim Wilson uses an engaging analogy to emphasize the importance of maintaining consistent interactions on the platform.

Tim Wilson [08:48]: "LinkedIn is an attempt to approximate in real life, human interaction. Maybe not with a spouse, but it's just like anybody that you don't talk to for a year..."

He likens neglecting LinkedIn to ignoring a relationship, stressing that consistent engagement is crucial for maintaining meaningful connections that can aid in job searches.

Personalized Connection Requests

The hosts advocate for personalized connection requests over generic ones. Tim highlights the value of sending tailored messages that reflect genuine interest in the other person's profile or work.

Tim Wilson [21:43]: "If you make it about the other person and you say, I'm interested in connecting with you because something about you that is not, you know, it's advantageous to me..."

This approach increases the likelihood of meaningful interactions and enhances the potential for referrals.

Content Creation and Presence

Julie Hoyer brings attention to the disparity in content creation across social platforms, noting that LinkedIn remains relatively content-poor compared to platforms like Instagram or TikTok. However, she emphasizes the hidden value in LinkedIn's content for professional growth.

Julie Hoyer [12:30]: "It's just like the David Goggins, like, it's so easy to be great. It's, it's really not that hard to be a good content creator on LinkedIn..."

The hosts discuss the benefits of creating genuine, valuable content that resonates with their professional network, arguing that this builds credibility and visibility among potential employers and peers.

Resume Building in the Modern Era

Transitioning to resumes, the hosts dissect outdated practices and advocate for modern, streamlined approaches. Tim Wilson provides several key recommendations:

1. Avoid Including Headshots: Graphics can disrupt machine readability and introduce unconscious bias.

   Tim Wilson [42:57]: "Never ever. Hell no. Why? Because scanners can get thrown off and it can lead to bias."

2. Exclude Dates on Education: Removing dates helps prevent age discrimination and keeps the focus on qualifications.

   Tim Wilson [43:00]: "Same thing with your picture. Like, don't give them a reason to say, oh, I don't like his face or her teeth or, you know, whatever."

3. Eliminate Objective Statements: Objective statements shift the focus to the candidate rather than the value they bring to the employer.

   Tim Wilson [45:09]: "An objective statement makes the resume about you. Job seeking is sales—you’re selling yourself as the talent."

4. Maintain Conciseness: Resumes should ideally be one page for those with less than 10 years of experience and not exceed two pages for more seasoned professionals.

   Tim Wilson [49:18]: "I think confused mind always says no. If you put things on your resume that generate more questions..."

5. Tailor Resumes for Specific Jobs: Customizing resumes to align with job descriptions increases the chances of standing out to recruiters.

   Tim Wilson [35:39]: "If you want to get a job that is really well suited for you and your skill set, then I would tailor resumes."

Application Strategies

The hosts caution against high-volume, blind applications through platforms like LinkedIn, where a single job posting can attract hundreds of applicants, many of whom may not be qualified.

Tim Wilson [28:49]: "If you see a thousand applications for a job on LinkedIn, assume that at least half of them are wildly unqualified."

Instead, they recommend a more targeted approach—identifying and connecting with individuals within organizations to secure referrals or internal endorsements, which significantly boost the likelihood of landing interviews.

Interviewing and the Role of Resumes

Albert Bellamy elaborates on how the resume serves as an initial gateway, akin to crossing a low log in a Marine Corps obstacle course. He explains that while a well-crafted resume is essential, it merely gets candidates into the interview process, where they must then demonstrate their suitability for the role.

Albert Bellamy [56:53]: "I think there's a ghost that messes with the titles, but we figured that."

This metaphor emphasizes that the real challenge lies beyond the resume—in the interview—where candidates must effectively showcase their skills and fit for the position.

Final Tips and Last Calls

As the episode wraps up, each host shares their "Last Call," highlighting resources and personal interests that provide additional value to listeners.

• Tim Wilson recommends "Reverse the Search" by Madeline Mann, praising it as a comprehensive guide for career search strategies.

  Tim Wilson [60:20]: "Reverse the Search. Madeleine Mann, if you're in the career space, she's a must follow."

• Julie Hoyer shares her involvement in a Strava Measure club, encouraging listeners interested in casual running communities to join.

  Julie Hoyer [64:12]: "I created a Strava Measure club. If you're a Strava user in any sport, it's set up for all sports."

• Michael Helbling directs listeners to Albert's LinkedIn and his website, MajorData.com, for additional resources and coaching services.

  Michael Helbling [67:23]: "Albert... people could find you there as well. Definitely worth checking out."

Conclusion

Episode #275 of The Analytics Power Hour provides a comprehensive exploration of modern job search strategies within the data and analytics field. Through insightful discussions with Albert Bellamy, listeners gain valuable perspectives on effective networking, resume optimization, and strategic application processes. The episode underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in navigating the competitive landscape of analytics careers.

Listeners are encouraged to implement the discussed strategies, engage with the provided resources, and maintain a proactive approach to their professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Helbling [00:14]: "All too often people you'd least expect it are showing up with that green open to work badge on their LinkedIn profile."

• Tim Wilson [08:48]: "LinkedIn is an attempt to approximate in real life, human interaction."

• Tim Wilson [21:43]: "If you make it about the other person... you've got skin in the game."

• Tim Wilson [35:39]: "If you want to get a job that is really well suited for you and your skill set, then I would tailor resumes."

• Julie Hoyer [12:30]: "It's so easy to be great. It's really not that hard to be a good content creator on LinkedIn."

• Tim Wilson [49:18]: "I think confused mind always says no."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Reverse the Search by Madeline Mann
• Website: MajorData.com
• Podcast Mention: Freakonomics Podcast, Episode #633 – "The Most Powerful People You've Never Heard Of"

Connect with the Hosts and Guest:

• Michael Helbling, Tim Wilson, Julie Hoyer: LinkedIn Group
• Albert Bellamy: LinkedIn Profile | MajorData.com
• Feedback and Questions: Email contact@analyticshour.io | Join the Measure Chat Slack Group

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