How should I communicate my Power BI skill to recruiters? Don't want to lie

[Monsieboy]

1. I have the DataCamp: Data Analyst in Power BI certificate. It's a 50 hour hands-on course with practical PBI Desktop exercises in each chapter. https://www.datacamp.com/tracks/data-analyst-in-power-bi

2. Earned the official Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) certificate which is industry-recognized. So I'm technically Microsoft Certified. It's an intermediate level certificate, theoretical, but harder than most people think. Also covers a lot of PBI service side of PBI, and deploying and maintaining assets. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/data-analyst-associate/?practice-assess...

3. Three years of experience as a Data Analyst, worked extensively with Python, SQL and SPSS. I was also the main guy for the data visualization, so I had to create, update or quality check every chart that was needed for our client or requested by the project managers. So a lot of overlap with Power BI, especially the data modelling. Our entire data model (SQL tables, charting, etc) was based on the Kimball star schema methodology with fact and dimension tables.

So I actually do have 3 years of experience as Data Visualization Consultant, literally creating charts from scratch. Just not with the tool recruiters want.
Instead we worked with HighCharts, which is a JavaScript charting https://www.highcharts.com

When recruiters ask how much experience I have with Power BI, they seem to lose interest and discard my dataviz experience when I say we used a different tool. It's like they don't value the skill, but only the tool.
I might be as good as a Power BI developer as a non-technical analyst that has worked with PBI here and there for a year or two.

So do you guys know the best way I should communicate this?
Or maybe lie and say we worked with Power BI?
(we did have 1 internal project once to check if PBI was a good option for us)
These roles often require hands-on experience with Power BI, but I feel like I have enough skill to do these jobs well or pick it up very fast. Not talking about jobs that require 3 years of PBI experience, of course.

[Bibiano_Geraldo · Accepted solution]

Hi @Monsieboy ,

In my opinion, you don’t need to lie your data visualization experience is real, and the tools you’ve used (like HighCharts) are just another way of achieving the same goals. Tools change, but the skills you’ve developed in data modeling, visualization, and dashboard creation are what truly matter and transfer across platforms. Power BI is just another tool in your toolbox.

When talking to recruiters, it’s crucial to frame your experience in a way that emphasizes your core skills data modeling, ETL processes, dashboard design, and the ability to turn data into actionable insights. Make it clear that the tool isn’t as important as the underlying process you’ve mastered, and that you can apply those same skills in Power BI.

You can also highlight your PL-300 certification and the practical Power BI training you’ve completed. That shows that, while you may not have used Power BI for three years, you have the necessary training and can pick up the tool quickly. Mention any hands-on projects you’ve done in Power BI to reinforce your ability.

By focusing on the skills that translate and emphasizing how quickly you’ve picked up Power BI, recruiters will see you as a strong BI candidate who is adaptable, not someone with "no Power BI experience."

[danextian · Accepted solution]

Hi @Monsieboy 

In addition to @Bibiano_Geraldo 's suggestion, it's also important to include a portfolio of your work—whether Power BI-related or not—as long as it aligns with the job you're applying for. Having a portfolio can provide a an advantage, demonstrating your skills and experience in a tangible way to potential employers.

[Monsieboy]

Nice, could you give me an example of such a good portfolio? 

Because is it just nice dashboard visuals? I'd think what you'd wanna show is the data table and the DAXcolumns and measuress etc you did and the data modelling, not just the nice charts.

[Bibiano_Geraldo · Accepted solution]

Hi @Monsieboy ,

In my opinion, you don’t need to lie your data visualization experience is real, and the tools you’ve used (like HighCharts) are just another way of achieving the same goals. Tools change, but the skills you’ve developed in data modeling, visualization, and dashboard creation are what truly matter and transfer across platforms. Power BI is just another tool in your toolbox.

When talking to recruiters, it’s crucial to frame your experience in a way that emphasizes your core skills data modeling, ETL processes, dashboard design, and the ability to turn data into actionable insights. Make it clear that the tool isn’t as important as the underlying process you’ve mastered, and that you can apply those same skills in Power BI.

You can also highlight your PL-300 certification and the practical Power BI training you’ve completed. That shows that, while you may not have used Power BI for three years, you have the necessary training and can pick up the tool quickly. Mention any hands-on projects you’ve done in Power BI to reinforce your ability.

By focusing on the skills that translate and emphasizing how quickly you’ve picked up Power BI, recruiters will see you as a strong BI candidate who is adaptable, not someone with "no Power BI experience."