Most proficient coders know a bit about SQL (structured query language), but it is a common theme to struggle with listing those skills on a resume. Many simply put “SQL skills” or “SQL proficient” on their resume, but this doesn’t show a wide range of skills.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which skills to list on a resume and why you should use these SQL skills. Potential employers are most impressed with clean-looking resumes with good structure and a display of proficiency in specific skills, which is why listing these SQL skills will help you get your dream job.
What Is SQL?
SQL is an acronym for structured query language. It is a database programming language developed to communicate with databases. Coders use SQL to create, manipulate, manage, and delete data.
Nearly every coding language in existence can communicate with SQL, making it a versatile and useful language. Simply put, SQL is the language of all databases.
Learning SQL skills is the best way to begin your career as a coder as these skills prepare you for using almost any other coding language.
High Demand SQL Skills for Data Science
While you may have a basic grasp of these skills, it is always a great idea to master as many as you can prior to applying for jobs. The more SQL skills you have under your belt, the better your chances of employment.
While reading through this list, be sure to take note of the SQL skills you have already mastered and which ones you could improve on.
Ability to Structure a Database
Being able to understand what a database is and how to structure one is considered the first step to learning SQL. By learning everything you can about database tables and relationships, you are preparing yourself to actually structure one. Then, once you are able to structure a database, you can more easily learn other aspects of SQL.
Employers will want to see this as a skill because it shows that you are well versed in the very basic aspects of SQL, therefore proving you took your education seriously. This can help distinguish you from candidates who have listed “SQL skills” on their resume without actually having the skills, as it shows you know what the skills are.
Author SQL Statements and Clauses
Anyone who wants to be seen as an expert in SQL should be familiar with how to author SQL statements and clauses. To demonstrate this ability, be sure to become familiar with and refer back to the CRUD acronym. These are the four basic actions involved in formatting SQL queries.
Some job positions may require you to know more complex actions than the simple create, read, update, and delete actions, so it is important to research and find out exactly what you will need to know prior to applying.
Manage an SQL Database
Typically, the management of an SQL database is only expected of mid-level to senior-level developers. If you are a beginner, having some understanding of the tools used for SQL database management will boost your resume. This skill is quite desirable amongst potential employers, so mastering it is a fantastic way to advance your career.
There is a vast range of object-relational database management systems (ORDBMS). Especially for beginning SQL developers, it is better to have a general understanding of many ORDBMS tools rather than being extremely skilled in only one or two. Different companies use different systems, so having basic knowledge in many of them increases your chances of employment at your desired company.
Understand Popular Database Systems
Having an understanding of popular database systems such as MySQL and PostgreSQL is a tremendous aid in impressing potential employers. Despite the growth in popularity of newer database systems, such as Couchdb and Mongodb, MySQL and PostgreSQL continue to represent the vast majority of database systems.
Being able to understand and work with many different database systems is definitely a good addition to your resume, and being especially proficient in MySQL and PostgreSQL shows that you know exactly where and how your data is stored. If you are feeling a bit foggy in this area, there are plenty of online courses to jog your memory.
Master PHP
PHP is an object-oriented programming language often associated with SQL. Mastering PHP is often seen as a simple task, as it is quite easy to read and write in, making it the perfect starting language for beginning coders. PHP is perhaps the best language to learn alongside SQL, as they interact well together, making it easier to query SQL statements.
While many may consider PHP to be outdated, it is good for employers to see that you have mastered this skill because it demonstrates a strong understanding of SQL and your experience as a coder. Those who have mastered PHP have often been coding for quite awhile, so listing this on a resume shows potential employers how long you have been working in this field.
Conclusion: Are SQL Skills Useful?
Though SQL is older, and some may say quickly becoming an outdated system, SQL skills are definitely useful. By mastering SQL and all of the skills that come with it, you are granting yourself at the very least a basic understanding of most of the newer, modern systems used today.
Listing these skills on your resume is a fantastic way to demonstrate to employers that you know what you are doing and that you are completely qualified for the position you are applying for. SQL skills are useful to have, whether they are being used specifically for SQL systems or as building blocks toward a different system.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
