Data Analyst Resume Example

Overview of a Data Analyst Job

Data analysts are essential roles for the growth of a business. They are the individuals who will analyze and evaluate data and statistical information such as sales and customer information. Their findings will thus guide the company into making well-informed decisions. They also  come up with processes that produce accurate and useful interpretation of data.

The field of data analysis is rapidly growing with a lucrative salary range, so there are many opportunities for career growth in this industry.

In a competitive job market, you need to put together a persuasive resume to show that you are the right person for the data analyst position. Do you have the skills and experience that fit the job you are seeking?

A data analyst should demonstrate the ability to use technical skills to solve data related problems. Experience should highlight the application of data visualization on both unstructured and structured data to key business questions. The recruiter needs to be able to quickly scan the resume and learn about your qualifications such as certificates, quantitative courses, and technologies used.

Whether you are applying for an entry or advanced level, we’ve got your back.

There are three significant areas that we hope to cover in this article. As we go through the sections, you’ll get a step-by-step guide to create a winning data analyst resume:

• How to format your data analyst resume
• How to draft a data analyst resume summary that lands interviews
• How to showcase your experience to catch the recruiter’s eyes
• How to list your education and certifications
• How to describe your skills and accomplishments

How to Format Your Data Analyst Resume

When writing resumes, three basic formats are widely employed. These methods are suitable for different scenarios. The job description and your level of experience will largely determine the unsurpassed format to use.

The reverse-chronological format involves writing the resume’s different parts with the most recent qualification or the highest accomplishment. This method is widely known hence used by many. Its primary focus is on one’s experience.

A functional resume focuses on one’s skill set, while the hybrid resume highlights both the skills and experience.

So, which method will work best for your data analyst resume?

It all depends on the type of position you are eyeing and your qualifications too. With an entry-level applicant, the skill-based format will work best.

Writing Your Data Analyst Resume Summary

Your resume objective will create the first and lasting impression on the recruiter reviewing your application. To get your resume noticed, write a summary that is succinct and direct, and include keywords and notable achievements. 

Here is an incorrect & correct version of the summary for an experienced data analyst:

Incorrect: 

Worked as a data analyst for 15 years. Helped to improve sales in a manufacturing company.

Correct: 

Process-oriented senior data analyst with 15 years of experience. Implemented databases to create 150% marketing growth for a processing company database. Decreased operation costs by 10% through resource optimization. Provide data visualization and analytics to guide improved statistical and managerial decisions.

If you are new in the field, switching occupations, or have gaps in your experiences, a resume objective will work best. The objective is essentially your pitch to the prospective employer. 

Let’s look at two examples:

Incorrect:

 A new college graduate with an interest in data analytics. Quick learner and proficient in math and database tools. 

Correct: 

Recent college graduate with a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science. Certified in multiple analytical softwares. Eager to apply skills to Evergreen Company’s data analyst position and optimize company’s operations and finances. 

Read our guide on how to write the perfect resume summary to learn how to nail this section.

Listing Data Analyst Work Experience On a Resume

Read through the job posting carefully and glean for keywords, skills, and required qualifications the prospective employer is looking for in the position. If you have previous experience in the field, make sure to highlight the ones that are most relevant to the position. If you do not have any experience, then tailor your other work experiences to how it best relates to the job description of the data analyst position.

Here are some samples of how to list your work experience by level of expertise: 

Junior level work experience for Data Analyst

• Supported data governance processes and framework, including but not limited to Enterprise Data Management (EDM) and partnering with lines of business for error/observation remediation
• Worked on Quartz platform using python, SQL, and relational / object oriented databases
• Designed, created and maintained automated, templated visualizations for internal and client-facing reporting deliverables

Mid level work experience for Data Analyst

• Used analytics tools such as Tableau and Business Objects to support the marketing and sales teams in finding leads
• Applied data warehouse principles and data modeling methodologies to help structure new data collection initiatives
• Participated in early stage of data collection by analyzing both structured and semi-structured data in XML and JSON formats to help define product priorities
• Found anomalies in our data to inform the team about product loop holes by disseminating large amount of information with great attention to detail

Senior level work experience for Data Analyst

• Provided data reporting functions to the business and technical community using SQL querying to enable the team to gain insight into various parts of the business
• Partnered with business and technology teams to build insightful analytical solutions
• Investigated data discrepancies, resolved them, and articulated them to support the team's ability to do effective data analysis
• Identified areas where operational efficiency can be improved through automation and implemented those enhancements
• Worked with the product team to set up a business intelligence tool using technologies such as SQL Server, Redshift, and Snowflake.
• Analyzed data to perform root cause analysis of technical issues with our platform

Extra Tips

As a data analyst, you must present information concisely in an organized way. 

• Make use of bullet statements to display your achievements.
• Quantify your professional experience by naming figures whenever possible.
• Use action words that show leadership such as spearheaded, led, created, and gathered.
• For the potential employer to notice your expertise, use the precise terminologies relevant to your field. This includes the keywords as they look in the job description.

How to Add Education to Your Data Analyst Resume

Data analysis is a very competitive field and the minimum qualification for this occupation is usually a bachelor’s degree; many data analysts hold a master’s degree. It is advisable to get your degree in an analytical field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, accounting, finance or business management. 

If you have gained other skills through seminars, workshops, or other certification, it is prudent that you include them into this segment. 

How to list your education: 

• Type of degree.
• Majors.
• The university’s name and its location.
• Honors, academic achievements, or awards.
  

Take a look at these examples. (Note that there are different types of data analysts. Let your resume reflect that.)

Incorrect: 

Master of Arts in Business Management, Loma Linda University, California
GPA: 3.75
Magna Cum Laude graduate

Correct:

Master of Arts in Business Management 2018-2019
Concentrated in Statistics and Economics
Loma Linda University, California

Magna Cum Laude graduate
Capstone Project: established a plan to lower production costs for a manufacturing company

Including Relevant Certifications For Your Data Analyst Resume

You want your resume to be different from the rest of the applicants so do not leave out your professional accomplishments such as:

• Certificates, software knowledge, and licenses.
• Any published research under your name.
• Any conference where you got to gain the skills which match the job description.

Examples Of Data Analyst Accreditations

• Certified Analytics Professional.
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate.
• Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate.
• Open Certified Data Scientist.
• SAA Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Using SAS 9.
• SAA Certified Big Data Professional Using SAS 9.
• Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst.
• Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP).
  

Here is an example of how you need to present your certificates:

Correct

• Earned a Certification in Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate from Walla Walla University.
• Experienced user of SQL and Business Intelligence.

Incorrect

• Passionate about breaking down data.
• Scholar of the semester in data software class.
  

When listing your accreditations and software, be sure to show only those that match the given job description. Remember that the resume that will catch the employer’s attention is the one that reflects the job description.

How to Add Your Skills to Your Data Analyst Resume

To analyze and communicate big data so that all can understand, you need the right set of skills. Presenting these skills in the right way will make a big difference and help you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Here are some common skills that employers seek in data analysts:

• Analytical skills: It is essential to interpret and analyze data to come up with conclusions even as you identify patterns and trends.
• Communication skills: As a data analyst, you need to present your information to others. Not everyone can understand numerics clearly. As a result, you need this skill to help you prepare reports, charts, and graphs and have excellent presentation skills.
• Attention to detail: As a data analyst, accuracy is crucial. That skill will enable you to spot and minimize errors.
• Mathematical skills: Having a deep understanding of understanding statistics and analytical tools is crucial for this role. 
• Critical and creative thinking: A person who can think beyond established procedures and come up with better data analysis policies is a plus to any organization.

Here are other data analysis skills that will separates you from the crowd:

• Data analytics
• Tableau
• Computer science
• SQL
• SQL server
• Data visualization
• Data management
• Python
• Data modeling
• Machine learning
• Data mining

Here is a comparison of practical examples on the right and wrong formats of presenting this segment.

Correct

• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SPSS, SQL, and Tableau.
• Perfect understanding of how to use analytics to draw conclusions.
• Attentive to details with passionate problem-solving abilities.
  

Incorrect

• Knowledgeable in data analysis methods.
• Experienced in data analysis.
• Strong communication skills.

Tip: It's important to include action verbs and quantify results. Use this list of over 350 resume action verbs as a guide to craft the most effective bullet points.

What About Hobbies & Interests?

In many cases, you will be discouraged from including this segment in your resume. However, the best determinant is the precise position you are applying for. You can conduct your research on the company and its values and culture. If you find it to have interest in such, be sure to include it using the proper format.

In Conclusion

The position of a data analyst requires specific technical skills and certifications. As you craft your resume, your primary focus should be to write a resume that resonates with the job description. The keywords used therein should form part of your resume as far as they apply to you.

Your data analysis skills, experience, and achievements need to demonstrate that you are fit for the position you are applying for.

After you have written your resume, make sure to  proofread it. Remember that one of the essential skills required of a data analyst is attention to detail. Show this skill directly by presenting a flawless resume.