Data Analyst Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as a data analyst, you'll need experience in creating SQL queries and generating BI reports. A professional resume for data analyst applications will showcase your relevant skills and career achievements, to help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your data analyst applications.
This complete guide to a data analyst resume will equip you with the tools you need to compete in your applications. You'll find valuable tips on writing a resume that best showcases your unique skills and achievements. There is also extensive guidance on how to structure your resume to match the job description, and to reflect your experience levels to impress HR specialists and employers. Read on to learn the tips Jobseeker careers experts recommend as the best for your data analyst resume.
Core sections to include in a data analyst resume
It's essential to include a few core sections in your data analyst resume, while there are also a few optional sections you can make use of to strengthen your application.
If you have no work experience as a data analyst or have just started in the industry, you could consider using a functional or skills-based format, which emphasizes your skills and education. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
Work experience is typically the most important resume section for data analyst applicants with some prior experience. As such, it's best to use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format. Use your work experience section to highlight your career achievements and show how you meet the job description. Offer evidence of the impact you had on successful outcomes for the company.
If you're applying for senior data analyst positions, you'll want to list career achievements and successes that emphasize your senior status. Use a reverse-chronological format and add extra sections to show key career highlights. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
How you choose to present your resume is up to you. There are plenty of options for a professional resume layout and format, but every application should include the following:
Resume Header
Your data analyst resume header is the place to add your contact details. Start by adding your full name and underneath, include your email address, phone number and location. Adding your LinkedIn profile, if you have one, can help the employer get a better insight into your skills and industry expertise. You don't need to include any additional personal information or a photo. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.
Make sure the email address you list in your header is professional-looking and doesn't contain any inappropriate content such as nicknames or unsuitable language. Opt for an email address based on your name or profession, or a combination of both. Finally, check your contact details before sending your resume, to ensure everything's up-to-date.
Samuel Adams
samuel.adams@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, IN
linkedin․com/in/samuel–adams123
Resume Summary
Following your resume header, write a resume summary to introduce yourself and showcase some of your key skills and achievements. Alternative names for this section are 'resume objective' and 'personal profile'. While a resume summary focuses on your career experience, a resume objective covers your ambitions and career plans. Always make sure your summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for data analyst roles.
Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.
A good resume summary is short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description, with evidence to back it up. It will also help the reader to form their first impressions of you by providing an insight into your personality and unique qualities. Take a look at some strong examples of how to approach a data analyst resume summary in the graphic below.
Good example:
Data-driven professional with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics and extensive experience as a Data Insights Specialist. Proficient in leveraging advanced analytical techniques to extract actionable insights, drive business decisions, and optimize performance. Skilled in data visualization, statistical analysis, and database management, with a proven track record of transforming complex data sets into clear and concise reports. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement and implement data-driven strategies
Bad example:
Worked with data and numbers, studied something related to data, and have done tasks involving looking at data to help make decisions. Can make charts and graphs, do some math with data, and handle databases. Have turned complicated data into simpler reports. Worked with different teams to find ways to do things better using data
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your data analyst resume summary.
Work Experience
Next, list your relevant employment history and any key achievements that show you're suitable for a data analyst position. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
Add some bullet points under each job entry, explaining your achievements in the role, so the reader can see how you contributed towards success for the company. Provide evidence of your impact and make sure each point addresses a requirement listed in the job description.
A good resume work experience section includes your most relevant previous jobs and highlights your key achievements in each role. To make the best possible impression on hiring managers, make sure each entry in your work experience section references skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you added value to each role with quantifiable evidence and outcomes. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Data Insights Specialist, January 2022 - Present
DataInsight Analytics, Kansas City
- Improved data processing efficiency by 35%, leading to annual cost savings of $500K through advanced analytics and automation
- Developed predictive models that increased customer retention rates by 20% using machine learning algorithms and behavioral data analysis
- Spearheaded a cross-functional data integration project, reducing reporting time from 2 weeks to 2 days, enhancing decision-making speed
Bad example:
Data Insights Specialist, January 2022 - Present
DataInsight Analytics, Kansas City
- Enhanced data processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Created models to boost customer retention using data analysis
- Led a project to streamline data integration and reporting
Above, you can see a weaker example of a resume work experience section to best avoid. Ineffective work experience sections tend to focus too much on everyday responsibilities over skills and achievements. If you use vague descriptions of activities and fail to back up your achievements with evidence, you're likely to fail to make an impact on the reader.
Education
In your education section, include details of your most relevant data analyst qualifications and educational achievements.
Opportunities as a data analyst and similar roles in the sector usually require a specialist degree. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree, be sure to mention this in your resume. You might also want to list any qualifications that highlight your programming in Python or data analysis tools.
Enter the name and level of the qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study or graduation. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
Membership or leadership of any societies, clubs or causes while studying can also make a positive impression on hiring managers. Consider adding these to your education section for more insight into how you used your time as a student.
Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics, 2017 - 2020
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Hard and Soft Skills
The skills section of a data analyst resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include data visualization software, critical thinking skills or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, refer to the data analyst job description for an indication of the types of skills the employer is looking for, and make sure your skills section reflects these.
Listing hard skills on your data analyst resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for data analyst positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, these skills are essential for a data analyst resume as they showcase your expertise in the field. If possible, add four or five hard skills that reflect the requirements of the job description. These will boost your chances of success in your applications.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a data analyst resume below.
- Data analysis tools
- SQL proficiency
- Data visualization software
Soft skills on your data analyst resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to data analyst roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. Think of your best soft skills and add up to five that match the requirements of the job description.
A good soft skills section would include skills that match the job description, and also reflect your key strengths and qualities. See the graphic below for an indication of what to include in a strong soft skills section for a data analyst resume.
- Problem-solving ability
- Critical thinking skills
- Effective communication
Certifications and Training
In this section, include any data analyst certifications, training or licenses you hold that are relevant to the job. You could list accreditations for certain professional roles or licenses for certain activities that help to make you a strong candidate. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Take a look at some example certifications for a data analyst resume below:
- Google Data Analytics, 2022
- Microsoft Certified: DA, 2022
- SAS Certified Specialist, 2022
Jobseeker Tip:
Optional Resume Sections
There are several additional sections you could add to a data analyst resume, to improve your chances of success. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and interests can be a useful way of showing your skills and experience beyond your work and education. These are particularly useful for your resume if you're short of work experience and need to showcase a particular skill or experience. Just make sure any hobbies and interests you include in your resume add genuine insight into your personality, in ways other sections of the resume can't.
Voluntary Work
Voluntary work can help you develop useful skills, so it's a valuable addition to your data analyst resume. Include the title of your volunteer role, who you volunteered for, as well as the dates you carried out the work. Provide brief details of your responsibilities and the impact you made.
References
Standard data analyst resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Before adding any referees to your resume, ask them for their assistance and prepare them for contact by the employer.
References are available upon request.
Best words to use in a data analyst resume
Action words can help illustrate to the hiring manager the difference you made in each of your previous jobs. The suggested action verbs below will help the reader to understand your key qualities and the impact you made on the organization.
- Analyze
- Interpret
- Evaluate
- Design
- Collect
- Validate
- Synthesize
- Visualize
- Optimize
- Automate
If you want to create a resume that stands out from the crowd, use Jobseeker's expert-designed resume templates. You can also find cover letter templates that work to get you noticed by employers.
Example resume for data analyst applications
The data analyst resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, IN
•
samuel.adams@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/samuel–adams123
Data-driven professional with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, experienced as a Data Insights Specialist. Proficient in analyzing complex datasets, generating actionable insights, and leveraging statistical tools and technologies to drive strategic decision-making. Skilled in data visualization, predictive modeling, and reporting to support business objectives and enhance operational efficiency. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities with a proven track record of delivering valuable data solutions
Data Insights Specialist
2020
-2022
NexaData Analytics (Portland)
- Increased data-driven decision-making by 30% through implementation of advanced analytics and visualization tools
- Developed predictive models that reduced customer churn by 25%, enhancing retention strategies
- Led a cross-functional team to integrate big data solutions, improving operational efficiency by 40%
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
2017
-2020
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL)
Data analysis tools
SQL proficiency
Data visualization software
Problem-solving ability
Critical thinking skills
Effective communication
Google Data Analytics
Microsoft Certified: DA
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Key tips for a data analyst resume
Key tips to help you craft a strong resume
- Tailor your resume for each application you send. Review the job description and adapt the content to reflect the specific requirements, including key skills and experience.
- Use a clear resume format with professional elements, including suitable headings, line spacing, fonts and margins, to make your resume as readable as possible for hiring managers.
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Proofread your resume to ensure it's free from spelling and grammar errors. Even minor errors can make a difference to your chances.
- Keep your data analyst resume as brief as possible. A single page is ideal for junior applicants, while two sides is acceptable for senior jobs.
Keep away from these common resume mistakes
- Don't list personal details such as your age, gender or a photo, unless these are necessary for the role. They can lead to hiring bias.
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your data analyst resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't add hobbies and outside interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role.
- Don't fill your resume with unnecessary details. Focus everything on showing you're right for the job.
- Don't use overly decorative formatting and layouts that can detract from the content and make your data analyst resume harder for scanning by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
How to make your resume ATS compliant
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. When drafting your data analyst resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Follow these simple rules when writing your resume, to make sure it's ATS compliant:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Make sure your resume is as concise as possible, so ATS applications can easily scan and identify the required details.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
Frequently Asked Questions about a data analyst resume
After writing your data analyst resume, you'll want to write an accompanying cover letter that helps your application stand out.
Before you write your cover letter, think about whether you need a formal, professional letter or if a brief, less formal email might be more suitable.
A traditional cover letter should follow formal letter-writing conventions and structure, including a header, the recipient's address and professional greetings and sign-offs. For the main body of the letter, open with a short paragraph introducing yourself and explaining your reasons for applying for the data analyst role. Follow that with an explanation of your skills and experience and how they're relevant to the position. Close by expressing your gratitude and enthusiasm, and leaving a call to action that encourages the employer to open a dialogue with you.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
There are plenty of ways to still make a positive impression with your data analyst resume, even if you lack relevant work experience. Choose a resume structure that best showcases your key skills for the role, such as a functional format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. Additional resume sections such as volunteer work, hobbies and interests, certifications and internships can all help you showcase your relevant skills. These can be more prominent in your resume if you haven't got a lot of work experience.
Use a resume headline to make it easy for the reader to start assessing your suitability for data analyst positions at first glance. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Take the time to draft a concise, eye-catching headline which includes the job title, one or two key skills and reference to either your experience level or track record.
You can use this example resume headline as a template for creating your own:
- Aspiring Junior Data Analyst
- Data Analyst: Transforming Insights into Action
- Senior Data Analyst Specialist
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. For entry-level roles, or situations where you're changing to a new career, a functional resume is often the best option. This places your skills and education above your work experience. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Key takeaways for your data analyst resume
The key to a strong resume is to showcase your relevant skills and achievements through your work experience and other activities. Select a resume format that suits your experience levels and the job you're applying for, and make sure you tailor your resume for each application.
Using the professional resume templates and resources of Jobseeker can help you create a great-looking resume that stands out from other applicants. Sign up today and follow the simple steps to get started. Whatever job you're applying for, a professional cover letter can make all the difference to your chances. Use Jobseeker's HR-approved tools and cover letter examples to inspire your applications.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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