How to Make a Data Analyst Resume: A Guide for Newbies

Being a data analyst has become one of the most sought-after jobs in today’s economy. Armed with the right skills, you can command an average salary of $100,000. But there are also many other benefits to being a data analyst, such as flexible hours and great work-life balance. The role has become so popular that companies are struggling to find qualified candidates, so it can be hard to get your foot in the door. But if you want to be a data analyst, here is how to make your resume grab employers’ attention and land you your dream job.

What is a data analyst?

A data analyst is a person who analyzes different types of data to help businesses make decisions. Data analysts are often found in the marketing, finance, or information technology fields.

Data analysts are responsible for collecting data from different sources and performing analyses to find solutions to problems. They interpret reports and statistics in order to provide insights that can assist decision-making for their company.

Analysts may also be required to compile datasets into business intelligence reports, which are used by top management or other stakeholders to make informed decisions about company strategy. This could involve grouping together various pieces of data or converting them into graphs for easy understanding. Analysts may also be required to look at customer behavior patterns and identify trends in order to provide additional insights on how consumers act in certain situations.

The skills needed for this role will depend on the industry you work in but typically include strong analytical skills, knowledge of data analysis software like Excel, and excellent verbal and written communication skills (especially when dealing with senior management).

What skills do I need to be a data analyst?

To be a data analyst, you need to be able to take raw data and turn it into insights that can be used by other departments. You need to have skills in statistical analysis, the ability to code, analytical thinking, and good communications skills.

These are all great skills for any business role. But an employer will also want to know how you put them together. That's where your resume comes in.

How can I make my resume stand out?

If you want to stand out from other job seekers, it’s essential that your resume is well-written and to-the-point. Here are some tips for writing a great resume:

Choose the Best Format for Data Analyst Resume

Now that you know what to include, it’s time to choose the format of your resume. Data analyst resumes can be formatted in one of two ways:

Highlight your Good Parts in Resume Objective or Resume Summary

The first thing a company sees on your resume is the objective or summary. This section is the perfect place to highlight skills or qualities that make you an excellent fit for the job.

For example, if you’re applying to be a data analyst, you should mention how well-versed in Excel you are and emphasize your experience with SQL queries. If you don’t already have experience, you could detail your skills with other software like SPSS or SAS.

Data Analyst Job Description for a Resume

A data analyst gathers and analyzes data to help companies make better decisions. They use the results of their analysis to help businesses make decisions about what products to sell, who they should advertise to, which customers are valuable, and more.

A data analyst’s role is important because they use data to understand patterns that can be applied to many different fields.

Education Section

One of the first sections on your resume is the education section. This is where you list your degree, the institution you attended, and graduation year. If possible, include any honors or accolades you received there.

Just like with any other role, it's important to highlight your educational background with this position. However, because data analysts come from all sorts of backgrounds, not just computer science or statistics-related degrees, it's best to keep your education section brief and specific to the skills that are relevant for this position.

Write a Skills Section

When applying to any job, it's important to highlight your skills. Data analysts are no exception.

For instance, if you have experience with statistical analysis or predictive modeling, you should include that information in your resume under an 'Experience' section. This way, employers know you have the necessary skills for the position.

But rather than simply listing your skills, try to quantify them by including numbers. For example, if you worked with SQL databases on a daily basis and know how to create complex queries, you could say "Daily use of SQL databases and creation of complex queries." Employers will know that not only do you understand what this skill is but that you're also familiar with using it in a professional setting.

Write a Cover Letter for your Data Analyst Resume

A cover letter is a crucial part of your job application. It allows you to introduce yourself and talk about why you are a good fit for the company. You should spend time figuring out what you want to say in your letter, as this will make it easier to write a concise, focused cover letter that will catch employers’ attention.

Your cover letter should be tailored to the job you're applying for and should mention skills relevant to the position. For example, if you're applying for a data analyst position, talk about the number crunching skills you have.

You should also mention any certifications or degrees that are relevant to the position. For example, if you have an MBA degree in finance, don't hesitate to include it!

The cover letter for your data analysis resume should be at least one page long and should not exceed two pages. Don't forget to include contact information so that employers can reach out to you if they would like more information or want an interview with you!

Key Takeaways

The key to standing out is highlighting your skills. The more relevant skills you can list, the more likely you are to be selected for an interview. So think about what you would expect to do as a data analyst and highlight those skills.

You may not have any experience in the field, but if you have strong skills elsewhere, like data visualization or statistics, it can help convince employers that you are right for the job.

A resume should be tailored to the company who is reading it, so tailor your resume by writing about why you want to work with them specifically. Highlighting past experience working with similar companies will show employers that their company aligns with your goals and interests.

Finally, consider making your resume interactive by including links to past projects or data analysis work. This will make it easy for employers to see that you have what they’re looking for!