Analyst Resume Example & Guide for Entry Level + Senior Jobs

Analyst Resume Sample

Analysts are key to businesses in the age of information. Data analysis can help a business improve its processes and therefore lead to growth and profitability. A good analyst not only will be an expert in statistical analysis and forecasting, but also they will have sufficient industry knowledge for the field they are analyzing.

The nature of analysts’ work means there are plenty of jobs out there in a broad variety of industries. All businesses benefit from information-gathering telling them how they can improve. Yet, there is a lot of competition for the best jobs, so use our guidance for the perfect resume to help you land that exciting new job.

What to Highlight in an Analyst Resume?

The best resume for an analyst will show you have the prerequisite skills to perform the duties of the role. You need to clearly demonstrate your mathematical and statistical experience and highlight your familiarity with data analysis tools.

You will also need to tailor your data analyst resume to show you have the relevant skills as set out in the job description. This is where it’s not just about having the technical skills shown through years of experience; it’s about showing the recruiter you are perfect for this role specifically. Do this by adding some industry-specific experience or expertise if you can.

Analyst Resume Example Structure

Your resume will be made up of the following sections:  header, resume summary/resume objective, skills, work experience and education.

You can choose to arrange these sections in one of three different resume formats. These are the chronological format, which emphasizes work history, the functional format, which emphasizes skills and the combination format, which emphasizes both. Choose a format that puts your strongest section first.

Header

You must make it convenient for the hiring manager to contact you. That’s why the header always sits at the top of your resume. You’ll include your full name, basic contact information, and any LinkedIn profile or portfolio links you want to share.

Resume Summary and Objective

The resume summary or resume objective comes next. A resume summary is a brief overview stating what your relevant experience can bring to the business. It is a clear and concise two or three-sentence paragraph that details your career background and any specialties you want to highlight. A resume objective is a brief statement that communicates your career goals. If you have less experience in business analysis, then this may be the better option; it can show how your longer-term goals can fit in with the company’s vision.

Skills

To land your dream role as an analyst, you must demonstrate you have the skills to perform the required  duties. However, it’s not just about technical and hard skills; you’ll also need to show you have the soft skills required. You’ll find the necessary skills listed in the job description.

A professional business analyst resume may include some of the following in the skills section:

• Knowledge of data analysis tools (SQL, SAS, Tableau, etc.)
• Knowledge of data visualization techniques
• Excellent statistical and numerical skills
• Excellent communication and interpretation skills
• Knowledge of business operations
• Microsoft proficiency (Access, Excel, etc.)
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail

A great analyst resume will go beyond the basics. Assume that all candidates have the same analytical skills that hiring managers will see listed on every resume. To stand out, look for clues in the job description and provide those extra desired skills.

Perhaps they are looking for someone with project management skills or someone with expertise in risk management? Adding those skills that the recruiter is looking for will help you stand out and shows that you’ve paid attention to the intricacies of the advertised role.

Work History

In reverse chronological order, list your previous relevant experience in your work experience section. Below each role, list your responsibilities and duties briefly, using action words to explain how you performed your tasks.

Use your professional experience to demonstrate that you can excel in the role. Help the recruiter draw a line between your previous roles and this position. The duties of an analyst can vary from role to role depending on the industry, so try to focus on the most relevant experience.

As an entry-level candidate, you can still show experience with numbers and data analysis on your resume. Work experience gained through an internship is useful, as is volunteer work for local communities that may have included some type of statistical analysis.

Education

Your education section should show you have the certifications and the expert know-how for the role of an analyst. Analysts usually require a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a business-related field. List your credentials in this section. to show your credibility as an analyst. Do not include your GPA unless requested. However, you can include any honors that you received.

Do’s and Don’ts for an Analyst Resume

Do:

• Make sure to edit your resume. Check for punctuation, spelling and grammar errors. Hiring managers will dismiss resumes that are full of errors.
• Use correct terminology. Depending on the job title and industry, you should show your business acumen through effective use of the right jargon. Words like metrics, workflow and stakeholders sprinkled into your writing in the right context may help  elevate your resume. 
• Customize your resume for the job description. Analyst roles can vary, so check the job duties; make sure you address the right skills in your resume.

Don’t:

• Claim to be an expert if you’re not. If you aren’t familiar with SQL or Tableau, then you shouldn’t say you are. A good interviewer will realize this, and it will not help your job application. 
• Overload your experience section with too many roles that aren’t relevant. If a hiring manager wants to know more about your experiences, you can explain in further detail at an interview.
• Write your resume without any help. That’s what the ResumeHelp resume builder is for.