How to Write a Data Analyst CV (Tips and Examples)

In today's competitive job market, creating a modern CV is crucial to set yourself apart from the competition to secure an interview. As the demand for skilled data analysts soars across sectors, aspiring professionals in the UK face abundant opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry. 

To know how to write a good CV can be challenging, especially when optimising your data analyst CV to be applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly. With our writing guide and professional CV templates, you can highlight the best of your data analyst qualifications, skills, and experience for a successful career in this field.

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Data Analyst CV Example

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In this example, Samuel demonstrates his 5+ years of expertise and technical skills in extracting actionable insights from complex datasets, data analysis, visualisation, querying, and programming. He highlights excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and verbal and written communication skills. The Michigan CV template ensures clarity and organisation, making it easy to read and look professional.

See our matching data analyst cover letter to help you streamline your application.

What to include in a CV for data analyst?

When creating your data analyst CV, first write down must-have sections. Start with contact info and a brief personal statement outlining your skills and career goals. Highlight data-related work experience and practical achievements. Include relevant programming or data visualisation certifications and showcase technical skills like statistical analysis, programming languages and database management. 

For a detailed overview of the writing process, refer to our master CV article for tips on where to start.

How to write a personal profile on a data analyst CV?

Your personal profile, also known as personal statement, summarises your relevant qualifications, experience and skills, and your career aspirations for a data analyst. It offers an opportunity to make a solid first impression on potential employers and showcase your unique strengths.

What you add in your personal profile will differ according to your background and expertise. If you're a recent graduate or with a few years of experience, emphasise your experience handling data or working with research and analytical tools or methodologies. Highlight your attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and goal to leverage accurate data insights to inform decision-making. 

Learn how to write a compelling personal profile on a CV that aligns with your career goals.

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What skills should I put on my CV for a data analyst role? 

Whether you are pursuing a career as a data engineer or financial analyst, you need a combination of skills to excel in your field. When thinking about data analyst skills for your CV, separate a list of soft and hard skills to highlight specialisations and technical expertise. By doing so, you effectively showcase qualifications and increase your chances of securing your desired role.  If you have little to no work experience or have recently graduated, highlight any transferable skills from additional experiences and choose to create a skill-based CV.

Consider the following for skills that can also be used for a data architect or data modeller role:

• Written and verbal communication skills are essential in this role, as you’ll be frequently tasked with collaborating and presenting findings to clients or stakeholders clearly and concisely.

• Attention to detail and critical thinking skills are essential for conducting thorough data analysis and managing projects. Strong problem-solving abilities help in identifying patterns and extracting meaningful insights.

• Solid mathematical and statistical analysis abilities will be required to navigate complex statistical concepts and precisely manipulate data.

• Proficiency in programming languages and database management such as Python or R, knowledge of SQL. Learn about data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI.

• A comprehensive understanding of statistical software packages like SAS, R, or SPSS is vital to handle large datasets, conducting advanced statistical analyses, and improving overall analytical efficiency.

If you have technical skills and are interested in similar professions in the UK, consider exploring similar career paths, such as software developer. For a first job in the data analysis field, highlight relevant coursework, internships, or part-time experiences.

An entry-level data analyst CV should focus on soft and hard skills relevant to the position. Soft skills demonstrate your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and manage your responsibilities efficiently. Showcase your strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to use Python, SQL, and Excel data analysis tools. Highlight your eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies in data analysis.

A mid-senior data analyst CV should emphasise an ability to provide exceptional data analysis and work effectively as part of a team. Showcase your expertise in statistical analysis, data modelling, and visualisation using tools such as R, Tableau, or Power BI. Demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for business stakeholders. Highlight your project management skills and experience in leading data-driven initiatives that have resulted in measurable business outcomes.

A specialist or data analyst manager CV should showcase your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to assist customers in a busy or fast-paced environment. Highlight your in-depth knowledge of data analysis techniques, data mining, and predictive modelling. Emphasise your leadership skills and experience in mentoring and managing a team. Showcase your expertise in driving data-driven decision-making and delivering insights to senior management. Highlight your ability to develop and implement data governance policies and procedures to ensure data integrity and compliance.

For more ideas on what to include in your skills section, read our article on what skills to put on a CV.

How to write work experience on a CV for a data analyst role

In the work experience section of your CV, it is essential to separate your responsibilities and duties from your accomplishments. This distinction helps highlight your practical application of data analysis skills and demonstrates your impact in previous roles. Highlight your professional experience, and use bullet points to highlight specific achievements or measurable outcomes.

Examples of work experience for a data analyst:

Data Analyst, Global Analytics, London, UK, 2020 - Present

Conduct data analysis to identify trends and patterns. Develop and maintain SQL queries for data extraction and transformation. Utilise Python and R for data cleaning and statistical analysis. Create interactive dashboards and reports using Tableau. Assist in data collection and quality assurance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define analysis objectives. Continuously learn and apply new techniques. Support data management systems and processes.

• Developed a data visualisation dashboard using Tableau, enhancing data accessibility and improving decision-making efficiency.

• Collaborated with senior analysts to create user-friendly visualisations that enhanced the efficiency of data interpretation and analysis by 5%.

Junior Data Analyst, Veridex Corporation, London, UK, 2019 - 2021

Conducted exploratory data analysis and performed statistical analysis using R and Excel on large datasets. Assisted in developing data-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Prepared comprehensive reports and presentations that provided actionable insights, resulting in a 10% increase in operational efficiency.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline data collection processes, reducing data processing time by 20%.

Lead Data Analyst, Pristel Enterprises, London, UK, 2010 - Present

Analyse complex data sets using advanced statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data visualisation tools. Lead a team of data analysts to develop and implement data-driven strategies and solutions.

• Drove a 15% revenue increase by collaborating with stakeholders to identify business objectives and successfully implementing impactful data projects.

• Improved data storage and retrieval efficiency by 25% by designing and maintaining efficient data models and databases.

• Played a pivotal role in driving business growth and profitability by delivering compelling findings and insights to executive management, resulting in a 10% increase in annual revenue and a 20% improvement in profit margins.

CV for data analyst with no experience

Student Research Assistant, Science Insights Institute, Manchester, 2021 - Present

Support senior researchers in gathering and organising data for various scientific studies and research projects. Utilise Excel for data entry, cleaning, and organisation, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Assist in visual representations of data findings using basic statistical tools and software. Collaborate with the team to ensure proper protocols are followed for data collection and research analysis. 

• Improved data entry protocols in Excel, reducing error rates by 8% within the research team.

• Created comprehensive charts and graphs to improve data presentation for reports and presentations.

If you have no experience or have just finished school, draw inspiration from our student CV guide to learn how to achieve your first role. Explore internships and volunteering opportunities. Engage in data-related projects, hackathons, or open-source contributions to build experience and a portfolio.

For more information on this section, refer to our article on how to write work experience.

How to list education on a data analyst CV

Including education is vital on a CV for data analysis, and employers often require higher qualifications. While optional for some entry-level roles, a relevant bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Data Science is typical. 

Start with your most recent or relevant education and work backwards. Include the institution, degree/title, dates attended, and any relevant academic coursework, projects, or achievements.

For those who need experience and are applying for an apprenticeship, highlighting relevant GCSEs (such as mathematics or IT-related subjects) can show a foundational understanding of critical skills essential in data analysis. To strengthen your qualifications, consider completing courses and certificates to enhance your knowledge and significantly boost your prospects in the job market.

For more guidance, read how to master the CV education section with examples and tips.

Key Takeaways

A professional CV requires a strategic approach to stand out in a competitive market. It’s essential to demonstrate technical skills, gain educational qualifications and have knowledge of essential programming software or tools. To maximise your chances of success, learn how to improve your CV for a data analyst position that aligns with your career goals.

Next steps?

Explore our CV Writing Service for ready-to-use templates that suit your career goals. For additional guidance on improving your CV, visit our career blog for inspiring ideas on landing your dream role. If you’re applying for entry-level roles, choose from our cover letter templates and consider these job interview tips for more advice.

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FAQ

How do I write a good data analyst CV? 

Follow these tips:

• Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications.

• Include specific examples and actionable insights.

• Quantify achievements to demonstrate your capabilities.

• Tailor your CV to the job you’re targeting.

• Consider including a section for notable projects or references to enhance your CV

Are data analysts in demand in the UK? 

Yes, this role is in high demand due to the increased need for skilled professionals. Various jobs span sectors like finance, healthcare, retail and IT, making data analysis a sought-after skill in today's job market. This type of role can also be found within the civil service, with a focus on cyber security, market research, or operations.

What is the best format for a data analyst CV?

We recommend to use a chronological CV format. List the most recent entries in the work experience and education section first. Opt for a clean, professional layout and emphasise technical skills or certifications.

Refer to our blogs to learn more about the best CV template for a data analyst:

• How long a CV should be

• Best font for a CV.

What is a good summary for a data analyst CV?

A good summary or personal profile should be concise and impactful. List your achievements, key strengths, career goals, and qualifications to help you stand out. Hiring managers want to know of any knowledge or expertise in data analysis, statistical analysis, and proficiency in relevant programming languages and tools. Tailor your personal profile to match the job you’re targeting and use keywords from the job description. Refer to the business analyst CV or accountant CV examples for more inspiration.

What is the expected salary for a data analyst job in the UK?

In the UK, the average salary for a job within this field ranges from £25,000 to £60,000 per year for higher roles, depending on your experience level, location, and company size.

Explore our blog article on the highest-paying jobs in the UK for more information on career prospects and average salaries based on your experience.