How to Get a Job as a Data Analyst in 2021
Companies have access to more information than ever before in the form of data. But these mountains of data shrivel down to molehills without someone to make sense of all those numbers. This is where the data analyst swoops in to save the day! If you’re mathematically inclined and enjoy working with data, consider becoming a data analyst. You need to have strong mental math abilities and excellent communication skills to make it as a data analyst. Download JobFlare today and prove to employers that you’ve got the skills it takes to succeed!
Data analysts make sense of the massive amount of information businesses have on their consumers and the market. By wielding strong statistical knowledge and epic database building, data analysts are able to identify trends, recognize problems with current strategies, and recommend a path forward. As a data analyst, you crunch the numbers and translate complex trends into easily digestible information for others to use to improve the business model. You know exactly the right questions to ask to get the answers you’re looking for.
Since all major companies now have so much information, data analysts are in high demand. Typically, you’ll work for large consumer-facing businesses, market research firms, or financial institutions.
Data Analyst
US Median Salary
$69,950/year or $33.63/hour
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Math, or Statistics
Many upper level positions require a Master’s degree
Data Analytics Certifications can give you an edge
Robot Risk Rating
LOW AUTOMATION RISK
(Source: Will Robots Take My Job)
You'd be great for this position if...
– You’re curious
– You’re comfortable working with numbers
– You’re always asking questions
– You’re methodical
– You’re creative
– You enjoy collaborating
You'd be great for this position if...
– You’re curious
– You’re comfortable working with numbers
– You’re always asking questions
– You’re methodical
– You’re creative
– You enjoy collaborating
Resume Tips for Data Analysts
To have a successful career as a data analyst, there are certain skills that hiring managers know to look for. Take inventory of these important qualities and emphasize them in your resume:
- Strong analytical skills
- High attention to detail
- Pattern recognition
- Excellent communication skills
- Self-motivated
- Goal-oriented
- Statistical analysis skills
- Problem solving abilities
If you don’t have much on-the-job experience, include things like…
- Fluency in computer programming languages and a solid understanding of databases
- Experience with machine learning, data mining, or data warehousing
- A thesis or pet project that you’ve completed that involved either programming, data mining, or data analysis
- Any additional strengths, like specialized programming certifications, prior experience in a sales role, or participation in relevant workshops or conferences
If you’re still feeling stuck on what skills to list in your resume, check the job description! Hiring managers list the key qualities they’re looking for, so you can score serious points for including them.
Interview Pointers for Data Analysts
Prior to your interview, be sure to think of examples of personal experience applicable to the role:
- Be able to talk about your personal approach to organizing a data analytics projects. What are the main goals you’re trying to achieve and what questions will you ask to get there?
- Offer an example of a time when you took initiative in a previous role. What was the pay off?
- Discuss the most challenging project you’ve taken on. What made this project difficult? What skills did you hone in order to successfully complete the project?
- Give insight into your work style. How do you organize the steps of a project? Are you comfortable working under pressure or with strict deadlines?
- Be ready to show what you know! It’s not uncommon for companies to give candidates programming or query tasks to prove their competency.
Be prepared to answer questions like:
- How do you define big data?
- What is data cleaning and how do you do it?
- What are your preferred tools for analysis?
Trouble finding Data Analyst jobs to apply for? Try searching for these jobs as well!
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Tim O’Reilly
Founder & CEO of O’Reilly Media
