Globally during 2022, an estimated 80% of firms invested in creating highly skilled data analytics divisions. This combined with a market turnover of USD 41.39 billion for last year and a predicted annual growth rate of 30.41% means that entering 2023, talent is in high demand.
In a crowd of candidates, your CV is one of the best opportunities to demonstrate your ability and show a potential employer why you’re the perfect match for their vacancy.
Your professional data analyst CV
As a data analyst, you’ll have a flair for creating dashboards which make information visual, engaging and enjoyable – so why should your CV be any different?
Rather than a plain, commonly-used template, make use of your visual style by experimenting with colourful layouts to catch the hiring manager’s eye.
Build a portfolio of your work
Data is 50% tech and 50% communication and storytelling.
A portfolio is a great way to display your visual storytelling skills. By including projects you’ve previously worked on, you can show examples of your positive impact whilst also exhibiting the quality of your reporting and setting you apart from other candidates in your market. Portfolios can be hosted in many ways:
- Your LinkedIn profile can serve as a portfolio by regularly uploading content from ongoing projects
- GitHub is a popular site for hosting portfolios and many are public, meaning you can see what other users are creating and get inspired
- Build a free Wix website using their drag-and-drop interface – no HTML knowledge needed
- For ultimate creative flexibility, Adobe XD enables you to build a portfolio from scratch and share using a private link
What certifications to include on a data analyst CV
Certifications are one of the first things hirers look for in a data analyst CV.
There are two key technical skills needed in almost any data analyst role:
- SQL (Structured Query Language)
- Data visualisation tools
Power BI and Tableau are two popular data visualisation tools which are highly sought-after by clients in the current market, so be sure to include any certifications you have in your CV. Thanks to their functional similarities, if you’ve previously worked with either Power BI or Tableau, you’ll easily be able to use the other.
Experience with Microsoft Azure is commonly desired, so gaining a certification and including it in your CV can give you an advantage over other applicants.
Our best advice for data analysts
Enrolling on free online courses is the simplest way to expand your existing skill set, branch out into new specialisms and gain certifications to strengthen your CV.
This can also help you during the interview process – if you’re constantly learning new skills and staying ahead of the latest trends, you’ll have more to discuss with the hiring manager. Studying will show you’re developing your knowledge and staying current with what skills are in-demand.
If you don’t have experience as a data analyst yet, these certifications can also show you have the foundation to hit the ground running in your new role.
Free data analytics courses
There are a wealth of free data analytics courses online which will help you to achieve certifications in Power BI, Tableau, SQL and beyond – here are our favourite recommendations.
Code Academy: From beginner-level SQL classes to specialised skill paths, Code Academy’s mission is to “create a world where anyone can build something meaningful with technology.” Their website is complete with forums to discuss coding and seek advice.
Data Camp: This site has everything you’ll need as a data analyst, with interactive classes on everything from “non-coding essentials to data science and machine learning.”
W3Schools: “The world’s largest web developer site” – their classes can teach any coding or programming language you need to excel in your market.
LinkedIn groups
Another excellent free resource is LinkedIn groups. These communities can help to grow your skills whilst networking with other professionals in the industry.
Data analysts in these groups often share tools and courses they find useful and many are open for anyone to join. There are groups tailored to all niches across data and analytics – and LinkedIn lets you join up to 100 for free.
Elevate your approach: recorded video interviews
Your CV is the best way to show your technical side – however, when it comes to the communication aspect of data analysis, just saying you’re great at it won’t entirely prove this to a hiring manager.
As a candidate with us, you’ll be able to send a recorded video interview along with your CV. This is the most effective way to show who you are – and exactly how you perform in conversation. If you opt-in to a recorded video interview, we’ll send you a copy of the job description to refresh your memory and advise you beforehand on the questions we’ll ask.
Videos aren’t a mandatory part of our recruitment process, however, if you’d like to include one in your application you’ll have two options.
- With one of our specialists. Your data & analytics recruiter will arrange a time for a video call. Once you’re ready, they’ll start the recording and begin the interview with you.
- On your own. Your consultant will send our list of questions, which you can then work through and answer. Once you’re happy with the result, all you need to do is send a copy of your recording.
These questions will involve an overview of your career to date, your skills in programmes such as Power BI, Tableau and SQL and examples of stakeholders you’ve worked with. We’ll also ask what attracted you to the role.
Let our recruitment specialists support your job search.
Here at Distinct, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and goals to help you find a role which is perfectly suited to your skill set.
If you’d like help finding your ideal next move, contact our Nottingham office today. In the meantime, you can also browse the latest vacancies on our jobs board.
