ATS Keywords & CV Guide for Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to help organisations make better decisions. They write queries, build dashboards, and translate business questions into analysis. When you apply for Data Analyst roles, applicant tracking systems scan your CV for the skills, tools, and responsibility phrasing below. Use them in context within your experience bullets, not just in a skills list.
Top skills recruiters scan for
These are the skills that appear most frequently in Data Analyst job descriptions. The importance score reflects how heavily each skill is weighted in the occupation's O*NET profile. Include the top 5 in your CV where you can prove them with real outcomes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Skill | Importance | Type |
|---|---|---|
| SQL |
95
|
technical |
| Data Visualization |
90
|
technical |
| Attention to Detail |
88
|
soft |
| Python |
85
|
technical |
| Excel (Advanced) |
85
|
technical |
| Problem Solving |
82
|
soft |
| Statistical Analysis |
80
|
technical |
| Critical Thinking |
78
|
soft |
| Communication |
75
|
soft |
| Business Acumen |
70
|
soft |
Tools & software to name explicitly
Recruiters and ATS systems search for specific tool names. List the ones you have real experience with in your skills section, and prove them in your bullets. Tools marked as hot are currently in high demand in job postings.
- SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server)Hot
- Python (pandas, NumPy)Hot
- TableauHot
- Power BIHot
- Google Analytics
- Excel / Google Sheets
- LookerHot
- R
- SnowflakeHot
- dbtHot
Responsibility phrasing for your bullets
These are the core tasks a Data Analyst is expected to perform. Use them as starting points for your CV bullets, but rewrite each one with your specific outcomes, scope, and context. Do not copy them verbatim.
- Query databases using SQL to extract and analyse datasets
- Build and maintain dashboards in Tableau, Power BI, or Looker
- Clean and transform raw data using Python or SQL
- Identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in business data
- Present findings to stakeholders with visual reports and clear recommendations
- Design and run A/B tests to measure product or marketing changes
- Collaborate with engineering to instrument tracking and ensure data quality
- Automate recurring reports and data pipelines
Other titles this role is posted under
Job postings for this role may use any of these titles. Search for all of them to find more relevant opportunities, and use the matching title in your CV's professional summary when applying.
- Business Data Analyst
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Product Analyst
- BI Analyst
- Analytics Engineer
- Reporting Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
Tailor your CV for Data Analyst roles
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Includes information from O*NET 29.x by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license.