Data analyst job description template: Everything you need to include
Data analysts turn raw data into actionable insights – key to gaining a competitive edge in any industry. However, mis-hiring in this role can lead to missed opportunities and flawed business decisions.
Often, this stems from poorly written job descriptions that overly focus on technical skills and overlook the soft skills necessary for success. This not only attracts the wrong candidates but also results in HR prioritizing the wrong skills when screening applications.
Luckily, you can avoid these mistakes.
Below, we share a comprehensive data analyst job description designed to help you attract top talent. We also discuss how skills-based hiring can help you assess and shortlist the best folks for the job.
Table of contents
Data analyst job description template
Job Title: Data Analyst
Location: [City, State/Remote]
Department: [Department Name]
Reports To: [Manager/Supervisor Title]
Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time/Contract]
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Data Analyst to join our [company/department name]. In this role, you will collect, organize, and interpret data to provide actionable insights that support decision-making. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify trends, analyze performance metrics, and drive data-driven strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Data Collection & Management: Gather and maintain data from various sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Data Analysis: Analyze datasets to uncover trends, patterns, and insights to inform business strategies.
Reporting: Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations to present findings to stakeholders.
Collaboration: Work with teams such as [Marketing, Operations, Finance, etc.] to understand data needs and provide tailored solutions.
Quality Assurance: Ensure data integrity by identifying errors, inconsistencies, and anomalies in datasets.
Process Optimization: Recommend and implement data-driven solutions to optimize workflows and enhance business processes.
Data Governance: Adhere to data privacy and security regulations, ensuring compliance with [GDPR, HIPAA, etc.].
Key Competencies and Skills
Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R).
Strong knowledge of data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Excel).
Experience with [specific industry-related tools, e.g., Google Analytics, Salesforce, etc.].
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings in an understandable manner.
Familiarity with data warehousing and ETL processes.
Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
Critical thinking and ability to draw meaningful conclusions from data.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in [Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or related field].
Proven experience as a Data Analyst or in a similar role.
Preferred:
Advanced degree in [relevant field].
Knowledge of machine learning models or statistical techniques.
Certification in data analysis or a related field (e.g., Microsoft Data Analyst, Tableau Certification).
What We Offer
Competitive salary and benefits.
Opportunities for professional development and growth.
Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Flexible working hours and remote work options [if applicable].
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio (if applicable) to [email/website link].
Deadline: [Insert Application Deadline]
[Company Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Why this data analyst job description template works
We’ve designed this job description to attract top candidates and make hiring a data analyst simpler and more effective. Here’s why this particular structure and content work so well:
Role summary and work expectations
We begin with a snapshot of the role’s logistics. It’s critical to let candidates know their work arrangement, contract type, and location immediately so you can avoid ill-fitting applications.
We’ve also provided a quick overview that describes the role’s essence and informs candidates about the company and sector. This information is crucial for attracting candidates experienced with handling data in your specific industry.
Detailed responsibilities
In this section, we give candidates a taste of what their daily duties would look like as data analysts in your company.
In addition to outlining core tasks like data collection and management, analysis, and reporting, we’ve touched on the more strategic and collaborative side of things – for instance, working with other departments and improving processes.
This is because it’s common for some candidates to believe data analysis is an isolated role that involves only crunching numbers behind a computer screen. In reality, the best data analysts are comfortable working with others and participating in enhancing the business’ overall data strategy.
Key competencies and preferred qualifications
Unlike traditional role descriptions, we’ve prioritized data analyst skills and competencies over educational credentials.
Great data analysts need to be proficient in the relevant programming languages, data analysis tools, and statistical packages. Plus, they must be excellent problem-solvers and critical thinkers and have strong attention to detail. Without these qualities, even candidates with Master’s degrees won’t succeed.
That said, we have listed certain college degrees and certifications as preferred, so we can invite both degreed and non-degreed candidates to apply as long as they have the right skills.
Benefits and application instructions
Data analysts are in high demand in every industry today. This job description ensures you outline the perks they’ll get – growth opportunities, competitive pay, flexible working, etc. – if they choose your company over competitors.
Lastly, we close the role description by providing clear instructions about how to apply, what to include, and the deadline to facilitate a smooth application process. Concluding on an equal opportunities statement not only helps you comply with regulations but also shows your commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
Next steps: Attracting and assessing data analyst candidates
A precise data analyst job description is key to attracting the right talent. But you must quickly and accurately sift through applications to shortlist the best candidates before the competition does.
This is where TestGorilla's talent assessments shine. Our library of 400+ expertly crafted tests can help you assess a wide range of skills and traits for your data analyst position.
You can combine up to five tests for a custom data analyst assessment and roll it out to candidates as soon as they apply – ensuring only qualified candidates enter your selection pipeline.
Consider the below tests for data analysts.
Technical expertise
Data Analytics in Excel test
Data Analytics in Amazon Web Services (AWS) test, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google Analytics 4 test
SQLite (Coding): Intermediate-Level Querying test or Python (Coding): Entry-Level Algorithms test
MATLAB test, Tableau test, and many more
Soft skills and cognitive abilities
Communication test
Critical Thinking test
Personality and culture
DISC test, Enneagram, and other personality tests
These tests help you assess everything from candidates’ hard and soft skills to behavioral attributes, giving you a complete view of their suitability for the data analyst role. Combine these insights with good data analyst interview questions to make data-driven hiring decisions and land the best talent for your company.
Interested in exploring more? Learn how TestGorilla can help you hire the cream of the crop by creating an account today.
FAQs
Need more information? Check out these answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is data analyst an IT job?
A data analyst role can be considered part of IT because it involves working with data systems and software. That said, the role is also closely linked to business strategy and operations, as it drives key business decisions. It’s a bit of both worlds.
What do data analysts get paid?
In the US, data analysts make an average of $113,500 per year or $54.18 per hour. Wages vary by industry, location, and qualifications.
For detailed insights, check out our blog on what to pay data analysts.
Related posts
You've scrolled this far
Why not try TestGorilla for free, and see what happens when you put skills first.
Latest posts
The best insights on HR and recruitment, delivered to your inbox.
Biweekly updates. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
Skills tests to hire the best
Our screening tests identify the best candidates and make your hiring decisions faster, easier, and bias-free.
Free resources
This handbook provides actionable insights, use cases, data, and tools to help you implement skills-based hiring for optimal success
A comprehensive guide packed with detailed strategies, timelines, and best practices — to help you build a seamless onboarding plan.
A comprehensive guide with in-depth comparisons, key features, and pricing details to help you choose the best talent assessment platform.
This in-depth guide includes tools, metrics, and a step-by-step plan for tracking and boosting your recruitment ROI.
A step-by-step blueprint that will help you maximize the benefits of skills-based hiring from faster time-to-hire to improved employee retention.
With our onboarding email templates, you'll reduce first-day jitters, boost confidence, and create a seamless experience for your new hires.
Get all the essentials of HR in one place! This cheat sheet covers KPIs, roles, talent acquisition, compliance, performance management, and more to boost your HR expertise.
Onboarding employees can be a challenge. This checklist provides detailed best practices broken down by days, weeks, and months after joining.
Track all the critical calculations that contribute to your recruitment process and find out how to optimize them with this cheat sheet.