How to write a market research analyst job description

A market research analyst is like your organization's eyes and ears on market trends, diving into data to provide insights for growth. Given how crucial their role is, getting the right person onboard isn't just a want—it's a need.

A vague or outdated job description can lead to missed opportunities or even the hassle of rehiring. Beyond the technical bits, a market analyst also needs solid teamwork skills and adaptability. 

If you aim to craft a market research analyst job description that attracts the best, you're in the right place. We have the blueprint you need and a free template to help you get started.

What is a market research analyst?

A market research analyst studies market conditions to identify potential sales opportunities for a product or service. 

They gather data on consumers and competitors, analyze information to predict market trends, and provide insights to companies to make informed business decisions. 

Their findings help shape marketing and business strategies to meet customer needs and preferences.

Key skills to look for in market research analysts

• Data collection and analysis: Ability to gather the right data and interpret it, helping businesses understand market trends and customer preferences.

• Statistical expertise: Skill in using statistical methods to analyze data, making it easier to spot patterns and make accurate predictions.

• Accuracy and critical thinking: Ensuring accuracy in gathering data and logically making sense of numbers and trends.

• Familiarity with research tools: Knowledge of the latest tools and software used in market research to collect and analyze data efficiently.

• Understanding consumer behavior: Grasps why consumers make certain choices, helping businesses cater to these needs and desires.

• Report writing: Skill in compiling data into clear, concise reports that decision-makers can easily understand and act upon.

• Communication Skills: Can present findings clearly, whether it's in writing or verbally, making sure everyone, from teammates to executives, understands.

How to write an effective market research analyst job description

Writing an effective job description for a market research analyst requires clarity, specificity, and an understanding of the role's significance in the organization. Follow these steps:

Highlight essential skills and qualifications

You should detail both the hard and soft skills required for the position. While it's essential to mention technical know-how like familiarity with specific statistical tools, such as SPSS, don't forget soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Include something like, "You value clear communication as much as number-crunching."

Additionally, when you're jotting down qualifications, be clear. Instead of just saying, "A degree required," specify with "Do you have a bachelor's in Statistics or Marketing? That's what we're after!"

Emphasize company culture and application details

Give them a sneak peek into your company’s culture and values. For instance, "At our firm, we're big on team lunches and brainstorming sessions." This allows candidates to determine if they align with the organizational ethos. 

Furthermore, you need to outline the application procedure clearly. Detail what the candidate should provide—be it a resume, cover letter, or specific project—and provide a point of contact for any questions. This clarity ensures a smoother application process for both the candidate and the hiring team.

Market research analyst job description template 

Here’s a market research analyst job description template that you can tailor to your needs:

Company introduction

Give a glimpse of your company’s culture, values, working style, and unique benefits or perks. For instance, write, “Our teams enjoy flexible hours and an annual company retreat to rejuvenate.” It helps potential candidates understand if they'd be a good fit.

Benefits of working with [Your company]

This section highlights the perks and benefits of working with your company. These may include healthcare and retirement plans, vacation or paid time off, generous compensation, flexible work hours, or exclusive access to industry workshops to keep the candidate at the forefront of market research trends.

Market research analyst job brief

[Company name]

Job Title: [For example, Lead Market Research Analyst, Market Research Specialist, or Market Data Analyst]

Reports to: [For example, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Vice President (VP) of Marketing]

Position type: [For example, full-time or part-time; employee or independent contractor]

Location: [Remote, hybrid, or on-site]

[Compensation details]

Market research analyst responsibilities

• Gather and analyze data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions using statistical software.

• Interpret data to provide actionable insights on market trends, competitive positioning, and potential opportunities.

• Monitor and evaluate competitor performance, pricing, and marketing strategies to shape competitive approaches.

• Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys and focus groups.

• Perform market research SWOT analysis.

• Develop comprehensive reports and presentations to share findings and recommendations with key stakeholders.

• Predict future market trends and provide insights on potential new products or market expansions.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, sales, and product teams to align research objectives and findings.

• Ensure all research adheres to ethical standards, maintains data integrity, and upholds data confidentiality.

• Coordinate with external research agencies or vendors, ensuring outsourced work aligns with company objectives and standards.

Requirements/Qualifications and training required

• Bachelor's degree in market research, marketing, business, or a related field, with a preference for those holding advanced degrees or relevant certifications.

• Proven experience in market research, data analysis, and the use of statistical software, such as SPSS, Tableau, or Qualtrics.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, coupled with the ability to present complex data insights clearly and understandably.

Two things to avoid when writing a job description for market research analysts

Avoid these two common pitfalls to ensure you're drawing in the right talent:

1. Neglecting soft skills

While the technical aspect of market research is crucial, soft skills play an equally pivotal role. Avoid overlooking attributes like "strong communication skills," "collaborative team spirit," or "effective problem-solving." 

These skills ensure that analysts not only gather data but also interpret and communicate their findings to stakeholders.

2. Overlooking technological proficiency

The world of market research is becoming increasingly tech-reliant. But don’t assume that every candidate will be familiar with industry-standard software. You should explicitly mention which tools they’ll need to be proficient in, such as SPSS or Qualtrics. This ensures your new hire doesn’t need extensive training to get started.

Next steps: Attracting and assessing market research analyst candidates

Once your job description is ready, you can post it on your company website or on job boards such as Indeed, CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.

To sort and hire the best market research analyst, use pre-employment screening tests like those offered by TestGorilla. TestGorilla offers a variety of technical and soft skills tests in easy-to-understand formats that candidates can take in one sitting.

Role-specific tests include:

• Market analysis test to evaluate candidates' ability to understand and interpret market factors to optimize business decisions.

• Market research test to assess understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods

• Market analytics test to consider the ability to collect data from various sources, analyze it, and present data.

Other tests include:

• Critical thinking test to measure the ability to think logically and make sound decisions.

• Problem-solving test to test the ability to break down issues and find optimal solutions.

• Communications skills test to test both verbal and written communication skills.

• Personality tests to assess various personality traits.

FAQs

How to become a market research analyst with no experience?

You could study marketing or statistics, take online courses to master tools like SPSS or Qualtrics, and seek internships or volunteer opportunities to build a portfolio and gain hands-on experience. Networking and attending industry workshops can also open doors to entry-level positions.

What is the difference between market research analyst and business analyst?

While both roles involve data analysis, they address different aspects of a business and have distinct objectives. Market research analysts focus on market trends and consumer behavior, while business analysts focus on optimizing business processes and systems.

Do you need an MBA to be a market research analyst?

While an MBA can be beneficial, many analysts start with bachelor's degrees in marketing, statistics, or related fields and gain experience in research methodologies and tools.

Hire the best market research analyst with TestGorilla

Market research analysts play a crucial role in helping businesses with informed decision-making. They have their fingers on the market pulse, studying consumer behavior and tracking competitors' moves.

A well-crafted job description takes the first step in attracting the right candidate who aligns with your company culture. After you've built a pool of candidates, you can use TestGorilla's pre-employment screening tests to assess their role-specific skills, cognitive abilities, and vital soft skills, ensuring you discover the perfect fit for your organization.

Explore TestGorilla today at no cost, or schedule a product demo to find the ideal market research analyst for your business.