Research analysts collect, analyze and interpret business-related data to promote better decision-making and operations efficiency. These professionals work in marketing, economics, finance, and accounting sectors, where they gather, collect and manipulate huge datasets. If you are interested in a research analyst position, this is the right article.
Our article will look at various topics in this position. First, we will cover the roles and responsibilities of research analysts to familiarize you with the position before focusing on the job requirements, i.e., education, experience, skills, and knowledge. Our resume examples and FAQ sections should help you prepare the best research analyst resume for your upcoming job application. Let’s find out more about this job.
Research Analyst Job Description
Research analysts work in various sectors where they gather data from different sources and break them down into actionable insights. These professionals use modern and traditional methods to collect, transfer and analyze data, and actively improve business operations by identifying trends and patterns required for effective decision-making.
One must invest in excellent communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills to succeed in this job. Additionally, paying attention to details and excellent problem-solving skills is essential, just as the ability to manipulate large and complex data sets into manageable and understandable reports.
Research Analyst Roles and Responsibilities
- Researching, gathering, analyzing and interpreting data for business operations improvement purposes
- Breaking down data into actionable insights
- Conducting variance analysis after comparing past performance results
- Applying different economic, statistical, and data modeling techniques and tools in everyday work
- Improving future business operations by providing valuable and actionable recommendations
- Supporting future research projects by organizing and entering data into databases
- Facilitating business efficiency improvements by testing policies, processes, and protocols
- Creating different data representation tools, e.g., graphs and charts, and presenting findings to different organizational teams and the top management
- Developing good pricing models and using operations data to identify areas in dire need of improvements
- Guiding business decision-making initiatives through data analysis and interpretation
- Regularly organizing and analyzing data
- Identifying and analyzing trends from data patterns before making recommendations capable of improving business processes
- Staying informed and updated on market trends, relevant research, and best research analysis practices
- Ensuring that all data releases are accurate by regularly evaluating program methodology and data reviews
- Updating databases by regularly cataloging findings
- Formulating data reports and making relevant recommendations
- Preparing detailed surveys to gather relevant data and discover customer, market, or business preferences
- Offering competitive analysis on different products, trends, and business models to help the entity stay ahead of the competition.
- Maintaining excellent relationships with several entities e g companies, and agencies for easier retrieval of valuable business/ financial data
- Recommending actions in need of optimization
- Analyzing business operations and expenditures to locate patterns
Research Analyst Required Knowledge and Skills
- Familiarity and proficiency with Customer Relationship Management programs
- Working knowledge of data modeling, mining, and warehousing
- In-depth understanding of web analytics, search engines, and business research tools
- Extensive knowledge of MS Office, databases, and statistical packages such as SAS
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Excellent multitasking ability
- Knowledge of data collection methods, i.e., focus groups, surveys, and polls
- Excellent analytical skills
- Ability to think critically
- Ability to break down substantial data amounts
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong presentation skills
- Attentiveness to details
- Excellent numerical skills
- Ability to fit into team settings
- Excellent computer skills
- Information Technology skills
- Pattern identification and analysis
- Numerical skills
- Excellent data collection skills
- Data entry skills
- Logical reasoning
- Reliability
- Excellent collaboration skills
Research Analyst Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, or any relevant field
- Years of applied research/ data management experience
- Experience using data modeling software
- Proven experience in research analysis
- Experience using CRM programs
- Experience working under pressure
Research Analyst Salary
As indicated by different reports, research analysts earn pretty well. Glassdoor estimates that these professionals earn approximately $71,000 yearly, with senior research analysts making $87,000+. Principal research analysts earn the highest due to more years of experience and responsibilities, with an average salary of $125,000 yearly. This should be the ultimate sign if you’ve been eyeing a research analyst position.
Research Analyst CV Example 1
Ronnie Ochuka
Physical address: 451 8th Street, Pacific Grove, California l, 92567
Email address: ochukaronnie17@gmail.com
Phone number: (350) 654- 7890
Personal Profile
Professional research analyst with 9+ years of experience using different modern and traditional methods to gather, compile and analyze data. Hardworking and self-motivated research expert with strong analytical skills ready to collaborate with different departments to support business decision-making. Critical thinker with vast experience in applied research and data management focused on organizational advancement.
Work Experience
06/2019- 10/2022, Senior Operations Research Analyst, Bryne & Philips Inc, San Diego, CA
- Worked closely with ten operations and business leaders to identify relevant metrics and understand overall management objectives
- Applied 5+ techniques, including independent judgment and statistical testing, to validate collected data
- Contributed to the planning, control, and review of 30+ large projects by creating and implementing the correct cost and time formulas
- Offered leadership, guidance, and technical support to 5 junior operations research analysts
- Used Excel pivot tables and Microsoft Access to prepare sizeable complex data sets for analysis
- Improved daily business operations by researching and recommending innovative tools and solutions
08/2015- 03/2019, Operations Assistant, Boyle Group of Companies, Tampa, Florida
- Actively participated in the recruitment and onboarding processes of 50+ new hires
- Promptly answered questions from 50+ staff members and ten stakeholders, keeping everyone informed at all times
- Maintained excellent relationships with 12 vendors, aiding in the timely supply of resources for smooth business operations
- Supported organization’s operations and growth by promptly processing 100+ internal information requests daily
- Attended 10+ annual conferences and workshops to stay updated on industry and consumer trends
- Liaised with eight departments for successful performance and work efficiency improvement
02/2012- 06/2015, Office Administrator, Ryan & Genesis Holdings, Berkeley, California
- Coordinated and managed 30+ appointments daily; exercising high levels of diligence to prevent duplicate bookings
- Maintained and updated 10+ general office and company operations files, making them available on request
- Oversaw the maintenance of 50+ office equipment to prevent downtime occasioned by faulty equipment
- Delegated tasks to and supervised 15 administrative staff members; motivating them to meet their daily productivity and performance goals
- Managed travel plans and agendas for five business executives; ensuring that their daily activities and plans went according to schedule
Education
- 03/2007- 06/2011, Bachelor of Science, Business Management, University of California, Berkeley
- 03/2004- 05/2006, Pacific Grove Senior High School, Pacific Grove, California
Skills
- Languages
- English
- Swahili
- French
Technical Skills
- Pattern recognition & analysis
- Data analysis
- Data collection
- Data entry
- Computer skills
- Mathematics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Financial acuity
- PowerPoint
- Technical writing
- Record maintenance
- SAS
Soft Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Organization
- Attention to details
- Focus
- Critical thinking
- Reliability
- Accuracy
- Collaboration
- Logical reasoning
- Ability to work under pressure
- Confidence
- Time management
Certifications
04/2014, Professional Researcher Certification, Insights Association
Research Analyst CV Example 2
Cindy Johnson’s
Physical address: 3 Ontario Road, Arcadia, California, 98634
Email address: johnsoncindy5@gmail.com
Phone number: (287) 745- 9085
Personal Profile
Certified professional researcher with 10+ years of experience collecting and transforming complex data sets into manageable actionable insights for business improvement. Professional marketing expert and research analyst with extensive knowledge of statistical packages and data collection methods capable of applying modern and traditional data collection methods to support business processes. Excellent team worker and communicator with CRM programs proficiency and strong presentation skills.
Work Experience
08/2019- 10/2022, Marketing Research Analyst, Golden Holdings, Acadia, California
- Regularly collected data on three main business determinants, i.e., market, consumers, and competitors; consolidating findings into actionable reports and presentations for proper and well-calculated decision making
- Contributed to the company’s 15% revenue growth in 2020 by offering analytic support to marketing teams
- Presented 100% accurate and updated reports and analyses to senior-level management every month
- Contributed to the timely and on-budget execution of 50+ marketing by developing and managing effective strategies and solutions projects in collaboration with the marketing staff and management
- Used Excel and Microsoft Access to track monthly leads, helping the business identify its revenue sources
- Named the best employee of the year in 2021 for excellent performance
02/2016- 05/2019, Marketing Specialist, Ainsworth Companies, San Diego, California
- Conducted extensive research on consumer requirements, trends, and habits; using PowerPoint to present findings to marketing teams
- Contributed to the successful execution of promotional campaigns and events by building and maintaining excellent relationships with seven external vendors
- Suggested and executed creative marketing ideas, contributing to the 98% success rate of the company’s marketing campaigns
- Coordinated brand awareness and marketing efforts in collaboration with 30+members of the marketing department
- Contributed to the shaping of the firm’s future marketing strategies through extensive analysis of 5+ marketing data, including conversion rates and campaign results
- Evaluated key performance metrics such as lead-to-customer ratio and social media engagement to accurately assess the company’s marketing campaigns and strategies’ performance
- Named the best marketing specialist of the year in 2017
03/2013- 11/2015, Marketing Intern, Charles & Lloyd Companies, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Developed and distributed 5+ tools and methods for data collection, e.g., opinion polls, questionnaires, and surveys
- Offered on-the-job training for five new interns, training them on basic and advanced processes
- Designed and distributed marketing materials for the firm’s 1000+ regular customers
- Grew the firm’s Facebook account from 12,000 followers to 28,000 followers in under a year through catchy and engaging marketing posts and phrases
- Collected qualitative and quantitative data from 50+ marketing campaigns and used PowerPoint to prepare presentations
- Participated in marketing and advertising activities across three leading social media platforms, i.e., Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
- Supported the 20-member marketing team in the successful execution of daily administrative tasks
- Helped organize 10+ marketing events yearly successfully, helping the company increase its brand awareness and customer outreach
- Managed and updated the company’s customer relationship management systems, helping in the delivery of actionable insights and management of customer data
Education
- 03/2008- 05/2012, Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Georgetown University, Washington DC
- 05/2005- 09/2007, Arcadia Senior High School, San Francisco, CA
Skills
- Languages
- English
- French
- Portuguese
Technical Skills
- Financial acuity
- Data collection
- Numerical skills
- Technical writing
- Presentation
- Microsoft Office
- Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS)
- Data analysis
- Data collection
- Data entry
- Computer skills
Soft Skills
- Time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Attention to details
- Organization
- Collaboration
- Ability to work under pressure
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- High accuracy levels
- Multitasking
Certifications
- 06/2016, Google Analytics IQ Certification, Google
- 03/2014, Professional Researcher Certification, Insights Association
Research Analyst Resume Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
1. Which Keywords Should I Include in My Research Analyst Resume?
You should understand the importance of keywords and why they should be included in resumes, especially given that you are a researcher. These are words or phrases that describe given job requirements and can be the skills, expertise, abilities, and values the recruiter needs in a candidate.
Even though they are often found in the job listing, here are some of the most common examples for your research analyst resume: project management, data analysis, AutoCAD, Microsoft Access, cartography, marketing, research, statistics, project planning, market research, geographic information systems, financial insight, SAS (statistical analysis system), PowerPoint, Excel, and documentation.
Additional keywords include facilitation, database, analytics, data, technical, compliance, Economics, consulting, MS Office, tables, patterns, sequences, tableau, etc. Ensure your keywords are evenly spread in your resume to prevent keyword stuffing.
2. Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Soft skills are non-technical skills that allow you to communicate and interact well with others. They usually dictate one’s communication style, work style, and general work ethic and must therefore be part of your resume. For the best results, please mention the following in your resume: verbal and written communication, attention to detail, excellent organization skills, logical reasoning, high levels of reliability, high degrees of accuracy, excellent collaboration skills, high confidence levels, ability to work well under pressure and excellent teamwork skills.
Additional skills include time management, curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, problem resolution, flexibility, conflict management, active listening, and excellent decision-making skills. You can also highlight/ infuse these skills in your work experience section for better results.
3. Which Technical Skills Should My Resume Have?
Technical skills are the specialized knowledge and expertise that allow professionals to execute given tasks and correctly use different programs and tools. They are usually found in the job listing and make up most of the resume keywords in most cases. From the several research analysts’ resumes we have looked up, here are some of the most common technical skills you can use: research analysis, market research, computer skills, Mathematics, information technology (IT), financial insight, pattern recognition and analysis, reading, technical writing, and excellent numerical skills.
Additional skills include presentation, Microsoft Office, i.e., Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, data collection, data entry, SQL, and SAS (statistical analysis system). Like with soft skills, you can also include these skills in your work experience section.
4. Which Certifications Should I Obtain for My Research Analyst Resume?
Here are some of the most common certifications for research analysts:
- Google Data Analytics Professional – This certification program lasts less than six months and doesn’t require any prior experience or degree. It focuses on collecting, transforming, and organizing data for purposes such as drawing conclusions, making predictions, and driving informed decision-making.
- Professional Researcher Certification- This certification is meant for all researchers, regardless of their work experience or education levels. Offered by Insights Association, it shows a dedication to continued professional growth and high competency levels, and it must also be renewed every two years.
- Certified Marketing Analyst- The Certified Marketing Analyst certification by the Academy of American Project Management (AAPM) focuses on research, e-marketing, marketing, and the surrounding tactics, processes, and concepts required to succeed in research-related roles. It equips candidates with the ability to develop strategies based on correct analysis of market events and consumer behavior.
- Certified Research Expert Certification- The Certified Research Expert Certification, by the International Institute for Procurement and Market Research, validates the ability to perfom excellent research analysis. It covers financial risk analysis, statistics, accounting, consumer research, data mining, competitive research, analysis, forecasting, and optimization. It is one of the best research analyst certifications for those aiming at senior-level roles.
Other certifications worth obtaining and including in your resume include chartered financial analyst, Google Analytics IQ, Adobe target business practitioner, and Certified ANA marketing professional certifications.
5. What are Some of the dos and Don’ts for Research Analyst Resumes?
It would help if you had certain things at the back of your mind when writing your resume. First, remember to use strong action verbs such as oversaw, analyzed, managed, implemented, and maintained when describing your achievements, expertise, or previous responsibilities. Second, merge skills with different sections of the resume, such as the work experience and summary, i.e., show how you applied a given skill in a previous job.
Third, your resume shouldn’t be too long; focus on the best and most appropriate work experience and skills. Lastly, ensure you proofread your resume to identify and correct any grammatical or textual errors that may be costly in some job applications.