ATS-Friendly Resume Example for Data Analysts (Free CV Template)

If you have ever applied to dozens of data analyst roles and received silence in return, it’s not because you lack skills. It’s because your CV never reached a recruiter. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan, filter, and rank CVs before anyone in HR sees them.

For data roles, the ATS focuses heavily on keywords, structure, and formatting and even the most talented analysts can be filtered out simply because their CV wasn’t machine-readable.

This guide will show you exactly how to create an ATS-friendly Data Analyst resume, what keywords to use, and where to download a free optimized template.

What recruiters and ATS look for in a Data Analyst Resume

When a recruiter searches for a data analyst, they’re scanning for:

• Proven experience in data collection, cleaning, and visualization
• Proficiency with tools such as SQL, Excel, Python, Power BI, and Tableau
• Evidence of analytical impact (e.g., “improved sales forecasting accuracy by 15%”)
• Strong communication and business understanding

The ATS, however, doesn’t “see” any of this unless your resume is structured properly. It searches for specific keywords and parses data in standard text form.

If your CV uses a design-heavy layout or hides skills in tables or icons, the system may skip entire sections.

Common mistakes that make Data Analyst CVs fail ATS

1. Using charts, tables, or graphics – ATS systems can’t read them.
2. Saving as an image or scanned PDF – text becomes unsearchable.
3. Using vague section headings like “My Journey” instead of “Work Experience.”
4. Missing data keywords that match the job description.
5. Listing acronyms without explanation, such as “ETL” or “BI” without context.
6. Inconsistent formatting — mixed date formats, custom bullets, or unusual fonts.

Even a small formatting issue can cause parsing errors that drop your score.

Step-by-Step: How to make your Data Analyst CV ATS-friendly

1. Use a simple file format

Upload only .docx or text-based .pdf files.
Avoid image-based resumes, screenshots, or designs created in Canva or Photoshop.

2. Stick to standard fonts

Use Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, easy for ATS to read.
Decorative fonts may look creative but confuse parsing software.

3. Use conventional section titles

Use “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.”
Avoid non-standard headings like “Projects I’m Proud Of.”

4. Optimize with keywords from the Job Description

The ATS compares your CV against the job posting.
For example, if the JD mentions:

“Strong knowledge of SQL, data visualization, and statistical modeling.”

You should include phrases like:

“Developed SQL queries to extract business insights and created dashboards using Power BI for data visualization.”

Upload your CV and job description into our ATS CV Optimization Tool to:

• Get your ATS match percentage

• See missing keywords and skills

• Download your enhanced, optimized CV instantly

Try the ATS CV tool now.

5. Keep a linear structure

Avoid columns and text boxes.
List your experience like this:

Data Analyst | ABC Company | 2020 – Present
Built automated reports in Tableau and optimized SQL queries, reducing processing time by 30%.

6. Explain acronyms

Write:

“Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes” instead of only “ETL.”

7. Maintain consistency

Use the same date format (e.g., “Jan 2022 – Dec 2024”) and style throughout.
Keep your job titles uniform (e.g., “Data Analyst” instead of alternating with “Analytics Specialist”).

8. Proofread for grammar and misspellings

Misspelled keywords (like “Pythn” or “Tablau”) can cost you points in ATS scoring.

Example: ATS-Friendly Data Analyst Resume (before & after)

 

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Top keywords for a Data Analyst CV in 2025

Include these keywords naturally (only if relevant):

Technical Skills:
SQL, Python, R, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Looker, Data Cleaning, Data Modeling, ETL, Google BigQuery, Data Visualization, Dashboarding, A/B Testing, Statistics, Regression Analysis, Machine Learning (Basics).

Soft Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Communication, Business Intelligence, Data Interpretation, Stakeholder Management, Reporting, Attention to Detail.

Certifications (if applicable):
Google Data Analytics Certificate, Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate, AWS Certified Data Analytics, Tableau Desktop Specialist.

Use our ATS CV checker

Before you send your next application, upload your CV and the job description to our ATS CV Optimization Tool.
You’ll instantly receive:

• Your overall ATS match percentage
• Detailed analysis of structure, keywords, and formatting
• Personalized suggestions to enhance your CV
• The option to download your optimized CV using one of our templates

Check your ATS score and optimize now.

Beating the ATS as a data analyst isn’t about outsmarting the system, it’s about understanding how it reads.
A clean format, the right keywords, and consistency can lift your match score dramatically.

If you want to make sure your CV gets seen by real recruiters, start with a quick scan using our free ATS CV Optimization Tool. In seconds, you’ll know exactly what to fix, which keywords to add, and how to download a polished, ATS-approved version.