Are you better at analyzing complex data sets than writing cover letters? Let us help. Our data analyst cover letter example and guide will show you how to highlight your technical skills and business acumen.
As a data analyst, you probably feel more comfortable working with numbers than words. But when you’re applying for jobs, you’ll need a well-written cover letter to explain your technical skills and proficiencies. If you’re stuck on how to write a cover letter, use this example and guide for some inspiration.
Our guide and corresponding example will show you how to write a data analyst cover letter, including:
What information to include in your letter
How to introduce yourself to the hiring manager
What details to provide in the letter body
How to close your letter
Your data analyst cover letter should highlight the skills you have to help companies make informed decisions, such as data mining, process modeling, and SQL. You can weave this information throughout the different parts of your cover letter.
Start your letter with a header containing your contact information. Use the same header formatting as your resume to keep it consistent. Under the header, choose the right salutation, such as “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s full name.
After the greeting, write the other parts of your cover letter, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. We’ll go into each section in more detail below.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of data scientists, including analysts, to grow 35 percent by 2032. While this growth may lead to more job opportunities, it may also lead to more competition. A cover letter will be essential for highlighting your best qualities and separating yourself from other applicants.
You only have a few seconds to impress a hiring manager, so get their attention in the first paragraph of your letter. In two or three sentences, summarize your best qualifications for the data analyst position.
In our example letter, the candidate mentions their expertise in data mining and seven years of professional experience. You may mention a data certification you’ve earned or an achievement you’ve had in another role. For example, you could describe how you analyzed a company’s customer data to make business recommendations, leading to an increase in revenue.
Your introduction should also show your excitement about applying for the job. If you have a connection to the company or a reference for the position, mention this detail in the opening paragraph.
Dear Stacy Jones
As a critical-thinking, solution-driven IT professional with expertise in data mining, analytics, and reporting, I am confident in my ability to deliver exceptional results as your next Senior Data Analyst. Having progressed through a series of IT, business analysis, and data mining roles over more than 7 years, I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills to contribute to Rockwell Automation goals.
In the body of your data analyst cover letter, explain how your technical skills, analytical abilities, and business knowledge can bring value to the company.
While writing the body of your letter, it’s helpful to address three questions:
Why you? Think about the skills, training, or education you have that makes you uniquely qualified for the role. For example, you may highlight your technical project management experience, your predictive modeling skills, or your familiarity with the company’s industry. Include quantifiable metrics, such as revenue or cost savings, to show the results of your data analysis.
Why here? Share what excites you about the prospect of working for the company. Do you have in-depth knowledge of the industry? Does the company’s mission align with your personal values? Research the company so you can personalize this information and make a good impression.
Why now? Discuss why you believe the role is a good fit for your career goals. For example, you might describe how the position will allow you to deepen your data visualization skills or prepare you to advance into a business analyst role. Explain how your past experience has prepared you to contribute positively to the organization.
As you write the body, avoid repeating the information listed on your resume. Share anecdotes or provide examples to show why you’d make a great employee for the company. Inject some personality into this part of your letter to set yourself apart from other candidates.
For more help, read our blog on what to write in a cover letter body.
My passion is in helping senior leaders, business teams, technical developers, and project stakeholders fully and clearly understand pertinent data to ultimately enable the enhancement of processes, products, and service levels. Throughout my career, I have made it my priority to partner effectively with cross-functional business units to gather and illuminate influential data critical to business strategy and direction.
Additionally, I offer the following qualifications:
Track record of success in technical project management, data mining, process modelling, and data interpretation to translate novel ideas and insights into robust, actional solution recommendations.
Effective blend of both technical and communication / interpersonal skills, with extensive experience utilizing SQL and Oracle to drive key data analytics, manipulation, and valuation projects.
M.S. Degree in Business Analytics, a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, and current progress toward earning a certificate in Machine Learning for Business.
End your cover letter with confidence to encourage a hiring manager to set up an interview. Limit the closing paragraph to one or two sentences. Thank the hiring manager for their consideration and express your interest in the position again.
Your closing paragraph should also include a decisive call to action, as we’ve shown in the example letter. Let the hiring manager know you’re eager to meet with them for an interview.
Check out our blog on how to close a cover letter for more tips.
I look forward to discussing my background and your needs in detail, as I am confident that my unique experience will be of great use in meeting your immediate and future objectives.
Sincerely,
Evan Hightower
As you analyze your next role, use Career.io’s easy-to-search job board to find opportunities and track your results!