Root out friction in every digital experience, super-charge conversion rates, and optimize digital self-service

Uncover insights from any interaction, deliver AI-powered agent coaching, and reduce cost to serve

Increase revenue and loyalty with real-time insights and recommendations delivered to teams on the ground

Know how your people feel and empower managers to improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention

Take action in the moments that matter most along the employee journey and drive bottom line growth

Whatever they’re are saying, wherever they’re saying it, know exactly what’s going on with your people

Get faster, richer insights with qual and quant tools that make powerful market research available to everyone

Run concept tests, pricing studies, prototyping + more with fast, powerful studies designed by UX research experts

Track your brand performance 24/7 and act quickly to respond to opportunities and challenges in your market

Explore the platform powering Experience Management

  • Free Account
  • For Digital
  • For Customer Care
  • For Human Resources
  • For Researchers
  • Financial Services
  • All Industries

Popular Use Cases

  • Customer Experience
  • Employee Experience
  • Employee Exit Interviews
  • Net Promoter Score
  • Voice of Customer
  • Customer Success Hub
  • Product Documentation
  • Training & Certification
  • XM Institute
  • Popular Resources
  • Customer Stories

Market Research

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Partnerships
  • Marketplace

The annual gathering of the experience leaders at the world’s iconic brands building breakthrough business results, live in Salt Lake City.

  • English/AU & NZ
  • Español/Europa
  • Español/América Latina
  • Português Brasileiro
  • REQUEST DEMO

Top market research analyst skills for 2024

Market research is a rapidly evolving space. Artificial intelligence is completely reshaping what’s possible, by who and the skills researchers need to bring the most value to their work and themselves. With the help of findings from the 2024 Qualtrics Research Trends report, here we look at the major trends in a changing landscape, and the skills that are most in demand.

The market research landscape in 2024

In a growth-obsessed business world, good market research is the key to responding fastest, creating a competitive advantage and converting potential into success.

And today, fueled by artificial intelligence (AI), the world of market research is evolving at an unprecedented rate.

It’s no surprise that, according to the latest Qualtrics Research Trends report , the value of good research is higher than it has ever been. It’s equally unsurprising that investment in market research is very much on the rise.

Every year, we ask thousands of researchers from across the globe about their experiences to understand how the market is shifting and create the annual Qualtrics Research Trends report. Here are the four main trends we discovered for 2024.

1. Succeeding in the AI revolution is paramount

As sophisticated AI has become an accessible, everyday tool for workers and businesses, its application to market research – generating rich insights from mountains of qualitative and quantitative data in the blink of an eye – has become abundantly clear.

AI has lept from a helpful tool to an integral component of market research, and it’s reshaping the research landscape.

We’re seeing it used to analyze multi-source (qualitative and quantitative) research to generate insights, transform raw findings into marketing strategies, and drive new efficiencies through AI-driven survey reviews that are preventing data-damaging question types or structures.

Our research found that 47% of researchers globally are already using AI in their day-to-day work, and 92% are confident that they understand how to apply AI to research activities. Despite the ‘AI will steal your job’ narrative persisting, most researchers (87%) feel overwhelmingly strong about their job security.

Market research is ripe for AI innovation; it’s an ideal starting point for companies to see what AI-fueled innovation looks like. The race is now focused on how to leverage AI tools to generate the best results.

2. Digital qual is taking over

Digital qualitative research has fast become a popular route for researchers searching for deeper, more nuanced feedback from more people in a cost-effective way. In fact, 87% of researchers say that most or an equal amount of their qualitative research is currently conducted remotely or online vs. in-person.

But how did we get here? There are two key trends that have driven this transition.

On one hand, conducting comprehensive research via traditional methods, like in-person focus groups and large-scale surveys, has become a pain point for market research analysts – it can be slow, labor-intensive and expensive. On the other is the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced researchers to adopt digital-first approaches out of necessity – and saw consumers accept digital interactions as standard enmasse.

As digital qualitative technology evolves at a rapid pace, market research teams are retooling and restructuring to embrace both in-person and online research methods as the demand to collect data in a contactless, remote way grows.

Our research shows that cost effectiveness is the primary benefit of digital qual, but there are many more: increased geographical diversity, faster time to insights, increased accessibility and better reach of target audience are the other key drivers.

3. Data quality is becoming even more important

Behind every good decision lies good quality data – this has always been clear, but as consumers and technology evolve, it has become increasingly difficult to capture.

AI’s impact on market research is immense but it’s not necessarily all positive: it’s no coincidence that rising issues with quality data have coincided with the rise of generative technology like ChatGPT. 43% of respondents in the 2024 Qualtrics Research Trends report say identifying and/or preventing AI-generated responses is a challenge when collecting data using online providers.

But there’s a flip side to this issue, and AI is of course at the center of it once again. While data quality is at risk from AI, it can also be maintained and improved by it. AI can be used to automatically flag issues, like respondents who completed surveys too quickly or open-ended questions that contain nonsensical answers, and intelligently comb through thousands of data points far more efficiently and effectively than a data analyst can.

However they get there, the organizations that prioritize a relentless pursuit of data excellence will be best prepared to make strategic, data-driven decisions.

4. The skills gap is widening

While we’re definitely seeing market researchers adopt AI and learn new AI-focused skills, the pace at which they’re developing these skills is lagging behind the speed at which the technology itself is evolving. According to our data, a third of researchers globally say they outsource projects because their teams don’t have the research skills to manage them internally.

Although AI appears to be widening the skills gap, yet again it can also be the solution to it. Skills development can’t come without the capacity to learn, and AI-powered automation can take on repetitive manual tasks better than ever before – freeing up valuable time for upskilling.

Free eBook: 2024 research trends report

5 market research skills organizations are prioritizing in 2024

The research industry is in a state of significant change. We’re seeing a rapid adoption of new technologies, which is in turn reshaping the skills required for success.

But while new skills are highly valuable, it’s important to not neglect the timeless skills that will be sought after in current and future market research analysts.

As we delve into the top five research skills organizations are prioritizing in 2024, we recommend that you complete a quick skills audit. Determining where your strengths and weaknesses are, what you know and what you don’t, will give you the clarity to understand how you can become a more well-rounded – and employable – researcher or market research analyst.

Starting this list with what is now arguably the most crucial skill today.

AI is being applied at all stages of the research lifecycle, from quality assurance checks on surveys to spot biases to data cleaning, analyzing video from in-person qualitative research to creating highlight reels and shareable results. So, while broadly having good “AI skills” is certainly the way forward now, in the very near future the onus will be on specializing in specific components of AI-driven research.

Our recommendation is that you infuse AI into everything you do and go from there. The exponential growth of data and advanced AI tools makes knowing and understanding them essential for staying competitive in a data-driven market.

Safe to say, nothing is more central to career growth in market research right now than knowing how best to apply AI.

Statistical analysis skills

From new skills to those that will always be in demand.

Statistical analysis skills comprise the likes of statistical modeling, data collection strategies, data visualization and presentation, reconfiguration, Excel, R, SAS, Python – the list goes on. A timeless necessity, solid statistical techniques create the ability to interpret and manipulate data, and identify patterns and trends. In the Big Data era, the ability to distill meaningful information from vast datasets is more critical than ever for effective decision-making.

As researchers and organizations double-down on technologies, honing your statistical data analysis skills as a foundational competency can truly set you apart.

Digital qualitative skills

As digital qualitative research takes center stage, the broad collection of skills required to maximize it have become highly sought after.

Digital qualitative skills encompass designing, conducting and analyzing data from online interviews, focus groups and various other digital qual methods. It’s an umbrella term that also includes prospecting, designing research programs, crafting proposals, managing relationships and identifying target audiences. The main complexity, however, is that all of these skills must of course be done remotely.

A significant portion of researchers (36%) report difficulties in establishing the same level of rapport with participants online as in face-to-face settings. From communication skills to critical thinking, and becoming well-versed in all things consumer behavior, developing the core competencies to mitigate the challenges of online-only interactions is essential for any market researcher.

Data integration skills

This one is particularly important for modern organizations using digital technologies for market research. Data integration, on any research project, can be very complex – especially if market researchers are pulling and interpreting data from multiple sources.

Data integration skills are also essential for closing experience gaps, something that every organization is prioritizing.

The best researchers have a thorough understanding of how to extract information and combine data sets without compromising data quality. They’ll also understand how to structure APIs, use spreadsheets, model data, use statistical analytics programs and coding languages, and more. Of course, with newer market research platforms, much of this can be done with ease.

Automation skills

Automation has become vital in streamlining market research.

Automation skills enable researchers to use AI and machine learning for tasks like data analysis and report formatting, freeing them up for more strategic work. By mastering automation, researchers are better positioned to adapt to new trends and methodologies, ensuring their work remains relevant and impactful.

Developing automation skills isn’t just about understanding and using tools; it’s about reshaping the role of the market researcher to be more efficient and adaptable, and creating capacity for in-depth market research analysis and strategy development.

The importance of getting the basics right

In the fast-evolving field of market research, where cutting-edge technologies and advanced technical skills are often spotlighted, the importance of mastering the basics can’t be overstated. The foundation of effective market and marketing research lies in getting the basics right.

It's essential to not lose sight of fundamentals like survey best practices, interview skills and well-researched questions. These basics are the cornerstone of accurate data collection and ensure the clarity and relevance of the research. They are vital for engaging the right audience and for the effective analysis and interpretation of data.

While advanced technologies and skills are crucial, they should enhance, not overshadow, the foundational aspects of market research.

Embracing platformification in market research in 2024

In today's fast-paced market, having the right technology is crucial, just as much as having the right skills. The future of market research is "Platformification”, integrating various tools into a unified platform. This approach isn't about accumulating disparate solutions; it's about creating a cohesive system that enhances the capabilities of researchers at all skill levels.

Platformification streamlines research methods , data sources and analytics into a single, accessible platform. It allows for quick sharing of insights through tailored dashboards, offering both basic and complex analyses suitable for different roles.

For market researchers, this shift is transformative. It elevates their role from being reactive data analysts to proactive strategists, enabling on-demand insights and strategic recommendations across the buyer’s journey.

While fundamental research skills remain essential, platformification can expand the researcher's value and the impact they create.

How can we help

In a highly competitive business world – with disruptive new entrants more empowered than ever before – researchers need smarter, faster research solutions to stay ahead of the game.

Qualtrics® Strategic Research is an end-to-end research platform that brings together both quantitative and qualitative methods and AI-powered analytics to uncover insights at scale.

  • Collect, analyze, share and act on insights from a variety of qualitative methods, including video feedback, video diary studies and in-depth interviews
  • Leverage pre-built customisable projects, programs and dashboards
  • Automate advanced statistical analyses including Conjoint and MaxDiff
  • Easily build profiles, segments, and proprietary panels and reach out on the right channels through personalized targeting

Aaron Carpenter // Experience Management Content Strategist

Aaron is a highly skilled and accomplished content strategist specializing in experience management. With a keen understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of digital content, Aaron brings a unique perspective to the art of crafting engaging and impactful experiences for users.

Will Webster // Co-founder at interlude

Will Webster is the co-founder of the employee wellbeing tool Interlude. With over decades of experience writing for some of the largest brands, he is a skilled copywriter passionately writing in his free time.

Related Articles

November 7, 2023

Brand Experience

The 4 market research trends redefining insights in 2024

September 14, 2023

How BMG and Loop use data to make critical decisions

August 21, 2023

Designing for safety: Making user consent and trust an organizational asset

June 27, 2023

The fresh insights people: Scaling research at Woolworths Group

June 20, 2023

Bank less, delight more: How Bankwest built an engine room for customer obsession

June 16, 2023

How Qualtrics Helps Three Local Governments Drive Better Outcomes Through Data Insights

April 1, 2023

Academic Experience

How to write great survey questions (with examples)

March 21, 2023

Sample size calculator

Stay up to date with the latest xm thought leadership, tips and news., request demo.

Ready to learn more about Qualtrics?

SkillsYouNeed

  • LEADERSHIP SKILLS
  • Marketing Skills

The Essential Skills of a Market Research Analyst

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Leadership Skills:

  • What Sort of Leader are You? Quiz
  • Management Skills Self-Assessment
  • Top Leadership Skills You Need
  • Deciphering Business Jargon
  • A - Z List of Leadership Skills
  • Understanding Leadership
  • Planning and Organising Skills
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Writing a Marketing Strategy
  • Understanding Marketing Mediums
  • Understanding Return on Investment (ROI) in Strategic Marketing
  • The 7 P's of Marketing
  • Pricing Strategies
  • Customer Segmentation
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Writing Marketing Copy
  • Content Marketing
  • Storytelling in Business
  • Strategic Thinking Skills
  • Management Skills
  • Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment Skills
  • Change Management
  • Persuasion and Influencing Skills

Our eBooks:

The Skills You Need Guide to Leadership

Personal Leadership Skills - The Skills You Need Guide to Leadership

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

In today's competitive global economy, market research is an essential tool. It's what helps entrepreneurs refine their startup ideas to have the best odds of success. And it's also what established businesses use to explore the viability of new products and services. In short, modern businesses rarely make a move without doing market research first.

That makes the skills of market research analysts quite valuable in today's job market. But learning how to be a market research analyst isn't as straightforward as you might think. And that's because it's a discipline that's part science and part art form – meaning you'll need to develop a diverse skill set to be good at the job.

Here are the essential skills of a market research analyst.

Data Analysis Skills

At its heart, market research involves the collection of large amounts of data , which you then mine for useful insights about a given line of business or industry. And that means that data analysis is the most important part of the job of a market research analyst.

Specifically, market research analysts must understand four specific data analysis types, which are:

Descriptive Data Analysis – Techniques to organize and categorize historical data to identify existing trends. This is often used to quantify the results of past business practices in raw terms (like the number of sales, products manufactured, site visits, etc.).

Diagnostic Data Analysis – Techniques to compare data sets that help identify causal relationships. For example, if a descriptive analysis revealed increasing sales over a given period, a diagnostic analysis would seek the reason for the change (such as a marketing campaign, a price change, or an external trend).

Predictive Data Analysis – Techniques that use existing data to forecast future trends and outcomes. This often involves complex mathematical models and the application of machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful predictions from available data sets.

Prescriptive Data Analysis – A more advanced form of predictive analysis, prescriptive analysis attempts to forecast potential outcomes that result from hypothetical changes to business practices. An existing business might use this to determine if ending production of a particular product might have unintended consequences, or if the launch of a new product might make others redundant.

Data Collection Skills

Even though market research analysts often work with data that businesses already have on hand, they're frequently called upon to collect new data, as well. And that means they need to be skilled in a variety of data collection techniques, too. These include:

Interpersonal and Interview Skills – Market research analysts often use focus groups and customer interviews to collect specific data to use in their work. But getting usable data means having a high level of interpersonal skills and interview skills . This is critical to extract usable information that's free of potential biases.

Survey Creation – Market research analysts must know how to create scientifically valid surveys to focus in on the information they're hoping to gather. They also have to be familiar with using form builder software to create and publish digital versions of the surveys they create.

Data Curation – This refers to the skills needed to manage collected data and distill it down to what's useful for market research purposes. In other words, it means knowing how to eliminate irrelevant data and prepare what's left for the process of market research.

Communication Skills

One of the major purposes of market research is to uncover business insights that inform strategy. But data alone isn't always enough in a business context. And that's why a market research analyst needs strong communication skills , too. This allows them to communicate the significance of their findings to stakeholders, who may then use them in their decision-making processes. Without those skills, they'd be unable to function effectively within a business's hierarchy.

Data Visualization Skills

In addition to communication skills, market research analysts must understand how to create compelling data visualizations that aid in communicating their findings to others. Data visualizations are graphic representations of datasets, aimed at highlighting relevant trends or takeaways from the data. They make it possible for stakeholders without a background in data analysis to see and understand the work that a market research analyst does.

Knowledge of Human Behavior and Psychology

Since the role of a market research analyst is to understand how consumers will act and react to products, services, and business strategies, they need a deep understanding of human behavior and psychology. This is because market research doesn't always yield clear answers to every business question. And that's where the role of a market research analyst comes much closer to being an art form than a science.

Market research analysts have to use their knowledge of psychology to design appropriate investigations that will yield useful insight. This means they need a sharp sense of intuition and insight into consumer behavior. Otherwise, there would be no way to narrow down possible areas of inquiry. The knowledge provides valuable context and allows the market researcher to make baseline assumptions that guide their work.

Introduction to Communication Skills - The Skills You Need Guide to Interpersonal Skills

Further Reading from Skills You Need

Our Communication Skills eBooks

Learn more about the key communication skills you need to be a more effective communicator.

Our eBooks are ideal for anyone who wants to learn about or develop their interpersonal skills and are full of easy-to-follow, practical information.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the role of a market research analyst revolves around data. And that's what makes data analysis skills so crucial to the job. But unlike the role of a data scientist , a market research analyst must also know how to collect useful data through field research and direct consumer contact. They also have to understand the mind of the consumer. In other words, they must know their subjects as more than just raw numbers and data points.

All these skills allow market research analysts to provide the valuable insights that modern businesses now depend on. They reduce the number of costly errors that businesses make when they approach decisions without the appropriate information. And they deliver better and more relevant products and experiences to consumers. That said, it should be no wonder that market research analysts are so in demand in today's job market. And now you know exactly what skills to develop if you want to be one of them.

About the Author

Philip Piletic closely follows the impact of technology on education, and its evolution from traditional to modern methods that include e-learning, courses, gamification, and others. He has also helped the Sydney-based IT & Business school in developing their IT courses.

Continue to: Gathering Information for Competitive Intelligence Turning Information Into Action

See also: Stakeholder Analysis Essential Skills to Become a Successful Outreach Specialist 7 Must-Have Skills of a Great Prospect Researcher

Top 12 Market Research Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job landscape, standing out as a market research analyst requires a well-crafted resume that highlights your most valuable skills. This article will guide you through the top 12 skills essential for market research analysts to feature on their resumes, ensuring you capture the attention of potential employers and showcase your capabilities effectively.

Top 12 Market Research Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume

Market Research Analyst Skills

  • Google Analytics
  • SurveyMonkey

SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a software tool used by market research analysts for complex statistical data analysis, including survey data interpretation, predictive modeling, and trend analysis to inform business decisions.

Why It's Important

SPSS is crucial for a Market Research Analyst because it provides powerful tools for data analysis, enabling efficient handling of complex data sets, sophisticated statistical testing, and clear visualization of results, thus facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning based on empirical evidence.

How to Improve SPSS Skills

Improving your SPSS skills as a Market Research Analyst involves enhancing your ability to analyze and interpret data efficiently. Here are brief steps to achieve this:

Master the Basics : Ensure you have a solid understanding of SPSS basics. IBM's official SPSS tutorials can be a great starting point.

Learn Advanced Statistical Techniques : Delve deeper into statistical methods that are pertinent to market research, such as regression analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis. Online resources like Laerd Statistics offer detailed guides.

Automate Repetitive Tasks : Learn to use syntax in SPSS for automation. This can save time and increase accuracy. The SPSS Syntax Guide by Kent State University is helpful for beginners.

Visualize Your Data : Enhance your ability to create and interpret data visualizations. Explore the Data Visualization with SPSS guide by IBM for insights.

Stay Updated : The field of data analysis is always evolving. Keep up with the latest trends and features in SPSS by regularly visiting the IBM SPSS Software page .

Join Online Forums and Communities : Engage with other professionals through platforms like the SPSS Community at IBM Community or subreddits related to SPSS and statistics for shared knowledge and troubleshooting.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve your SPSS skills, making you a more proficient and efficient Market Research Analyst.

How to Display SPSS Skills on Your Resume

How to Display SPSS Skills on Your Resume

SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is a software suite used for advanced analytics, multivariate analyses, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics, widely utilized by Market Research Analysts for analyzing complex data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions.

SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is important for a Market Research Analyst as it provides advanced analytics, data management, and predictive modeling capabilities, enabling them to analyze complex data, uncover insights, and make data-driven decisions to guide marketing strategies.

How to Improve SAS Skills

To improve your SAS (Statistical Analysis System) skills as a Market Research Analyst, focus on these key areas:

Basic SAS Programming : Start with the fundamentals of SAS programming to manipulate data and perform basic analyses. SAS Programming 1: Essentials is a good starting point.

Advanced Analytics : Dive into more complex statistical procedures that SAS offers for predictive modeling and forecasting, which are crucial for market research. The Predictive Modeling Using Logistic Regression course can be beneficial.

Data Visualization : Learn to use SAS Visual Analytics to create compelling visualizations that communicate your findings effectively. Explore the SAS Visual Analytics 1 for SAS Viya: Basics course.

Macro & SQL : Enhance your efficiency by mastering the SAS Macro Language and SQL for dynamic code and accessing databases. SAS Macro Language 1: Essentials and SAS SQL 1: Essentials are valuable resources.

Certification : Consider earning a SAS certification to validate your skills. The SAS Certified Specialist: Base Programming is a good certification to start with.

By focusing on these areas and leveraging SAS's official resources, you can significantly enhance your SAS skills, making your analyses more efficient and insightful.

How to Display SAS Skills on Your Resume

How to Display SAS Skills on Your Resume

Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool used by Market Research Analysts to analyze, visualize, and share data insights through interactive dashboards and reports, facilitating data-driven decision-making.

Tableau is important for a Market Research Analyst because it allows for the efficient visualization of complex datasets, enabling the identification of trends and insights to inform strategic decisions.

How to Improve Tableau Skills

Improving skills in Tableau for a Market Research Analyst involves focusing on data visualization best practices, mastering advanced Tableau functionalities, and integrating Tableau with other data analysis tools. Here's a concise guide:

Learn Data Visualization Principles : Understanding the fundamentals of data visualization will help you create impactful and easy-to-understand Tableau dashboards. Start with Edward Tufte’s principles on Information Design and Data Visualization .

Master Tableau Features : Dive deeper into Tableau features such as calculated fields, parameters, level of detail (LOD) expressions, and dashboard actions to create dynamic and interactive visualizations. Tableau’s Official Training Videos are a great resource.

Incorporate Advanced Analytics : Utilize Tableau’s advanced analytics capabilities like forecasting, clustering, and R or Python integration for more sophisticated analyses. Explore the Tableau Integrations guide.

Practice with Real-World Datasets : Apply your skills on real-world datasets to solve business problems similar to what you would encounter as a Market Research Analyst. Websites like Kaggle offer a variety of datasets for practice.

Join the Tableau Community : Engage with the Tableau Community to learn from other professionals, get feedback on your dashboards, and stay updated on best practices. Visit the Tableau Community Forums .

Stay Updated with Blogs and Tutorials : Follow Tableau experts and blogs for the latest tips, tutorials, and industry trends. A great start is the Tableau Public Blog .

Obtain Tableau Certification : Consider obtaining a Tableau certification to validate your skills and stand out in your field. Check out the official Tableau Certification Page for details.

By focusing on these areas, you'll not only improve your Tableau skills but also enhance your ability to uncover insights and communicate findings effectively as a Market Research Analyst.

How to Display Tableau Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Tableau Skills on Your Resume

Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language, favored for its simplicity and efficiency, particularly useful for data analysis, automation, and creating algorithms in market research.

Python is important for a Market Research Analyst because it enables efficient data analysis, manipulation, and visualization, facilitating insightful market trends and consumer behavior understanding.

How to Improve Python Skills

Improving your Python skills as a Market Research Analyst involves focusing on data analysis, visualization, and automation. Here's a concise guide:

Learn Pandas & NumPy : Master these libraries for efficient data manipulation and analysis. Pandas documentation , NumPy documentation .

Master Data Visualization : Use Matplotlib and Seaborn for insightful charts and graphs. Matplotlib tutorials , Seaborn documentation .

Automate Repetitive Tasks : Use Python scripts to automate data collection and processing. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python .

Learn SQL Integration : Use SQLAlchemy or pandas' read_sql to interface with databases. SQLAlchemy documentation , Pandas and SQL .

Enhance Skills with Projects : Apply your knowledge on real-world datasets. Kaggle offers datasets and competitions.

Stay Updated and Network : Follow Python and data science communities on platforms like Stack Overflow and Reddit .

Focus on practical application and continuous learning to keep your Python skills sharp and relevant for market research.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

R is a programming language and software environment used for statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling, which is highly valuable for market research analysts in interpreting data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions.

R is important for a Market Research Analyst because it provides powerful tools for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and graphical representation, enabling insightful analysis of market trends and consumer behavior.

How to Improve R Skills

Improving your R skills, especially for a Market Research Analyst, involves a combination of learning advanced data manipulation, statistical analysis, and visualization techniques. Here's a concise guide:

Master Data Manipulation : Understand how to clean, transform, and prepare data for analysis using packages like dplyr and data.table .

  • R for Data Science

Statistical Analysis Proficiency : Enhance your understanding of statistical models and tests to analyze market trends accurately using base R functions and packages like stats .

  • Quick-R: Statistical Analysis

Advanced Visualization Skills : Develop compelling data visualization skills with ggplot2 to create insightful and impactful market research reports.

  • Data Visualization with ggplot2

Learn R Markdown : Master R Markdown for creating dynamic reports and presentations that can automatically update with new data.

  • R Markdown: The Definitive Guide

Stay Updated and Practice : Follow blogs and forums such as R-bloggers and Stack Overflow for the latest trends, packages, and solutions to common problems.

  • Stack Overflow

Take Online Courses and Tutorials : Platforms like Coursera, DataCamp, and Udemy offer specific courses that focus on R for data analysis and market research.

By following these steps and consistently applying R to real-world market research projects, you'll significantly improve your R skills and analytical capabilities.

How to Display R Skills on Your Resume

How to Display R Skills on Your Resume

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language used by Market Research Analysts to retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data from databases, aiding in the extraction of insights and trends relevant to market research.

SQL is crucial for a Market Research Analyst as it enables efficient data retrieval, manipulation, and analysis from large databases, allowing for informed decision-making based on customer trends and market insights.

How to Improve SQL Skills

Improving SQL skills, especially for a Market Research Analyst, involves a combination of understanding advanced SQL concepts, practicing real-world scenarios, and continuously learning from a variety of resources. Here's a concise guide:

Master Advanced SQL Functions: Focus on learning complex joins, window functions, and common table expressions (CTEs). These are crucial for data manipulation and analysis.

Practice with Real Datasets: Apply your skills on real-world datasets. Websites like Kaggle provide a plethora of datasets to practice with.

Optimize SQL Queries: Learn how to write efficient SQL queries to improve performance. This includes understanding indexing and query execution plans.

Learn SQL for Analytics: Familiarize yourself with SQL analytic functions and how to perform data analysis directly within SQL.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest SQL features and best practices. Online platforms like SQLZoo , Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial , and LeetCode offer interactive SQL exercises and challenges.

By focusing on these areas and utilizing the provided resources, a Market Research Analyst can significantly improve their SQL skills, leading to more efficient data analysis and valuable insights.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

Excel is a spreadsheet software used by Market Research Analysts for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data to support decision-making processes.

Excel is crucial for Market Research Analysts because it enables efficient data organization, analysis, and visualization, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.

How to Improve Excel Skills

To improve your Excel skills as a Market Research Analyst, focus on mastering the following areas:

Advanced Formulas : Deepen your understanding of formulas like INDEX(MATCH()) , VLOOKUP , HLOOKUP , and array formulas for efficient data analysis. ExcelJet's Formula Guide is a great resource.

Pivot Tables : Learn to summarize large datasets quickly to find patterns. The Official Microsoft PivotTable Tutorial can help.

Data Visualization : Enhance your ability to present data compellingly using charts and graphs. Excel Easy's Chart Tutorial is straightforward and helpful.

Power Query & Power Pivot : Acquire skills in managing and analyzing large datasets from multiple sources. Microsoft's Power Query Guide and Power Pivot Overview offer comprehensive insights.

Macros and VBA : Automate repetitive tasks and customize Excel to your needs. The Home and Learn VBA Tutorial provides a free course.

Data Analysis Toolpak : Utilize this Excel add-in for complex statistical or engineering analysis. Microsoft’s Guide explains how to load and use it.

Keyboard Shortcuts : Increase your efficiency dramatically by using Excel keyboard shortcuts. Shortcut World’s Excel Shortcuts list is very comprehensive.

Continuous Learning and Practice : Stay updated with new features and tools by following Excel blogs and participating in forums like MrExcel .

By focusing on these areas and leveraging the provided resources, you can significantly improve your Excel skills, making data analysis more efficient and insightful for market research.

How to Display Excel Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Excel Skills on Your Resume

8. Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a cloud-based software platform for creating and managing online surveys, collecting and analyzing data, and providing actionable insights, widely used by market research analysts for gathering consumer feedback, testing market hypotheses, and conducting various types of research studies.

Qualtrics is important for a Market Research Analyst because it provides a comprehensive platform for designing, distributing, and analyzing surveys, enabling the collection of valuable data on consumer preferences, behaviors, and trends, which is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

How to Improve Qualtrics Skills

Improving Qualtrics for a Market Research Analyst involves leveraging its advanced features and integrations for deeper insights and more efficient workflows. Here's a concise guide:

Advanced Survey Logic: Utilize Qualtrics' Survey Flow to create dynamic surveys that adapt based on respondents' answers, ensuring more relevant data collection.

Data Analysis Tools: Enhance data analysis by integrating Qualtrics with statistical software like SPSS or Tableau. This allows for sophisticated data manipulation and visualization.

Text Analysis: Use Text iQ for advanced text analysis, identifying themes and sentiments in open-ended responses, helping to uncover deeper insights.

API Integration: Automate workflows and enhance data management by leveraging the Qualtrics API . This can streamline data collection from various sources, enriching your research.

Training and Certification: Invest in Qualtrics' training and certification programs to stay up-to-date with the latest features and best practices, ensuring efficient and effective use of the platform.

By focusing on these areas, a Market Research Analyst can significantly enhance their use of Qualtrics for more insightful, efficient, and impactful market research.

How to Display Qualtrics Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Qualtrics Skills on Your Resume

9. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic, providing insights into user behavior, which assists Market Research Analysts in understanding audience preferences and measuring the effectiveness of marketing strategies.

Google Analytics is crucial for a Market Research Analyst as it provides detailed insights into website traffic, user behavior, and conversion metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic marketing planning.

How to Improve Google Analytics Skills

Improving Google Analytics use for a Market Research Analyst involves a few key steps focusing on customization, integration, and analysis enhancement. Here’s a concise guide:

Set Clear Goals : Define specific objectives for what you want to achieve with your analytics. Setting up goals in Google Analytics helps in tracking conversions and understanding user behavior.

Use Custom Dashboards : Create custom dashboards tailored to your specific needs. This allows for monitoring the most relevant metrics at a glance.

Implement Enhanced E-commerce Tracking : For deeper insights into customer behavior, enhanced e-commerce tracking provides data on product performance, transactions, and shopping behavior.

Leverage Segmentation : Use segmentation to analyze specific groups of users. This enables more targeted and effective market research.

Integrate with Other Tools : Connect Google Analytics with other tools like Google Ads, Search Console, and CRM systems. This integration process enhances data collection and provides a holistic view of your performance.

Utilize Custom Alerts : Set up custom alerts to notify you about significant changes in data trends. This helps in timely decision-making.

Attend Training and Certification : Improve your knowledge and skills by completing the Google Analytics Academy courses . Continuous learning is key to leveraging the full potential of Google Analytics.

By focusing on these strategies, Market Research Analysts can enhance their use of Google Analytics for more insightful, data-driven decision-making.

How to Display Google Analytics Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Google Analytics Skills on Your Resume

10. Power BI

Power BI is a business analytics tool developed by Microsoft, designed to help users visualize data and share insights across an organization. For a Market Research Analyst, Power BI aids in analyzing market trends and consumer behavior by transforming raw data into interactive dashboards and reports for informed decision-making.

Power BI is crucial for a Market Research Analyst as it enables efficient data analysis and visualization, empowering them to uncover market trends, consumer behavior insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and enhance competitive advantage.

How to Improve Power BI Skills

Improving your Power BI skills as a Market Research Analyst involves focusing on data visualization, analysis techniques, and staying updated with the latest Power BI features. Here are concise steps to enhance your Power BI expertise:

Master DAX Formulas : Deepen your understanding of Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) for more sophisticated data manipulation and analysis. Start with the basics and progressively tackle complex formulas. DAX Guide is a comprehensive resource.

Leverage Power Query : Enhance your data preparation skills using Power Query. Learn to clean, transform, and import data efficiently. The official Power Query Documentation provides detailed guidance.

Focus on Visualization Best Practices : Improve how you present data by following best practices in data visualization. Experiment with different charts and visuals to effectively communicate insights. The Microsoft Power BI Blog often features tips and examples.

Incorporate Advanced Analytics : Utilize Power BI’s advanced analytics features like AI visuals, quick insights, and R or Python integration for deeper data analysis. Explore the Advanced Analytics section in Power BI documentation for insights.

Stay Updated : Power BI is continuously evolving. Stay informed about new features and updates by frequently visiting the Power BI Blog and participating in the Power BI Community .

Practice and Share : Apply your skills by working on real-world datasets and share your reports with the community for feedback. Websites like Kaggle offer datasets to practice with.

By focusing on these areas, you'll be able to significantly improve your Power BI skills, making your market research analysis more impactful.

How to Display Power BI Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Power BI Skills on Your Resume

11. SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is a cloud-based survey tool that enables Market Research Analysts to design, distribute, and analyze online surveys to gather data and insights for market research.

SurveyMonkey is a crucial tool for Market Research Analysts as it provides an efficient, user-friendly platform for designing, distributing, and analyzing surveys. This enables analysts to gather valuable data and insights on consumer preferences, behaviors, and trends, supporting informed decision-making and strategy development.

How to Improve SurveyMonkey Skills

To enhance SurveyMonkey for a Market Research Analyst:

Advanced Question Logic : Implement complex skip logic, branching, and conditional questions to tailor surveys based on respondent answers, ensuring more relevant data collection. SurveyMonkey Logic.

Integration with Analytics Tools : Facilitate direct integration with analytics platforms such as Google Analytics or Tableau for real-time data analysis and visualization. SurveyMonkey Integrations .

Customizable Dashboards : Develop customizable dashboards for analysts to track key metrics and trends over time, enabling quick insights without manual data manipulation. SurveyMonkey Analytics.

Enhanced Data Privacy Controls : Implement stronger data privacy controls and compliance tools to navigate global data protection laws efficiently, building trust with survey participants. SurveyMonkey Security.

AI-Powered Insights : Leverage AI technologies to automatically generate insights, identify trends, and suggest actions based on survey data, reducing analysis time. SurveyMonkey AI.

By focusing on these improvements, SurveyMonkey can offer more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly tools for Market Research Analysts, thereby enhancing their capability to gather and analyze data effectively.

How to Display SurveyMonkey Skills on Your Resume

How to Display SurveyMonkey Skills on Your Resume

Stata is a comprehensive statistical software package used for data analysis, data management, and graphics. For a Market Research Analyst, it offers tools for statistical analysis, data visualization, and manipulation to support decision-making and insights into market trends.

Stata is important for a Market Research Analyst because it offers powerful statistical analysis, data management, and graphical visualization capabilities, enabling the analyst to efficiently interpret market trends and make evidence-based decisions.

How to Improve Stata Skills

Improving your Stata skills as a Market Research Analyst involves a combination of enhancing your technical proficiency, understanding market research methodologies, and integrating external data sources. Here’s a concise guide:

Enhance Technical Proficiency :

  • Learn through Official Resources : Start with Stata’s official resources , including manuals and user guides, to understand the basics and advanced features.
  • Online Courses and Tutorials : Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer courses tailored to improving Stata skills, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Understand Market Research Methodologies :

  • Apply Statistical Methods : Focus on applying statistical methods relevant to market research. Stata’s YouTube Channel provides tutorials on various statistical techniques.
  • Data Management and Visualization : Improve your data management skills for handling large datasets and use Stata for creating compelling visualizations relevant to market research. The Stata Journal offers insights and practical applications.

Integrate External Data Sources :

  • Automating Data Import : Learn to automate the process of importing data from external sources like databases or web APIs. Stata’s documentation on importing data can be a useful start.
  • Data Cleaning and Preparation : Use Stata’s features for data cleaning and preparation to ensure the quality and reliability of your data. Explore Stata’s data management features for best practices.

Stay Updated and Network :

  • Join Stata Forums and Communities : Engage with Statalist , the official Stata forum, to share knowledge and solve queries. Networking with other professionals can provide practical tips and new perspectives.
  • Attend Workshops and Conferences : Participate in Stata conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest trends and features in Stata relevant to market research.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your Stata skills, making your market research analysis more efficient and insightful.

How to Display Stata Skills on Your Resume

How to Display Stata Skills on Your Resume

Related Career Skills

  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Market Research Assistant
  • Market Research Associate
  • Market Research Interviewer
  • Market Research Manager
  • Market Researcher

6 Key Market Research Skills for 2021

businessman in modern office space developing market research skills

It’s that time again, when we begin to focus on the coming year and what it may have in store. One area that saw remarkable shifts in 2020, both in challenges and opportunities, is market research. For a peek at the future, we reached out to several leading market researchers and insights professionals and posed the question: What’s one skill or area of expertise you want to focus on developing in 2021, and why?

Not surprisingly, some are focused on how doing everything online has generated more and more data— good news but in some ways challenging news, too, as competition for stakeholders’ attention grows fiercer. To increase the influence of research findings on business decision making—which maximizes the research ROI and benefits everyone—it’s necessary to break through the noise and keep stakeholders engaged. And, of course, more time spent online also opens more and different opportunities to engage with customers and prospects.

Another trend is the power of human creativity in extracting meaning from data. Technology can only take us so far, in both gathering and analyzing data. Human learning continues to be critical, along with our unique ability to use stories to find and share meaning.

And because everything old eventually becomes new again, we see renewed attention to a foundational market research skill: the art of the interview.

Check out the top skills and areas of expertise that six market research leaders plan to focus on in 2021.

Omnichannel Strategies

Jerry Han, Chief Marketing Executive at PrizeRebel , is focused on omnichannel technology and marketing. According to Han, as more large companies and brands are making effective use of omnichannel strategies in their marketing and brand awareness plans, it has become practical to use an omnichannel approach in data gathering for market research.

Knowledge in omnichannel technology and marketing is a crucial skill to master in 2021. Omnichannel market research targets all possible places where the audience possibly hangs out, including in-store, digital, or mobile platforms to give a more comprehensive outlook on the target market…[It’s] a relatively new concept, but it shows massive potential in reshaping data gathering for marketing campaigns.

Deeper Analysis and Experience Management

Michelle Diamond, CEO at Elevate Diamond Strategy , is emphasizing deeper data analysis (as opposed to more data collection) to maximize value from the plethora of data being generated. She also sees opportunities in experience management, which helps companies capitalize on opportunities and mitigate problems before they occur.

The world is going even more online than we were before and the need to make better sense of all this additional data is crucial. In addition, companies are more sensitive now to anticipating problems beforehand, as reacting to problems later can be costly from a financial and reputational standpoint.

Both these trends highlight the value in—and the need to—act on insights in real time. Businesses have treasure troves of data, and uncovering actionable insights from that data will help them mitigate risk and deliver positive customer experiences. 

Data Triangulation

Speaking of acting on insights in real time: Andria Long , Growth & Innovation Advisor, says the key to differentiation is being able to learn and act faster. She considers the most important skill for the insights professional to be data triangulation : uncovering and synthesizing connections across multiple and diverse data sources.

At the end of the day, everyone has access to the same data…converting data into insights is critical. The ability to see what’s NOT there and make something happen is essential with accelerated industry transformation, growing volumes of data, and rapidly evolving consumer preferences.

She goes on to note that it’s human learning that enables insights professionals to stay relevant and continue growing professionally in an era of machine learning.

In addition to data, we need to gain insights from observation, experience, reflection, and reasoning and make recommendations to drive growth.

Back to Basics: Interviewing Skills

According to Colin Palfrey, CMO at Majesty Coffee , everyone should be honing the skills needed to interview customers and others in their target audience. Good interview skills have become more important than ever with many people working remotely, as the dynamics of interviewing virtually are different than interviewing in person: 

Everything has changed in the last eight months, and if you want your business to thrive, you need to be in touch with your audience. I’ve found that actual interviews are so much more efficient than surveys. When you interview someone, you can understand the context a bit more and ask follow-up questions.

Storytelling

One evergreen challenge for market research professionals is communicating insights to stakeholders in a way that sticks and drives action. With researchers and stakeholders working remotely or in different locations, keeping stakeholders engaged and interested is more important than ever. Organizing data and research findings into meaningful stories is a great way to hold stakeholders’ attention and make an impact.

Bruce Harpham , Marketing Consultant, is getting serious about developing his storytelling skills.

I gather a lot of data, quantitative and qualitative, while working with clients. Without a story to organize all this data, it is nearly impossible to remember insights and improve.

To build his storytelling chops, Bruce is reading (Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron) and writing (participating in National Novel Writing Month).

Activating Insight

In addition to conveying insights through stories, researchers can increase their influence by tailoring their insights delivery to stakeholders and getting creative with the formats of their presentations. 

Chris Martin, CMO at FlexMR , is considering the stakeholder’s perspective and says it will be vital, through 2021 and beyond, for research professionals to get better at activating insight.

The explosion of research and analysis technology of the past decade has given stakeholders access to an increasingly complex data landscape. Research professionals need to find new ways and new skills to help grow the influence of research conclusions.  Ensuring that findings have an impact on business decision making means competing for stakeholder attention in a competitive environment. Creativity, strategy and storytelling will all be essential components—applied in original and inventive ways to maximize stakeholder engagement.

Hopefully, 2021 will hold fewer surprises than this year, less disruption and urgent adaptation and more smooth sailing while we learn to leverage some of the skills and processes that emerged in 2020. But whatever 2021 has in store, developing the skills and areas of expertise above can help research professionals be agile and act as strategic advisors for their stakeholders. 

We see the future of market research as exciting as it’s ever been, and we want to thank the research and insights professionals who helped us take a look at what lies ahead.

knowledge management systems icons over laptop

Types of Knowledge Management Systems

The Benefits of Knowledge Management in Business

The Benefits of Knowledge Management in Business

Business office and communication network concept.

The Indispensable Role of Knowledge Management to Create a Workforce of the Future

Request a Demo

Start working smarter with Bloomfire

See how Bloomfire helps companies find information, create insights, and maximize value of their most important knowledge.

Take a self guided Tour

Take a self guided Tour

See Bloomfire in action across several potential configurations. Imagine the potential of your team when they stop searching and start finding critical knowledge.

Resume Worded   |  Resume Skills

Skill profile, market research analyst, improve your resume's success rate by using these market research analyst skills and keywords ..

  • Hard Skills and Keywords for your Market Research Analyst Resume
  • ATS Scan : Compare Your Resume To These Skills
  • Sample Resume Templates
  • How To Add Skills
  • Market Research Analyst More Resume Templates

Browse Skills from Similar Jobs

Frequently asked questions.

  • 3. Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Get a Free Resume Review

Looking for keywords for a specific job search for your job title here., © 2024 resume worded. all rights reserved., market research analyst resume keywords and skills (hard skills).

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Market Research Analyst job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume. Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.
  • Market Research
  • Secondary Research
  • Market Analysis
  • Data Analysis
  • Primary Research
  •  Find out what your resume's missing
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Lead Generation
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Quantitative Research
  • Microsoft Access
  • Business Development
  • Qualitative Research
  • Business Analysis
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Market Intelligence
  • Business Strategy
  • Market Access
  • Survey Design
  • Market Risk
  • Email Marketing
  • Competitive Intelligence
  • Product Marketing

Resume Skills: Tools

  • SAS Analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • SurveyMonkey
  • SWOT analysis
  • Adobe Suite
  • Advanced Excel
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Python (Pandas, NumPy)
  • CRM systems (SAP, Salesforce)
  •  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Market Research

  • Consumer Behavior Analysis
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Data Collection
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Qualitative & Quantitative Research
  • Data Integration

Resume Skills: Data Analysis

Resume skills: research techniques.

  • Qualitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Predictive Analysis
  • Market Segmentation
  • Regression Analysis
  • Data Mining
  • Factor Analysis
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Chi-Square Test
  • A/B Testing
  • Correlation Analysis

Resume Skills: Marketing

  • Content Marketing
  • Social Media Advertising
  • Direct Marketing
  • Consumer Behavior Studies
  • Trend Analysis
  • Market Entry Research

Resume Skills: Project Management

  • Agile Methodology
  • Stakeholder Communication
  • Risk Management
  • Microsoft Project

Resume Skills: Technical

  • Big Data Management(Redshift, Hadoop)

Resume Skills: Languages

  • Spanish (Fluent)
  • French (Fluent)

Resume Skills: Trade Knowledge

  • Market Trend Analysis
  • Statistical Data Interpretation
  • Experimental Designing
  • Survey Methodology

Resume Skills: Programming

  • Python (Pandas)

Resume Skills: Techniques

  • SWOT Analysis
  • PEST Analysis
  • Gap Analysis
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Risk Analysis
  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Alternatively, you can also include a Skills section where you can list your technical skills in order of your proficiency. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.
   Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Market Research Analyst Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Market Research Analyst Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or skills section , like we've shown in the examples below. use the examples below as inspiration..

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

How do I add skills to a Market Research Analyst resume?

Go through the Market Research Analyst posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Marketing Strategy, Primary Research and Market Research are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

market research key skills

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Data Analysis, Research and Marketing - into your resume if they're relevant.

market research key skills

Incorporate skills - like IBM SPSS, Product Marketing and Business Strategy - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

market research key skills

Recruiters want to know that you're the kind of person that can solve new and challenging problems. In your Market Research Analyst resume, highlight projects that involved problems that were technically complex or mattered to the company.

market research key skills

Analytical skills involve your ability to break down a problem and come up with effective solutions. On Market Research Analyst resumes, hiring managers want to see evidence of how you analyzed quantitative or qualitative data.

market research key skills

Try to add the exact job title, Market Research Analyst, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

market research key skills

Word Cloud for Market Research Analyst Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Market Research Analyst job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Top Market Research Analyst Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

Upload your resume and we'll spot the issues in it before an actual market research analyst recruiter sees it. for free., market research analyst resume templates.

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example Clinical Research Assistant

An effective Description of the templates...

Clinical Research Assistant Resume Sample

Download this resume template

Clinical research assistants work on clinical trials in hospitals and medical research centers. As a clinical research assistant, you’ll be assisting doctors and senior researchers by recruiting and enrolling research subjects, developing protocols, setting up and managing trials, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to trial reports, regulatory authority applications, and grant writing. Ideally, you’ll need some experience or a degree in the field of study and clinical trial experience.

Tips on why this template works

   focused on clinical research.

When applying for a more specialized position like clinical research assistant, you want to keep your resume as tightly focused as possible. That means prioritizing clinical research experience. It’s fine to include general research experience, but try to tailor your bullet points by including accomplishments relevant to clinical research, like preparing regulatory documents and conducting medical research.

Focused on clinical research - Clinical Research Assistant Resume

   Good use of skills section to highlight research skills and tools

Jobs that require a lot of hard skills, like clinical research, may end up with a larger than usual skills section. Avoid making recruiters’ eyes glaze over by splitting it into subsections, like certifications, techniques, and technical skills. Make sure you’re exclusively listing hard skills — employers want to see things like relevant software skills and clinical trial experience.

Good use of skills section to highlight research skills and tools - Clinical Research Assistant Resume

Resume Example Laboratory Research Assistant

Laboratory Research Assistant Resume Sample

As a laboratory research assistant, you’ll be working in a laboratory environment to design projects, conduct research and experiments, write reports, perform general laboratory maintenance, and assist senior laboratory staff — so make sure to emphasize your technical skills. You may be working for a private laboratory, medical or research facility, or pharmaceutical company. Unlike standard research assistant positions, lab assistants typically work full-time, including weekend and evening shifts.

   Bullet points feature strong action verbs

Every bullet point should start with a strong action verb. Remember, your resume is supposed to highlight your accomplishments, not simply list your job duties. As a laboratory research assistant, you’ll want to emphasize your scientific expertise. Verbs like Researched, Designed, and Developed all reflect the skills you’ll be expected to use on the job.

Bullet points feature strong action verbs - Laboratory Research Assistant Resume

   Uses hard numbers and metrics

Including metrics in your bullet points is the best way to demonstrate the outcome of your work. This doesn’t mean every bullet point needs to include numbers but try to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. If you analyzed data with 98% accuracy, reduced processing times by 25%, or performed research on 1,000 subjects, say exactly that.

Uses hard numbers and metrics - Laboratory Research Assistant Resume

Resume Example Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant Resume Sample

Graduate research assistants are able to work while they study, receiving a tuition reimbursement or stipend as well as valuable experience working in academia. As a graduate research assistant, you’ll have completed an undergraduate degree and be pursuing a master’s degree or PhD. You’ll generally be working closely with a supervisor to support their projects, including conducting research, analyzing data, writing reports, and supervising undergraduate research assistants.

   Highlights university research projects

As a graduate research assistant, hiring managers won’t expect you to have extensive paid experience. If you’ve worked on previous research projects as a student, you can list these under your work experience or in an education or projects section. For greater impact, use action verbs and metrics to frame your accomplishments in an action-focused way.

Highlights university research projects - Graduate Research Assistant Resume

   Includes a resume summary focused on graduate research interests and experience

Even as a graduate, you may have significant research experience, especially if you’ve been heavily involved in student research. You can highlight your skills and background with a short resume summary — no more than 100 words — explaining your years of experience, research or educational specialization, and 1-2 of your most impressive accomplishments.

Includes a resume summary focused on graduate research interests and experience - Graduate Research Assistant Resume

Resume Example Chemistry Research Student

Chemistry Research Student Resume Sample

When applying to be a chemistry research student assistant, emphasize your past research experience and chemistry skills in your resume. Chemistry is a specific and precise discipline, and your resume should reflect these qualities. Aim to choose instances that detail your expertise in hands-on lab procedures or with relevant software, as opposed to simply listing out the responsibilities you were assigned. Use strong action verbs and be deliberate with what you include.

   Emphasize hard skills with metrics relevant to chemistry

As mentioned above, chemistry is a precise discipline -- you’re often working in the lab with dangerous chemicals or complex equipment. That means that the employers reading your resume -- labs, government agencies, or academic institutions -- are looking for evidence of your experience and skills in those areas. Do your research to find what types of software the job posting notes, whether that’s MATLAB, Solidworks, or ANSYS. Emphasize the hard skills you’ve learned through your past experience with powerful action verbs, and highlight your achievements with quantifiable metrics.

Emphasize hard skills with metrics relevant to chemistry - Chemistry Research Student Resume

   Concise, informational chemistry resume summary

This resume makes great use of a concise, information-packed elevator pitch that is well-written and to the point. Chemistry recruiting managers often don’t have time to carefully read through every detail of your resume, so a resume summary is a great way for them to get a high-level overview of your work history. When brainstorming what to put in your chemistry resume elevator pitch, include your personal strengths as a chemist, or even the types of people you’ve learned to work with (i.e., biostatisticians, pathologists, professors).

Concise, informational chemistry resume summary - Chemistry Research Student Resume

Resume Example Policy and Research Policy Analyst

Policy and Research Policy Analyst Resume Sample

As the title suggests, this position requires an analyst to interrogate current policies or problems, do in-depth research and data analysis around a problem and be able to offer workable solutions. You will most likely work under a senior analyst and possibly as part of a team of analysts. You should therefore be an effective team player. This resume does a great job of highlighting the applicant's extensive research-based background as well as their ability to develop effective solutions. It also does a great job of emphasizing the applicant’s ability to successfully collaborate with colleagues.

   Highlight research experience.

You want an employer to be confident in your capabilities to properly research any assigned topic. You also want to make it clear that not only do you have extensive experience as a researcher but you are also capable of synthesizing the research into solutions. So, highlight your crafted solutions - especially those that were adopted.

Highlight research experience. - Policy and Research Policy Analyst Resume

   Quantify your value add to employers.

A policy analyst is supposed to create workable solutions that should have positive results. Show your effectiveness by quantifying how your suggestions and policy saved resources, increased revenue, or otherwise benefitted your previous employers.

Quantify your value add to employers. - Policy and Research Policy Analyst Resume

Resume Example Equity Research Associate

Equity Research Associate Resume Sample

An equity research associate position is commonly an entry-level position in the equity research analyst industry. In this position, you will generally be working under/with a more senior research associate. You will be doing a lot of financial modeling, valuation, and other necessary financial research. Your work will help inform the recommendations the senior analyst will make to the decision-makers. This position has a heavy and varied workload. You will want your resume to show your ability to complete varied research and analysis-related tasks to a high level. If you do not have years of experience, you will also want to clearly list any related educational background and any skills that would enable you to complete expected tasks.

   Include research and analysis experience in related industries.

Because this can be an entry related position, you may not always have a lot of equity research experience. So include any positions you have had in related industries. Especially if those positions are research and analysis related.

Include research and analysis experience in related industries. - Equity Research Associate Resume

   Highlight research and analysis skills and tools.

What you can’t prove in experience, you can prove with your skills list. Ensure you write a comprehensive list of all your learned skills that would be useful in your position. Remember that you can always take courses online to learn new skills to bolster your resume.

Highlight research and analysis skills and tools. - Equity Research Associate Resume

What are the top skills you should add to your Market Research Analyst resume?

Here are some of the most popular skills we see on Market Research Analyst resumes:

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume. It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters. Start targeting your resume
Most resumes get auto-rejected because of small, simple errors. These errors are easy to miss but can be costly in your job search. If you want to make sure your resume is error-free, upload it to Score My Resume for a free resume review. You'll get a score so you know where your resume stands, as well as actionable feedback to improve it. Get a free resume review

Scan your skills and keywords.

Creating an account is free and takes five seconds. you'll get instant access to all skills and keywords, plus be able to score your resume against them - no strings attached., choose an option..

  • Have an account? Sign in

E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.

Remember me

Forgot your password?

Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes

Name Please enter your name correctly

E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.

Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.

E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.

Back to log-in

Find out what keywords recruiters search for. These keywords will help you beat resume screeners (i.e. the Applicant Tracking System).

   get a resume score., find out how effective your resume really is. you'll get access to our confidential resume review tool which will tell you how recruiters see your resume..

market research key skills

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

market research key skills

Can’t keep your job search organized?

Track all your applications in one place with the Zippia extension for Chrome.

Market Researcher skills for your resume and career

Market Researcher Example Skills

Market researchers need strong technical skills to succeed. These include data analysis, data collection, survey data, and statistical analysis. They also need to be proficient in software such as SPSS, SQL, and qualtrics. In addition, they need to be able to conduct primary research and analyze the findings.

However, hard skills are just the beginning. Market researchers also need soft skills such as the ability to communicate effectively and work independently. They must be able to conduct in-depth interviews and make presentations to executives. They also need to be able to analyze and interpret data and make recommendations for improvement. According to Dr. Claire Gilliland, PhD , Assistant Professor at Furman University, "The skills we prioritize in sociology (generating research questions, thinking critically, examining social systems, analyzing multiple types of data) are all skills that are well-suited to multiple different careers, but it may require some translation to match the priorities of a particular field."

15 market researcher skills for your resume and career

1. data analysis.

Data analysis is the process of examining and interpreting data to draw meaningful insights. Market researchers use data analysis to study trends, patterns, and preferences in the market. They collect and analyze data using various methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and statistical tools, to understand consumer behavior and market dynamics. This information helps businesses make informed decisions about product development, pricing, and marketing strategies. As Dr. Charlotte Kunkel , Professor of Sociology at Luther College, puts it, "Sociology helps students to develop proficiency in the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, conduct scholarly research, gain proficiency in data analysis, and offer solutions at the root of social problems."

  • Implemented and managed panel member annual data updating efforts, member relationship programs, and data analysis/quality control efforts.
  • Conducted interviews with clients and insurance industry, documenting responses for data analysis and statistics purposes.

2. Primary Research

Primary research is the gathering of original data through direct interaction with participants, such as surveys and field observations. Market researchers use primary research to generate new insights and information that is not available through secondary sources. They conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of consumer needs and preferences, and analyze the data to identify trends and patterns. This information is then used to inform marketing strategies and product development.

  • Conducted primary research on the medical device industry to provide content and strategy development of commercial technical conferences for industry leaders.
  • Worked independently with a keen focus on driving execution of secondary and primary research projects.

3. Data Collection

Data collection is the process of gathering and analyzing data to gain insights. Market researchers use data collection in various ways, such as supporting marketing intelligence managers, analyzing patterns, and identifying solutions. They also use data collection to gather consumer interviews and measure the effectiveness of promotional events.

  • Support the marketing intelligence manager with internet data collection, to be analyzed and reported to executive level management.
  • Analyzed and interpreted statistical data using questionnaires and electronic data collection to identify patterns and solutions.

4. Research Findings

Research findings are the results of market research, including data, analysis, and insights. Market researchers use research findings to inform their recommendations and decisions. They analyze data to identify trends and develop actionable insights that they present to clients through reports and presentations. They also use research findings to develop effective strategies and improve efficiency.

  • Gathered and interpreted data, formulated reports and made recommendations based upon research findings.
  • Developed appropriate PowerPoint presentations for use in presenting research findings to clients.

SPSS is a statistical software program used in social science research. Market researchers use SPSS to analyze data and measure statistical trends. They might use it to analyze survey data, conduct marketing campaigns, and manage data from various sources. For example, one market researcher used SPSS to analyze data for a marketing plan to attract more visitors to a city. Another used SPSS to analyze survey results and develop a new business model for the intellectual property industry in Europe.

  • Excel, MS Project, and SPSS for Competitor Analysis & developed emerging Business Models of Intellectual property industry in EU.
  • Used SPSS marketing research program to come up with new marketing plan in order to attract visitors to Jefferson City.

SQL is a programming language used to manage and manipulate data in databases. Market researchers use SQL to extract and analyze data. For example, one market researcher used SQL queries to identify purchasing trends of core customers and increase sales. Another market researcher developed and deployed a data mart in SQL Server to data mine statistical data. They also migrated Access databases to SQL 2000 and created Retail Customer Portfolio Analysis reports by market using SQL statements.

  • Increased sales by data mining using SQL queries - was able to identify purchasing trends of core customers.
  • Developed and deployed a data mart in SQL Server for data mining of statistical data.

Choose from 10+ customizable market researcher resume templates

7. quantitative research.

Quantitative research is a method of collecting and analyzing data in a structured, numerical format. Market researchers use this type of research to gather and evaluate data from a large number of sources. They apply these methodologies from the design and implementation of a project to its analysis and presentation. They also use quantitative research to conduct surveys and focus groups for a broad range of clients. For example, they might use surveys to measure the effectiveness of a new product or service.

  • Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies from project design and implementation to analysis and presentation.
  • Recruited physicians, pharmacists and engineers for qualitative and quantitative research studies.

8. PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a widely used presentation software. Market researchers use PowerPoint to present their final research results and recommendations for strategic planning. They design and compile information into presentations, analyze data, and identify initiatives and facilitate action-driven plans. They also use PowerPoint to summarize reports of transit studies and create slides for presentations.

  • Prepared and delivered comprehensive PowerPoint presentations comprised of final research results and recommendations for strategic planning.
  • Documented results as a PowerPoint presentation to the Resource Development Manager.

SAS is a software suite used for data management, predictive analytics, and business intelligence. Market researchers use SAS to extract and transform data, develop surveys, and conduct sensitivity testing. They also use it to analyze customer behaviors and maintain direct mail and email campaigns.

  • Developed a survey of risk control metrics then used SAS for sensitivity testing.
  • Created list reports, graphs and data sets using SAS, SAS EG, and SAS PM.

10. Survey Data

Survey data is information collected through surveys or other public opinion polls. Market researchers use survey data to analyze customer interactions, conduct interviews, and present recommendations to executives. They also use it to advise clients on product placement, pricing, and promotion strategies.

  • Analyzed customer interactions, conducted interviews, collected survey data, created recommendations with implementation plans and success monitoring metrics.
  • Reviewed/analyzed survey data and presented recommendations to Philips' executive staff.

11. Research Reports

Research reports are documents that summarize and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. Market researchers use research reports to define target markets and opportunities, assess areas of opportunity and growth, and measure the economic impact of events. They also use research reports to support specific property types, answer questions posed by small businesses, and generate revenue. They compile data from various sources, optimize websites, and conduct comparative analysis to develop these reports.

  • Contribute effectively to all national or regional research reports with specified local market content.
  • Created and delivered market research reports concerning augmented reality and associated technology.

12. Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis is the study of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Market researchers use statistical analysis to gain insights from data. They use it to analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships that can help them understand market trends. They also use statistical analysis to draw conclusions from data and make informed decisions. For example, they may use statistical analysis to understand consumer behavior, identify target markets, and predict future trends.

  • Carried out statistical analysis to shed light on the implications our business insights would have for clients.
  • Presented research results and statistical analysis to North Shore Chamber of commerce.

13. Market Research

Market research is a process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to understand a market's dynamics and trends. Market researchers use market research to identify their target audience, understand their needs, and develop strategies for client acquisition. They also conduct telephone surveys and analyze market trends to deliver insights to internal clients. For example, they may conduct extensive secondary market research on industry and consumer behavior to achieve their client's objectives. They may also use market research to identify potential international markets to enter or expand their current presence in.

  • Developed skills: market research, innovation, entrepreneurial intuition, ability to successfully negotiate, leadership and motivational abilities and knowledge
  • Performed market research for various fortune 500 companies * Conducted telephone surveys with clients * Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively COMPUTER

14. Facebook

Facebook is a social networking platform. Market researchers use Facebook to conduct industry research and develop social media marketing plans. They also use it to maintain and manage social media accounts for their company. They utilize Facebook to collect information that can be used to analyze market trends and preferences.

  • Conducted industry research and developed social media marketing plan (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Developed and maintained social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

15. Outbound Calls

Outbound calls are calls made to people outside of a company or organization. Market researchers use outbound calls to conduct surveys, gather data, and collect opinions from potential customers. They may call people in different parts of the country or even across the globe, depending on the research project. For instance, they may use outbound calls to ask people about their voting preferences or to collect data on their media usage.

  • Appointed a high volume of outbound calls to people throughout California to participate in a political survey.
  • Conducted phone surveys about people's use of the media * 90-100 inbound and outbound calls a day

12 Market Researcher Resume Examples

Build a professional market researcher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 12 + resume templates to create your market researcher resume.

What skills help Market Researchers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want. Get Started

List of market researcher skills to add to your resume

Market Researcher Skills

The most important skills for a market researcher resume and required skills for a market researcher to have include:

  • Data Analysis
  • Primary Research
  • Data Collection
  • Research Findings
  • Quantitative Research
  • Survey Data
  • Research Reports
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Market Research
  • Outbound Calls
  • Qualitative Research
  • Research Data
  • In-Depth Interviews
  • Survey Results
  • Quantitative Data
  • Conduct Surveys
  • Market Data
  • Product Development
  • Qualitative Data
  • Emerging Markets
  • Market Trends
  • Analyze Data
  • Real Estate
  • Telephone Surveys
  • Market Research Studies
  • Business Development
  • Computer System
  • Target Market
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Market Size
  • Customer Demographics
  • Competitive Intelligence
  • Discounted Cash Flow
  • Phone Interviews
  • Market Research Surveys
  • Business Plan
  • Market Analysis Surveys
  • Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Market Researcher Related Skills

  • Market Analyst Skills
  • Market Analyst Internship Skills
  • Market Research Analyst Skills
  • Market Research Internship Skills
  • Marketer Skills
  • Marketing Assistant Skills
  • Marketing Consultant Skills
  • Marketing Coordinator Skills
  • Marketing Internship Skills
  • Marketing Representative Skills
  • Marketing Research Analyst Skills
  • Marketing Research Internship Skills
  • Research Analyst Skills
  • Research Consultant Skills
  • Research Director Skills

Market Researcher Related Careers

  • Market Analyst
  • Market Analyst Internship
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Market Research Internship
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Marketing Consultant
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Marketing Internship
  • Marketing Representative
  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Marketing Research Internship
  • Research Analyst
  • Research Consultant
  • Research Director

Market Researcher Related Jobs

  • Market Analyst Jobs
  • Market Analyst Internship Jobs
  • Market Research Analyst Jobs
  • Market Research Internship Jobs
  • Marketer Jobs
  • Marketing Assistant Jobs
  • Marketing Consultant Jobs
  • Marketing Coordinator Jobs
  • Marketing Internship Jobs
  • Marketing Representative Jobs
  • Marketing Research Analyst Jobs
  • Marketing Research Internship Jobs
  • Research Analyst Jobs
  • Research Consultant Jobs
  • Research Director Jobs

What Similar Roles Do

  • What Does a Market Analyst Do
  • What Does a Market Research Analyst Do
  • What Does a Marketer Do
  • What Does a Marketing Assistant Do
  • What Does a Marketing Consultant Do
  • What Does a Marketing Coordinator Do
  • What Does a Marketing Internship Do
  • What Does a Marketing Representative Do
  • What Does a Marketing Research Analyst Do
  • What Does a Research Analyst Do
  • What Does a Research Consultant Do
  • What Does a Research Director Do
  • What Does a Research Internship Do
  • What Does a Research Leader Do
  • What Does a Research Manager Do
  • Zippia Careers
  • Business and Financial Industry
  • Market Researcher
  • Market Researcher Skills

Browse business and financial jobs

Learn / Blog / Article

Back to blog

How to do market research in 4 steps: a lean approach to marketing research

From pinpointing your target audience and assessing your competitive advantage, to ongoing product development and customer satisfaction efforts, market research is a practice your business can only benefit from.

Learn how to conduct quick and effective market research using a lean approach in this article full of strategies and practical examples. 

market research key skills

Last updated

Reading time.

market research key skills

A comprehensive (and successful) business strategy is not complete without some form of market research—you can’t make informed and profitable business decisions without truly understanding your customer base and the current market trends that drive your business.

In this article, you’ll learn how to conduct quick, effective market research  using an approach called 'lean market research'. It’s easier than you might think, and it can be done at any stage in a product’s lifecycle.

How to conduct lean market research in 4 steps

What is market research, why is market research so valuable, advantages of lean market research, 4 common market research methods, 5 common market research questions, market research faqs.

We’ll jump right into our 4-step approach to lean market research. To show you how it’s done in the real world, each step includes a practical example from Smallpdf , a Swiss company that used lean market research to reduce their tool’s error rate by 75% and boost their Net Promoter Score® (NPS) by 1%.

Research your market the lean way...

From on-page surveys to user interviews, Hotjar has the tools to help you scope out your market and get to know your customers—without breaking the bank.

The following four steps and practical examples will give you a solid market research plan for understanding who your users are and what they want from a company like yours.

1. Create simple user personas

A user persona is a semi-fictional character based on psychographic and demographic data from people who use websites and products similar to your own. Start by defining broad user categories, then elaborate on them later to further segment your customer base and determine your ideal customer profile .

How to get the data: use on-page or emailed surveys and interviews to understand your users and what drives them to your business.

How to do it right: whatever survey or interview questions you ask, they should answer the following questions about the customer:

Who are they?

What is their main goal?

What is their main barrier to achieving this goal?

Pitfalls to avoid:

Don’t ask too many questions! Keep it to five or less, otherwise you’ll inundate them and they’ll stop answering thoughtfully.

Don’t worry too much about typical demographic questions like age or background. Instead, focus on the role these people play (as it relates to your product) and their goals.

How Smallpdf did it: Smallpdf ran an on-page survey for a couple of weeks and received 1,000 replies. They learned that many of their users were administrative assistants, students, and teachers.

#One of the five survey questions Smallpdf asked their users

Next, they used the survey results to create simple user personas like this one for admins:

Who are they? Administrative Assistants.

What is their main goal? Creating Word documents from a scanned, hard-copy document or a PDF where the source file was lost.

What is their main barrier to achieving it? Converting a scanned PDF doc to a Word file.

💡Pro tip: Smallpdf used Hotjar Surveys to run their user persona survey. Our survey tool helped them avoid the pitfalls of guesswork and find out who their users really are, in their own words. 

You can design a survey and start running it in minutes with our easy-to-use drag and drop builder. Customize your survey to fit your needs, from a sleek one-question pop-up survey to a fully branded questionnaire sent via email. 

We've also created 40+ free survey templates that you can start collecting data with, including a user persona survey like the one Smallpdf used.

2. Conduct observational research

Observational research involves taking notes while watching someone use your product (or a similar product).

Overt vs. covert observation

Overt observation involves asking customers if they’ll let you watch them use your product. This method is often used for user testing and it provides a great opportunity for collecting live product or customer feedback .

Covert observation means studying users ‘in the wild’ without them knowing. This method works well if you sell a type of product that people use regularly, and it offers the purest observational data because people often behave differently when they know they’re being watched. 

Tips to do it right:

Record an entry in your field notes, along with a timestamp, each time an action or event occurs.

Make note of the users' workflow, capturing the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ and ‘for whom’ of each action.

#Sample of field notes taken by Smallpdf

Don’t record identifiable video or audio data without consent. If recording people using your product is helpful for achieving your research goal, make sure all participants are informed and agree to the terms.

Don’t forget to explain why you’d like to observe them (for overt observation). People are more likely to cooperate if you tell them you want to improve the product.

💡Pro tip: while conducting field research out in the wild can wield rewarding results, you can also conduct observational research remotely. Hotjar Recordings is a tool that lets you capture anonymized user sessions of real people interacting with your website. 

Observe how customers navigate your pages and products to gain an inside look into their user behavior . This method is great for conducting exploratory research with the purpose of identifying more specific issues to investigate further, like pain points along the customer journey and opportunities for optimizing conversion .

With Hotjar Recordings you can observe real people using your site without capturing their sensitive information

How Smallpdf did it: here’s how Smallpdf observed two different user personas both covertly and overtly.

Observing students (covert): Kristina Wagner, Principle Product Manager at Smallpdf, went to cafes and libraries at two local universities and waited until she saw students doing PDF-related activities. Then she watched and took notes from a distance. One thing that struck her was the difference between how students self-reported their activities vs. how they behaved (i.e, the self-reporting bias). Students, she found, spent hours talking, listening to music, or simply staring at a blank screen rather than working. When she did find students who were working, she recorded the task they were performing and the software they were using (if she recognized it).

Observing administrative assistants (overt): Kristina sent emails to admins explaining that she’d like to observe them at work, and she asked those who agreed to try to batch their PDF work for her observation day. While watching admins work, she learned that they frequently needed to scan documents into PDF-format and then convert those PDFs into Word docs. By observing the challenges admins faced, Smallpdf knew which products to target for improvement.

“Data is really good for discovery and validation, but there is a bit in the middle where you have to go and find the human.”

3. Conduct individual interviews

Interviews are one-on-one conversations with members of your target market. They allow you to dig deep and explore their concerns, which can lead to all sorts of revelations.

Listen more, talk less. Be curious.

Act like a journalist, not a salesperson. Rather than trying to talk your company up, ask people about their lives, their needs, their frustrations, and how a product like yours could help.

Ask "why?" so you can dig deeper. Get into the specifics and learn about their past behavior.

Record the conversation. Focus on the conversation and avoid relying solely on notes by recording the interview. There are plenty of services that will transcribe recorded conversations for a good price (including Hotjar!).

Avoid asking leading questions , which reveal bias on your part and pushes respondents to answer in a certain direction (e.g. “Have you taken advantage of the amazing new features we just released?).

Don't ask loaded questions , which sneak in an assumption which, if untrue, would make it impossible to answer honestly. For example, we can’t ask you, “What did you find most useful about this article?” without asking whether you found the article useful in the first place.

Be cautious when asking opinions about the future (or predictions of future behavior). Studies suggest that people aren’t very good at predicting their future behavior. This is due to several cognitive biases, from the misguided exceptionalism bias (we’re good at guessing what others will do, but we somehow think we’re different), to the optimism bias (which makes us see things with rose-colored glasses), to the ‘illusion of control’ (which makes us forget the role of randomness in future events).

How Smallpdf did it: Kristina explored her teacher user persona by speaking with university professors at a local graduate school. She learned that the school was mostly paperless and rarely used PDFs, so for the sake of time, she moved on to the admins.

A bit of a letdown? Sure. But this story highlights an important lesson: sometimes you follow a lead and come up short, so you have to make adjustments on the fly. Lean market research is about getting solid, actionable insights quickly so you can tweak things and see what works.

💡Pro tip: to save even more time, conduct remote interviews using an online user research service like Hotjar Engage , which automates the entire interview process, from recruitment and scheduling to hosting and recording.

You can interview your own customers or connect with people from our diverse pool of 200,000+ participants from 130+ countries and 25 industries. And no need to fret about taking meticulous notes—Engage will automatically transcribe the interview for you.

4. Analyze the data (without drowning in it)

The following techniques will help you wrap your head around the market data you collect without losing yourself in it. Remember, the point of lean market research is to find quick, actionable insights.

A flow model is a diagram that tracks the flow of information within a system. By creating a simple visual representation of how users interact with your product and each other, you can better assess their needs.

#Example of a flow model designed by Smallpdf

You’ll notice that admins are at the center of Smallpdf’s flow model, which represents the flow of PDF-related documents throughout a school. This flow model shows the challenges that admins face as they work to satisfy their own internal and external customers.

Affinity diagram

An affinity diagram is a way of sorting large amounts of data into groups to better understand the big picture. For example, if you ask your users about their profession, you’ll notice some general themes start to form, even though the individual responses differ. Depending on your needs, you could group them by profession, or more generally by industry.

<

We wrote a guide about how to analyze open-ended questions to help you sort through and categorize large volumes of response data. You can also do this by hand by clipping up survey responses or interview notes and grouping them (which is what Kristina does).

“For an interview, you will have somewhere between 30 and 60 notes, and those notes are usually direct phrases. And when you literally cut them up into separate pieces of paper and group them, they should make sense by themselves.”

Pro tip: if you’re conducting an online survey with Hotjar, keep your team in the loop by sharing survey responses automatically via our Slack and Microsoft Team integrations. Reading answers as they come in lets you digest the data in pieces and can help prepare you for identifying common themes when it comes time for analysis.

Hotjar lets you easily share survey responses with your team

Customer journey map

A customer journey map is a diagram that shows the way a typical prospect becomes a paying customer. It outlines their first interaction with your brand and every step in the sales cycle, from awareness to repurchase (and hopefully advocacy).

#A customer journey map example

The above  customer journey map , created by our team at Hotjar, shows many ways a customer might engage with our tool. Your map will be based on your own data and business model.

📚 Read more: if you’re new to customer journey maps, we wrote this step-by-step guide to creating your first customer journey map in 2 and 1/2 days with free templates you can download and start using immediately.

Next steps: from research to results

So, how do you turn market research insights into tangible business results? Let’s look at the actions Smallpdf took after conducting their lean market research: first they implemented changes, then measured the impact.

#Smallpdf used lean market research to dig below the surface, understand their clients, and build a better product and user experience

Implement changes

Based on what Smallpdf learned about the challenges that one key user segment (admins) face when trying to convert PDFs into Word files, they improved their ‘PDF to Word’ conversion tool.

We won’t go into the details here because it involves a lot of technical jargon, but they made the entire process simpler and more straightforward for users. Plus, they made it so that their system recognized when you drop a PDF file into their ‘Word to PDF’ converter instead of the ‘PDF to Word’ converter, so users wouldn’t have to redo the task when they made that mistake. 

In other words: simple market segmentation for admins showed a business need that had to be accounted for, and customers are happier overall after Smallpdf implemented an informed change to their product.

Measure results

According to the Lean UX model, product and UX changes aren’t retained unless they achieve results.

Smallpdf’s changes produced:

A 75% reduction in error rate for the ‘PDF to Word’ converter

A 1% increase in NPS

Greater confidence in the team’s marketing efforts

"With all the changes said and done, we've cut our original error rate in four, which is huge. We increased our NPS by +1%, which isn't huge, but it means that of the users who received a file, they were still slightly happier than before, even if they didn't notice that anything special happened at all.”

Subscribe to fresh and free monthly insights.

Over 50,000 people interested in UX, product,
 digital empathy, and beyond, receive our newsletter every month. No spam, just thoughtful perspectives from a range of experts, new approaches to remote work, and loads more valuable insights. If that floats your boat, why not become a subscriber?

I have read and accepted the message outlined here: Hotjar uses the information you provide to us to send you relevant content, updates and offers from time to time. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of any email.

Market research (or marketing research) is any set of techniques used to gather information and better understand a company’s target market. This might include primary research on brand awareness and customer satisfaction or secondary market research on market size and competitive analysis. Businesses use this information to design better products, improve user experience, and craft a marketing strategy that attracts quality leads and improves conversion rates.

David Darmanin, one of Hotjar’s founders, launched two startups before Hotjar took off—but both companies crashed and burned. Each time, he and his team spent months trying to design an amazing new product and user experience, but they failed because they didn’t have a clear understanding of what the market demanded.

With Hotjar, they did things differently . Long story short, they conducted market research in the early stages to figure out what consumers really wanted, and the team made (and continues to make) constant improvements based on market and user research.

Without market research, it’s impossible to understand your users. Sure, you might have a general idea of who they are and what they need, but you have to dig deep if you want to win their loyalty.

Here’s why research matters:

Obsessing over your users is the only way to win. If you don’t care deeply about them, you’ll lose potential customers to someone who does.

Analytics gives you the ‘what’, while research gives you the ‘why’. Big data, user analytics , and dashboards can tell you what people do at scale, but only research can tell you what they’re thinking and why they do what they do. For example, analytics can tell you that customers leave when they reach your pricing page, but only research can explain why.

Research beats assumptions, trends, and so-called best practices. Have you ever watched your colleagues rally behind a terrible decision? Bad ideas are often the result of guesswork, emotional reasoning, death by best practices , and defaulting to the Highest Paid Person’s Opinion (HiPPO). By listening to your users and focusing on their customer experience , you’re less likely to get pulled in the wrong direction.

Research keeps you from planning in a vacuum. Your team might be amazing, but you and your colleagues simply can’t experience your product the way your customers do. Customers might use your product in a way that surprises you, and product features that seem obvious to you might confuse them. Over-planning and refusing to test your assumptions is a waste of time, money, and effort because you’ll likely need to make changes once your untested business plan gets put into practice.

Lean User Experience (UX) design is a model for continuous improvement that relies on quick, efficient research to understand customer needs and test new product features.

Lean market research can help you become more...

Efficient: it gets you closer to your customers, faster.

Cost-effective: no need to hire an expensive marketing firm to get things started.

Competitive: quick, powerful insights can place your products on the cutting edge.

As a small business or sole proprietor, conducting lean market research is an attractive option when investing in a full-blown research project might seem out of scope or budget.

There are lots of different ways you could conduct market research and collect customer data, but you don’t have to limit yourself to just one research method. Four common types of market research techniques include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and customer observation.

Which method you use may vary based on your business type: ecommerce business owners have different goals from SaaS businesses, so it’s typically prudent to mix and match these methods based on your particular goals and what you need to know.

1. Surveys: the most commonly used

Surveys are a form of qualitative research that ask respondents a short series of open- or closed-ended questions, which can be delivered as an on-screen questionnaire or via email. When we asked 2,000 Customer Experience (CX) professionals about their company’s approach to research , surveys proved to be the most commonly used market research technique.

What makes online surveys so popular?  

They’re easy and inexpensive to conduct, and you can do a lot of data collection quickly. Plus, the data is pretty straightforward to analyze, even when you have to analyze open-ended questions whose answers might initially appear difficult to categorize.

We've built a number of survey templates ready and waiting for you. Grab a template and share with your customers in just a few clicks.

💡 Pro tip: you can also get started with Hotjar AI for Surveys to create a survey in mere seconds . Just enter your market research goal and watch as the AI generates a survey and populates it with relevant questions. 

Once you’re ready for data analysis, the AI will prepare an automated research report that succinctly summarizes key findings, quotes, and suggested next steps.

market research key skills

An example research report generated by Hotjar AI for Surveys

2. Interviews: the most insightful

Interviews are one-on-one conversations with members of your target market. Nothing beats a face-to-face interview for diving deep (and reading non-verbal cues), but if an in-person meeting isn’t possible, video conferencing is a solid second choice.

Regardless of how you conduct it, any type of in-depth interview will produce big benefits in understanding your target customers.

What makes interviews so insightful?

By speaking directly with an ideal customer, you’ll gain greater empathy for their experience , and you can follow insightful threads that can produce plenty of 'Aha!' moments.

3. Focus groups: the most unreliable

Focus groups bring together a carefully selected group of people who fit a company’s target market. A trained moderator leads a conversation surrounding the product, user experience, or marketing message to gain deeper insights.

What makes focus groups so unreliable?

If you’re new to market research, we wouldn’t recommend starting with focus groups. Doing it right is expensive , and if you cut corners, your research could fall victim to all kinds of errors. Dominance bias (when a forceful participant influences the group) and moderator style bias (when different moderator personalities bring about different results in the same study) are two of the many ways your focus group data could get skewed.

4. Observation: the most powerful

During a customer observation session, someone from the company takes notes while they watch an ideal user engage with their product (or a similar product from a competitor).

What makes observation so clever and powerful?

‘Fly-on-the-wall’ observation is a great alternative to focus groups. It’s not only less expensive, but you’ll see people interact with your product in a natural setting without influencing each other. The only downside is that you can’t get inside their heads, so observation still isn't a recommended replacement for customer surveys and interviews.

The following questions will help you get to know your users on a deeper level when you interview them. They’re general questions, of course, so don’t be afraid to make them your own.

1. Who are you and what do you do?

How you ask this question, and what you want to know, will vary depending on your business model (e.g. business-to-business marketing is usually more focused on someone’s profession than business-to-consumer marketing).

It’s a great question to start with, and it’ll help you understand what’s relevant about your user demographics (age, race, gender, profession, education, etc.), but it’s not the be-all-end-all of market research. The more specific questions come later.

2. What does your day look like?

This question helps you understand your users’ day-to-day life and the challenges they face. It will help you gain empathy for them, and you may stumble across something relevant to their buying habits.

3. Do you ever purchase [product/service type]?

This is a ‘yes or no’ question. A ‘yes’ will lead you to the next question.

4. What problem were you trying to solve or what goal were you trying to achieve?

This question strikes to the core of what someone’s trying to accomplish and why they might be willing to pay for your solution.

5. Take me back to the day when you first decided you needed to solve this kind of problem or achieve this goal.

This is the golden question, and it comes from Adele Revella, Founder and CEO of Buyer Persona Institute . It helps you get in the heads of your users and figure out what they were thinking the day they decided to spend money to solve a problem.

If you take your time with this question, digging deeper where it makes sense, you should be able to answer all the relevant information you need to understand their perspective.

“The only scripted question I want you to ask them is this one: take me back to the day when you first decided that you needed to solve this kind of problem or achieve this kind of a goal. Not to buy my product, that’s not the day. We want to go back to the day that when you thought it was urgent and compelling to go spend money to solve a particular problem or achieve a goal. Just tell me what happened.”

— Adele Revella , Founder/CEO at Buyer Persona Institute

Bonus question: is there anything else you’d like to tell me?

This question isn’t just a nice way to wrap it up—it might just give participants the opportunity they need to tell you something you really need to know.

That’s why Sarah Doody, author of UX Notebook , adds it to the end of her written surveys.

“I always have a last question, which is just open-ended: “Is there anything else you would like to tell me?” And sometimes, that’s where you get four paragraphs of amazing content that you would never have gotten if it was just a Net Promoter Score [survey] or something like that.”

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Qualitative research asks questions that can’t be reduced to a number, such as, “What is your job title?” or “What did you like most about your customer service experience?” 

Quantitative research asks questions that can be answered with a numeric value, such as, “What is your annual salary?” or “How was your customer service experience on a scale of 1-5?”

 → Read more about the differences between qualitative and quantitative user research .

How do I do my own market research?

You can do your own quick and effective market research by 

Surveying your customers

Building user personas

Studying your users through interviews and observation

Wrapping your head around your data with tools like flow models, affinity diagrams, and customer journey maps

What is the difference between market research and user research?

Market research takes a broad look at potential customers—what problems they’re trying to solve, their buying experience, and overall demand. User research, on the other hand, is more narrowly focused on the use (and usability ) of specific products.

What are the main criticisms of market research?

Many marketing professionals are critical of market research because it can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s often easier to convince your CEO or CMO to let you do lean market research rather than something more extensive because you can do it yourself. It also gives you quick answers so you can stay ahead of the competition.

Do I need a market research firm to get reliable data?

Absolutely not! In fact, we recommend that you start small and do it yourself in the beginning. By following a lean market research strategy, you can uncover some solid insights about your clients. Then you can make changes, test them out, and see whether the results are positive. This is an excellent strategy for making quick changes and remaining competitive.

Net Promoter, Net Promoter System, Net Promoter Score, NPS, and the NPS-related emoticons are registered trademarks of Bain & Company, Inc., Fred Reichheld, and Satmetrix Systems, Inc.

Related articles

market research key skills

6 traits of top marketing leaders (and how to cultivate them in yourself)

Stepping into a marketing leadership role can stir up a mix of emotions: excitement, optimism, and, often, a gnawing doubt. "Do I have the right skills to truly lead and inspire?" If you've ever wrestled with these uncertainties, you're not alone.

Hotjar team

market research key skills

The 7 best BI tools for marketers in 2024 (and how to use them)

Whether you're sifting through campaign attribution data or reviewing performance reports from different sources, extracting meaningful business insights from vast amounts of data is an often daunting—yet critical—task many marketers face. So how do you efficiently evaluate your results and communicate key learnings? 

This is where business intelligence (BI) tools come in, transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive informed, customer-centric decisions. 

market research key skills

6 marketing trends that will shape the future of ecommerce in 2023

Today, marketing trends evolve at the speed of technology. Ecommerce businesses that fail to update their marketing strategies to meet consumers where they are in 2023 will be left out of the conversations that drive brand success. 

market research key skills

Geoff Whiting

Resumehead

  • Career Blog

Market Research Analyst Resume: Winning Examples for 2024

market research key skills

As a market research analyst, your resume is the key to landing a job interview and ultimately securing your dream job. A strong resume that showcases your relevant skills and experiences is crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers and demonstrating your expertise in the field.

This article will provide winning examples of market research analyst resumes, covering every aspect that should be included, from the header to the work experience and education sections, as well as highlighting any relevant certifications or professional development. Each example will include an analysis of why it works and how you can apply the techniques to your own resume.

Through this article, you will learn the essential components of a strong market research analyst resume that effectively conveys your skills and experience, differentiates you from other applicants, and positions you as the ideal candidate for the role. So, if you are a market research analyst looking to land your next job, keep reading to discover how to make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Key Components of a Winning Market Research Analyst Resume

As a market research analyst, your resume plays a crucial role in securing your job. You must highlight your qualifications and skills to capture the hiring manager’s attention. The following components must be present in your resume to make it winning:

Key skills and qualifications to include

Your potential employer wants to know if you possess the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in the role. Thus, it is important to include these in your resume. Key skills should include analytical thinking, research methodology, attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, among others. Meanwhile, your qualifications should highlight your education, relevant certifications, and any special training or courses you’ve taken to boost your experience in the field. Showing a well-crafted summary of your skills and qualifications can help you portray an impression of competency and expertise in the field.

Examples of relevant experience to highlight

Your experience as a market research analyst is a critical factor in determining your suitability for the job. You must therefore present your relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to identify market trends, analyze data, and create valuable insights. Highlight your previous roles, achievements, and solutions offered to your previous clients or companies. Showcasing your successes and accomplishments can help establish your confidence and aptitude as a competent market research analyst.

Importance of including measurable achievements

Measurable achievements can provide a valuable way of demonstrating your past success and how you can help the company in the future. To be more specific, quantifiable achievements highlight the measurable impact of your previous work or studies. For example, if you increased sales or improved customer satisfaction, mention the percentage of improvement. If your research work led to a significant cost reduction or increased revenue, communicate the figures. Adding these specific metrics engages the employer and gives more concrete evidence of your past successes.

Writing a winning market research analyst resume means showcasing your skills and qualifications, highlighting relevant experience, and including measurable achievements. By adding these components to your resume, you can communicate to potential employers that you are a competent market research analyst with a successful track record.

Formatting Tips for a Market Research Analyst Resume

A well-crafted market research analyst resume can make a lasting impression on potential employers. However, even if you have the most impressive accomplishments and qualifications, they can go unnoticed if your resume is poorly formatted. Here are some formatting tips to help you present your skills and experience effectively:

The Importance of a Clean and Organized Layout

A clean and organized layout is essential for a market research analyst resume, as it makes it easier for recruiters to scan and identify key information. Use a simple and professional design that is easy on the eyes and free from clutter. Avoid using multiple font types, colors, and graphics, as they can distract from the content and may not be compatible with all devices.

To achieve a clean and organized layout, break the content into sections and use headings and subheadings to distinguish them. Use white space effectively to create a balance between the sections and avoid using overcrowded text.

Tips for Choosing the Right Font and Font Size

The font and font size you choose can greatly impact the readability and overall impression of your market research analyst resume. Aim to use a font that is easy to read, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and avoid using fancy or script fonts.

The font size should be consistent throughout the entire document, with the body text typically ranging between 10-12 pt. However, you can use a slightly larger font for headings and subheadings to create contrast and emphasize their importance.

How to Effectively Use Bullet Points

Bullet points are a great way to break down your accomplishments and responsibilities into concise and easy-to-read statements. Use bullet points to quantify your achievements and showcase your skills and expertise. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, such as created, analyzed, or implemented, to demonstrate your active role in the project.

Avoid using lengthy bullet points that can make the content difficult to read. Instead, aim for no more than five bullet points per section, with each point being no more than two lines long.

A well-formatted market research analyst resume is crucial to catching the attention of potential employers. Use a clean and organized layout, choose the right font and font size, and effectively use bullet points to showcase your skills and accomplishments. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating a winning resume that sets you apart from the competition.

How to Tailor Your Market Research Analyst Resume to the Job Description

When applying for a market research analyst position, it’s important to tailor your resume to the job description. This customization will help you stand out as the ideal candidate for the position.

Understanding the job requirements and expectations

The first step to tailoring your resume is to closely review the job requirements and expectations. Take note of the required education, experience, and specific skills listed in the job posting. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills that you possess that match the job description.

Highlighting relevant skills and experience

As you customize your resume, make sure to highlight the relevant skills and experience that you possess. Use the language and phrasing from the job description to demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate for the position. For example, if the job posting mentions a requirement for experience with market segmentation, make sure to mention your experience with market segmentation in your resume.

Customizing your resume for each job opportunity

It’s important to customize your resume for each job opportunity. This means taking the time to review each job posting and tailoring your resume to highlight the specific skills and experience that the employer is looking for. This extra effort will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing the job.

Tailoring your market research analyst resume to the job description is essential for increasing your chances of getting hired. By understanding the job requirements and expectations, highlighting relevant skills and experience, and customizing your resume for each job opportunity, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning resume that sets you apart from the competition.

Examples of Strong Market Research Analyst Resumes

To help job seekers create effective and competitive resumes for the position of Market Research Analyst, we have analyzed and compared several winning examples. In this section, we will provide a detailed analysis of these resumes and explain the key components and formatting choices that set them apart.

Detailed Analysis of Winning Resume Examples

The winning resumes we analyzed all demonstrated a clear understanding of the skills, experience, and attributes required of Market Research Analysts. They included strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements, along with relevant key skills and technologies used. In addition, each resume had a consistent formatting style and personalized approach that set them apart from generic templates.

Breakdown of Key Components and Formatting Choices

Below are the key components and formatting choices found in the winning Market Research Analyst resumes:

1. Clear Objective Statement

Each winning resume had a concise objective statement that clearly stated the candidate’s career goals and relevant skills. This statement helps to grab the attention of potential employers quickly and demonstrates the candidate’s focus and direction.

2. Skills and Technologies

All winning resumes included a section that listed key skills and technologies relevant to the position of Market Research Analyst. These skills ranged from quantitative analysis and statistical modeling to data visualization and project management. By highlighting these skills, the resumes showed that the candidates had the necessary competencies to succeed in the role.

3. Action Verbs and Achievements

Strong action verbs were used throughout the resumes to demonstrate the candidate’s accomplishments and impact. These verbs included “analyzed,” “developed,” “revamped,” “optimized,” and “implemented.” Each action verb was followed by a quantifiable achievement that showed the candidate’s impact in their previous roles.

4. Consistent Formatting and Layout

All winning resumes used a consistent formatting and layout style, with clear headings, bullet points, and white space. This allowed the resumes to be easily scanned and read by potential employers, which is essential in a competitive job market.

Explanation of Why These Resumes Stand Out

The winning Market Research Analyst resumes stood out for their clear focus on the requirements of the role, strong and personalized writing style, and use of relevant metrics and achievements. By demonstrating their competencies and success in previous positions, the candidates showed that they were the best fit for the job.

Job seekers that are aiming to create successful resumes for Market Research Analyst positions should focus on clear and concise objective statements, lists of key skills and technologies, strong action verbs and achievements, and consistent formatting and layout. By following these guidelines, candidates can create winning resumes that catch the attention of employers and land them the job they desire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Market Research Analyst Resume

When crafting a Market Research Analyst Resume, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your ability to land that dream job. In this section, we will discuss these pitfalls and how you can avoid them.

Common Resume Pitfalls

1. irrelevant information.

One of the most common mistakes in a Market Research Analyst Resume is including irrelevant information. As a Market Research Analyst, you want to focus on skills and experiences that are relevant to the role you are applying for. This means avoiding information that is not related to market research or analytical skills.

2. Lack of Specificity

Another mistake is a lack of specificity when it comes to job descriptions and achievements. A resume that reads like a job description might not be enough to make you stand out. Be specific about your achievements and the impact they had on the company. Use numbers and figures whenever possible to show your impact.

3. Poor Formatting

Formatting is a key component of any resume. A Market Research Analyst Resume should be readable and easy to understand. Make sure that the fonts, spacing, and margins are consistent throughout the document. Use bullet points, bold and italic text and other formatting tools to break up large blocks of text and make it easier to read.

4. Typos and Grammatical Errors

Typos and grammatical errors are a no-no in any resume, but they can be especially costly in a Market Research Analyst Resume. As a Market Research Analyst, you need to demonstrate a high level of attention to detail, so any typos or errors can reflect poorly on you. Proofread your resume several times and have others read it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

Examples of Poor Resume Choices or Mistakes

1. including unrelated experience.

Imagine that you are a Market Research Analyst and you include experience as a lifeguard on your resume. While this may demonstrate your ability to handle stressful situations, it is not relevant to the role of a Market Research Analyst. Instead, highlight experiences that demonstrate your analytical and research skills.

2. Failing to Provide Specifics

If you have experience in Market Research and say that you “conducted research,” this statement is too vague. Be specific about the research you conducted, the methods you used, and the results you achieved. This will demonstrate your expertise and help you stand out among other candidates.

3. Profiling Visuals and Logos

While adding visual elements to your Market Research Analyst Resume may seem like a good idea, it can actually detract from the content. Don’t add visuals or logos that are not relevant to the role you are applying for.

4. Overcomplicating the Formatting

While a well-formatted resume is necessary, overcomplicating it can make it difficult to read.

Professional Certifications and Education

As a Market Research Analyst, having relevant certifications and educational background can be crucial to your career advancement. Employers often look for candidates with certifications and degrees that demonstrate expertise in market research methodologies and data analysis.

The importance of relevant certifications and educational background

Relevant certifications and educational background show that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the role of a Market Research Analyst. Certifications can come from organizations like the Marketing Research Association or the Insights Association, and degrees can include fields like statistics, marketing, or psychology.

Additionally, having a relevant degree or certification can give you a competitive edge when applying for positions, as it demonstrates your commitment to the field and your dedication to advancing your knowledge and skills.

Which certificates and degrees are most valuable for a Market Research Analyst

The most valuable certifications for a Market Research Analyst include the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) from the Insights Association and the Research & Marketing Intelligence Association’s (RMAI) Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP) designation. Both demonstrate expertise in market research principles and practices, and are highly valued by employers.

As for degrees, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing Research, Psychology, Statistics or Mathematics, are highly relevant in the market research field. However, employers are still interested in considering degrees in other fields if the candidate can demonstrate a strong commitment to research and an aptitude for data analysis.

How to highlight this information effectively in your resume

When highlighting professional certifications and educational background in your resume, it is essential to keep it concise and relevant. Start by creating a separate section for your certifications and degrees, and list them in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.

Instead of providing a detailed description of every certification or degree, focus on outlining the most relevant credentials for the position you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying for a Market Research Analyst position that requires exceptional data analysis skills, focus on highlighting your degree in statistics or mathematics.

Including details of relevant certifications and educational background in your resume is crucial when applying for a Market Research Analyst role. Highlight the most valuable certificates and degrees effectively in your resume, so that hiring managers can see your expertise and commitment to the field.

Relevant Soft Skills for a Market Research Analyst

As a market research analyst, technical skills and knowledge are important, but equally important are soft skills that enable you to communicate, collaborate, and think critically. Soft skills are essentially interpersonal skills that help you work well with others and have a successful career. The following soft skills are highly relevant for success in the role of a market research analyst.

What Soft Skills Are Important for Success in the Role?

Communication Skills:  Effective communication is critical for a market research analyst as you need to communicate your findings to a diverse audience, including clients, stakeholders, and team members. This includes not only written and verbal communication skills but also presentation and public speaking skills.

Critical Thinking Skills:  Analyzing complex data and making informed decisions are essential skills for a market research analyst. This requires strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze information objectively, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.

Collaboration Skills:  Market research analysts often work in teams, and the ability to work effectively with others is crucial. This includes being a good listener, contributing to team discussions, and being open to different perspectives and ideas.

Problem-Solving Skills:  Research projects often involve solving problems, and the ability to solve problems creatively and efficiently is a valuable skill for a market research analyst.

Time Management Skills:  Market research projects often involve deadlines, and the ability to manage time effectively is important for delivering high-quality work on time.

How to Showcase These Skills on Your Resume

When writing your market research analyst resume, it’s important to highlight your relevant soft skills using keyword-rich bullet points. For example:

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking skills developed through presenting research findings to clients, stakeholders, and team members.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills demonstrated through analyzing complex data sets and developing appropriate research methodologies.
  • Proven collaboration skills developed through working with diverse teams to complete research projects on time and within budget.

You can also showcase your soft skills in your summary or objectives section, focusing on how your soft skills have contributed to your past success in the role.

Examples of How These Skills Have Contributed to Success in Past Roles

In my previous role as a market research analyst for XYZ company, I demonstrated my strong collaboration skills by working closely with cross-functional teams consisting of product managers, designers, and engineers to develop a successful product launch strategy. Through active listening and contributing to team discussions, we were able to refine our research approach resulting in a more successful product launch than we had initially anticipated.

My excellent problem-solving skills also proved valuable in a recent project where I had to design and execute data analysis of large data sets for our client, who had limited knowledge of data analytics. Using my critical thinking skills and ability to analyze data, I was able to provide them with insightful reports that were essential for decision-making as well as increasing our business relationship with the client.

Keywords to Include in a Market Research Analyst Resume

As a market research analyst, your skills and experience are critical to the success of any company’s marketing efforts. But simply listing your job responsibilities and accomplishments on your resume might not be enough to land you the interview. This is where keywords come into play.

Explanation of why keywords are important

Employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords that match the job posting. This means that if your resume lacks the right keywords, it might not even make it past the initial screening process. Keywords not only help your resume get noticed but also demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience required for the job.

Examples of relevant keywords to include

When including keywords in your resume, it’s important to focus on the specific requirements of the job. Here are some common keywords for market research analyst resumes:

  • Data analysis
  • Customer insights
  • Qualitative research
  • Quantitative research
  • Competitive analysis
  • Survey methods
  • Statistical analysis
  • Market trends
  • Data visualization
  • Advanced Excel skills

These keywords demonstrate that you have experience with data analysis, research methods, and market insights.

Tips for incorporating these keywords into your resume effectively

  • Use the job posting: Review the job posting carefully and highlight the keywords that match your skills and experience. Incorporate these into your resume where appropriate, such as in your summary, skills section, or work experience bullet points.
  • Be specific: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. For example, instead of just listing “data analysis,” mention the specific tools or techniques you have used, such as regression analysis or data visualization software.
  • Use action verbs: Start each bullet point in your work experience section with an action verb, such as “led,” “conducted,” or “analyzed.” This not only makes your resume more dynamic but also helps include relevant keywords.
  • Avoid overstuffing: While it’s important to include relevant keywords, avoid overstuffing your resume with too many keywords. Use them where appropriate and make sure they flow naturally in your writing.
  • Keep it relevant: Only include keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t fill your resume with generic terms that don’t demonstrate your specific skills and experience.

Using the right keywords is critical to crafting a winning market research analyst resume. By focusing on job-specific keywords, being specific in your examples, using action verbs, avoiding overstuffing, and keeping it relevant, you can ensure that your resume not only gets noticed but also demonstrates that you have the skills and experience for the job.

Sample Cover Letter for a Market Research Analyst

As a market research analyst, you know the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of data to gain insights and drive informed decisions. Similarly, creating a strong cover letter can be just as crucial in gaining the attention of potential employers and ultimately landing your desired job. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in setting yourself apart from other candidates and demonstrating your skills, experience, and passion for the position.

Importance of a Strong Cover Letter

A strong cover letter serves as a brief introduction of yourself, highlights your most relevant skills and experiences, and shows your enthusiasm for the job. It gives hiring managers a glimpse into your personality and how you can contribute to the organization, beyond what is listed in your resume. The cover letter creates an opportunity to further convince the employer that you are the right fit for the position, and it can ultimately make or break your chances of getting called in for an interview.

Example of a Well-Crafted Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the Market Research Analyst position at your company. As an experienced research analyst with over five years of experience, I strongly believe I am the ideal candidate for the role.

In my previous role at [previous company name], I managed a team of analysts and was responsible for conducting market research to drive key decisions for clients. I excel at interpreting data and using it to craft actionable insights and strategies. After reviewing the job description for this position, I noticed that my skills and experience align perfectly with what you are looking for in an ideal candidate.

I am passionate about the work your organization does and am excited about the prospect of contributing to your team. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for the role, and I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your organization.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Sincerely, [Your name]

Explanation of the Components of an Effective Cover Letter

An effective cover letter includes the following components:

Opening:  The opening should introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. It’s helpful to mention why the position caught your attention and why your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for the role.

Body:  The body of the cover letter should highlight your most relevant experiences and accomplishments. Use concrete examples to show how you have used your skills to solve problems or achieve goals in the past.

Closing:  In the closing, reiterate your interest in the position and thank the employer for considering your application. You may also want to express your enthusiasm for discussing your application further in an interview.

A strong cover letter is essential in today’s job market. It serves as your chance to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for the position.

Related Articles

  • VFX Artist Job Description: A Complete Guide for 2023
  • Writing a Chronological Resume: Tips and Samples for 2023
  • Contract Management Resume: The 2023 Guide with Samples
  • Job Interview Duration: How Long Does a Job Interview Last
  • 10 Business Development Resume Examples for 2023 Success

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

market research key skills

COMMENTS

  1. Top Market Research Analyst Skills for 2024

    The market research landscape in 2024. In a growth-obsessed business world, good market research is the key to responding fastest, creating a competitive advantage and converting potential into success. And today, fueled by artificial intelligence (AI), the world of market research is evolving at an unprecedented rate.

  2. Top 12 Market Researcher Skills to Put on Your Resume

    Unlock job success: Discover the 12 key market researcher skills to highlight on your resume and stand out to employers. ... Implement in Real-Life Projects: Apply your skills in market research projects, using SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting. Real-life application solidifies learning and uncovers areas needing improvement.

  3. Market Research Analyst Essential Skills

    Here are the essential skills of a market research analyst. Data Analysis Skills. At its heart, market research involves the collection of large amounts of data, which you then mine for useful insights about a given line of business or industry. And that means that data analysis is the most important part of the job of a market research analyst.

  4. Top 12 Market Research Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume

    To improve your SAS (Statistical Analysis System) skills as a Market Research Analyst, focus on these key areas: Basic SAS Programming: Start with the fundamentals of SAS programming to manipulate data and perform basic analyses. SAS Programming 1: Essentials is a good starting point.

  5. What Is a Market Research Analyst? (With Duties and Skills)

    A market research analyst uses a variety of marketing and statistical software to assess trends, develop charts and graphs and complete basic tasks. Having advanced computer skills can help you use complex software programs for data collection and analysis while working in the role more easily. Read more: Computer Skills: Definitions and Examples.

  6. 6 Key Market Research Skills for 2021

    Knowledge in omnichannel technology and marketing is a crucial skill to master in 2021. Omnichannel market research targets all possible places where the audience possibly hangs out, including in-store, digital, or mobile platforms to give a more comprehensive outlook on the target market…. [It's] a relatively new concept, but it shows ...

  7. Market Research Analyst: Job Description & Skills in 2024

    The role of a market research analyst, including key responsibilities and requirements; ... C. Analytical Skills Market research analysts should possess strong analytical skills to help them interpret data and turn it into actionable insights. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to identify patterns and ...

  8. What Is a Market Research Analyst? 2024 Guide

    Market research analysts—sometimes called market researchers—help companies develop or maintain a competitive edge by finding and delivering data-backed insights into potential markets, competitors, and even customer behavior. They're an integral part of a company's overall marketing strategy and in-demand across multiple industries.

  9. Market research skills: definitions, examples and tips

    Interpreting data correctly is a key responsibility of market research, making reading comprehension central to the role. Related: 13 jobs that use Excel (with salaries and primary duties) How to improve marketing research skills There are some strategies to help you improve your skills in market research, including: 1. Consider skills training

  10. Market Research Analysts Skills: Definition and Examples

    Market research analysts skills are the proficiencies and competencies that market research analysts require to perform their duties. For example, a market research analyst can use data analysis skills to scrutinise customer behaviour and patterns. They can also use communication skills to engage stakeholders, explain their findings and address ...

  11. Resume Skills for Market Researcher (+ Templates)

    Prioritize work experience, while including other key sections. The two-column in this Google Docs resume template prioritizes the work experience sections, while maximizing the content into the resume. ... Some popular Market Researcher hard skills are Market Research, Market Analysis, Data Analysis, Secondary Research, Marketing, Research ...

  12. 15 Market Research Analyst Skills For Your Resume

    Discover the key skills that are required for a Market Research Analyst to succeed. PowerPoint, Data Analysis, SPSS skills are good to have on your resume. ... Continue reading to find out what skills a market research analyst needs to be successful in the workplace. The eight most common skills for market research analysts in 2024 based on ...

  13. Market Research

    Gain key skills essentials in market research. Learn to plan, execute and analyse a research project. Taught in English. 21 languages available. Some content may not be translated. ... The Market Research Specialisation focuses on the essentials of research and the research process. This Specialisation will teach you how to use qualitative and ...

  14. Resume Skills for Market Research Analyst (+ Templates)

    Go through the Market Research Analyst posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Marketing Strategy, Primary Research and Market Research are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume. Expand. 2.

  15. 15 Market Researcher Skills For Your Resume

    Quantitative Research, 3.9%. Other Skills, 65.8%. 15 market researcher skills for your resume and career. 1. Data Analysis. Data analysis is the process of examining and interpreting data to draw meaningful insights. Market researchers use data analysis to study trends, patterns, and preferences in the market.

  16. How to Develop Key Skills for Market Research Success

    5. Conflict resolution skills. 6. Here's what else to consider. Market research is a dynamic and rewarding career that requires a diverse set of skills and competencies. Whether you are ...

  17. 6 Technical Skills for Market Research Analysts

    Data storytelling. 5. Data literacy. 6. Data curiosity. 7. Here's what else to consider. Be the first to add your personal experience. Market research analysts are professionals who collect ...

  18. Market Research: What It Is and How to Do It

    June 3, 2021 28 min read. Market research is a process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information about a given market. It takes into account geographic, demographic, and psychographic data about past, current, and potential customers, as well as competitive analysis to evaluate the viability of a product offer.

  19. How to Do Market Research [4-Step Framework]

    How to conduct lean market research in 4 steps. The following four steps and practical examples will give you a solid market research plan for understanding who your users are and what they want from a company like yours. 1. Create simple user personas. A user persona is a semi-fictional character based on psychographic and demographic data ...

  20. 13 Key Marketing Skills to Boost Your Resume

    In marketing, these six workplace skills will be important to develop and sharpen throughout your career. 1. Creativity. Marketing involves working with ideas—and improving them to reach new and existing customers—so all marketing roles require creativity to some extent. While some roles, like copywriter or social media coordinator, may ...

  21. Market Research Analyst Must-Have Resume Skills and Keywords

    MS Office, Database, and Social Media represent a very decent share of skills found on resumes for Market Research Analyst with 25.33% of the total. At 29.63%, Collaboration, Data Analytics, Customer Service, and Technical appear far less frequently, but are still a significant portion of the 10 top Market Research Analyst skills and ...

  22. Market Research Analyst Resume: Winning Examples for 2024

    Breakdown of Key Components and Formatting Choices. Below are the key components and formatting choices found in the winning Market Research Analyst resumes: 1. Clear Objective Statement. Each winning resume had a concise objective statement that clearly stated the candidate's career goals and relevant skills.

  23. Adapting Skills for Market Research Resilience

    Here's how you can develop the necessary skills to adapt to changes in the market research industry. Powered by AI and the LinkedIn community. 1. Embrace Learning. 2. Analytical Prowess. 3. Tech ...