What being a Data Analyst is All About?
A data analyst breaks down data into simple parts to make it easier to understand. Their primary job is to design and maintain the company databases to reduce coding errors.
This is a technical role that helps companies make business decisions with the use of statistical tools. They also help project managers predict potential problems ahead of time.
What to Look For In a Data Analyst?
A data analyst should be well-versed in the use of spreadsheet softwares like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. They will also be required to have knowledge of important database languages like SQL, R and Python.
Check the educational qualifications of the applicant to see if he has a degree in computer science or math.
Data analysts are required to transform large data sets into useful insights. Therefore, strong communication skills are a must.
What Do You Need To Know Before Hiring a Data Analyst?
Understand your company’s requirements to decide which type of data analyst to hire. There are business intelligence analysts, data analysts, data managers and data scientists.
You will also need to choose between hiring freelancers or full-time data analysts. Freelancers are a better option when you need short-term data analysis. Full-time data analysts are suitable for companies which need long-term data analysis.
The applicant’s problem-making skills should also be checked in order to see if he would be a good fit for the position. Doing so will also help you choose the most well-rounded individual for the position.
Skills to Look For When You Hire Top Data Analysts
Here are some of the skills on the basis of which you should hire data analysts:
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Knowledge of Spreadsheet Software: Data analysts are required to work with spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets and MS Excel regularly. Hence, you should ask questions to check how comfortable they are with the use of these tools.
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Interpretation of Data: Your chosen data analyst should know how to interpret large sets of data in a way that is beneficial to your company. They should be familiar with the company’s goals to make suggestions based on the collected data.
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Data Cleaning and Preparation: This is the most vital skill for a data analyst. Data cleaning refers to reorganizing data before analyzing it. The applicant should know how to identify and remove errors in the data that may affect his findings.
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Statistical Knowledge: Data analysts need to have a strong understanding of statistics and probability in order to avoid mistakes during their analysis. The level of required statistical knowledge depends on the offered role.
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Data Visualization: Candidates should be able to visualize their findings in the form of pie charts and graphs. This captures the attention of project managers and is easier to understand than spreadsheets.
Steps to Hire Top Data Analysts
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Create a concise job description, which clearly states all requirements for the offered position. Doing this will help avoid confusion.
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Make sure that the data analyst is comfortable with creating reports to document his findings. This will help him convince his colleagues to act on his findings.
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Seek testimonials from the applicant’s previous workplace to understand his work ethic and see if he is a good fit for the role.
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The data analyst should be asked relevant questions regarding the role. For example, you could ask him the difference between data mining and data profiling.
Hiring an Experienced and Reliable Data Analyst
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The data analyst should be well-versed with your company and the specific industry which it comes under. For example, if the candidate is applying to an e-commerce company, then he should know the ins and outs of the e-commerce industry.
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Make a note of the manner in which the data analyst responds to feedback. Responding positively to feedback is a positive sign of being a team player.
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Ensure that the candidate knows how to present and communicate his ideas in an effective manner. This will help you measure his soft skills.
Analyze if the data analyst has the ability to think creatively while collaborating with clients.
