Breaking into data analytics can feel confusing, especially when every job description seems to ask for “years of experience.”

The truth is: recruiters don’t expect junior data analysts to know everything.
They look for a specific set of foundational skills that show you can grow on the job.

This guide breaks down the most important skills recruiters look for in junior data analysts and how you can start building them.

Core Technical Skills Recruiters Expect

1. Excel or Spreadsheet Skills

Excel is still one of the most important tools in data analysis.

Recruiters expect juniors to know:

• Formulas (SUM, IF, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP)
• Pivot tables
• Data cleaning basics
• Charts and formatting

You don’t need to be an Excel expert, just comfortable.

2. SQL Basics

SQL is often a must-have skill.

Key things recruiters look for:

• SELECT statements
• WHERE filters
• JOINs
• GROUP BY and aggregations

If you can query a database confidently, you’re already ahead.

3. Data Visualization

Recruiters want analysts who can communicate insights, not just numbers.

Common tools:

• Power BI
• Tableau
• Google Looker Studio

Focus on creating clear, simple dashboards.

4. Basic Python

Python is not always required for junior roles, but it’s a big plus.

Useful skills:

• Pandas basics
• Reading CSV files
• Simple data cleaning
• Basic charts

Analytical and Business Skills

5. Problem-Solving Ability

Recruiters care about how you think.

They want analysts who can:

• Ask the right questions
• Break down problems
• Interpret results logically

6. Understanding of Business Metrics

You don’t need an MBA, but you should understand:

• Revenue
• Profit
• Growth
• Customer churn
• Conversion rates

This helps you turn data into decisions.

Communication Skills

7. Data Storytelling

Junior analysts must explain insights clearly.

This includes:

• Writing simple summaries
• Presenting dashboards
• Explaining trends in plain English

8. Attention to Detail

Small mistakes can lead to wrong decisions.

Recruiters value:

• Accurate analysis
• Clean datasets
• Double-checking results

Tools & Work Habits Recruiters Like

9. Version Control & Documentation

Basic familiarity with:

• Git/GitHub
• Clear documentation
• Organized files

Shows professionalism.

10. Willingness to Learn

For junior roles, attitude matters.

Recruiters love candidates who:

• Learn fast
• Ask good questions
• Improve continuously

What Recruiters REALLY Check

Beyond skills, recruiters look for:

• A simple portfolio (Excel, SQL, Power BI projects)
• GitHub or shared dashboards
• Real-world project examples
• Clear CV and LinkedIn profile

You don’t need to master everything to land a junior data analyst role.

Focus on:

• Excel
• SQL
• Data visualization
• Clear communication

If you build these skills and practice consistently, you’ll be job-ready faster than you think.

FAQs