An ATS matches your resume against the job description word by word. These are the data analyst keywords that appear in real postings, grouped by category, with resume lines you can adapt.
SQL and Tableau appear in nearly every data analyst posting. If a job lists a tool and your resume has the exact name, the ATS counts it as a hit — synonyms do not reliably match.
Quantitative methods separate a dashboard builder from a real analyst. List the method you used, not just the subject area.
Recruiters want analysts who turn numbers into decisions. Pair every business keyword with a result: a KPI you moved, a dashboard you own, a decision you influenced.
Many analyst roles expect you to pull and clean your own data. Mentioning pipeline and data cleaning work shows you can own the process end to end.
One line that names the tool, the scale, and the result beats a sentence of generic proficiency. Keep the exact keyword (SQL, Tableau, KPI) and attach a number to it.
Enough to cover the tools and methods in the job description — usually 10-20 across your skills and bullet points. Do not stuff: every keyword should sit inside a line that describes real work.
Most ATS systems match literal text, so "Tableau" in the job posting is not covered by "BI tools" on your resume. Use the exact name from the job description when it is honest.
Put the tool the job description mentions first, and put it in your skills section and in the first bullet of your most relevant role — the top of the resume gets the most weight in screening.
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