How to write a systems analyst CV (with tips and example)

Updated 18 April 2023

A systems analyst job may be suitable for anyone interested in technology or a career in IT. Systems analysts often use their CVs to list their academic achievements, technical skills and work experiences to appeal to employers. Learning how to write an effective CV can help you showcase your qualifications and enhance your application. In this article, we explain what a systems analyst is, discuss how to write a systems analyst CV, offer valuable tips and provide a template and example for reference.

What's a systems analyst?

A systems analyst is a professional whose role is to ensure that an organisation's network and computer systems meet the needs of the business. They study the existing system to analyse areas that may benefit from improvement and may recommend amendments or, in some cases, a new system to enhance productivity and performance. They work closely with the IT department to consider the company's best software, hardware and related technology options. Some of the typical roles of a systems analyst include:

maintaining data storage and data warehouse systems
discussing user needs and identifying areas where enhancing performance may boost efficiency, productivity and accuracy
liaising with employees and departmental heads to decide which systems to maintain
testing and troubleshooting new systems to ensure they work efficiently
preparing instruction manuals and training employees on using the systems
creating analysis and budget reports outlining the benefits of proposed upgrades

How to write a systems analyst CV

Here are steps you can use to write an effective systems analyst CV:

1. Examine your career

Before writing the CV, start by reflecting on your professional experience. Identify your professional strengths, hard and soft skills and areas that you consider require improvement. Make a note of this information to help you keep track and refer to it as you write your CV. A comprehensive understanding of your career can give you confidence in your abilities and skills, allowing you to apply for positions that best fit your career and personal goals. It also helps you organise your CV, starting with the most relevant qualifications and skills, to attract the recruiter's attention.

2. Research the job market

The next step is to research the job market, which entails identifying which companies are currently hiring systems analysts. Pay close attention to the job description to help you identify your preferred roles and companies. Reading through the job ads gives you a better idea of what the roles entail, providing you with an accurate perspective of each job.

After identifying the available roles, complete a keyword analysis on several systems analyst job descriptions. Check for specific keywords, such as levels of experience, skills and qualifications. Note this information to help you understand what most employers looking for systems analysts require. Use these keywords to write a more effective CV and attract the hiring manager's attention. Some organisations use keyword analysis software, eliminating CVs without specific keywords.

3. Select a format

There are different CV formats that you can use depending on your work history and qualifications. If you're an experienced systems analyst, use a chronological format because it tracks your career over time, allowing you to demonstrate your most relevant experiences. If you're less experienced, consider a skills-based CV that focuses on your skills or a hybrid CV that combines features from different formats.

4. Write the CV

After collating the keywords and information to include on your CV, start writing the CV. Here's a general structure of a CV for a systems analyst:

Professional summary: In a short paragraph, write an overview of your experiences, qualifications, career goals and relevant character traits. Keep this section to only two or three sentences and make it clear and compelling to encourage the recruiter to read the rest of your CV.
Work experience: Summarise your experiences as a systems analyst, starting with your most recent and relevant work. Include your employer's name, job title, dates and primary roles for each job you list.
Skills: Highlight your specific skills that apply to a systems analyst role, and list them in bullet points to make them clear. Some of the skills to include in a computer systems analyst's CV include communication, interpersonal, systems administration, analytical, research, programming, creativity and technical skills.
Education: Summarise your educational background, starting with your highest level of schooling and the most relevant to the systems analyst role. Many professionals applying for this role have a bachelor's degree in computer science or technology, while others further their education by completing a master's degree in information systems.
Certifications: List any certifications you may have earned related to a systems analyst, such as CISCO certifications. Listing these certifications can help distinguish you from other candidates applying for the same role.

5. Proofread it

Edit the CV multiple times to check for spelling and grammatical errors. You can also read it aloud to review the sentence structure and flow. It may also be helpful to ask a friend or relative you trust to proofread it. You may also request an experienced systems analyst or someone with a strong knowledge of writing and editing to review it for you.

Tips to write an effective CV

Use the following tips to help you craft an outstanding CV:

Tailor your CV for each role

If you're applying for systems analyst roles in different companies, create different versions for each role. That way, you can match your skills and experiences with your employer's keywords. Research each company and position to ensure your CV reflects the employer's expectations.

Use action words

Use action words to explain your achievements and skills. You can use words like developed, supervised, directed, coordinated and oversaw. These words can make your CV unique and help you sound more confident.

Focus on clarity

A clear CV can encourage the hiring manager to keep reading because it's easy to read and understand. Use separate sections, shorter sentences, bold text and simpler words to help the hiring manager review it quickly. Many recruiters have limited time to review numerous CVs, so it's important that you focus on clarity to ensure they obtain the most relevant information within the allocated time.

CV template for a systems analyst role

Here's a CV template for a systems analyst role you can use:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + roles in detail + reason, quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + roles in detail + reason, quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree], [Subject], [Name of school or university]
[City]
Optional
[Certification name], [Institution] - [Year completed or expiration date]

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CV example for systems analyst roles

Use the below CV example to help you draft your CV when applying for systems analyst roles:

Christian King
+44 5554 567654 | christianking@email.com | Manchester, England

Professional Summary
Self-motivated, enthusiastic systems analyst with a degree in computer science and four years of experience enhancing IT solutions to improve productivity. Seeking to further my skills and knowledge in this role as I help your organisation implement the best IT solutions.

Experience
Systems analyst | January 2021–Current
Surrey Tech Corporation | Manchester, England

collaborating with management to train over 50 employees on using the new systems
evaluating 20 technologies to improve service
conceptualising, designing and implementing complex IT solutions
suggesting affordable software products to the organisation
configuring hardware and software to improve efficiency

Business Analyst | May 2019–December 2020
Carlton Alliance| Manchester, England

rectified coding problems to improve productivity by 5%
created and implemented 10 software prototypes for analysis
prepared cost-benefit analysis reports convincing the management of the benefits of implementing new systems

Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Manchester University
Manchester, England

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.