What does an HR data analyst do?
The role of an HR data analyst can overlap with that of a data analyst but with a narrower focus that zooms in on the HR department. These professionals can be found in a diverse range of industries, usually working in-house at medium and large organisations that hold extensive datasets. The main goal of an HR data analyst is to use data from many sources to get to the heart of the employee experience, then present their findings and make recommendations for improvements. Through their work, they can empower your company to make data-driven decisions that improve employee engagement and retention rates and help you to attract top talent.
HR data analyst skills and qualifications
A successful HR data analyst candidate usually possesses specific skills and qualifications that help them to perform key duties effectively. These include:
- Knowledge of various methods for collecting data, like conducting surveys
- Strong analytical skills for reading and interpreting data
- Familiarity with common data-analysis tools
- Deep knowledge of HR principles, policies and practices
- Attention to detail
- An aptitude for mathematics and/or statistics
- Communication skills
- Confidence in making presentations and offering recommendations
HR data analyst experience requirements
When hiring an HR data analyst, we recommend looking for candidates with a solid foundation in data analysis and some knowledge of HR practices. Candidates with a strong IT background may bring valuable transferable skills that can give them a foothold in this role. Additionally, focus on candidates with strong soft skills, including innovative thinking, problem-solving, communication and organisational skills.
HR data analyst education and training requirements
There are no formal qualifications required to work as an HR data analyst in the UK, but candidates typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as data science, HR management or statistics. While not mandatory, specialist certifications are commonly pursued and serve as valuable indicators of a candidate’s technical skills and commitment to the field, including the Diploma in People Analytics from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) – the UK’s leading HR professional body – the HR Analytics Leader Certificate from Cornell University’s online platform or the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, among others.
HR data analyst salary expectations
While we do not have salary data for this exact role, according to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a data analyst in the UK is £34,838 per year. Although the role of a data analyst is broader, an HR data analyst can expect to command a similar salary. It is also important to keep in mind that actual pay may depend on the employer, location, industry, exact job duties and responsibilities, experience and qualifications.
Job description samples for similar positions
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HR data analyst job description FAQs
Here we have answered some frequently asked questions about HR data analyst job descriptions.
How can I make my HR data analyst job description stand out?
Given that HR datasets can be very large, it is important to define your goals clearly and outline the scope and scale of the data prospective employees will be collecting and analysing, and for what purposes. Highlight any specific software or tools that candidates should be proficient in, such as advanced Excel, SQL databases or specialised HR analytics software like Workday or Tableau. Additionally, emphasise the learning and growth opportunities available at your company, such as professional development programmes, exposure to cutting-edge analytical techniques or the chance to work on cross-functional teams.
What is the difference between an HR data analyst and an HRIS analyst?
Both HR data analysts and HRIS analysts play important roles in managing and utilising HR data, but have different focus areas. HRIS analysts are primarily responsible for managing the human resources information systems (HRIS) that store and process employee and candidate data. Their main duties include optimising these digital HR processes, maintaining the systems and implementing HR system updates and their role is more technical. HR data analysts, on the other hand, focus on the analytical aspect of HR data. They are responsible for collecting, analysing and interpreting employee data to provide actionable insights that inform and support HR decision-making.
What sectors can best benefit from an HR data analyst?
HR data analysts can be useful in a diverse range of fields. Any company with a sizable staff can benefit from greater insights into employee behaviour and satisfaction, among other metrics. HR data analysts are often found in industries like finance, tech, healthcare, government and civil service, education, marketing and more. The HR department forms the backbone of the organisation, making data-driven decisions essential for enhancing performance and achieving long-term success.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
