System Analyst Resume Examples: Templates & Samples [Skills, Objective, Summary]

Before we delve into the ways of creating the perfect system analyst resume, here’s some key information you might want to know. 

🖋 What are the job duties and responsibilities of a system analyst?

• inspecting currently existing IT systems in the company
• communicating with users (collecting feedback on their user experience)
• providing support in the design of new IT systems
• teaming up with other IT staff to build new systems

🖋 What’s the difference between a system analyst and a business analyst?

Although the difference depends on the company and specific job titles, a  system analyst generally possesses more technical knowledge, whereas a business analyst is more knowledgeable in business and how to use technology to solve problems.

Now that you know the basics, let’s go through a step-by-step guide to creating your own professional system analyst resume!

🖋 Q1: How long should a resume be?

A: A resume is usually only one page. You can make it two pages if you have a lot of relevant work experience to share. Otherwise, keep your system analyst CV concise. 

🖋 Q2: What is the best font to use in a resume? 

It’s important to use a font that is legible for the hiring manager so they don’t have a hard time reading your information. Here is a list of fonts you can consider using in your system analyst resume:

• Aharoni
• Century Gothic 
• Arial
• Calibri
• Georgia
• Helvetica 
• Times New Roman

For font size, keep your body text between 10-12 pt, so you can fit all the necessary information in one page. It’s recommended that your headings be around 14-16 pt. 

🖋 Q3: What is the standard margin for a resume?

The standard margin for any resume is usually 1 inch on all 4 sides. It’s okay to reduce the margins if you need more space, but don’t make them smaller than half an inch (0.5 inch). If the margins on your system analyst resume are too small, your resume might seem a bit overwhelming. 

🖋 Q4: What should the line spacing be between each line in a resume?

The recommended line spacing on your system analyst CV is around 1.0 or 1.15. However, if you don't have much information to share, feel free to adjust the line spacing accordingly. 

🖋 Q5: What format should a resume be in, Word or PDF?

It’s highly recommended to send your system analyst resume in PDF format to avoid the layout of your resume looking jumbled on different versions of Microsoft Word. Only send your resume in Word format if the hiring manager specifically asks you to.

It’s important to choose the right resume format for your system analyst resume, so that you can efficiently demonstrate your skills, experience, and background to your potential employer. Here’s a brief introduction of the 3 most commonly used resume formats, along with the pros and cons of using them to apply for a system analyst job. 

1. Chronological resume format

This is a resume format that is most commonly used, also referred to as the “reverse chronological format”. The employment history and accomplishments are listed from the most recent to the oldest.

2. Functional resume format

This resume format focuses on the skills of the candidate, rather than the history of employment. It fits for those who have had some gaps in their careers, or those who don’t have enough relevant work experience.

3. Combination resume format 

The combination resume format is the chronological format and functional format combined together. The hybrid/combination resume format showcases the job applicant’s numerous qualifications along with their work history. 

A resume headline, also known as a resume title, is a brief phrase that sums up your qualifications for this job. It’s recommended to write an impressive system analyst resume headline, so that your hiring manager can see that you’re capable of handling this job.

It’s important because an eye-catching resume title will help them decide if they should continue reading your resume.

3 tips for writing a good system analyst resume headline:

1. Highlight your most impressive and relevant accomplishments. 

2. Quantify your achievements.

3. Include the years of experience you have.

A resume summary, or a summary statement, is a short paragraph that lists some of your most important qualifications that you want the hiring manager to notice.

Writing a concise summary statement will give your potential employer a brief overview of your resume, so it’s essential that you write it well.

3 crucial elements for writing a good system analyst resume summary:

1. Start with an adjective that highlights your professional ability. 

2. Put emphasis on your relevant work experience. 

3. Keep it short and simple. 

What’s the difference between a resume summary and a career objective?

• A resume summary showcases your qualifications to your potential employer, helping them understand how you can add value to the company by joining them. 
• A career objective is usually no more than one or two-sentence long, and it describes what kind of job you are seeking and what you would like to achieve. 

If you are a fresh graduate creating an entry level system analyst resume, it's recommended to use a career objective to let the recruiter know that they can trust you to fulfill the responsibilities listed on the system analyst job description, despite not having as much relevant work experience.

If you have been working for many years, then it's best to provide your professional background by writing a clear and concise system analyst resume summary. 

The next step is to write skills and abilities that are relevant to this job. It’s important to list both technical and non-technical skills on your system analyst resume, so that the HR has a clear idea of what you’re capable of. 

There are 4 common formats you can use to list your system analyst resume skills. 

1. Bullet lists

The “bullet lists” format is simple: list your skills in bullet points. If you happen to be a fresher looking for your first job, it’s recommended to use this format to list your relevant skills on the resume for an entry-level system analyst job. 

2. Expanded bullet lists

This format is basically an extension of the bullet lists format, and it can offer more information about your skills to your potential employer. However, do keep in mind that this format might take up more space on your system analyst CV, so remember to only list around 3-5 relevant skills. 

3. Integrated with work experience

If you’re someone who has work experience, consider using this format to highlight the skills you’ve mastered in your past jobs. If you don’t have work experience, you can also mention your skills gained from past academic achievements or extracurricular activities in the education section of your system analyst resume. 

4. Categorized skills section

We suggest using the “categorized skills section” format for jobs that require a wide variety of skills. However, don’t forget to keep it concise, so it takes up less space on your resume for a system analyst job. 

5 essential elements of the “work experience” section for your system analyst resume:

• The name and location of the company you worked for
• Job title
• Dates of employment
• Main responsibilities
• Quantifiable achievements

3 tips when writing your “work experience & accomplishments” section:

• Tailor to the job.
• Add quantifiable results.
• Use action verbs.

Where should I put my education section on a system analyst resume? 

• If you’re a fresh graduate, put it near the top of your resume, right after your system analyst resume objective or system analyst resume summary. 
• If you’re someone who has been working for many years, consider putting it at the bottom of your resume, after your work experience. 

1. High school education

If your highest level of education is high school, list the name of the high school you attended, the location of it, and the years you studied there. 

Consider mentioning one or two major accomplishments, such as being the class president or the founder of a club. Keep in mind that your high school education can be omitted if you have a higher education degree.

2. Education in progress

If you’re still in school, be honest and make sure to mention that in your system analyst CV. Consider writing down the year you are expected to graduate, following the example below.

3. Incomplete education

If you did not finish your degree, don’t lie about it. Instead, try following the example below, so that the recruiter will understand that you’ve still gained a lot of knowledge despite not completing your education. 

Here are 5 types of additional information you can provide that might help your system analyst resume stand out from other candidates. 

1. Hobbies and interests

If you have hobbies or interests related to system analyst jobs, it’s great to let the employer know that you’re passionate about excelling in this particular field on the resume. 

Example: Web development 

2. Volunteer work

Listing past volunteer work experience can highlight your compassionate personality, which is a bonus trait that recruiters look for in a potential candidate. 

Example: Volunteer web designer at ABC animal shelter, 2020

3. Certifications and awards

If you have any certifications or awards related to your job, be sure to include them in your system analyst resume, so that there is actual proof of your professional qualifications as a skilled system analyst. 

Example: PCPP (Certified Professional in Python), 2019

4. Projects

Are there any system analysis-related projects that you’ve done in the past? Don’t forget to include them on your system analyst CV!

Example: Created a website that helps local homeless shelters find volunteers.

5. References

If any of your past instructors or employers can put in a good word or two for you, consider adding them as references on your system analyst resume as a bonus!

Example:

Yasmin Charles
Senior IT analyst | XYZ Company, CA

202-555-0199
[email protected]

Yasmin was my direct supervisor when I worked at XYZ Company as an intern from 2019-2020.

Now that you’ve created a professional system analyst CV, consider writing a system analyst cover letter to go along with your resume. This serves as a greeting to your potential employer, letting them know that you are eager to take on the job. 

Here are 5 essential elements of a system analyst cover letter. 

1. Contact details

Start your system analyst cover letter by including your contact details, so that the hiring manager can contact you if they are interested in inviting you to an interview. 

2. Introduction

After including your contact details, the next step is to let the recruiter learn more about your expertise as a system analyst by mentioning your outstanding relevant work experience in the industry. 

3. Motivation (Intention to apply)

This section is quite similar to your system analyst resume objective. If you’re having trouble writing this part, think about the following question: "Why do I want to apply for this specific job opening?"

4. Qualification

Further prove that you are the ideal candidate for this job by listing your professional qualifications that are relevant to this position. You can refer to your own system analyst resume summary, but be sure to paraphrase to avoid repetitive content. 

5. Closing

Last but not least, politely state that you look forward to a reply from them! Don’t forget to thank the HR for reading your system analyst cover letter; they’ll definitely appreciate the kind words!