GIS Analyst CV Guide + Tips + Example
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So, you’re in the market for a geographic information systems (GIS) analyst job. A well-crafted CV is a great place to start! Our guide to creating a great GIS analyst CV will help you make the most of your analytical skills and your ability to solve problems to get the job you want.
Get started by editing this GIS analyst CV example, or peruse our 40+ CV templates to find the best one for you.
GIS analyst CV example (text version)
Matthew George Smits
Baltimore, MD 21210
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Summary Statement
Dedicated and hardworking GIS analyst with 15 years of experience working with ArcGIS software and ArcEditor for developing GIS databases, data creation and snapping tolerances. Regularly demonstrate skill in marketing, basic sales and customer interaction. Critical thinker continuously looking at ways to improve processes and build a business. Excel in editing, COGO, map production and creating vector property maps.
Core Qualifications
- GIS analysis
- Database compiling
- Graphical representation drafting
- Geographic mapping data collection
- RTAM leadership
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
Education
- May 2006
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD
Master of Science Geographic Information Systems - December 2001
University of Maryland – Baltimore County Baltimore, MD
Bachelor of Arts Geography & Environmental Studies
Work Experience
January 2011 – Current
E.A. Langenfeld & Associates – Baltimore, MD
Head GIS Analyst
- Locate potential sites for schools, macro dams, healthcare facilities and roads using spatial analysis.
- Use applicable software to create, translate and integrate GIS data layers and digitize new data.
- Design a standard template to allow for a simplified production process for standardized maps still in use.
- Provide 150 new company workers with geo-database training and an introduction to GIS.
May 2006 – January 2011
Albrecht Engineering – Baltimore, MD
GIS Analyst
- Researched legal descriptions and survey maps to verify property lines and gather requisite information for mapping.
- Developed and created GIS maps for over 25 projects by implementing ArcMap and analyzing relevant data.
- Assisted in data management and organization, including vector and raster data.
- Maintained geospatial data and designed database structures in an SDE environment.
January 2002 – May 2006
Straughan Environmental Inc. – Baltimore, MD
Junior GIS analyst
- Produced geo-referenced historical imagery and maps, and digitized new features as requested.
- Performed basic GIS operations under the direction of the head GIS analyst, including using geo-processing tools and creating as well as editing geographic data sets.
- Managed broker information with in-house Lease Pro.
Designed, tested and certified systems and applications software functionality, improving productivity by 95%.
Research Experience
- Developed research statements and ran surveys and interviews as a research assistant in “GIS Analysis and Environmental Opportunities and Challenges” (2019) Johns Hopkins University
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations in “Cartography, Database Management and Spatial Analysis Today” (2018) University of Maryland
Conference Attendance
- Federal GIS Conference, Washington, DC – (2023)
- Geo Week, Denver, CO – (2023)
- 2022 World Geography Bowl, AAG – (2023)
- American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting – (2022)
- Geography and Digitalization Conference – (2021)
- Geological Society of America Annual Meeting & Exposition – (2019)
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS) – (2023)
- American Geographical Society (AGS) – (2021)
- Association of American Geographers – (2019)
Certifications and Licenses
- Certified GIS Professional (GISP), GIS Certification Institute – (Updated 2022)
- Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials – (2019)
- Esri technical Certificate – (2017)
Profession Relevant Skills
- Skilled in the use of AutoCAD, CADD, Microstation, Topobase, ESRI ArcEditor, SQL, LISP, VBA and .NET Framework.
- Extensive experience in using map creation software, including ArcGIS, ArcIMS, ArcView and Trimble Pathfinder Office.
- Competent in C#, C++ and Perl.
- Great working knowledge of computers and electronics allows for better project results and quick troubleshooting.
- Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills aid in finding workable solutions to problems without expending unnecessary time and money.
- Accomplished in handling large volumes of complex GIS data for industry or government use.
- Expertise in spatial analysis and preparing graphic representations.
- Experienced at providing technical feedback on both domestic and international projects.
Hobbies and Interests
I am an avid gardener and spend the majority of my time tending to the flowers, vegetables and fruit trees growing on my property. When the weather doesn’t permit such work, I can be found curled up in front of the fire with a cup of tea and classic Stephen King novels. I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity several times a year.
5 essentials of a top GIS analyst CV
Contact details
Without contact information, hiring managers cannot contact you to ask you for an interview. At the top of your CV, include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile and professional website, add those as well.
Personal statement
A personal statement, also called a professional summary, is your chance to shine. This is where you introduce yourself to the hiring manager and pitch your best technical and soft skills and relevant work experience. A GIS analyst CV personal statement should include one or two of your most notable professional accomplishments to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
Skills
Hiring managers want to know if your skills match their needs. Show them you have what it takes by creating a separate section and using bullet points to display your top hard and soft skills — from providing mapping services to teamwork— as shown on our GIS analyst CV sample. If you are applying for your first job, include transferable skills, like communication, that you can use in any job.
Work history
Your CV must have a detailed employment history section, even if you don’t have work experience as a 1 GIS analyst. List current and previous employers in reverse-chronological order and provide company names, locations and the dates you worked for each. Add three bullet points of measurable achievements for every job you list. If you don’t have work experience in the field or if this is your first job application, mention extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, community service, professional and personal projects — anything that shows you have relevant work experience.
Education
Add all the educational institutions you’ve attended after high school to your GIS analyst CV. Use bullet points for each school and display its name and the year you graduated unless it was more than 10 years ago. List your high school information and any post-high school classes taken if you did not attend college.
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Action words for a stand-out CV for a GIS analyst job
Action words convey confidence and strengthen CVs because they tell the hiring manager exactly what you worked at. Combine them with numbers to really make an impact!
Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a GIS analyst CV:
- Locate
- Design
- Provide
- Resolve
- Create
- Develop
- Manage
- Monitor
- Maintain
- Assist
- Recommend
- Modify
- Report
- Determine
- Produce
- Perform
Want more inspiration? Explore our library of more than 400+ CV examples.
Need a great CV for a GIS analyst job now? Our CV Maker has all the tools you need to create a professional CV in minutes. You can make edits on the fly, download your CV, and save it as a PDF, .doc or plain text when you’re finished. Yes, it really is that easy!
Top skills for a GIS analyst CV
Review the job description carefully and match the required skills to your skills and traits.
Your skills might include the following:
- RTAM Leadership
- GIS analysis
- Graphical representation drafting
- Site surveillance
- Hazardous chemical management
- Geographic mapping data collection
- Database compiling
- Digitizing
- Communication
- Data optimization
- Software expertise
- Focus
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
Certifications for a GIS analyst CV
Certifications from a respected organization on your GIS analyst CV show that you are committed and highly trained in your field. Some programs take longer than others, and most are an ongoing commitment, but staying current in your field is crucial to performing at your best.
Certifications for GIS analysts include the following:
Pair your CV with a matching cover letter
GIS analyst CV FAQ
What Does a GIS analyst Do?
GIS analysts determine variables in geographical areas using specialized computer programs, equipment and GIS methods. GIS analysts must be able to competently and confidently analyze information using GIS and other technologies, as well as design databases and collaborate with CAD technicians for optimal results. They must also be strong analytical thinkers with great communication skills and an ability to work well in a team. The job requires a great deal of precision and attention to detail. Because of this, your CV should highlight as many of these skills as possible. Gain a better understanding of what to include from GIS analyst CV examples.
What’s the best CV format for a GIS analyst job?
A CV for a GIS analyst job can be in any format that fits the industry, job, your work experience and goals. For instance, if you’re applying for your first job or are changing careers, it’s best to use a CV format that emphasizes your education or skills. However, if you have a steady career displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface and have progressed through the ranks, you might want to showcase your work experience.
What are some tips for creating a great GIS analyst CV?
To create an enviable GIS analyst CV, you need to not only promote the technical knowledge that you possess but also how you leverage your skills in a dynamic and demanding workplace. Here are some other tips to craft your best CV ever:
- Many skilled GIS analysts have multiple certifications to their credit. For clarity’s sake, only list certifications germane to the position you are applying for.
- Always check your CV’s grammar and spelling, and reread your CV multiple times to ensure that the document is easy to read and professional.
- Show how you take ownership of a project by listing examples in your work experience that display your sense of responsibility.
- Make sure that your contact information is updated and correct. If you are applying for a position within the same company you currently work for, feel free to use your work contact information.
How do you write the experience section of your GIS analyst CV?
For any CV experience section, ask yourself two questions: “Is this experience relevant?” and “What are my greatest accomplishments?” This gives you a good starting point for what to include. With our resume builder, you can access a customized CV that perfectly showcases these qualities.
When you start adding more to your work experience, look closely at the job description. If you have performed tasks expected of new applicants, then include those. The job description is also an excellent place to get ideas for keywords that a hiring manager will look for.
Do’s and don’ts for building a GIS analyst CV
- Use measurable achievements to describe your GIS analyst skills and experience.
- Use action words to make an impact on your GIS analyst CV.
- Tailor your CV to your target GIS analyst job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your GIS analyst CV.
- Format your GIS analyst CV so that it is easy to read by ATS softwareand human eyes.
- Lie about your GIS analyst experience and skills.
- Boast about your “incomparable” GIS analyst abilities.
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience not pertaining to a GIS analyst job.
- Forget to proofread. A GIS analyst CV with errors is unprofessional.
Top 4 tips for acing a GIS analyst interview
Learn about the company before your interview.
Learning about a company’s history, goals, values and people before the interview is important. It shows genuine interest, dedication and commitment — traits that hiring managers look for in top job candidates. Plus, having a glimpse of the company culture before you arrive will give you an idea of what to expect so that you can feel confident.
Practice makes perfect.
A little practice now will go a long way during your interview. To practice for your interview, start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as:
- Give Me an Example of How You Juggle Multiple Deadlines.
- What Kind of Supervisor Do You Work Best for?
- What Goals Have You Established for Yourself?
Ask a friend to interview you so you can get comfortable with the questions and imprint the answers in your mind. Ask them for feedback on your performance and answers, and write down their suggestions that resonate with you. You’ll feel confident and ready when it’s time for the real thing.
Ask questions.
Your interviewer will ask if you have any questions at the end of your session. You should always have at least three questions ready to ask; job candidates who don’t ask questions are not as likely to get hired because hiring managers assume they aren’t interested in the role or won’t put much thought into it.
Some questions you might ask for a GIS analyst job are:
- What do you expect from someone in this position during the first 90 days?
- What are the top soft skills for this position?
- What do you like most about working here?
Have references ready.
Having professional references ready before your interview will prepare you in case the hiring manager decides to move forward. Create a list of two former colleagues and a former manager willing to speak to your abilities to perform the GIS analyst job and who you know will give you a stellar review. Even better if they write a letter of recommendation for you.
If you are applying for your first full-time job and don’t have former colleagues or a manager for reference, it’s acceptable to get contacts from a former instructor, volunteer coordinator, internship manager, classmate, or community leader who will provide a positive review about your ability to perform the job.
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GIS Analyst CV Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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