Career & application guide

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

Explore this guide

What do market research analysts and marketing specialists do?

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Business Development Specialist
  • Communications Consultant
  • Communications Specialist
  • Content Strategist
  • Market Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Market Research Consultant
  • Market Research Specialist

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
  • Seek and provide information to help companies determine their position in the marketplace.
  • Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
  • Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
  • Devise and evaluate methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data.
  • Gather data on competitors and analyze their prices, sales, and method of marketing and distribution.
  • Measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction.
  • Monitor industry statistics and follow trends in trade literature.
  • Direct trained survey interviewers.
  • Measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and communications programs and strategies.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Ready to plan your search?

Start with market research analysts and marketing specialists as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.

Explore related occupations