6 Resume Writing Tips Business Analysts Should Not Take For Granted

If you want to land a position as a business analyst, you need more than just knowledge, especially since the average corporate job opening attracts around 250 resumes. Prospective applicants to business analyst positions therefore need to stand out to stand a chance of being shortlisted.

An average US company spends $4,000 to fill an open position. This means that they follow rigorous recruiting procedures and nothing but the best resume can help you to get your foot in the interview door. Here are 6 resume writing secrets that can help you land an interview and get a job as a business analyst.

1. Customize your resume to fit the position

Business Analysts can occupy different roles in different companies. There are different variations of the business analyst role so ensure that when sending out resumes, you don’t limit yourself to only those positions with the “business analyst” role. Examples of these variations may include Business Process Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, etc. This is why it is extremely important to tailor your resume to the exact position you are applying for. Check the requirements of the vacancy announcement and emphasize the experience and skills you need to fit that role. 

Always read the description of the vacant position and do your research on the company. This way, you will be able to edit your CV to highlight the roles and qualities that perfectly match the company’s needs. This will make you 100% eligible for the position and you’ll have a much better chance of getting the job eventually if you do well at the interview.

2. Emphasize your academic and professional history

You should not lie about your professional or academic history in your resume. However, you should emphasize the most important sections. Structure your resume so that it reflects your most credible affiliations and achievements first.

For example, you should emphasize your professional experience relating to the business analysis role (more than non-related experiences) as well as relevant academic qualifications that make you suitable for the role.

3. Quantify your achievements

Have you been working for six years as a business analyst in a multinational corporation? That’s good for you but that piece of information doesn’t tell the recruiter anything about what you achieved. If you want to make a real impact, you have to present the results you achieved by quantifying your earlier achievements.

An example goes like this: I’ve been working as a business analyst at General Electric since 2011. During this period, I was the business analyst on a project that delivered a customer service software which brought the company $250,000 in savings within the first year of its launch.

There are countless variations to CV formats. Following this pattern will however add some credibility to your resume.

4. Answer the organization’s needs, not yours

Serious companies want reliable professionals and they need them immediately. Therefore, you cannot allow yourself to focus on your personal wishes and needs. On the contrary, you should emphasize on your resume that you are ready to deliver on their requirements.

5. Avoid clichés

If you want to make an impression, be creative or simply write honestly. Using plain and everyday language to describe your skills will make you look more credible – avoid popular buzzwords. Needless to say, avoid typos and grammar mistakes while writing your resume. Once it’s done, take some time to proofread it and correct your mistakes.

6. Use a simple structure

The way you format and structure your resume makes the same (if not greater) impact as the words you write. Most recruiters scan resumes very quickly, in some cases, in less than 10 seconds.

If you don’t make your CV clear and easy to read, with enough white space and bullet points, it is likely that the recruiter won’t even bother reading your resume.

Conclusion

Although it may seem relatively straightforward, writing a decent resume for a business analyst position actually takes a lot of planning and precision. You need to emphasize your qualities and achievements, focusing on the most relevant information relating to your academic and professional background.

About the author:

Eva Wislow is an entrepreneur and career coach at Careers Booster resume writing service. Eva maintains a strong interest in bringing the digital revolution to human resources. Connect with her on Twitter.