3 Tips to Feel More Confident at Your Next Business Analysis Job Interview
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For most of us, job interviews are stressful - really stressful! The pandemic has made the current job market complex, which has only added to the jitters most people feel when interviewing. Here’s a few interview tips that can help you feel more confident and impress your audience at your next business analysis job interview.
3 Interviewing Tips for Business Analysis Job Seekers
Ready to start having more successful business analysis job interviews? Give these interviewing tips a try:
1. Know that your interviewers are already impressed by you
Did you know that roughly 1 in 5 people make it to the interview round, according to an article by Simplilearn? This should give you a boost of confidence that your interviewer is serious about you and impressed with your resume. “On average, 118 candidates apply for one single job, of whom only 20% are interviewed,” Simplilearn stated. “And, if you get an offer, you are among just 30.89 percent of interviewees to be selected.” If you get a call for an interview, rest assured that you have a lot to offer in a business analysis job role, and potential employers know it.
If you’re interested in tips on putting together your LinkedIn page or getting yourself noticed through networking, watch IIBA’s free on-demand webinar Building Your Professional Reputation.
2. Know how to virtually interview like a pro
Virtual interviews are widely used post-pandemic. SHRM cited a poll of 1,100 U.S. employers that indicated 82% of survey respondents had adopted virtual interviews due to the pandemic. What’s more, 93% plan to continue this trend. This means that to be at the top of your interviewing game, you must be effective at navigating virtual interviews.
One of the top interviewing tips for virtual interviews is to ensure your light source is in front of you, not behind you. If you’ve ever been in a video conference with someone who was backlit, you know how challenging it is to read facial expressions and feel connected to the person. Set yourself up for success by facing a window or another source of light when interviewing virtually.
3. Know what business analysis skills are in-demand (and talk about them)
To succeed in a job interview, it is essential to know what business analysis skills are in high demand. In 2022, employers expect business analysis professionals to be well skilled in:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Negotiation
- Data visualization
- Programming
- Statistics and probability
As a business analysis professional, you are likely competent in many if not all of these skills. During your interview, be sure to note what in-demand skills you have. It will help if you give practical examples of how you have used these skills in past business analysis job roles.
IIBA’s Entry Certificate in Business Analysis™ (ECBA™) covers foundational knowledge on how to approach business analysis according to the BABOK® Guide and is a great place to start.
About The Author:
Isabel Feher-Watters is the Certification Programs Manager at IIBA® and has 20+ years' experience building talent and leadership in the workplace through learning, certification, and credentialing programs and practices. She holds a professional certification as a Certified Association Executive (CAE®), Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)™, and a Change Management Registered Practitioner (CMRP®). Isabel is passionate about learning and professional development in the Business Analysis community.
