Tips for Landing Your First Business Analysis Job
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
Recently, IIBA’s very own Scott Bennett (Manager of Business Analysis) sat down with three distinguished panelists to discuss career opportunities in business analysis:
- Agnieszka Balcerzak: President of IIBA Poland Chapter, mentor, and trainer for business analysis professionals.
- John Wisner: Managing Principal at Capco, host of the BA Insights podcast and YouTube channel.
- Tyler Krimmel: Program leader at a college in Toronto, with extensive experience in setting up and running postgraduate programs in business analysis and related fields.
In case you missed the webinar, here’s a recap of the main talking points.
Embrace Your Assets
If you already have an ECBA, don’t be shy about showing it off! Prominently showcasing your ECBA certification on your resume or LinkedIn profile can significantly increase the chances of getting noticed by potential employers—and who doesn’t like to stand out? (If you’re an IIBA member or have earned one of our certifications, you can show employers you mean business with a digital certificate or badge.)The panelists illustrated this with an anecdote from a recent job seeker. A candidate who had been struggling to secure job interviews made a simple adjustment to their resume by moving the ECBA certification logo to the top right-hand corner of their profile picture. This seemingly small change led to a significant increase in interview opportunities, and they landed a job within a few weeks.
The ECBA certification can also make you stand out from other job applicants, showing your commitment to the field of business analysis. Employers often value certifications as they indicate a certain level of knowledge and dedication to the profession. By obtaining the ECBA, you can show your foundational understanding of business analysis principles and terminology, making you a more attractive candidate for entry-level positions.
Bottom line? The ECBA is an asset for job seekers looking to break into the business analysis field. By highlighting this certification wherever employers are looking, you can boost your visibility and improve your chances of securing interviews in a competitive job market.
Show Your Technical (and Human) Skills
When applying for a job in business analysis, it’s crucial to highlight the competencies and skills relevant to the role on your CV. It allows potential employers to quickly identify your qualifications and suitability for the position.If you want a second set of eyes on your CV, visit IIBA’s Career Center for a free review. You’ll need to become a member first and create a job seeker account.
Agnieszka emphasized the significance of showcasing the competencies outlined in the Business Analysis Competency Model on your CV. By aligning your skills with the key competencies required for the role, you demonstrate your understanding of the profession and your ability to excel in the position.
Additionally, Tyler highlighted the value of likability as a skill when applying for a job. While technical skills are essential, being likable and having good communication skills can set you apart from other candidates. Employers want to hire individuals who are personable, easy to communicate with, and can effectively engage with stakeholders. So, showcasing your interpersonal skills on your CV can make a big difference for potential employers.
When crafting your CV for a business analysis position, try to focus on highlighting the competencies, skills, and certifications relevant to the role. Effectively showing your qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements increases the likelihood you’ll be spotted by a potential employer and interviewed.
Context Is Everything
Want to stand out for your dream business analysis job? Start by understanding the context of the industry it’s in and relate your past experiences to the business analysis skills it requires.The panelists emphasized that individuals coming from various backgrounds, such as finance, accounting, customer service, sales, or retail, already possess valuable experience that can be relevant to business analysis. Does that sound like you? If so, you’re already one step ahead!
They also discussed the importance of recognizing and showcasing the transferable skills gained from previous roles. For example, if a candidate has a background in finance, they may have experience in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and making strategic decisions based on data analysis. These skills are directly applicable to business analysis, where data analysis and decision-making are essential components.
Understanding the specific needs and challenges of the industry can also set you apart as a candidate. By demonstrating an understanding of the industry's processes, stakeholders, and goals, you show that you’re not only familiar with the business analysis techniques but also capable of applying them effectively in a real-world context.
Final Thoughts
By relating your past experiences to the skills required in business analysis and showing how your background aligns with the industry's needs, you can position yourself as a well-rounded candidate who can bring valuable insights and expertise to the role.This approach can make you more attractive to employers and increase your chances of securing a business analysis position.
This informative webinar provided valuable insights into career opportunities in business analysis, the skills required, and practical advice on how to enter and succeed in this field. I hope the discussion helps you navigate your journey in business analysis.
For more help or information, visit the IIBA Career Center to connect with a career coach, get a free resume review, explore jobs, or get career insights on various roles, titles, and salaries.
About the Author
Sema Sali, Manager, Program Marketing at IIBA, leverages the intercept of marketing with business analysis to increase awareness of the value and criticality of business analysis to the success of organizations in today’s complex and disruptive world. She contributes to IIBA’s growth through marketing efforts of membership and organizational programs for corporate, academic, and education providers.
