Crafting The Perfect Business Analyst CV
The business analyst wears many hats and performs many different functions – from helping to reduce costs and improve production methods to ensuring compliance with Six Sigma, ISO and other industry standards. A career as a business analyst can be very rewarding – both professionally and financially, but competition for those jobs can be fierce.
That is why it is so important for both experienced business analysts and newcomers to the field to craft a killer resume. A quality CV may not guarantee you the job, but it can help you get your foot in the door. Keep in mind that the resume is likely to be the first thing the hiring manager sees – and that first impression can go a long way. A killer CV helps ensure that first impression is a good one.
Business Analysts – Experience Across Industries
One of the most striking things about a business analyst career is the wide variety of positions available. Business analysts are employed by the government – and by private industry. They work in the oil and gas industry – and in banking and finance. They help insurance companies set premium rates, and they help Wall Street executives choose the right investment opportunities.
That wealth of experience should be reflected in the business analyst CV. Your CV should list the industries you have worked in and your relevant areas of expertise. A business analyst may have worked in many different industries – from pharmaceutical development and industrial engineering to insurance and healthcare – during the course of their career. That kind of versatility can be a big plus to hiring managers and company decision makers.
Industry Standards and Best Practices
Every industry – from pharmaceutical manufacturing to insurance – has its own industry standards and best practices. The business analyst is often called upon to apply those standards to the day-to-day operations of their employers. That experience is valuable, and that value should be reflected in your CV.
Your business analyst CV should highlight knowledge of industry standards and practices. Familiarity with SOX, ISO, Six Sigma and other industry standards is essential for business analysts. Recruiters look for that experience when reading CVs, and automated systems scan for those keywords as well. Including them on your CV can get you through the screening process and land you that coveted interview.
The Results-Oriented CV
The days when CVs simply parroted job duties are long over. These days, a good business analyst CV needs to do much more than provide a list of daily tasks. A good CV will focus on real world results and show potential employers how they can profit from all that expertise.
It is important to talk about the results you were able to achieve, not just the job duties you performed. Results are essential – and those results should be an integral part of your business analyst CV. If you were able to achieve significant cost savings or improve business processes in your last job, be sure to highlight those accomplishments when crafting your CV.
The Power of Certification
Include all your certifications in the CV, especially those mentioned in the job posting. It is not unusual for an experienced business analyst to hold multiple certifications, including ones related to software packages, computer operating systems and industry standards.
Make sure your CV includes references to all those certifications – while highlighting those directly related to the job you are seeking. An ISO-certified business analyst, for example, might have an advantage when applying for a position in quality control. Focusing on what you have already achieved – and what you still hope to accomplish – will help you craft a killer CV and ultimately land a great job.
