8 Tips for Business Analysts: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market ↴ 

This question was submitted by Merry who wants to know "how to become the best business analyst in a competitive business analyst job market."

If you need help with a Question or Challenge, be sure to ask it as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering Merry's questions below!

Here is Merry's Question on Becoming The Best Business Analyst

Hi

I recently graduated from university with a BSc degree in Computer Science. I am now doing a Business Analyst Internship at an IT company in RSA. My contract with the company is expiring in the next four months.

My greatest concern now is how do I go about finding the perfect position that meets my qualifications,skills and experience. The other challenge is that hiring managers or companies themselves are looking for people who are highly experienced and I only have one year experience.

As I was reading some of the articles published here, I learned that you say people should not aim at getting Junior Business Analyst positions as employers are not really looking for Junior Business Analysts.

Now my questions are with the little experience that I have and still need more exposure in this field(IT Business Analysis) what kind of positions should I apply for? and which steps must I take in order to become the best business analyst and for me to be considered for Business Analyst positions?

Thank you for your time. Looking forward to your response

Regards

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Business Analyst Job Market

In a competitive business analyst job market, only the best business analyst candidates will succeed.




So, here are a few things that you may do to become a stronger or better business analyst:




1. Learn more about business analysis - become the best business analyst by getting a well-rounded in-depth understanding of core BA subjects.




2. Improve your presentation or communication skills - employers hire business analysts with strong verbal communication skills.

   
   

   Click here to join your local Toastmasters club for one of the best communication skills training programs ... it costs next to nothing!

   
   

3. Become a better business writer - one of the senior business analysts I interviewed and recommended, got the job on the basis of her strong documentation or writing skills.

   
   

   Click here to join a training program like the business analysts boot camp which incorporates a lot of hands-on business analyst documentation or writing projects.

   
   

4. Make your resume stand out - your resume or cover letter is the first point of contact with potential employers.

   
   

   There are two simple but effective things that can improve your business analyst resume immediately:

   
   

   • Incorporate your personal brand into your resume and do not present a chronological but boring list of previous business analyst jobs.

   
   

   • Use an appropriate layout and format your resume to make it attractive.

   
   

   • Use the correct verb tenses and tailor your resume for each job description.

   
   

   • A poorly written or formatted resume signals weak business writing skills, so learn how to write your resume properly or hire someone to do it for you.

   
   

   • Resume writers charge as much as $600 and if you have to re-write your resume for each business analyst job, the cost quickly adds up.

     
     

     Click here to use the limited-time discount code: resumeONEX for up to two (2) resume rewrites.




5. Get a lot of hands on experience - employers are not comfortable hiring business analysts without strong hands-on experience regardless of their certification or academic qualifications.

   
   

   The demand for hands-on experience is so strong that college graduates are now paying for internship services!

   
   

   Click here to read how college graduates are paying for internship opportunities.

   
   

   So, do whatever it takes to get hands-on business analysis experience through training, volunteer, internship or personal leadership projects.

   
   

   Unlike some training programs, the business analyst boot camp incorporates hands-on projects, assignments and activities at no extra cost.

   
   

   So, for a limited-time, you may click here to register at the current low price.

   
   

6. Become a Leader In Your Industry - don't depend only on your resume for a job.

   
   

   Employers now research potential candidates on social networking sites. So, if you don't have a well-crafted personal brand, you're letting employers make up their mind before you have a chance to tell your story.

   
   

   Learn how to establish your personal brand or tell your story by reading this now;

   
   

7. Prepare in advance for your business analyst job interview - start preparing for your business analyst job interviews several months ahead.

   
   

   Use business analyst practice tests to memorize, understand and recite the correct answers to potential interview questions.

   
   

   Click here; to read how scientific studies prove that using practice tests or quizzes boost retention, memory and recall.

   
   

   Note that the business analyst boot camp incorporates quizzes or practice tests as part of the process.

   
   

8. Don't be so narrow minded, get some technical skils - employers are hiring for broader skill sets in a bid to cut down costs.

   
   

   What that means is that business analysts are increasing being asked to demonstrate technical or programming skills.

   
   

   Broaden your skill sets by learning SQL, relational databases and HTML. If you're brave enough, learn some computer programming.

   
   

   If your objective is to get a business analyst job, then give employers what they want and don't be insisting that technical skills are for programmers only!

   
   

   Currently there is a 2 for 1 promotional discount which allows you to register for any technical training program at no additional costs ... don't miss it!

The reality is, "you have to work hard at standing out in a competitive job market"!

I have made this easier by explaining what employers are looking for, so, the rest is up to you.

Remember that the market doesn't lie. Don't invest time on how to circumvent business analyst job descriptions. Save time and effort by giving employers what they want.

This post answers a question on how to become the best business analyst in a crowded job market.

If you have a question or a challenge about your career, post it as a comment and I will answer it for you!