Becoming A Business Analyst: The Do's And Don'ts Of Resume Creation

Getting an interview in any industry can be tricky, but sometimes candidates make it harder on themselves. According to a College Recruiter study, 61% of resumes are rejected due to typos, and 41% are rejected for copying the job posting verbatim (likely to bypass an ATS system).

If you’re looking to snag more job interviews, you’ll need a resume that avoids typical resume don’ts and a cover letter that clearly states why you’re qualified for the role.

7 Business Analyst Resume Secrets You Should Know

If you’ve earned a degree in business administration, computer science, economics, or IT, you’re already halfway to an interview, but education isn’t enough to get you the job.

DO: Create a specific summary

Most job recruiters will either scan your resume or put it through an ATS system before they actually read it, so you need to make the most out of your limited time. In your summary, which should be located at the top of your resume, highlight your accomplishments and qualifications.

Keep in mind that your summary shouldn’t be longer than 3 sentences and should also include the phrase “certified business analyst,” “CBAP,” or “ACBA,” if you’re actually certified.

DON’T: Include a catalog of your work history

Take a look at templates for professional-looking resumes, and you’ll notice that they don’t include a catalog of the candidate's entire work history. That’s because some of their experience isn’t relevant to the job they're applying for or doesn’t showcase their skills in the best way.

You’re free to be selective when organizing your resume as long as you don’t over-exaggerate or lie about your accomplishments. Seriously—your lies will be exposed eventually.

DO: Tweak your job titles to increase readability

Job recruiters will look at your most recent job titles and match them with the job title you’re applying for. If you use terms like “customer support” for your current job, even if being a business analyst was one of your duties, you’re less likely to receive an interview call back.

If you’re a freelance business analyst, consider dropping the “freelance” from your title (not the description).

DON’T: Forget to use Business Analyst terminology

All industries use jargon to some extent, but you can’t use the wrong terms on your resume. For example, business analysts will know that workflow diagrams and process flows mean the same thing, but the recruiter may not (hint: use process workflows instead).

Once you’ve selected the most relevant skills, craft bullet points that display them in a readable format. Don’t go overboard with the jargon either, as an ATS system may disqualify you.

DO: Highlight relevant skills based on the job posting

Your potential employer will outline the type of skills they need from a new employee. By using the job posting, you can understand what kinds of keywords they may be searching for. After locating these skills, put them in a separate section on your resume so they’re easy to read.

Next, highlight the type of projects where you held the most business analyst responsibilities. Put this information inside your “job experience” section.

DON’T: Avoid addressing your employment gaps

Some candidates will use the functional resume format to hide employment gaps because it focuses more on relevant skills rather than experience. However, experienced recruiters can see that strategy from a mile away and will likely question your transparency and honesty.

You can address your gap on your resume by explaining what you did during that time. If you volunteered or upgraded your skills, offer proof through references and physical documents.

DO: Blend accomplishments and responsibilities

Job recruiters love to see actionable insights when looking at resumes, so if a project you were on led to a 40% rise in ROI, then state it proudly. Your employer will instantly understand what your skills can do for their company without assuming your project actually led to something.

While you don’t have to be incredibly detailed, you do need to give shape to your experiences. By backing up your accomplishments, you look more credible, trustworthy, and hardworking.