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Table of contents

Business analyst resume example
Related analyst resume examples
Choose a resume format for your business analyst resume
How to write a business analyst resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your business analyst resume
Frequently asked questions from job seekers

In your role as a business analyst, you immerse yourself in a world of data and insights. With a keen eye for patterns and a penchant for detail, you meticulously gather, scrutinize and interpret data from various sources in order to put together a business strategy that gets results.

Whether you’re dissecting market trends, financial performance or consumer behavior, your analytical prowess serves as a compass, guiding organizations toward success. Now, all you need is a killer resume that showcases your business chops.

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think.

Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive business analyst resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to learn more about:

Examples of business analyst resumes for applicants with and without experience.
What makes a business analyst resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing a resume for a business analyst.
What to include in every section of your business analyst resume with example business analyst profiles, summary sections and sample skills and experience sections to help you get started.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

For a persuasive resume built in just a few minutes with expert advice and suggestions, try our professional AI Resume Builder.

Business analyst resume example

Entry-level business analyst resume example

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What makes this a great business analyst resume sample?

It’s functional.
This candidate is at the start of his career as a business analyst, so focusing on skills plays to his strengths instead of highlighting his relative inexperience.
It’s visually interesting.
This sample business analyst resume stands out thanks to its striking design, which adds visual interest without encroaching on the actual content. It’s pleasing to look at without being distracting.
It includes both hard and soft skills.
This resume showcases the candidate’s skills as a collaborator and communicator alongside his overall business acumen.

Experienced business analyst resume example

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What makes this a great business analyst resume sample?

It showcases experience.
This candidate has more than 10 years of relevant experience, so it makes sense that she would give her experience the most weight on her resume.
It uses numbers.
Numerical data gives this resume a sense of both impact and business savvy. An experienced business analyst should know the numerical impact of their role and should be able to discuss those numbers comfortably.
It uses active language.
Phrases such as “generated” and “assessed” convey a greater sense of enthusiasm and competence than resume boilerplate like “responsible for.”

Choose a resume format for your business analyst resume

To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.

Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
Midlevel applicants with three to five years should consider using a combination resume format is ideal to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.

Select an appropriate business analyst resume template

Create your resume

While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.

For business analysts working in creative industries, our creative resume templates provide stylish and unique designs. However, most business analysts will benefit from the sleek and professional look provided by modern resumes.

How to write a business analyst resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive business analyst jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek.

Step 1

Study the business analyst job description

Crafting a finely tailored resume involves incorporating specific keywords that highlight your qualifications and suitability for the position.

This aspect is important because many employers utilize applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through resumes, filtering out candidates who don’t match predetermined keywords. Should your resume lack the appropriate keywords, it could result in your elimination from consideration even before a human reviewer lays eyes on it.

To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. The best way to do that is to identify the keywords from the job listing of your desired position.

While every role is different, most will list certain skills and competencies, sometimes more than once. The skills that are emphasized in the ad are the ones that should take center stage on your resume.

If you apply for a business analyst job where the listing emphasizes statistical analysis or quantitative modeling, you should take extra care to include those exact words.

So long as you don’t lie about your experience or skill, including keywords can give your resume a vital leg up on the competition.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your business analyst resume should include a resume profile in the form of a professional summary or a resume objective. Your resume profile is where you introduce potential employers to your qualifications and career history.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which focuses on goals and professional development. Applicants with more direct experience in a business analyst role should use a professional summary, which emphasizes career achievements.

Here are some strong examples for your business analyst resume:

Business analyst professional summary example:

Accomplished business analyst with seven years of experience in data analysis, statistical modeling and financial research. Proven track record of delivering actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making. Skilled in programming languages such as Python and R, with expertise in database management and data visualization tools. Strong communicator, adept at conveying complex findings to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders. Effective collaborator within cross-functional teams, consistently meeting project goals and deadlines.

Business analyst resume objective example:

Motivated and forward-thinking business analyst possessing one year of hands-on experience in data analysis, statistical modeling and extensive market research. Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages like Python and R. Keen ability to deconstruct intricate data sets, transforming them into strategic insights to facilitate the process of informed decision-making. Solid foundation in quantitative analysis. Seeking a role in a dynamic and growth-oriented organization.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant business analyst skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the business analyst skills you list. Skills for a business analyst resume should be added to your resume skills section and included in your resume profile and experience.

It’s important to provide employers with a blend of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are more technical and are gained through training and repetition. Soft skills, on the other hand, are difficult to measure. They are behaviors and personality traits that help you do your job well. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Hard and soft skills for an business analyst resume

Hard Skills

Data analysis
SQL
Python
Market research
Financial analysis
Quantitative modeling

Soft Skills

Communication
Critical thinking
Collaboration
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Deadline-driven

Here is an example of a strong business analyst skills section:

Proficient in extracting, cleaning and analyzing data sets using Python, R and SQL.
Proficient in creating compelling data visualizations.
Deadline-driven with stellar time management skills.
Enthusiastic problem-solver.

Pro tip

Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Employers seek out candidates who already possess these skills because they are difficult to teach.

Step 4

Write a strong business analyst work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Here is an example of a great business analyst work experience entry:

Business analyst, Huang Business Consulting
Charlottesville, VA
January 2020 – Present

Conduct comprehensive data analysis using Python and SQL, identifying trends in financial data sets to support decision-making processes.
Assist in the development of financial models to forecast revenue and expenses, contributing to accurate budget projections allowing for a 33% reduction in overspending.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline data collection and reporting processes, resulting in a 20% improvement in efficiency.
Prepare visually engaging presentations using Tableau to communicate complex data insights to senior stakeholders.
Conduct ad-hoc market research, gathering competitor data and analyzing market trends to inform strategic recommendations.
Contribute to the creation of weekly executive reports, highlighting key performance metrics and providing actionable insights.

Pro tip

Make your experience pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your business analyst resume

To be hired as a business analyst, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree in business, statistics, data science or another related field. There are other ways to enter an business analyst career, but your education will usually be a part of your career story.

How to list your business analyst education:

Education:

Bachelor of Science
Data Science
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

Certifications:

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

Pro tip

If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to show them off.

Optional sections for your business analyst resume

Awards and certifications

Adding awards and certifications to your resume is a clever way to highlight your skills and accomplishments. Awards demonstrate your achievements, while certifications prove that you’re accomplished at something specific.

When you include these on your resume, it helps you stand out from other job seekers. It tells employers that you’re serious about your work and can bring a lot to their company. This boosts your chances of getting the job you want.

How to list awards on your business analyst resume:

2021 Leadership in Business Analysis Award – Acknowledged for mentoring junior business analysts

Projects

Projects are a great addition to your resume because they show you’re capable of using theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. Instead of just saying that you’re a great business analyst, show your future employers that your work has momentum and has had a major impact on previous roles.

How to list projects on your business analyst resume:

Project: Market Research and Competitor Analysis
- Conducted extensive market research to identify emerging trends and potential growth opportunities.
- Analyzed competitor strategies and assessed market positioning, contributing to the development of a competitive advantage.
Project: Financial Forecasting Model
- Designed and developed a comprehensive financial forecasting model using Python, predicting revenue and expense trends with 95% accuracy.
- Collaborated with the finance team to refine assumptions and inputs, resulting in more accurate financial projections.
Project: Process Optimization Initiative
- Led a cross-functional team to streamline inventory management processes, reducing operational costs by 15% within six months.
- Conducted data analysis to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, implementing data-driven solutions that improved overall workflow

Languages

Knowing different languages provides an opportunity to display your cultural awareness and flexibility, which are greatly valued in today’s global job market. Being able to speak more than one language also improves your communication skills, allowing you to connect with a broader range of clients, customers and partners, and it can even open doors to international possibilities.

Moreover, having knowledge of multiple languages indicates that you possess strong mental agility and a determined mindset. Ultimately, when faced with two similar candidates, the one who lists multiple languages on their resume will likely be more appealing to employers.

How to list languages on your business analyst resume:

Fluent in English and Cantonese
Proficient in Spanish

Interests and hobbies

Including hobbies in your resume can be helpful, so long as they relate to the job. They let you share your personality and connect with potential employers in a meaningful way. Moreover, they highlight your skills that can be useful in different roles, such as creativity or leadership. Lastly, hobbies can reveal if you align with a company’s culture, adding depth to your profile and showing that you’re a well-rounded individual.

How to list interests and hobbies on your business analyst resume:

Passion for personal finance
Amateur game designer
Avid reader and host of community book clubs

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a business analyst cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Learning how to write a cover letter might seem like extra work after all that you’ve done to perfect your resume. Rest assured, your cover letter is both necessary and very helpful. It’s your chance to persuade employers that the experience on your resume makes you a good fit for the job.

Study our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Generator, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your business analyst resume

Follow our steps for a standout resume:
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Select the appropriate resume format:
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the role:
Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
Include both hard and soft skills:
Being a business analyst requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine:
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Choose an appropriate resume template:
While some business analysts might work in a field that allows for more creative templates, most will benefit from a sleek modern template instead. Or, stick to the basics and try a simple template.
Go the extra mile:
Including a well-written business analyst cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so don’t skip the chance to include one with your application.