How to write a resume for Business Analysts that Communicates Passion and Purpose

           These days, data is gold. Being able to read and analyze data is an in-demand skill. If you can communicate the data and find solutions based on it – even better. Maybe you find passion and purpose in helping people make decisions based on evidence and research. Or perhaps you like solving problems for people and companies. You ask yourself often – how can we improve this process or system? Or in your personal and professional life, you wonder – how do I make things better based on information that I have gathered?  

           First things first, a business analyst is different from a data analyst. In a nutshell, a business analyst looks at information that has already been gathered and cleaned by a data analyst. From there, he or she uses that data to guide decisions made by the business or the organization. 

           Below are some tasks of a business analyst:

• Reviews and assesses if processes are efficient, cost-effective or other metrics which are important to the organization
• Explains insights to stakeholders
• Writes recommendations (based on data) on how to improve procedures and processes
• Does budgeting and forecasting for the organization
• Researches and interprets data to digestible information

           Business analysts typically deal more with processes and solutions rather than numbers. They play a key role in helping organizations make data-driven business decisions. They use data to give recommendations as to how things can be improved upon. They also offer suggestions on implementing projects or making decisions. They can also oversee creating new processes and systems that will improve the business based on data they have analyzed. 

Resume writing tips for this position

Career summary/objective

           When writing your summary, highlight your experience analyzing information or research and how you translated it into a report or presentation that is simple and easy to understand. This is a crucial skill for business analysts. If you have a portfolio showing the data you have turned into charts, include that. Make sure the information is not sensitive. 

Example:

           As a solutions-oriented person, I enjoy the challenge of providing data-driven recommendations to an organization and its stakeholders. I have helped leaders make decisions to improve processes and systems. My background in business and IT has made me knowledgeable in programming languages. I have strong communication skills as I have presented findings to C-level executives and managers. I have extensive experience in project management and had the lead role in finding and implementing solutions based on data. 

Emphasize your strengths related to the job in your Work Experience:

           If you have a background in IT and the job is related to it, mention this and make sure that you link your work to tasks expected from the role. 

          Enumerate the project management principles or techniques you have employed in the past to complete projects. This will help employers better assess if you are a match for their processes. 

Example:

ABC Solutions, Philippines

Business analyst, January 2018 – June 2020

-      Recommended solutions to clients based on the data received.

-      Regularly reviewed the company’s processes to see if there are improvements that can   

       be made. 

-      Served as lead in projects implemented based on recommendations given or presented.

-      Prepared and presented reports and findings to various stakeholders of the company.

DEFG Inc., Philippines

IT specialist, August 2016 – December 2017

-    Served as lead project coordinator for the company’s IT projects. 

-    Oversaw implementation of projects in the IT department.

-    Was part of three major projects which were digital innovations for the company. 

XYZ Research, Philippines

Researcher and data analyst, June 2013 – July 2016

-       Conducted research and implemented data gathering sessions for clients. 

-    Analyzed research findings for projects including raw data gathered. 

-    Prepared reports, wrote findings and recommendations and presented these to stakeholders and clients. 

-    Took the role of lead researcher in projects and implemented them from planning and conceptualization to presenting findings and recommendations. 

Key Skills

           Highly valued skills for business analysts are data analysis and research skills, experience in project management, and strong communication and presentation skills.

Software and other technical skills

           List down the programming languages and data tools that you are familiar with. You do not have to be an expert, but it is certainly an advantage to know. Some examples are R, Python, Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics.

Example:

           Proficient in R, Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics. Knowledgeable in project management principles specifically agile methodology and the waterfall method which I used heavily to implement numerous projects. Extensive experience in research and project management with the ability to communicate data and research findings to senior managers and C-level executives. 

Education

           Business analysts usually have a degree in business administration. Some go on to take graduate courses in analytics for a deeper understanding of data.

Example:

Master of Professional Studies in Analytics

University of the Philippines 

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

University of the Philippines 

Resume Sample for Business Analysts

JUAN DELA CRUZ

Contact Information [Address, Mobile Number, Email]

SUMMARY

           As a solutions-oriented person, I enjoy the challenge of providing data-driven recommendations to an organization and its stakeholders. I have helped leaders make decisions to improve processes and systems. My background in business and IT has made me knowledgeable in programming languages. I have strong communication skills as I have presented findings to C-level executives and managers. I have extensive experience in project management and had the lead role in finding and implementing solutions based on data. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

ABC Solutions, Philippines

Business analyst, January 2018 – June 2020

-      Recommended solutions to clients based on the data received.

-      Regularly reviewed the company’s processes to see if there are improvements that can   

       be made. 

-      Served as lead in projects implemented based on recommendations given or presented.

-      Prepared and presented reports and findings to various stakeholders of the company.

DEFG Inc., Philippines

IT specialist, August 2016 – December 2017

-    Served as lead project coordinator for the company’s IT projects. 

-    Oversaw implementation of projects in the IT department.

-    Was part of three major projects which were digital innovations for the company. 

XYZ Research, Philippines

Researcher and data analyst, June 2013 – July 2016

-       Conducted research and implemented data gathering sessions for clients. 

-    Analyzed research findings for projects including raw data gathered. 

-    Prepared reports, wrote findings and recommendations and presented these to stakeholders and clients. 

-    Took the role of lead researcher in projects and implemented them from planning and conceptualization to presenting findings and recommendations. 

SKILLS

           Proficient in R, Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics. Knowledgeable in project management principles specifically agile methodology and the waterfall method which I used heavily to implement numerous projects. Extensive experience in research and project management with the ability to communicate data and research findings to senior managers and C-level executives. 

EDUCATION

Master of Professional Studies in Analytics

University of the Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

University of the Philippines

LANGUAGES

English (Fluent)        Filipino (Fluent)

 All set?

           Ready to get that job as a business analyst? Upload your resume to Jobsdb. You can also add the #WorkNow tag to your profile to alert hirers that you are available for immediate employment. 

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