Sandra Patel
18th July 2019
Article by Megan Sharp, Recruitment Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-cv-tips-business-analysts-megan-sharp/
We all have experience in being rejected from a job you believe you are perfect for even before you have had the opportunity to interview. I have reviewed hundreds of Agile BA CVs, and I have noticed that CV’s without these three ‘essentials’ hardly ever get called in for an interview.
No matter how good you are at interviewing, your CV is your first impression …. Make it count!!!
Here are a few top tips from me to make sure that all the TLC you put into your CV actually lands you an interview. Ideally, your CV will help you stand out from the crowd, because it is perfectly tailored to the opportunity and it will help you land that perfect role (and hopefully a pay rise!).
1. Structure and format is key as a Business Analyst. If you are applying for a role which utilises your analytical skills and requires a meticulous approach, and you have errors in your CV, you will not get an interview. Your CV has to communicate your eye for detail, so the format of your CV should be clear and concise with no room for error.
Use a clear and simple font and break the text up. Make sure you have all your key words and terminology packed into your CV especially in the top quarter.
– Name and contact details (postcode is sufficient)
– Personal Profile
– Tailored Core skills to the job description (Showcase your skills!)
– Work experience – roles and responsibilities (DO NOT WAFFLE)
– Education and Qualifications
– Interests (Our clients want to know about you)
– Don’t make your CV too lengthy (over 4 pages is too long regardless of experience)
2. As an Agile Business Analyst a client wants to know all about your Agile experience, and where you have delivered Agile projects. You have to include information beyond the usual “used Agile / Scrum Methodologies “
– Include details about user story creation, product backlog, prioritization, wireframes, epics, themes etc.
– Do you know your way around a Kanban board? Are you a Sticky Note Superstar?
– Have you implemented Agile principles?
– Mentored and coached Juniors on the joys of Agile?
– Have you used Jira / Confluence?
3. Although your CV should have a formal / professional approach, use tone, pace and style to show your personality. Make sure your CV has character! Your personal profile and interests are a key way to show who you are and instead of the generic “Hobbies: gym and socialising”, express your actual interests and what makes you get out of bed everyday!
Aside from your technical abilities this is your chance to show who you are. If you are active within the tech community or have an active presence on LinkedIn make sure the link is in your contact details. Don’t forget, try to keep your LinkedIn up to date, and even add the hiring manager as a connection ahead of your application.
Once you have done all of the above – send me your C.V!
(Megan.sharp@transition-partners.co.uk)
I specialise in Business Analyst opportunities UK wide, I would love to meet for a coffee and find out all about you and how potentially I could help you with your next move!