A great resume is the first dataset you need to enter the world of business analysis. It’s no small feat to grab an entry-level business analyst position and a resume that’s not backed by strong reasoning won’t do it. A persuasive resume backed by hard facts will chart a direct course toward an interview.
What qualities does an entry-level business analyst resume need? A clear message and strong data to back it up, just like any business analysis.
First impressions can make or break, but good business analysts know that they need to put thought into what that first impression will say. Jumping to conclusions when you first view a new set of data can lead you down the wrong path, but a recruiter won’t necessarily take the time to let your resume information sink in. A resume for an entry-level business analyst has to provide all the data needed to push your candidacy to the interview stage.
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This resume guide and corresponding entry-level business analyst resume example will cover the following:
Writing a resume for a business analyst position when you haven’t had one may seem puzzling, so let’s start at the beginning. The first step in writing an entry-level business analyst resume is understanding the structure. Your resume should contain the following sections:
Business analysts are valued for their well-developed opinions based on fact. An entry-level business analyst resume should reflect the opinion that you are the right person for the job. That means understanding exactly what the job entails and persuading the recruiter that your skills and attributes fit the bill.
Although this may be your first foray into the world of business analysis, you should still apply these principles:
Beat the ATS screener
Virtually every job you apply for will be online. That means you’re applying through an ATS employed by HR to sort, scan and perform the initial screening of applicants. How does AI know what HR is looking for? Keyword and phrase algorithms. Therefore, you need to analyze the job listing and include those all-important words without sounding forced.
Here are some pointers to elevate your resume:
A resume summary for an entry-level business analyst that takes the ATS into consideration may look like this:
“Recent business school graduate with dual degree in computer science and statistics eager to begin career as an entry-level business analyst. Experience in MySQL, Python and Tableau to analyze money market data. Highly detail-oriented with excellent presentation skills and track-record of open communication.”
A resume for any entry-level position is a tad different from that of a more experienced worker, so while the best format for most resumes is reverse chronological order, this may not be the case for an entry-level business analyst position.
That’s because this structure provides the most space for the employment history section, but your experience may be limited and your greatest achievements have occurred within an academic setting. In that case, a functional or hybrid format may be the optimal choice since these styles offer more flexibility to expand your education and skills sections while minimizing your work history.
Embedded in our resume builder are templates in all of these formats and you can also see finished versions among our resume examples.
Since clarity and presentation are key aspects of your job, consider using one of our professional style resume layouts.
Information rules in your line of work and none is more important when you are looking for an entry-level business analyst job than the information that allows a recruiter to contact your to schedule an interview.
Your header is the place to list the following:
Don’t include:
Mikaela Johnson
Entry Level Business Analyst
(718) 525-1603
mikaelarjohnson@gmail.com
Rosedale, NY
Mikaela Johnson
College Graduate
(718) 525-1603
jajajajajohnson@gmail.com
Rosedale, NY 11422
Before jumping into the details of data reportage, it’s best to provide a summary, which serves to provide the highlights of your findings and preview what is to come. If you don’t grab the audience’s attention now, your hard work may be overlooked.
A resume summary example for an entry-level business analyst serves the same purpose: letting the employer know you’re an analytical thinker with room to grow in this entry-level position and that you plan to back up your assertion with data throughout your resume.
A summary needs strong action words and descriptions that enliven what otherwise could be a dull recitation of accomplishments. Try using “evaluated unique data set” instead of repeatedly typing “analyzed data” or “orchestrated study on hotel occupancy” instead of “led project on hotel occupancy.”
These 3-4 lines should synthesize your skills and achievements to date instead of repeating a bullet item from your employment history. Describe your professional style or qualities with a phrase such as “highly motivated and focused.” If describing yourself is difficult, ask a friend or colleague for three words that best describe you.
Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes:
You can find an adaptable entry-level business analyst resume example summary below:
Detail-oriented recent graduate with Bachelor’s in Business Analytics. Seeking to utilize strong analytical abilities, technical expertise in Tableau and SQL, and problem-solving skills to gain business insights as an Entry Level Business Analyst.
The ad says “entry-level” so how do you write a resume for a business analyst with no experience? The first piece of advice we have here is this: recruiters know you’re just starting out because they are looking at resumes for an entry-level position.
Employers aren’t expecting career veterans to apply for entry-level work. Instead, they want to see that you have basic analytical skills and know how to behave in a work environment. However, you may have more experience than you realize.
Consider these situations:
List each experience including the dates you worked there, the name of the company, its location and your title. Then, using bulleted lists, illustrate your accomplishments at each position. Begin each item with a strong action and include any data or details to flesh out your claim.
Don’t make the mistake of trying too hard to elongate this section, but don’t sell yourself short either by writing items that are too basic such as:
Instead, punch these up with details:
Take a look at the entry-level business analyst employment history resume sample below:
Business Analytics Intern at Google, New York
May 2023 - August 2023
Barista & Shift Supervisor at Starbucks, San Francisco
September 2021 - December 2022
The question to answer in the resume skills section is “What is the employer looking for that you contain within your professional toolbox?” No one expects an entry-level business analyst to be an expert in most aspects of this complex job.
Focus your skills list on the foundational skills you developed during your education. These learned skills are also known as hard skills. These include data analysis (of course), business intelligence tools such as SAP BusinessObjects, IBM Cognos, or Microsoft Power BI, process modeling or Agile methodologies.
Soft skills, or the work attributes and interpersonal abilities you have, are key for entry-level employees. It’s much more difficult to teach time management or communication than it is to train an employee on a new application. Examples of soft skills employers value: problem-solving, critical thinking, negotiation, communication, adaptability and time management.
A resume skills section should contain a blend of these two types of skills. Again, take into account the job listing and choose skills your employer nas specified. This serves to help you pass through the ATS and shows the recruiter you have what they need.
If you’re stuck, look to our resume builder, which offers several pre-written key skills and allows you to include your proficiency level.
Here’s what the skills box looks like in our entry-level business analyst resume template.
While it is certain a recruiter will glance at your skills section, it is also important to infuse the rest of your resume with the entry-level business analyst skills you have chosen to highlight. If you simply state “excellent communication” without illustrating that anywhere else, your prospective employer will get only a partial picture of your value.
Circle back to your employment history and summary sections to make sure you have illustrated the skills you list. For example:
As a recent graduate or career-changer, the resume education section may take precedence over your employment history, so feel free to move this section up or choose a format that emphasizes your education.
Most people seeking a business analyst role have a computer science, statistics, business or related degree. List that and any other degrees you have earned here.
If you’re a recent graduate with a 4.0 GPA, go ahead and include it, but once you have entered the profession, you should eliminate this information since it’s your work achievements that count. Software or business certifications such as the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis should also be included here.
Computer science majors often complete many projects to earn their degree. You may consider adding a “Projects” section that details any data analysis, coding or statistics project directly related to business analysis.
Looking for work before graduation? List your expected graduation date so employers know when you will be available and how much longer you have to go to complete your coursework.
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, University of San Francisco, San Francisco
September 2020 - May 2023
It may be tempting to make a vibrant first impression with a colorful, graphically busy resume, but think about the charts and graphs you create to present your data analyses. What is your priority? Clarity of message. That’s the goal of your resume as well.
An entry-level business analyst resume needs to tread the line between eye-catching design and ease of use. Yes, your presentation skills are important, but if they overwhelm your message, you’ve defeated your own purpose. Clever resume designs such as a pie chart of success may entice one employer, but they are likely to turn others off. To give yourself the greatest chance of getting the interview, stick with a more classic look, such as one of our simple resume templates.
Entry-level job-seekers especially need to show that they can make the shift from an academic atmosphere, or a different career, to a more buttoned-up business environment. To project a professional image, keep it uncluttered with a focus on your content by using adequate margins and an easy-to-read font.
Just want to make your life easier? Start with one of our expertly- designed resume templates. We know you know how to code and format, but these customizable templates will get your job search started without delay and allow you to use more of your precious time on what really counts—your resume’s content.
Profile
Detail-oriented recent graduate with Bachelor’s in Business Analytics. Seeking to utilize strong analytical abilities, technical expertise in Tableau and SQL, and problem-solving skills to gain business insights as an Entry Level Business Analyst.
Employment History
Business Analytics Intern at Google, New York
May 2023 - August 2023
Barista & Shift Supervisor at Starbucks, San Francisco
September 2021 - December 2022
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, University of San Francisco, San Francisco
September 2020 - May 2023
Skills
Business and data analysis are growing fields, so getting your foot in the door now is a great career move. In fact, the demand for data scientists is expected to skyrocket by 35% over the next decade. The need for management analysts is also projected to grow—by 10%, a faster than average clip.
An entry-level business analyst can expect to earn in the range of $79,000 and $85,000 per year. That doesn’t include performance bonuses. Some salary variation depends on the location of the company and the industry.