How to Write a Business Analyst CV: Tips and Examples

Top-quality business analysts are in high demand across the UK, with successful applicants showing sharp analytical skills with an ability to communicate. Preparing a modern CV using an eye-catching CV template that quickly conveys your unique value is key. 

In this comprehensive guide, we show you how to write a good CV which stays on the good side of the applicant tracking system (ATS), using a ready-made business analyst CV sample sure to impress potential employers. 

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Business Analyst CV example UK

Omar is an accomplished senior analyst with over 5 years of experience in the UK. His CV succinctly showcases both soft and hard skills whilst demonstrating his suitability for the role via his carefully formatted work history. Listing his technical abilities also underscores his value as a candidate. The Edinburgh template conveys Omar’s skills and expertise clearly and concisely. 

What to include in a business analyst CV?

When preparing your CV, it is important to make it as readable as possible with key sections highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience. These often include:

• Personal details

• Personal profile

• Education

• Work experience

• Skills and any further training.

Start the CV writing process by creating a master CV. This all-inclusive document will contain all your experience, skills and further training. Not sent out to employers, your master CV can be refined for each job-specific application you make.

Take inspiration from other roles requiring an overview of multiple stakeholders, such as procurement, account manager or operations manager to give your document added depth and bring important sections to the fore.

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How to write a business analyst CV in 5 steps

Tailor your CV to the specific job requirements, highlighting your relevant skills, experience and qualifications. Use clear and concise language, focus on measurable achievements, and demonstrate your ability to analyse data, communicate effectively, and drive business outcomes.

1. Emphasise your career goals in a personal profile

Creating an effective personal profile on a CV pulls the hiring manager into your CV and invites them to learn more about you. This is your chance to highlight the soft skills that define your work character, such as communication or teamwork, level of experience, core competencies and career aspirations. Start with a compelling power statement and keep it under 70 words, avoiding pronouns for a direct and impactful presentation.

As many employers now offer remote work options, draw their attention to your self-motivated style and reliability to deliver autonomously.

Examples of personal profiles for a business analyst CV

Learn more about how to write a CV for an internship.

2. Include essential business analyst skills

Knowing what skills to put on a CV is more than telling hiring managers what you’re good at; it’s quickly letting them know you have the soft and hard skills needed for the job.

The business analyst skill set is broad, so a structured approach is key. Integrate must-have soft skills into your personal profile, while dedicating a separate section highlighting hard skills and technical abilities. If you’re changing careers, leverage transferable abilities from previous roles.

Business analysts share plenty of cross-over skills with project manager, data analyst and merchandiser roles, such as trend forecasting and business intelligence. Dive into these areas to see how other industries approach skills presentation.

Learn more about soft skills you can add to your CV by checking other job roles with similar requirements like supply chain, banking or accountant.

3. Showcase relevant work experience

When writing the work experience section on a CV, it is important to be specific about your responsibilities as well as your impact. This section is a good opportunity to highlight soft skills alongside quantifiable results. The entries, listed in reverse chronological order, should consist of one short paragraph detailing your duties, followed by two bullet points with hard facts relating to your achievements. 

Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a good way to keep things succinct and structured. For a best practice example of this method, take a look at our civil service CV example article.

Business Analyst CV work experience examples

Senior Business Analyst | XYZ Corporation, London, UK | 2020 - Present

Manage the end-to-end delivery of complex projects, including requirements gathering, process mapping, and solution design. Develop comprehensive business cases to successfully secure budget approvals for strategic initiatives. Translate technical data into actionable insights for C-level management. Communicate effectively across teams to increase operational efficiency.

• Spearhead the implementation of a streamlined data analytics solution, improving data accuracy and accessibility, resulting in a 25% reduction in data retrieval time enabling quicker data-driven decision-making.

• Lead a cross-functional team in developing and implementing a new CRM system, increasing sales efficiency by 20% and improving customer satisfaction ratings by 15%.

Business Process Analyst | Maxi Corporation, Location | 2022 - 2024

Spearheaded process improvement initiatives by conducting thorough analyses of existing workflows, identifying inefficiencies and recommending solutions to streamline operations. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to document current processes and design future state workflows. Facilitated workshops and meetings to gather requirements and drive consensus on process changes.

• Reduced processing time by 25% through the implementation of automation tools and workflow optimisations.

• Improved customer satisfaction by 15% by redesigning client onboarding procedures, enhancing the overall experience and reducing errors.

Business Analyst Intern | Vexo Consulting Firm, Location | 2023

Assisted in data collection and analysis for client projects, contributing to the development of business requirements and project plans. Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for clients. Supported senior analysts in preparing reports and presentations for client meetings, providing insights and recommendations based on data analysis.

• Contributed to a 10% increase in client retention by identifying customer pain points through data analysis and proposing targeted solutions.

• Assisted in the development of a market entry strategy for a new product, resulting in a successful launch and 20% market share acquisition within the first six months.

Work experience example for a business analyst with little to no experience

If you have little or no experience, are a student or recent graduate it is advisable to focus on your transferable soft skills and unpaid experience. You can also enter the industry by becoming a business analyst apprentice or through various training programs.

Be sure to maximise all volunteer and unpaid experience, such as societies or undergraduate courses. These valuable experiences could be your first step on the career ladder.

Treasurer and Founder | Finance Club, University of Rochester | 2023

Led the Finance Club in strategising ways to optimise expenditure and manage finances effectively, leveraging analytical skills to identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline budget allocation processes. Collaborated with club members to develop financial models and forecasts, enhancing decision-making processes and financial planning initiatives.

• Achieved a 20% reduction in club expenses by implementing cost-saving measures identified through financial analysis.

• Increased fundraising revenue by 30% through the development and execution of targeted campaigns, optimising resource allocation for impact.

Work experience example for a business analyst career change CV

If you are considering switching roles or going through a career change, you can focus on transferable skills.

Corporate Sales Representative | ABC Corporation, London, UK | 2018 - 2020

Excelled in building and maintaining client relationships, negotiating contracts, and achieving sales targets. Leveraged my strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills to conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities. Developed effective sales strategies and delivered compelling presentations to potential clients by collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Consistently exceeded quarterly sales targets, achieving a 20% increase in revenue year-over-year.

• Collaborated with product development teams to customise solutions and meet client needs, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction.

4. Include your education background and any relevant qualifications

Knowing how to write the education section on a CV is essential to showcase achievements and qualifications that highlight your knowledge as well as skills that essential in this field. Start with your highest level of education and work your way backwards. Include the name of the institution, qualification earned, and date of completion.

If you have limited formal education, consider using a school-leaver or skills-based CV format to emphasise your education over experience.

Examples of education:

Master of Science in Data Analytics, London Metropolitan University | UK, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of London | UK, 2021

Scrum Master Certification Training, Business Analysis School | Online, 2023 - present

If you are about to graduate or have recently left university, be sure to check out our article packed with career advice for entering the workforce after graduation.

5. How to list courses and certificates on a business analyst CV

Including courses and certificates in your CV adds an extra dimension to your application and show you’re always willing to improve.

Highlight courses and certificates that showcase your certification of competency in business analysis, like data management, product ownership, SQL, Excel, and Scrum management. Include the name of the course, issuer and date of completion or expected date:

Expert BA Award, BA Manager Forum (BAMF), 2023

Examples of certifications:

The IIBA Business Analysis Certifications

ITOnline Learning Business Analysis Certificates

Key takeaways

Let’s take a moment to summarise the key takeaways when it comes to writing a professional business analyst CV.

1. Craft a master CV: Start by creating a master CV detailing your experience, skills, certifications and professional offer. Use this as a base to create job-specific applications.

2. Write a compelling personal profile: Use your personal profile to make a lasting first impression. Highlight career goals, experience level and relevant soft skills.

3. Showcase relevant skills: Focus on ordering your skills into soft, hard and technical. Place them under distinct headings and include brief definitions.

4. Highlight work experience: Arrange your work experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments.

5. Keep it concise: Use bullet points, avoid lengthy paragraphs and maintain a clean format to make your CV easy to read.

Next steps?

Our easy-to-use CV builder offers more than 20 expertly designed templates to create eye-catching CVs and cover letters. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service. Once you’re ready, be sure to learn how to create the perfect cover letter for your application, then further improve your CV by drawing inspiration from other industries. Explore CV examples in engineering or software development to see how other data-driven professionals present their experience.

FAQs

What does a business analyst do?

An analyst is responsible for analysing an organisation's processes, systems, and operations to identify areas for improvement. They gather and analyse data, elicit requirements, and collaborate with stakeholders to facilitate effective decision-making and drive success.

What is a typical UK CV format for a business analyst?

A business analyst CV format in the UK can include reverse chronological order and one or two-column layouts. Common sections for a CV include personal details, personal profile, education, work experience, skills, and any relevant certifications or training. It's important to use a clear and organised layout, an appropriate font, correct headings, and margins. Using a professional template can help guide you choose the best CV format.

How long should a business analyst CV be?

Your CV should ideally be around two pages in length, providing enough detail to showcase your qualifications and experience without overwhelming the reader. Be selective in choosing the most relevant information and use concise language to convey your accomplishments effectively.

What is the average salary of a business analyst in the UK?

The average salary in the UK can vary depending on factors such as experience, industry, and location. However, according to recent reports, the average salary for a job in this sector in the UK ranges from £35,000 to over £100,000 per year in some cases.

What is a business analyst professional summary on a CV?

A professional summary on a CV is a concise paragraph at the beginning of your CV that highlights your key qualifications, skills, and experience. It provides a snapshot of your expertise and acts as a hook to capture the reader's attention and entice them to delve further into your CV.