How-tos of a Business Analyst Cover Letter: The Ultimate 2023 Guide
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Gone are the days when a resume alone was sufficient to bag you business analyst entry level jobs.
With the increasing demand for business analysts, there is an equally ferocious competition among fresh graduates and career switchers to bag these job vacancies.
So how can you stand out from this crowd of average candidates and proclaim your superiority as a well-deserved business analyst aspirant?
Yes, the answer to your question is a business analyst cover letter!
A business analyst cover letter is not just another professional document that you can mindlessly send in with your resume.
To get the best out of your business analyst cover letter, you must be able to highlight all the right skills and prowess that you can bring to the table as a business analyst.
Skip the generic stuff like writing about your interpersonal skills.
The objective of your business analyst cover letter must be to present the crucial skills of a business analyst like competence with development methodologies, SQL, etc.
One definite way to grab the recruiter’s attention in your business analyst cover letter is by using figures, percentages and talking about your proven track record of achievements.
Here is everything else that will be covered in this blog:
- Business analyst cover letter sample
- 6 Best practices to write a business analyst cover letter
- Details to include in a business analyst cover letter
- Checklist for formatting a business analyst cover letter
Business Analyst Cover Letter Sample
Want to see more business analyst cover letter examples along with other job profiles like financial analyst cover letter? Click here.
How to Write a Business Analyst Cover Letter
Cover letters make for a perfect accomplice to go with any type of resume, especially for an entry level business analyst resume because a well-written cover letter can help you make up for the lack of experience as a fresher.
Now, before you start writing your cover letter, there are a few things that you must remember to amplify the effectiveness of your business analyst cover letter.
Following these practices while writing your business analyst cover letter is sure to make your letter remarkable.
Research the Company
If you don’t know enough about the company that you are applying to, your business analyst cover letter is not going to leave a considerable impression on the recruiters.
Picture this, if someone is trying to get on good terms with you, would you consider their gesture sincere if they don’t even know much about you?
No, right? Similarly, if you want to get hired by the company that you are targeting, you must do plenty of research about the company.
To know why the company is a desirable employer, you need to learn about their work culture, products, services, values, and vision.
You can include your reasons for wanting to join their company in your business analyst cover letter, which will also exhibit your familiarity with the company’s work.
Personalize Your Business Analyst Cover Letter
A part of the research that you do about the company must also include the name of the hiring manager.
If you can find the name of the hiring manager, you can address your business analyst cover letter to the said official.
There are two reasons why doing so will make your business analyst cover letter impressionable.
The first reason is, this will immediately grab the recruiter’s attention because the cover letter is personalized.
Secondly, it will show the efforts that you’ve put in to research the company, thereby exhibiting your sincere interest in their establishment.
Practice this:
Dear Mr. Breddy,
I am a self-motivated, 4+ years experienced business analyst with hands-on experience in market research and data analysis for facilitating the overall growth and development of the business. I have been certified by IIBM and possess adept knowledge in agile methodologies that aid the increase in customer satisfaction.
Avoid this:
To whom it may concern,
I have been working as a business analyst for the last 4 years. And I have experience in revenue forecasting and data analysis. In my past role, I was responsible for applying agile methodologies to ensure efficiency and smooth workflow in the company.
Read the Job Description
In your business analyst cover letter, you must showcase your skills and experience in a way that shows the recruiters that you are capable of meeting their requirements.
Therefore, to know what they are looking for in a candidate and what exactly are their requirements, you must read the job description provided by the company in their listing.
Accordingly, pick the keywords from the job listing and include them in your business analyst cover letter.
Having a proper idea about the responsibilities of the position will enable you to portray yourself as the best candidate in your business analyst cover letter.
Quantify your achievements
Giving a vague description of your achievements in your business analyst cover letter will not do you any good.
You need to quantify your accomplishments and include numbers and percentages whenever possible to make them more impactful.
Talk about how these achievements allow you to add more value to their organization but ensure not to turn your business analyst cover letter into a boastful narration that goes on and on.
Present your accomplishments in a subtle yet impactful manner and keep them apt.
A cover letter should never be longer than a page.
End Your Business Analyst Cover Letter with a Strong CTA
After you are done drafting your business analyst cover letter, it is important to wrap it up with a strong call to action.
The whole purpose of writing a cover letter in the first place is to instigate a positive response from the recruiters. A call for an interview, to be specific.
Hence, you must close your business analyst cover letter expressing your desire to discuss your employment opportunity in an interview.
Hiration Pro Tip: Choose the correct tone to wrap up your business analyst cover letter. Avoid sounding too desperate and link back to the company.
Practice this:
I look up to being a part of your company’s broad vision that cares about sustainability as well.
I have enclosed my resume for your reference and would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my potential and qualifications with you in an interview.
Avoid this:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to read my cover letter. Please accept my candidacy for the position of business analyst.
What Should a Cover Letter for Business Analyst Include?
Top Heading
The heading of your business analyst cover letter should consist of:
- Your full name
- A professional email address
- Reachable contact number
- Your current location
- The job title that you are applying for
Personalised Greeting
Address the cover letter with the following information:
- Date
- The name and title of the hiring manager
- The name of the organization
- The address of the organization
- Subject/Re
- Appropriate Salutation such as: “Dear Mr. XYZ” or “Dear Ms. XYZ”
Hiration Pro Tip: Avoid using “Mrs.” or “Miss” when addressing a female hiring manager. Instead, use “Ms.” or a professional title like “Dr.” or “Prof.” if they have one.
Brief Introduction
Begin your business analyst cover letter with an intriguing brief introduction about yourself.
Mention the years of experience that you have and highlight any relevant certification or training that you may possess.
Also, if you have got a referral from someone, state it in this paragraph.
In case you are writing a cover letter for a junior business analyst with no experience, you can start your introduction by talking about your academic accomplishments, volunteer experience, internships, or anything relevant to business analysis.
Achievements and Skills
In this second paragraph, you must talk about how your skills and experiences can add value to the role and organization.
Ensure that your skills fulfill the requirements of the position and your experiences relate to the description provided in the job listing.
Don’t forget to use figures while talking about your achievements.
Reasons for Switching Jobs or Having Career Gaps
Your resume may showcase your skills and experiences too, but what it can’t do is explain your reasons for having gaps in your career or state your reasons behind looking for a new job.
However, in your business analyst cover letter, you can very well explain the same.
Whatever your reasons might be, explain them briefly in this paragraph and make sure to link back to the company at the end.
For instance, you can write:
“I took a break from my career to stay home with my newborn child, who is now in kindergarten. I’m excited to put my focus back on work, especially with your company whose values and culture align with my personal beliefs.”
With that, you can wrap up your cover letter with a strong call to action.
Followed by a simple ending salutation like “Sincerely (your full name)”.
A Balanced Number of Keywords
Although it is important to add keywords throughout your business analyst cover letter, you need to make sure that you don't go overboard with it.
After the ATS scans your cover letter, it is read by the hiring manager.
If your cover letter is nothing but a letter filled with keywords that are forcefully placed, well your cover letter and your application will likely be rejected by the recruiters.
Thus, it is important to place the keywords strategically, without making them seem forced and unnatural.
Checklist for Formatting Your Business Analyst Cover Letter
Suggested Reads:
- How to write a cover letter
- How to address a cover letter
- Simple cover letter templates
- How to start a cover letter
Salient Points from the Blog
- A business analyst cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd of average candidates and get shortlisted
- A business analyst cover letter must highlight all the right skills and prowess that you can bring to the table as a business analyst
- Researching the company, reading the job description, and personalizing your business analyst cover letter are some of the practices you must follow to get the best out of your cover letter
- When talking about your achievements in your business analyst cover letter, use figures and numbers whenever possible
- Your business analyst cover letter must end with a strong call to action
- Use appropriate salutation to address the hiring manager
- If you have got a referral, you must mention it in the first paragraph of your business analyst cover letter
- Your business analyst cover letter must include your reasons for having career gaps or career switch (if any)
- Ensure that your business analyst cover letter is only a page long (300-500 words)
- Whenever possible, always link back to the company in your business analyst cover letter
Need further guidance to write your business analyst cover letter? Visit our career platform with 24x7 chat support or reach us at support@hiration.com. We will be happy to assist you!