For critical and analytical thinkers with an interest in corporate strategy, taking on a business analyst role is an attractive career path. Collaborating with financial reporting, IT, and operational teams, the business analyst role blends problem solving, data analysis, financial modelling and stakeholder management.
For those looking to enter into a business analyst role in New Zealand, but do not have previous experience in a similar role, the good news is that there are many pathways into a position and plenty of demand for capable applicants with an appetite to learn.
Of course, candidates with no experience in the area will need to be strategic in how they prepare their application. This blog will equip you with effective strategies to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your potential even if your past roles haven't been titled "business analyst."
Related: What are the duties and responsibilities of a business analyst?
Much of the contemporary finance and accounting function is now driven by data, and business analysts play a critical role in transforming this quantitative information into strategic insight through complex data analysis and reporting.
Reflecting this growing overlap between the IT and Finance functions, business analysts are considered one of New Zealand’s most in-demand permanent and contract roles across both Finance and IT functions, according to the Robert Half Salary Guide.
Whilst demand for business analysts in New Zealand is high, the availability of skilled professionals to fill these jobs is not. The New Zealand Visa Envoy placed business analysts on the long-term skills shortage list.
Ronil Singh, regional director at Robert Half and specialised recruiter says “The multidisciplinary intersection of skills called for in a business analyst role may appear daunting for those who do not have direct experience in the area, but in many ways, it is also what makes this job title so accessible to lateral career movers.
"Particularly in this market where skills are in short supply, those that are able to demonstrate transferable analytical, project management, and stakeholder management capabilities alongside a passion for problem solving and an eagerness to learn will be competitive applicants.”
Recommended: What could you earn as a business analyst in New Zealand? Download the 2024 Robert Half Salary Guide to find out
For those interested in moving into a business analyst role for the first time, it can be challenging to draft a competitive cover letter without relevant work experience. However, success in a role is so much more than your previous job title. This is particularly true where digital transformation is evolving the function of the role in new ways every year, as is the case with business analysis.
Whether entering the market for the first time or moving into a new field, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can demonstrate relevant technical skills, corporate capabilities, and a healthy dose of adaptability and enthusiasm who can keep pace with a changing workforce.
So what soft skills should a business analyst cover letter from a candidate with no experience include?
An understanding of how business operates, informed by strong commercial acumen. A BA should be able to demonstrate their ability to analyse situations through a financial lens and establish the significance of these trends based on broader market factors.
How to demonstrate: Relevant coursework including business, finance, marketing, or economics and/or examples of using data to create positive change.
The ability to embrace and apply change across situations, technologies, and processes to improve efficiencies and effectiveness. A BA should be prepared to work with a number of teams in dynamic, complex environments while incorporating changing information sources into their workflow.
How to demonstrate: Showcase examples of learning-at-pace, for instance incorporating a new software into an existing project, or turning change into opportunity, such as driving a positive outcome in a new team or situation.
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Demonstrating a curiosity for new information and an enthusiasm for development. Sitting at the intersection of IT and finance, the role of a BA will evolve in line with the data sources and technologies they employ.
How to demonstrate: Showcase examples of proactive learning, such as undertaking a new course out of curiosity or researching an emerging trend relevant to the field.
Alongside qualitative insights into your enthusiasm for and ability to thrive in a business analyst role, hiring managers will also be looking for evidence that you are equipped to add value to the team.
Your cover letter should therefore include clear and quantified examples of prior achievements and transferable capabilities relevant to the role. These should include:
The ability to refine and analyse information, drawing out insights and trends that can contribute to strategic decision making.
How to demonstrate: Showcase examples of using data analysis to solve a problem or improve decision making in an academic or commercial setting. This could include undertaking a data gathering exercise yourself, utilising a third-party market report, or even looking at your own budgeting.
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Rising to changes in the complexity, volume, or urgency of work required to execute a task without compromising on quality.
How to demonstrate: Showcase previous examples of taking on a leading role in group setting. Remember, you don’t have to have held the title of ‘Captain’ to demonstrate leadership but you should be able to showcase how you created a positive change.
The ability to convey complex ideas in clear terms for the purpose of informing and influencing diverse audiences towards an action.
How to demonstrate: Showcase examples of written and verbal communications, such as presentations, reports, or client interaction to convey familiarity and comfort with a variety of communication channels.
A strong cover letter is more than words on a page. The difference between a compelling and generic cover letter is often the legwork an applicant has put into contextualising their response based on the company, the market, and their own insight.
Ronil says “For BA applicants looking to carve a point of competitive difference in their cover letter, the ability to showcase depth of understanding is highly effective.
"Seeking out opportunities to network with business analysts or apply your skills in a practical setting can immeasurably strengthen the quality of the examples and insights you give in your cover letter. Likewise, researching the company you are applying to and the business conditions they are operating in can help you to identify a market trend around which you can build your expertise projection.
This same can be said to those who want to build their qualitative or quantitative skills before applying to business analyst roles - knowledge and experience are powerful differentiators.”
Recommended: To understand more about the value of training to your career, explore Robert Half’s career advice
In a rapidly evolving workforce, your first business analyst role will come down to your proactivity, enthusiasm, and ability to communicate clearly. Now that you are equipped with the insights, skills, and actionable tips to write a business analyst cover letter (even with no experience), it’s time to seek out the right business analyst opportunity for you.
Our experienced team of talent specialists are here to help.
What are some good keywords to use in a business analyst cover letter?
The keywords used in a business analyst cover letter should reflect the core skills of the role, for instance experience working with senior decision makers, communication/interpersonal skills, analytical expertise and Excel skills
What are some good opening lines for a business analyst cover letter with no experience?
Your opening line should emphasise transferable skills and a results-oriented approach, while highlighting an ability to learn quickly and relevant academic or practical experience. This could include:
"Eager recent graduate with a strong foundation in business principles, expertise in analysing data and a strong interest in [industry]...."
"Results-oriented individual with excellent analytical skills developed in a financial role, seeking to transfer into a Business Analyst role..."
Should I mention my lack of experience in a business analyst cover letter?
No, you don’t need to dwell on a lack of experience. Instead, focus on transferable skills and eagerness to learn. This could include previous coursework, projects, or internships that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
What if I don't have any business analyst certifications?
While certifications are not mandatory for a business analyst role, you will instead need to have professional skills, relevant achievements, and/or an eagerness to or demonstrated history of learning and development.
