RECRUITMENT GUIDE
How To Hire a Business Analyst
Where to start, how to write the perfect job description (example included), skills assessment questions, and interview tips.
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BUSINESS ANALYST RECRUITMENT GUIDE
What does a Business Analyst do?
A Business Analyst is responsible for analysing an organisation's business processes, procedures, and operations, and identifying areas for improvement.
This typically involves working closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements, conducting research and analysis, and proposing solutions that can help the organisation to achieve its goals.
BUSINESS ANALYST ROLE
Day to day tasks of a Business Analyst
- Gathering and analysing data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement
- Conducting research to help their company stay competitive and make informed decisions
- Creating reports or presentations to make information more accessible to stakeholders
- Facilitating meetings to gather feedback and ensure everyone is on the same page
- Identifying areas for process improvement, such as streamlining operations or improving customer experience
- Working with project teams to ensure project goals and requirements are clearly defined, understood, and tracked.
WHY ARE BUSINESS ANALYSTS NEEDED?
Business Analysts play a critical role in helping organisations adapt to changes in the market, customer needs, and technology. They work closely with many stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aligned on project goals and requirements.
Business Analysts may specialise in areas such as finance, operations, or information technology, depending on the organisation's needs. They use a range of techniques, including data analysis, process mapping, and stakeholder interviews, to gain a thorough understanding of the business and its challenges.
THE HIRING PROCESS
Business Analyst Hiring Process
BUILD THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
To find the best Business Analyst, you need to understand what the role involves. You can complete this with the hiring manager to define the role, its contribution, and the skills needed.
STEP 2: Source Applicants
WRITE THE JOB DESCRIPTION BASED ON SKILLS
Once you understand the requirements for the role, you’ll need to understand the skills for success. You can then write an effective job description to promote your role.
STEP 3: Skills Assessment
SELECT CANDIDATES
See which applicants have the right skills for the role. Send your applicants a skills assessment test (if relevant) to assess their aptitude.
STEP 4: Interview
INTERVIEW TOP PERFORMERS
Your skills assessment results will identify top performers. Focus your time on interviewing those that have met or exceeded your requirements. Assessment results will also help guide which skill areas to focus on in the interview.
STEP 5: Hire
MAKE AN OFFER
Once you assess your candidates against these skills, you’re ready to offer the top performer(s). You should base your offer on the value that the candidate would bring to your team and your business as a whole. It is also important that your compensation and benefits packages are competitive in the industry.
Download the Business Analyst complete hiring guide…
SUPER-CHARGE YOUR TALENT FINDING POWERS!
STEP 1: BUILD THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
What technical skills are needed?
- Proficiency in analytical & research techniques
- Experience with data analysis & visualisation tools
- Understanding of software development tools
What soft skills are needed?
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong problem-solving & critical-thinking skills
- Effective time management skills
STEP 2: WRITE JOB DESCRIPTION BASED ON SKILLS
How to write a Business Analyst job description
Once you’ve determined the skills required for the role, you can write the job description to advertise for your position. Here’s what to include in your Business Analyst job description:
Job Title: What position are you hiring for?
Summary: What makes your company unique? What would it be like to work for you?
Responsibilities: An overview of the role’s day-to-day activities, and how the position contributes to the organisation
Requirements: Skills a candidate must have to perform the job successfully
Benefits: Details of compensation, benefits, and any perks on offer
STEP 3: SELECT CANDIDATES
Sample skill tests for a Business Analyst
QUESTION 1
Communication
Ask your candidates to give examples of how they have communicated complex information to non-technical stakeholders in the past.
QUESTION 2
Data Analysis
Ask candidates to perform a data analysis tasks or to explain how they would approach a specific data analysis problem, and which tools they would use.
QUESTION 3
Project Management
Ask your candidates to give examples of how they have worked with project managers in the past or to explain how they would execute their tasks on a specific project.
STEP 4: INTERVIEW TOP PERFORMERS
How to interview a Business Analyst
Once your skills assessment has surfaced the most qualified people for your open role, you can focus on interviewing these candidates. The interview should focus on any skills that require development that were highlighted in the skills assessment.
Now you know that candidates can do the job, the interview becomes more of a relationship-building exercise where you can get to know the candidate on a more personal level, understand their motivations, and how they would fit in with the team.
STEP 5: MAKE AN OFFER
How much should I expect to pay a Business Analyst?
The average salary for a Business Analyst can vary based on a number of factors… the individual’s level of experience, education, location, and of course the specific requirements of the job they are applying for.
For more insights, click below.
