Learn how to optimize your business analysis resume for an applicant tracking system (ATS) scan with these tips on format, keywords, accomplishments, customization, and proofreading.

To optimize your business analysis resume for an ATS scan: Use relevant keywords from job descriptions. Align job titles with those used in the target job postings. Highlight core business analysis skills prominently. Use a clean and readable format, avoiding excessive formatting. Save your resume in a compatible file format. Include concise and quantifiable job descriptions. Proofread for errors and use professional language. Test your resume with ATS simulation tools.

How do you optimize your business analysis resume for an ATS scan?

If you are looking for a new business analysis job, chances are you will encounter an applicant tracking system (ATS) along the way. An ATS is a software that scans and filters resumes based on keywords, skills, and other criteria. To increase your chances of getting past the ATS and landing an interview, you need to optimize your business analysis resume for an ATS scan. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Use a simple and clear format

An ATS may not be able to read fancy fonts, graphics, tables, or columns in your resume. To avoid any formatting issues, use a simple and clear format that is easy to scan and parse. Use standard fonts, such as Arial or Calibri, and avoid using colors, images, or logos. Use bullet points, headings, and white space to organize your resume and highlight your key points. Also, save your resume as a Word document or a PDF file, as these are the most compatible formats for an ATS.

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Ahmed Alaa

CBAP® | ECBA® | CSPO® | Senior Business Analyst @TAHAKOM | Synechron | Product Owner | Maximo Consultant
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To optimize your business analysis resume for an ATS scan: Use relevant keywords from job descriptions. Align job titles with those used in the target job postings. Highlight core business analysis skills prominently. Use a clean and readable format, avoiding excessive formatting. Save your resume in a compatible file format. Include concise and quantifiable job descriptions. Proofread for errors and use professional language. Test your resume with ATS simulation tools.

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2 Use relevant keywords and phrases

An ATS will look for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description and the requirements of the role. To optimize your resume for an ATS scan, you need to use relevant keywords and phrases that demonstrate your business analysis skills, experience, and achievements. For example, if the job description mentions agile methodology, data analysis, stakeholder management, or user stories, you should include these terms in your resume. However, do not overuse or stuff keywords, as this may look unnatural and spammy. Instead, use keywords naturally and contextually, and vary them with synonyms or related terms.

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Gitangshu Adhikary

Facilitator (Self-employed)
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When applying for business analyst jobs, your resume needs to make it past the applicant tracking system (ATS) before a human recruiter ever sees it. To get your resume through the ATS screening, you need to optimize it for both robots and humans. Follow these tips to format your business analyst resume to get noticed: Use Standard Resume Sections Then work those same terms into your resume. Submit your resume in a standard .doc or .pdf format. With an ATS-friendly resume, you can showcase the business analysis skills that make you the ideal candidate.

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3 Highlight your accomplishments and results

An ATS will also evaluate your resume based on your accomplishments and results, not just your duties and responsibilities. To optimize your resume for an ATS scan, you need to highlight your accomplishments and results as a business analyst, and quantify them with numbers, percentages, or metrics. For example, instead of saying "Conducted business analysis for a software project", you could say "Conducted business analysis for a software project that increased customer satisfaction by 25% and reduced costs by 15%". This way, you can show the value and impact of your work, and how you helped the business achieve its goals.

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4 Tailor your resume to each job

An ATS will compare your resume to the specific job you are applying for, and rank it accordingly. To optimize your resume for an ATS scan, you need to tailor your resume to each job, and customize it according to the job description, the company, and the industry. Do not use a generic or one-size-fits-all resume for every application. Instead, research the company and the role, and identify the most important skills, qualifications, and expectations. Then, adjust your resume to match those criteria, and emphasize your relevant experience and achievements.

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5 Proofread and test your resume

An ATS will not forgive any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors in your resume. To optimize your resume for an ATS scan, you need to proofread and test your resume before submitting it. Check for any typos, inconsistencies, or gaps in your resume, and correct them. Use online tools, such as Grammarly or Hemingway, to help you improve your writing and readability. Also, test your resume with an online ATS simulator, such as Jobscan or Resume Worded, to see how it scores and how you can improve it.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you optimize your business analysis resume for an ATS scan?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use a simple and clear format

2 Use relevant keywords and phrases

3 Highlight your accomplishments and results

4 Tailor your resume to each job

5 Proofread and test your resume

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Analysis

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How do you optimize your business analysis resume for an ATS scan?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use a simple and clear format

2 Use relevant keywords and phrases

3 Highlight your accomplishments and results

4 Tailor your resume to each job

5 Proofread and test your resume

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Analysis

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