A career in business systems analysis is ideal for a person with good IT skills who enjoys problem solving. This career requires a college degree in some area related to information technology, as well as previous experience in management, business and marketing. One must also have the appropriate background in mathematics, economics and accounting. In order to be an outstanding business systems analyst, it is highly recommended in addition to get a master's degree.
Business analyst jobs are challenging and can involve interesting travel, but one thing that makes them attractive to many is how well they pay. Starting salaries can be as high as $75,000, depending upon your location and salary growth potential is extremely exciting when considering the field. It is not for the timid, because even with a great degree program, new hires must learn a lot on the job.
Obviously, a career as a business analyst doesn't begin until one is actually hired for a job, which makes application and interview preparation essential. Currently, many companies are conducting preliminary telephone interviews of candidates as a way of weeding out the applicant field before making invitations to the live interview.
It is important to prepare for the telephone interview as much as you would for any other one. Normally, these are done at your home number or via a cellular phone, so taking the calls at your current job should not be an issue. You should indicate work hours in your cover letter and be clear about when you are available. Don't assume you could fit the call into a break because they often last 30 minutes and more.
It's better to use a land-linked phone so that you won't experience connection problems; however, if you use a cell phone, make sure you've got optimum reception before starting your call. Find a room where you can be alone and talk undistracted. If your phone has call waiting, ask if the interviewer will let you call back to disable it. A good rule of thumb is to behave as you would during a face-to-face interview. Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, and similar pursuits are definite no-nos during the call.
It is best to have a pad and pencil to jot down notes and if possible be logged into the company site, or whatever resource that will help. The interviewer will have your resume in front of them and so should you, but most importantly, know what it says. You should practice answers beforehand, to commonly asked questions. These are typically questions about your strengths and weaknesses, your long and short term objectives, why you are the best fit for the position, and specifics about projects and your accomplishments that you have identified either in your resume or earlier discussions.
Keep your answers short, and enunciate your words carefully. When others can only hear your voice, they cannot pick up on your body language, but smile when you're talking to add a positive tone to your speech. Many people believe you should stay focused by standing up during the interview. You may be asked to elaborate on some of your answers, so make certain that you can. One telephone call can make or break your career as a business analyst.
