You Can’t Control It All in a Business Analyst Job Search - But Here’s the Good News
- Sergey Shimansky
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
In the job search process, there is so little that you can actually control. But there is some good news here.
1 - Just let go.
I know it’s easier said than done. Especially if you’re struggling to find work. I don’t want to sound harsh, so hear me out.
I want you to feel less stressed about things that are outside of your control.
How recruiters look at your resume, even when you did everything right and still didn’t get a response.
How a hiring manager was late to the interview or didn’t pay attention, even though you were sharp, clear, and prepared.
Or when the role was filled by an internal candidate, but nobody told you, and they still interviewed you, wasting your time in the process.
My point is simple. Let go of the things you cannot control. Just let them go. And instead, focus your energy on what comes next.
2 - Focus on what you can control.
Keywords, platforms (Salesforce, SAP, AWS, etc.), industry domains (healthcare, insurance, banking), types of solutions (CMS, e-commerce, DAM, etc.), documentation types (user stories, SRS, API specs).
You think you can’t do it? My friend - you can.
Update your business analyst resume to match the job position. Move as many relevant keywords into your resume as possible. I usually say at least an 80% match with the requirements.
This is fully in your control.
My core principle in teaching and mentoring is simple. Don’t waste time on things that are either out of your control or areas where you’re not really strong. It takes a ton of energy just to get to an acceptable, average level, and it won’t impress anyone.
Instead, identify what you’re good at and make it prominent. Take it from good to better, from better to exceptional. And make it your key differentiation - whether it’s platform experience, industry knowledge, or a specific methodology or niche.
Most BAs don’t fail job interviews.
They never get invited.
Learn how recruiters and hiring managers actually work, step by step: Sourcing → Screening → Interviewing → Offer
Talk soon,
Sergey
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