The tri-state area is a competitive space for Business Analysts. Compensation for BAs is 13% higher than the national average. That’s why the skill level and experience expected by companies in the financial, insurance, and professional services industries are on the high end as well. With the bar constantly on the rise, it’s important to gauge which technical skill sets are on hiring managers’ wish lists. In our experience, here are five Business Analyst skills that tri-state area companies ask for when they seek out our IT staffing services.

1.) Advanced SQL Experience

Even though big data has expanded the scope and depth of data analysis, SQL is still the gold standard for structured data in relational databases. Many Business Analyst responsibilities depend upon the ability to write queries, map data, generate reports, and verify the accuracy of information using SQL. Because this language is so common, passing familiarity isn’t enough. Experience with SQL Server is the second most common Business Analyst skill set listed on resumes, so talent in the tri-state area needs to show their expertise is elevated above the pack.

2.) A History with SCRUM or Agile

The business world is evolving at a rapid pace, and companies need to be flexible and responsive enough to anticipate shifts and change with the times. The cycle of shorter project sprints achieved by Agile and SCRUM encourage more internal cooperation and continuous improvements. Because of a Business Analyst’s involvement in the full scope of projects and their focus on enhanced value, it’s important to treat both Agile and SCRUM experience as top BA skills.

3.) Hands-On User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Often, companies see Business Analysts as a source of consistency throughout the entire lifecycle of business solutions. When projects move into the testing phase, it’s valuable to have a BA on the job who has direct experience with user acceptance testing (UAT) and understands the functionality of the larger system. That way, testing goes faster as the Business Analyst confirms systems are built to specification and meet real-life business needs. Plus, companies can be confident that Business Analysts involved in the UAT process can better support any training for their business users.

4.) SharePoint Knowledge

Knowledge of SharePoint fits in well with a Business Analyst’s toolkit. As a means of collaboration, SharePoint is indispensable to the way that today’s digital, often decentralized businesses function. However, if the platform is not customized to effectively automate workflows, harvest data, or encourage data management, businesses will suffer from greater inefficiency. Business Analyst jobs in the tri-state area typically require SharePoint as part of their requirements, so it’s important to highlight those skills in your resume.

5.) Strong Communication and Writing Skills

Data loses its value if decision makers are unable to understand its meaning. Effective Business Analysts are translators, interpreting data in a way that is comprehensible to their target audience. Whether it’s through a presentation to a crowded board room or in a detailed report sent to a department, the takeaways and objectives of your reports need to be outlined in a clear, actionable, and grammatically correct way. 

Do you know a Business Analyst in the tri-state area? Refer them to TriCom and you both could get a $1,000 referral bonus!

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