Hi Everyone,

I've been a web developer for over 7 years, but want to change my focus and move into a Business Analyst role. I do not have any experience but feel like I can do the job quite well. I have several interviews for a BA position and would like to ask for recommendations. What type of questions should I expect?

Thanks,

Since you do not have any professional experience as a Business Analyst I would suggest that you go in prepared to make your case as to why they should hire you.  If you already have a number of interviews lined up - the hiring manager can already see that your background is development and not analysis.   The information you have in your resume is most likely making the recruiter believe that you have what it takes to become a business analyst.

So - be prepared to go in and don't wait for the interviewer to ask questions but rather explain to them your background and why you would make a great business analyst.  Here are some things to think about:

• emphasize your communication skills (both verbal and written) and provide examples of when you have used these skills,
• if you created technical specifications in the past, make sure you mention it (and maybe even bring examples with you) since many BAs are tasked to write functional specs,
• if as a developer you created/designed screens or web pages (UI design) make sure you mention that,
• also focus on your problem solving  skills and techniques and examples of how you have used them in the past,
• if you are fast learner let them know,
• if you have any exposure to modeling tools/diagrams (i.e. activity diagram, process flows, use case models, etc.) that will also be a good selling point.

In addition - if you are really serious about moving into the business analyst profession, make sure to present to the interviewer your ideas on how you plan to quickly pick up the skills and knowledge required to be a business analyst.  Here are some ideas:

• getting involved in a business analyst community (you've already started that by visiting ModernAnalyst.com),
• plan to take a introductory course/class on business analysis (check out the list of courses under the Resource menu),
• read a couple of good books (e.g. UML for the IT Business Analyst and Software Requirements).

Hope this helps!

- Adrian