As a recruiter looking for candidates for a Business Analyst (BA) or Business Systems Analyst (BSA) role, the key compelling abilities that you should closely evaluate include:

1. Analytical skills: Candidates should be able to assess complex data sets, identify trends, and derive insights to help the organization make informed decisions.

2. Technical proficiency: A strong understanding of relevant software and tools such as SQL, Microsoft Excel, and business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is essential.

3. Communication skills: BAs and BSAs must be able to convey complex ideas effectively, both in writing and verbally, to various stakeholders, including technical and non-technical team members.