Business Analyst Cover Letter Samples, Templates, & Tips

Business analysts are responsible for identifying areas for development in business processes and creating strategies which optimize efficiency, and lead to improved outcomes. Business analysts leverage their skills to improve business practices, and are highly sought-after roles. As business analysts can work across many industries and be tasked with a range of problems, having a good business analyst cover letter will help you to emphasize your fit for the role. Cover letters for business analyst roles should respond to the job advertisement whilst showing your unique skills;  knowing what to include can be tricky.

We will go through the steps to writing a business analyst cover letter, for experienced and entry-level roles. We have also provided a business analyst cover letter sample and template to help you with the writing process! 

Depending on the level of the role, your business analyst cover letter should reflect the skills and experience required. If you have experience as a business analyst already, use this sample business analyst cover letter to give you an idea of what to include when writing your own business analyst cover letter.

✉️ Business analyst cover letter sample:

✉️ Sample cover letter for business analyst internship: 

If you are still studying, use this cover letter sample for business analyst internships. Entry level business analyst cover letters should highlight your skills and potential as a business analyst. If you have no relevant experience, discuss your interest in, and desire to learn the role of a business analyst In your business analyst cover letter. 

The steps to writing a business analyst cover letter are similar to cover letters for any other job. However, focus on how your skills or experience as a business analyst can be utilized by the company in your business analyst cover letter. If you are applying as an entry level business analyst with no experience, use a cover letter to highlight how your education and employment experience give you transferable skills.

Follow these steps to write your business analyst cover letter: 

1. Include necessary elements

Just like any other cover letter, you need to include the correct formatting and information for a business analyst cover letter also. Not including the basics in your business analyst cover letter will not be looked at favorably by recruiters, so make sure you include the basics such as:

• Information of the sender and recipient: 

Your business analyst cover letter is a formal letter, so both the sender and recipient's details should be included at the start of the business analyst cover letter. Even if you are sending your business analyst cover letter by email or online, including these details will help recruiters keep track of letters, in case they print them out for interviews. See the business analyst cover letter example or template to check how to do this.

• A clear subject line (for emails):

The subject line of the email is the first thing a recruiter will read before opening your business analyst cover letter. Include your name, the job title (“business analyst”) and “cover letter” or “resume” in the subject line. Being explicit by writing “business analyst cover letter” in the subject is important, as recruiters get many emails per day – you want them to notice your application!

• Greetings: 

Writing a greeting for your business analyst cover letter can be difficult as there is a fine line between professional and informal. Be to the point by opening the business analyst cover letter with “Dear (Name)”, or “Dear Hiring Manager” if you cannot find the recruiter's name. 

• Body paragraphs:

Get straight into selling yourself in your business analyst cover letter by stating your intent to apply for the advertised business analyst position. Reference the job posting and use your business analyst cover letter to “respond” to the advertisement. Include your hard and soft skills, software you know how to use and examples of success you’ve had previously as a business analyst in your cover letter. 

• Closing:

End your business analyst cover letter with a reference to your resume or applications submitted as well. Invite the recruiter to contact you if there are any questions about your business analyst cover letter or resume.

• Sign-offs: 

Use a professional sign-off such as “Regards” or “Sincerely” when ending your business analyst cover letter. Professionally sign off your business analyst cover letter with your full name and appropriate contact details. 

• Your contact information (for emails): 

You can include your phone number in your business analyst cover letter after your signature and in the email itself if you’re applying via email. 

2. Highlight your business analyst skills: 

Your business analyst cover letter is your way of answering the requirements listed in the job description, and not a recount of your resume. Use your business analyst cover letter as an opportunity to share your relevant skills such as: 

• Communication: 

Business analysts will liaise with stakeholders from a range of areas, and present their ideas and findings to many people. Use examples of presentations or reports which you have delivered and explain their outcomes or relevance in your cover letter for business analyst roles.

• IT/Software: 

List relevant and specialized software you are capable of using in your business analyst cover letter by explaining the types of analysis or data visualization you have conducted in the past.

• Business acumen: 

This is the ability to understand business issues and their impact on business outcomes, which you should highlight throughout a cover letter for a business analyst role. Although it seems like a vague term, knowledge of product development, operations, strategy, planning and finance should be mentioned in your business analyst cover letter. 

3. Keep it to the point: 

Don’t re-tell your entire career story in your cover letter for business analyst roles. The recruiter wants to know how you can fill the requirements posted in the job advertisement, and will only be looking for relevant information in a business analyst cover letter. 

4. Proofread it before sending it out:

If you spend hours continuously writing and re-reading your business analyst cover letter, it can be easy to miss small mistakes or wording that sounds strange. Make use of spell check functions on word, and try and get a friend to read over your business analyst cover letter before sending it out.

Now that we’ve gone through the steps for writing cover letters for business analysts, you have the info you need to include. To make things easier, we’ve made a business analyst cover letter template to get you started:

--- Originally written by Bronte McNamara ---