Business development analyst jobs are career positions in many major corporations, particularly multinational companies. As global business becomes more competitive and complex, businesses need to minimize costs and maximize their resources. They need to be able to become more competitive and are therefore dependent on analysts who are able to understand their industry, company, and competitors and create models to explain different risks and potential outcomes. You can get a permanent, high-paying job in business development analysis. The constant demand for new markets means this job will always be required. Unlike some other analyst positions which tend to be consulting or contract based, you can expect to have a long-term career, permanently employed, as long as the organization and your relationship with it remain strong.
The Internet is a good place to start in your search for analyst and business development jobs. You will get many results for online job sites that specialize in business development as well as large, general sites. You can search by category and location or you can do an advanced search such as ''business development jobs in NY.'' If you request an email alert to let you know of any new jobs that suit your criteria, you will simply have to check your inbox rather than trawling through the Web site every day.
You will also find companies advertising directly for business development analysts and you can go straight through to their Web sites. Even if the job has been filled, you now know that a particular company hires for this role and you can contact them directly. Large companies may well need more than one analyst in business development and you may get an interview. You will probably also stumble upon the Web sites of recruitment companies who advertise for these jobs in both a permanent and contract capacity.
Your local Yellow Pages will also give you the names and phone numbers of recruitment companies in your area. It is worthwhile calling them to find out if they handle business development analyst jobs and, if so, whether they have any currently. If a consultant suggests you make an appointment for an interview, attend it with a professional resume and portfolio of relevant achievements. You never know, if impressed, he or she might make some phone calls on your behalf to current and past clients. Many of these jobs are never even advertised; it can be as easy as being in the right place at the right time.
Don't forget to read the newspapers for employment ads. A number of employers still advertise their jobs traditionally through the print media, so it is important to keep an eye out for these jobs. Industry journals can also be a good source of professional job ads, as can professional associations. By joining industry and professional associations, you can often have access to jobs that are advertised nowhere else. The membership can also enhance your credibility with potential employers.
Networking is one of the most successful ways professionals fill their next position. Take advantage of the contacts you make in every job you hold. See building relationships with colleagues, management, clients, customers, suppliers, and others as an important component of your career plan. You will find that people will watch out for opportunities for you or perhaps offer them to you themselves. You can also network outside your organization by joining business associations, or community and other organizations. Not only will you add to the richness of your social life and contribute to the lives of others, you will meet a lot of people, some of whom may be the key to new opportunities.
Taking short-term consulting contracts as a business development analyst can also lead to the offer of permanent employment. Corporations which utilize contract staff for short-term projects often offer permanent employment to those they are particularly impressed with. If you like the company and the salary you can accept, and if you don't you can keep consulting until you find the right job. Contract positions can be found through employment agencies and consulting firms as well as directly with the organization itself. They are usually advertised on the same online job sites as permanent positions, or they are simply given to registered contractors with an agency.
It is unfortunately the case that being the best won't necessarily get you the job if you can't sell yourself. You need to have a professional resume that is designed specifically for analyst and business development jobs. You also need to write distinct letters of application for each job which address the specific selection criteria of the advertised position. If these documents are well done, you have an excellent chance of gaining the interview. However, once there you also need to present well, act confidently and professionally, and support your claims with an impressive portfolio of your achievements. Research the organization you want to work for before you attend the interview because you may well be asked about it. Finally, on top of everything else, try to be as relaxed as possible.
If you follow these suggestions and approach your job search in a strategic and organized manner, you will sooner or later be offered just the right position. Remember to take a moment or two to enjoy it before you hit the ground running.
