cv example problem solving skills

Problem solving skills for your CV

Problem solving skills are vital in the workplace.

With problems arising all the time, those who can solve them are extremely valuable to employers.

So, check out our list of 53 problem solving skills for all industries and experience levels, to help you get hired and move up the career ladder.

Problem solving skills

Problem solving skills can be broken down into 5 categories. 1 for each step of the problem-solving process, from finding problems and identifying their causes , to implementing solutions and evaluating their success .

Finding problems

The first step of the problem-solving process is to locate problems that are having a negative effect on your organisation, which is not always easy as it seems.

• Reporting – e.g. “ Responsible for writing and analysing company’s annual review before presenting to shareholders at the end of every fiscal year. ”
• Monitoring – e.g. “Tasked with overseeing department budget and supervising internal audits, reporting on any gaps, inconsistencies or inefficiencies.”
• Research – e.g. “Used REDCAP software to gather data on our consumer base and branch into wider demographics, resulting in an improved understanding of strengths and weaknesses.”
• Forecasting – e.g. “Created an effective statistical model that found gaps in our market, allowing us to identify numerous underperforming areas.”
• Analysis – e.g. “Analysed 300 data points to spot patterns and anomalies in service .”

CV templates 

Identifying causes

Being able to identify the causes of problems within an organisation is an invaluable skill for any employer, because it allows them to start working on solutions. Here are some ways you can demonstrate this skill on your CV :

• Data gathering – e.g . “Gathered data on competitor consumer bases, to build an understanding of our underperforming areas”
• Data analysis – e.g. “Used SEO keyword research tools to analyse website ranking, and pages that could be improved within 6 months.”
• Testing – e.g. “By using software tools to test [company’s] online strategy, I successfully identified areas the company website needed to be improved”
• Monitoring – e.g . “Used software tools to monitor the efficiency of our new social media strategy, working with our communications team to observe customer patterns on all our online platforms.”
• Supervising – e.g. “Oversaw 20+ team members and compared performance against company standards .”
• Research – e.g. “Carried out independent research on our inefficient pricing model, created alternative, profitable pricing model which resulted in a 9% increase in net profit.”
• Forecasting – e.g. “Provided data modelling to ensure that our sales would carry through significant expansion period, continued to make steady profit throughout business expansion.”
• Analysis – e.g. “Carried out external financial audits for over 200 companies in 18 different regions, working with clients in several industries.”
• Reporting – e.g. “ Was responsible for creating weekly inventory and stock reports, notifying supervisory team of any noticeable inconsistences and their causes.”
• Critical Thinking – e.g. “Advised independent law firm on merging accounts with nationwide brand, preventing 12 job losses and contributing to successful merger.”

Generating solutions

Being able to come up with solutions to problems, demonstrates to an employer that you’re logical, creative, and able to think and work independently. Here are some ways you can illustrate this skill on your CV:

• Brain storming – e.g. “Worked with team of diverse creative directors to come up with the company vision and mission statement, along with accompanying advertising.”
• Collaboration – e.g. “ Helped supervisory team adapt their online strategy and target expansive consumer demographic base, resulting in an 11% increase in organic traffic.”
• Presenting – e.g. “Held regular meetings with clients, presenting the company vision and selling our solutions to prospective customers.”
• Strategic Thinking – e.g. “Overhauled our advertising strategy by hiring an independent creative communications team, resulting in a more successful campaign for our clients.”
• Active Listening – e.g. “Implemented online training and work-from-home benefits in order to deal with productivity slump, securing better work-life balance for staff.”
• Creativity – e.g. “Re-designed company website to be more user-friendly, reported a 19% growth in CTP advertising and 11% growth in sales in 12 months.”
• Innovation – e.g. “Headed successful campaign to move all our services online, resulting in an 8% boost in organic sales and a 12% cut in overhead costs.”
• Risk Taking – e.g. “Moved our online store to Shopify software and Instagram advertising, resulting in an 11% increase in organic traffic, 19% increase in advertising clicks, and 3% increase in sales during first quarter.”
• Project Design – e.g. “Worked with team of 3 strategists to successfully re-design our customer service system, moving to a more personalised experience for our clients and resulting in an increase in customer satisfaction of 16%.”
• Persuasion – e.g. “Influenced company decision to pause proposed business expansion into seven new locations, citing market instability and increased online competition.”

Implementing solutions

It’s important to have the necessary skills needed to implement solutions when problem solving: here are some examples of implementation skills and how to describe them on your CV:

• Project management – e.g. “Headed up a team of writers , editors, and designers in creating our successful monthly newsletter, distributed to our 500,000+ mailing list.”
• Planning – e.g. “ Organised our annual business conference from 2013-2017, organising meetings with clients, planning meetings with shareholders, and giving individual presentations.”
• Teamwork – e.g. “Worked in a diverse Communications team of 14 employees, handling press enquiries and requests for comments for high profile London law firm.”
• Leadership – e.g. “Managed a team of 50+ employees in a high-paced, fast-changing customer-facing role, with a high employee retention rate of 97%.”
• Time Management – e.g. “Managed a busy office of 150+ employees while meeting with clients, shareholders, and managing various office admin duties.”
• Responsibility – e.g. “Represented our organisation at [business conference] in 2014, 2015, and 2017, giving presentations on our annual report to shareholders and potential investors.”
• Scheduling – e.g. “Worked to meet tight deadlines for various high-profile advertising campaigns, while also working within the company’s design team to create compelling social media content.”
• Negotiation – e.g. “Influenced [company] decision to U-turn on proposed merger between London and Manchester law firms, resulting in a three-year pause on similar measures.”
• Written Communication Skills – e.g. “Handled all written customer and client enquiries, composed emails to shareholders, clients, and suppliers, helping our customer service satisfaction rating reaching an all-time high of 93%.”
• Technical Skills – e.g. “Trained our full team of 20+ employees in SurferSeo software, WordPress publishing, G-Suite, and Yoast.”

Evaluating success

Being able to evaluate the success or failure of your solutions is key to being an effective problem solver, while also showing any employer that you’re dedicated to producing positive outcomes. Here are some ways that you can list your evaluation skills on your CV:

• Comparison – e.g. “Aided the department store’s buying team to select the best products from our suppliers and manufacturers, integrating two new high street brand ranges into our physical store.”
• Reporting – e.g. “ Conducted data analysis, independent research and phone call interviews to create statistical models about voter behaviour in varying demographic groups.”
• Giving and Receiving Feedback – e.g. “Conducted over 300 employee performance reviews and gave detailed feedback, leading to a boost in productivity and our organisation maintaining high employee retention.”
• Attention to Detail – e.g. “ Used editing software, Yoast, and other platform optimisation tools to ensure that our website was reader-friendly and error-free .”
• Monitoring – e.g. “Used platform research tools and Google analytics to track relevant data about our website traffic, monitoring any changes and using the data to adapt our strategy.”
• Test Development – e.g. “Supervised our production team as we tested and implemented various strategic changes to our customer service process, recording data and reporting back to management throughout the process.”
• Analysis – e.g. “Provided accurate data forecasting for client in the luxury goods sector, helping them branch into online advertising and securing an early monopoly in their niche.”
• Research – e.g. “Created user-friendly customer feedback forms to encourage authentic feedback for our website, resulting in a 32% increase in customer feedback and the implementation of 6 customer suggestions.”
• Verbal Communication – e.g. “Was tasked with representing our company at a nationwide level at [conference name], was personally responsible for an 8% increase in new, organic clients from media exposure from said event.”
• Adaptability – e.g. “Successfully integrated two departments into one communications team, with zero redundancies and 100% employee retention following the merger.”

What are problem solving skills?

Problem solving skills describe a set of skills that can be used in any work environment to identify problems and come up with effective solutions to fix them. Having good problem-solving skills also means being able to evaluate how effective your solutions have been – this means being able to analyse, monitor, and evaluate your work objectively.

You also need to possess a strong set of implementation skills in order to fix problems in a fast-paced work environment. Skills such as project management , planning, time management , and reporting are all cornerstone skills when it comes to solving problems.

Why are problem solving skills important?

Problem solving skills are important in any job for one simple reason: you’re going to encounter plenty of problems and obstacles in almost any line of work. Having good problem solving skills also reflect on your general competencies: being a good problem solver shows that you’re a self-starter, logical, creative and a helpful addition to any team.

Having a strong set of problem solving skills is also great for your career: you’ll be able to apply these skills in a wide range of roles and thrive in any fast-paced work environment. Put simply, being an effective problem-solver will help you advance in your career while contributing to the success of your organisation.

How to add problem solving skills to your CV

You can add your problem solving skills to your CV in two ways: either by adding a few relevant skills to your opening profile when writing your CV , or by adding examples to your work experience . When writing out your work experience, you can use the “responsibilities” section to demonstrate where you used your problem solving skills throughout your career, and the results you achieved for employers.

By placing some of your key problem-solving skills in your profile , you’re more likely to catch the attention of a recruiter searching for the ideal candidate. You can display your main problem solving skills as follows:

Work experience

You can demonstrate your problem solving skills when discussing your former employment by listing your key responsibilities, tasks and achievements. Adding this information will back up the validity of your described skillset with concrete evidence.

What To Avoid

If you want to demonstrate to a potential employer that you possess the skillset they’re looking for, you have to show, not tell. This means giving concrete examples of your skills in action, rather than offering generic statements such as “Good problem solver” or simply “problem solving skills.”

Employers want to know why you’ll be a valuable asset to their business or organisation, and it’s your job to show them why. Simply writing that you are a “problem solver” will not prove the fact to anyone, you need to show them with solid examples of your past work.

Follow the formula in the examples above to efficiently demonstrate your problem solving skills: the more achievements you can offer, the better.

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7 Problem Solving Skills That Aren’t Just Buzzwords (+ Resume Example)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated April 8, 2024 9 min read

Problem-solving skills are something everybody should include on their resume, yet only a few seem to understand what these skills actually are. If you've always felt that the term "problem-solving skills" is rather vague and wanted to know more, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we're going to explain what problem-solving skills really mean. We'll talk about what makes up good problem-solving skills and give you tips on how to get better at them. You'll also find out how to make your problem-solving abilities look more impressive to those who might want to hire you.

Sounds good, right? Curious to learn more? 

In this article we’ll show you:

• What are problem solving skills;
• Why are they important; 
• Specific problem solving skills examples;
• How to develop your problem solving skills;
• And, how to showcase them on your resume.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What are problem solving skills?

Why are problem solving skills important, the best 7 problem solving skills examples, how to develop problem solving skills, problem solving skills resume example, key takeaways: problem solving skills.

First of all, they're more than just a buzzword!

Problem-solving skills are a set of specific abilities that allow you to deal with unexpected situations in the workplace, whether it be job related or team related. 

It's a complex process that involves several “sub skills” or “sub steps,” namely:

• Recognizing and identifying the issue at hand.
• Breaking the problem down into smaller parts and analyzing how they relate to one another. 
• Creating potential solutions to the problem, evaluating them and picking the best one.  
• Applying the chosen solution and assessing its outcome. 
• Learning from the whole process to deal with future problems more effectively. 

As you can see, it's not just about solving problems that are right in front of us, but also about predicting potential issues and being prepared to deal with them before they arise.  

Despite what you may believe, problem-solving skills aren't just for managers . 

Think about it this way: Why do employers hire employees in the first place? To solve problems for them!

And, as we all know, problems don't discriminate. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're just an intern, an entry-level professional, or a seasoned veteran, you'll constantly face some kind of challenges. And the only difference is in how complex they will get.

This is also reflected in the way employers assess suitability of potential job candidates. 

In fact, research shows that the ability to deal with unexpected complications is prioritized by an overwhelming 60% of employers across all industries, making it one of the most compelling skills on your resume.

So, regardless of your job description or your career level, you're always expected to find solutions for problems, either independently or as a part of a team. 

And that's precisely what makes problem-solving skills so invaluable and universal ! 

Wondering how good is your resume?

Find out with our AI Resume Checker! Just upload your resume and see what can be improved.

As we've said before, problem-solving isn't really just one single skill. 

Instead, your ability to handle workplace issues with composure depends on several different “sub-skills”. 

So, which specific skills make an employee desirable even for the most demanding of recruiters? 

In no particular order, you should focus on these 7 skills : 

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Critical thinking 
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Having a growth mindset

Let's have a look at each of them in greater detail!

#1 Analytical skills

Firstly, to truly understand complex problems, you need to break them down into more manageable parts . Then, you observe them closely and ask yourself: “ Which parts work and which don't,” How do these parts contribute to the problem as a whole,” and "What exactly needs to be fixed?” In other words, you gather data , you study it, and compare it - all to pinpoint the cause of the issue as closely as possible.

#2 Research skills

Another priceless tool is your research skills (sometimes relying on just one source of information isn't enough). Besides, to make a truly informed decision , you'll have to dig a little deeper. Being a good researcher means looking for potential solutions to a problem in a wider context. For example: going through team reports, customer feedback, quarterly sales or current market trends.  

#3 Critical thinking

Every employer wants to hire people who can think critically. Yet, the ability to evaluate situations objectively and from different perspectives , is actually pretty hard to come by. But as long as you stay open-minded, inquisitive, and with a healthy dose of skepticism, you'll be able to assess situations based on facts and evidence more successfully. Plus, critical thinking comes in especially handy when you need to examine your own actions and processes. 

 #4 Creativity

Instead of following the old established processes that don't work anymore, you should feel comfortable thinking outside the box. The thing is, problems have a nasty habit of popping up unexpectedly and rapidly. And sometimes, you have to get creative in order to solve them fast. Especially those that have no precedence. But this requires a blend of intuition, industry knowledge, and quick thinking - a truly rare combination. 

#5 Decision-making

The analysis, research, and brainstorming are done. Now, you need to look at the possible solutions, and make the final decision (informed, of course). And not only that, you also have to stand by it ! Because once the train gets moving, there's no room for second guessing. Also, keep in mind that you need to be prepared to take responsibility for all decisions you make. That's no small feat! 

#6 Collaboration

Not every problem you encounter can be solved by yourself alone. And this is especially true when it comes to complex projects. So, being able to actively listen to your colleagues, take their ideas into account, and being respectful of their opinions enables you to solve problems together. Because every individual can offer a unique perspective and skill set. Yes, democracy is hard, but at the end of the day, it's teamwork that makes the corporate world go round. 

#7 Having a growth mindset

Let's be honest, no one wants their work to be riddled with problems. But facing constant challenges and changes is inevitable. And that can be scary! However, when you're able to see these situations as opportunities to grow instead of issues that hold you back, your problem solving skills reach new heights. And the employers know that too!

Now that we've shown you the value problem-solving skills can add to your resume, let's ask the all-important question: “How can I learn them?”

Well…you can't. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. 

Let us explain: Since problem-solving skills fall under the umbrella of soft skills , they can't be taught through formal education, unlike computer skills for example. There's no university course that you can take and graduate as a professional problem solver. 

But, just like other interpersonal skills, they can be nurtured and refined over time through practice and experience. 

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following tips can offer you inspiration on how to improve your problem solving skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset. Remember what we've said before? Your attitude towards obstacles is the first step to unlocking your problem-solving potential. 
• Gain further knowledge in your specialized field. Secondly, it's a good idea to delve a little deeper into your chosen profession. Because the more you read on a subject, the easier it becomes to spot certain patterns and relations.  
• Start with small steps. Don't attack the big questions straight away — you'll only set yourself up for failure. Instead, start with more straightforward tasks and work your way up to more complex problems. 
• Break problems down into more digestible pieces. Complex issues are made up of smaller problems. And those can be further divided into even smaller problems, and so on. Until you're left with only the basics. 
• Don't settle for a single solution. Instead, keep on exploring other possible answers.
• Accept failure as a part of the learning process. Finally, don't let your failures discourage you. After all, you're bound to misstep a couple of times before you find your footing. Just keep on practicing. 

How to improve problem solving skills with online courses

While it’s true that formal education won’t turn you into a master problem solver, you can still hone your skills with courses and certifications offered by online learning platforms :

• Analytical skills. You can sharpen your analytical skills with Data Analytics Basics for Everyone from IBM provided by edX (Free); or Decision Making and Analytical Thinking: Fortune 500 provided by Udemy (＄21,74).
• Creativity. And, to unlock your inner creative mind, you can try Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from the Imperial College London provided by Coursera (Free).
• Critical thinking. Try Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization from Duke University provided by Coursera (Free); or Logical and Critical Thinking offered by The University of Auckland via FutureLearn.  
• Decision-making. Or, you can learn how to become more confident when it's time to make a decision with Decision-Making Strategies and Executive Decision-Making both offered by LinkedIn Learning (1 month free trial).
• Communication skills . Lastly, to improve your collaborative skills, check out Communicating for Influence and Impact online at University of Cambridge. 

The fact that everybody and their grandmothers put “ problem-solving skills ” on their CVs has turned the phrase into a cliche. 

But there's a way to incorporate these skills into your resume without sounding pretentious and empty. Below, we've prepared a mock-up resume that manages to do just that.

FYI, if you like this design, you can use the template to create your very own resume. Just click the red button and fill in your information (or let the AI do it for you).

Problem solving skills on resume example

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why this example works?

• Firstly, the job description itself is neatly organized into bullet points .  
• Instead of simply listing soft skills in a skills section , you can incorporate them into the description of your work experience entry.  
• Also, the language here isn't vague . This resume puts each problem-solving skill into a real-life context by detailing specific situations and obstacles. 
• And, to highlight the impact of each skill on your previous job position, we recommend quantifying your results whenever possible. 
• Finally, starting each bullet point with an action verb (in bold) makes you look more dynamic and proactive.

To sum it all up, problem-solving skills continue gaining popularity among employers and employees alike. And for a good reason!

Because of them, you can overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of your professional life more efficiently and systematically. 

In essence, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to recognize a challenge, identify its root cause, think of possible solutions , and then implement the most effective one. 

Believing that these skills are all the same would be a serious misconception. In reality, this term encompasses a variety of different abilities , including:

In short, understanding, developing, and showcasing these skills, can greatly boost your chances at getting noticed by the hiring managers. So, don't hesitate and start working on your problem-solving skills right now!

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How to List Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume [List Included]

Problem-solving skills are more in-demand than ever. 

Employers love candidates with problem-solving skills because, in 99% of cases, they guarantee you're also logical, creative, clear-headed, and a great decision-maker. 

But claiming you have organizational skills on your resume is not enough. 

To impress recruiters, you've got to prove that you possess them. 

This includes understanding which problem-solving skills you possess and adding them to your resume (the right way), among other things.

This is where this article comes in! We put together everything you need to know about problem-solving skills, including: 

• 8 Essential Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume

How to Add Problem-Solving Skills to Your Resume

• Why Are Problem-Solving Skills Important
• 6 Problem-Solving Steps

Let's dive right in! 

8 Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume

Research shows that problem-solving skills consist of several facets : 

• Identifying and analyzing a problem
• Taking effective actions
• Understanding the effect of the decisions
• Coming up with creative and novel solutions
• Transferring knowledge from one situation to another
• Thinking abstractly about problems

As such, there is no single problem-solving skill. Problem-solving includes a set of skills, all of which are equally important in helping your personal and professional life. 

Below, we’ll cover the eight most important problem-solving skills that you can also list on your resume to impress recruiters: 

#1. Research skills

To properly identify and understand a problem, you need excellent research skills. 

Research skills involve being able to gather information from the right sources, reviewing that information in detail to extract the data you need, analyzing the data according to the context, and being able to apply the data to your situation. 

#2. Analytical skills

Analytical skills are required throughout the entire process of solving a problem. 

In a nutshell, analytical skills refer to being able to analyze a situation in depth and from different perspectives . Specifically, you need analytical skills to achieve all of the following while solving a problem:

• Detect patterns
• Interpret data
• Analyze new information
• Reach conclusions based on several factors

#3. Creativity

Being creative means being able to think outside of the box and look at situations and problems inventively. 

For most people, creativity is mainly associated with creative industries such as arts and crafts, architecture, design, etc. 

In reality, however, creativity is an essential success factor for every job and the data is here to support that. According to this Adobe study , problem-solving (51%) and creativity (47%) have gained the most value in driving salary increases in the last five years. 

When it comes to the process of solving a problem, creativity can help you consider more perspectives, think abstractly about problems, and come up with novel solutions that others haven’t thought of before.

#4. Critical thinking skills

Being able to think critically means that you’re good at rationalizing, understanding the connections between ideas or situations, and logically analyzing any given situation. 

As such, strong critical thinking skills can help you see beyond what’s at face value, make more informed decisions, and anticipate the outcomes of said decisions. 

People who have critical thinking skills share traits such as open-mindedness , cognitive flexibility , skepticism , clarity , and precision . 

#5. Decision-making skills

Before coming up with a single action plan to solve a problem, you’ll need to first brainstorm several possible solutions. 

After that, you need good decision-making skills to choose the best possible solution. Without decision-making skills, you risk prolonging finding a proper solution or aggravating a problem even more. 

#6. Communication skills

With strong communication skills , you’re able to successfully explain the problem to others and propose your solutions. In turn, you can be sure that everyone’s on the same page and that you’re carrying out the action plan accordingly. 

Some communication skills required for problem-solving include: 

• Active listening
• Written and verbal communication
• Giving and receiving feedback

#7. Collaboration

Problem-solving is rarely a process you carry out alone. More often than not, you need to consult relevant stakeholders, give and receive feedback, and work with a team towards a common goal (i.e. solving the problem).

Well, collaboration entails exactly that - working well with others, cooperatively addressing problems, and putting a group’s goal ahead of personal goals. 

Some important collaboration skills that help with problem-solving include: 

• Conflict resolution
• Emotional intelligence 

#8. Attention to Detail 

Have you ever heard of the expression “the devil’s in the details?”

It means that something may seem simple on the surface, but in fact, the details make it complicated and are likely to cause problems.

Well, if you’re someone who shows great attention to detail, you’re not likely to let details keep you from solving a problem effectively. 

Not to mention, being able to spot and understand even the smallest details that make up a problem means you’ll be able to grasp the issue in its entire complexity and come up with even more inventive and workable solutions. 

Now that we covered the most important problem-solving skills, we’ll show you how to add them to your resume so that you can stand out from other candidates. 

Let us walk you through the process, step-by-step: 

#1. Mention Your Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume Summary

The resume summary is a three or four-sentence paragraph positioned at the top of your resume that includes: 

• Your profession and years of experience 
• Your top skills (i.e. hard skills or soft skills)
• One or two noteworthy achievements 

The goal of the resume summary is to catch the hiring manager’s attention, show them you’re a relevant candidate and get them to go through the rest of your resume in detail. 

As such, it’s your first chance to highlight your problem-solving skills effectively. You can either do that by mentioning them among your top skills or by mentioning an achievement that proves you possess a given skill.

In the best-case scenario, you can even do both. 

Here is an example of how you can include problem-solving skills in your resume summary: 

• Behavioral psychologist with 7+ years of experience in the field. Great research, analytical, and communication skills. Over the last eight years, I’ve worked closely with more than 100 patients with different behavioral disorders, helping them improve their personal and professional lives through different treatment methods. 

#2. Add the RIGHT Problem-Solving Skills Under Your Soft Skills

Secondly, you should list your problem-solving skills under your resume’s soft skills section . 

The listing part is pretty easy - simply create a section titled Skills and write down your problem-solving skills.

There is, however, one caveat: 

You don’t want to overkill your skills section by listing every problem-solving skill we covered in this article.

Not only will the hiring manager have trouble believing you possess each and every skill, but there’s also a high chance you don’t even need all those skills to begin with. 

To make your skills section as relevant as possile, do the following: 

• Check the job description. The job description can show you exactly what skills you need for the job. If you’re applying for, say, a software engineering position, you’ll probably be required to have the following problem-solving skills: analytical skills, creativity, attention to detail, and cognitive flexibility. 
• Identify the skills you possess. Think about which skills you can back up with actual experience from your previous jobs. Only list problem-solving skills that you actually possess and that you can prove you possess on your resume. 
• Add those skills under your soft skills. Then, add the problem-solving skills that you have and that are required in the job under your resume’s “Soft Skills” section. 

#3. Prove Your Problem-Solving Skills In Your Work Experience Section

Finally, you should use the work experience section to prove that you’ve got the problem-solving skills you’ve mentioned throughout your resume. 

Anyone can just claim that they’ve got problem-solving skills on their resume - not everyone can back them up with experience.

Here’s what you can do to convey that you possess problem-solving skills and also make your work experience section as impactful as possible: 

• Tailor your work experience to the job. Only add past jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying for now. If you’re applying for, say, a software engineering position, the hiring manager will be interested in your previous jobs in the field, but probably not too interested in the time you worked as a server at a restaurant. 
• Focus on your achievements instead of your responsibilities. More often than not, hiring managers know exactly what your responsibilities consisted of in previous jobs. What they want to know is how you made a positive impact with your achievements. 
• Make your achievements quantifiable. Speaking of achievements, you want to make them as quantifiable as possible. After all “treated ten patients in the course of a year using positive reinforcement” sounds much better than “treated ten patients.”
• Use the Laszlo Bock formula . If you’re having trouble phrasing your achievements, the following formula will probably be of help: “Accomplished X as measured by Y doing X.” 
• Leverage action verbs and keywords. There are hundreds of words and verbs you can use instead of “did,” “accomplished,” etc. The more descriptive you are of your achievements, the more impressive they can sound.

And here’s an example of a project manager describing their problem-solving skills in their work experience section:

• Fixed company communication issues by implementing a new project management solution. 
• Improved team productivity by implementing time-tracking software and doing daily stand-up calls.
• Managed to meet all client deliverable deadlines in 2022.

Why Are Problem-Solving Skills Important?

Are you wondering what exactly is it that makes problem-solving skills so important? 

After all, there are hundreds of soft skills out there that you can master, improve, or learn how to add to your resume. So it’s normal to wonder “why should I focus on problem-solving?” 

Here is why problem-solving skills matter:

• They can improve your employability. Problem-solving skills are among the most important skills to employers across a range of occupations. In short, employers are always looking for proactive thinkers who can address professional challenges.
• They can help you grow in your career more easily. You’ll be more likely to get promoted if you can come up with creative solutions to the different problems that you’ll face throughout your career.
• They can become an essential part of your personal brand . Your current employer, coworkers, and future employers alike will see you as someone creative, reliable, and helpful.
• They are related to a range of other valuable skills. When you prove you’re a problem solver, you’re effectively saying you’re attentive to detail, logical, creative, analytical, curious, and other things employers are looking for in their employees.

10 Jobs That Require Problem-Solving Skills

As we’ve already mentioned, problem-solving skills come in handy for practically every job. 

Whether you’re a teacher who needs to solve a dispute between peers in your class or a customer representative who needs to help a client, knowing how to go about solving issues is definitely an asset. 

That said, some jobs are all about solving problems. In such cases, problem-solving skills are not just a nice addition to have on your resume - they’re crucial to getting hired. 

Here are the top 10 jobs requiring problem-solving skills in 2024: 

• Software engineer
• Air-traffic controller
• Police officer
• Social worker
• Psychologist
• UX designer

35 Action Verbs You Can Use to Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills

The language you use to describe your problem-solving skills matters.  

Sure, you can use “ solved” to describe how you dealt with a problem throughout your entire resume and risk coming off as repetitive and unimaginative. 

Or , you can use any of the following action verbs and keywords and make your problem-solving skills pop out in the eyes of recruiters: 

• Calculate  
• Critically think 
• Draw conclusions
• Experiment 
• Listen/Listen actively 

The Problem-Solving Process in 6 Steps

Problem-solving is a methodical process. It consists of certain steps that you always need to take if you want to find a good solution. 

The more you understand and practice this process, the better you can get at solving problems. 

Below, we cover the six main steps of problem-solving in detail:

#1. Identify the problem 

The first step to solving a problem is identifying exactly what’s causing it. 

After all, if you’re not focusing on the real underlying issue, you might come up with solutions that don’t fit the problem itself. 

Say, for example, that you’re a teacher that’s facing poor class performance. Identifying whether the problem comes from the students’ not studying enough or from your own teaching methods can make a big difference in the solutions you come up with. 

It typically happens that the faster you find the root cause of the problem, the easier it is to find a proper solution. 

#2. Understand the problem

Once you identify the problem, you’ve got to understand it completely. Here are some questions you can ask to make sure you properly understand a problem: 

• What is the scale of the problem? 
• What are its short and long-term effects? 
• Have you faced something like this before?
• Can the problem be solved by dividing it into smaller parts?

The better you understand the problem in its complexity, the more likely you are to come up with effective solutions. 

#3. Research the systems that make up the problem 

In many cases, solving a problem will be a complex undertaking. See, complex problems are often the result of several different underlying systems that you need to understand to find a dynamic solution. 

Let’s take the teacher example from above. 

If a certain student is not doing too well and keeps getting poor grades, you might be tempted to go the easy route and simply chastise them and tell them to study more.

This, in a lot of cases, might simply not work because you’re not addressing the root cause of the problem.

The student might, for example, be burned out , unmotivated by the curriculum, or simply struggling with specific topics.

A problem-solving solution that’s more likely to work would be to talk to the student (or their parents), try to understand the reason for their poor grades, and address the root cause behind the problem itself.

#4. Visualize the problem 

This may not apply to all situations, but it can definitely come in handy for most. 

Drawing a diagram to visualize the situation or your solution to the problem can help you grasp its complexity better - especially if the problem is multi-faceted. Anything from PowerPoint to a piece of white paper can be a good tool to visualize your problem, highlight the problem area, and tackle it more effectively.

#5. Brainstorm solutions 

After you’ve done all the above, it’s time to start thinking about solutions. 

This is another step of the problem-solving process that’s based on collaboration and effective communication. In the brainstorming phase, you should sit with team members or relevant stakeholders and come up with as many creative ideas and solutions as possible. 

This is not where you come up with your most refined, well-thought-out ideas. Instead, it’s where you discuss freely and combine diverse knowledge and analysis of the problem to come up with diverse solutions. 

Brainstorming is an essential part of problem-solving that can help you break out of boring or predictable ideas and thinking patterns. 

#6. Choose the best answer(s)

This is where decision-making skills come in. With a list of different potential solutions, you can narrow down your options to finally choose the best one. 

To reach a solution more easily, take the following into consideration:

• Your company’s/organization’s objectives
• The budget and the timeframe at your disposal
• The success outcomes
• Potential risks linked to the solution 

Finally, discuss your solutions with relevant stakeholders and team members to gather all the possible feedback that can help you make the best possible decision. 

And remember - once you’ve chosen the best possible solution to a problem, your work is far from over. Being a problem solver also includes the following: 

• Develop and implement an action plan
• Monitor the progress of your plan 
• Make necessary adjustments during the process
• Evaluate the outcomes of your solution 

Problem-Solving Skills Resume Example

Want a resume that makes your problem-solving skills pop like the above example? 

Use one of our tried-and-tested resume templates . 

They’re free, modern, and created in collaboration with some of the best HR professionals from around the globe!

Key Takeaways 

And that's a wrap on problem-solving skills. By now, you should know everything there is to know on the topic. 

Before you go, here are the main points we covered in this article: 

• Problem-solving skills are a set of soft skills that help you solve problems effectively. They involve critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity, communication skills, and attention to detail. 
• Problem-solving skills can improve your employability, work performance, and personal brand. 
• Add your problem-solving skills to your resume summary, under the soft skills section, and in your work history section. 
• When you’re creating your work history section, make sure to tailor it to the job, focus on your achievements and make them quantifiable, and use action verbs and keywords from the job description. 
• To get better at solving problems, follow these steps: identify and understand the problem, research the systems that make up the problem, visualize the problem, brainstorm, and choose the best possible solution. 
• Once that’s done, create an action plan and make sure to monitor its progress as you’re implementing it. 

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 7 Best Problem-Solving Skills...

7 Best Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume + Examples

11 min read · Updated on April 17, 2024

If you're a strong problem solver, your resume needs to prove it!

Imagine this scenario: a supplier delivers the wrong piece of equipment, your deadline is tomorrow, and your logistics person is out sick. What would you do if you were the one who had to respond?

All businesses encounter problems at one time or another. That's why companies need high-quality employees on hand who can solve problems like shifting deadlines, equipment failure, and changing client needs. Those problem-solving skills can mean the difference between success and failure. 

That's why today's employers are actively seeking candidates who possess these critical problem-solving skills. 

But what are problem-solving skills? 

How do you identify which ones you might have or which ones a hiring manager might be looking for? 

Most importantly, how can you present problem-solving on your resume to land that interview?

In this post, we'll help you learn to identify, define, and present problem-solving skills in your resume.

What are problem-solving skills?

Put simply, problem-solving skills help you overcome challenges and obstacles. They enable you to identify the core issue, propose solutions, choose the best option, and implement it.

When employers talk about problem-solving skills, they're usually referring to the ability to deal with challenging, complex, or unexpected situations. While they enable someone to assess and solve problems calmly, these skills can also be useful for relationship building and routine decision-making.

Why do companies need employees with problem-solving skills?

All companies experience challenges that can impact their operations and effectiveness. Those businesses will always need people to help them to find solutions to their problems. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook, 86% of employers look for problem-solving skills on student resumes.

Employers like to see good problem-solving skills because it also shows them you have a range of other talents, like logic, creativity, resilience, imagination, and lateral thinking.

Looking for problem-solving skills in a job description

Sometimes, a job description will plainly state the problem-solving skills that the job requires. More often, however, problem-solving is one of those skill sets that don't necessarily appear in the “requirements” section of a job post. Employers simply expect candidates to demonstrate an analytical mind. So, instead, they will describe those desired skills using other phrases.

In those instances, you can look for keywords to identify the skills the employer is seeking. When you find any relevant keywords in the job description, you'll be able to tell what skills you should highlight in the resume you send in.

How to include problem-solving skills on a resume

It should be easy to highlight these skills during an interview, where you can describe a specific problem and paint a picture of how you successfully solved it. But it's also easy to find ways to illustrate your problem-solving on your resume.

Problem-solving skills sound like they're self-explanatory, but they can be difficult to describe without good storytelling. Unlike conceptual skills like abstract thinking and ideation, problem-solving skills are all about developing and implementing an action plan. That's why the best strategy to demonstrate your problem-solving skills is to tell a story: find specific examples of challenging scenarios and explain the plan you implemented and the results you achieved. 

Related post : How to Create an Effective STAR Method Resume (With Examples)

Many resumes will use terms like “critical thinker” or “problem-solver.” Instead, get specific by showing how you've used a skill in a way that has solved a problem at work. 

Give examples of scenarios where those skills lead to a solution

Describe a specific process you employed

List major accomplishments enabled by your solution

Add specific training related to problem-solving skills

Use various keywords to avoid repeating “problem-solving”

Let's look at 4 places on a resume where you can describe your problem-solving skills. 

Where to include problem-solving skills on your resume

The summary.

The summary is a great place to present a core skill that has benefitted you and your employers. If you've been responsible for finding out-of-the-box solutions to unexpected problems or been a team leader known for adjusting to personnel or process challenges, this is the place to introduce those talents.

Solutions-driven sales specialist with 10 years of experience managing sales teams, analyzing markets, expanding market reach, and solving logistics issues. Extensive experience with rolling out new products and reinventing campaigns. Transformed market by 40% despite a period of intense market fluctuation.

In the work experience section

The work experience section is the ideal place to list problem-solving skills that have contributed to proven solutions. When detailing past job roles, you can use details like percentages, dollar amounts, and specific scenarios to show how your ability to analyze issues, find options, and communicate action plans has solved problems. 

Mention a time when you took the initiative to troubleshoot key areas

Explain your habit of collecting new data regularly

Give examples of instances when you assumed a leadership role in process optimization

Look at the following resume example. It shows how this candidate's ability to design solutions, optimize testing processes, and adjust the process to the client helped to optimize process efficiency and save the client money. 

In addition, the candidate highlights his communication skills by showing that he can collaborate with clients to adapt processes to their needs. 

Solar Engineer, Acme Corp, 2010 - 2020

Developed solution designs in collaboration with Software Architects that improved process efficiency by 150% and reduced costs by $300K

Supported testing on 3 large-scale projects to refine solutions and ensure they were fit for purpose and matched the customer's needs, resulting in $1M savings for the client

The skills section

If problem-solving skills are needed for a particular role, the hiring manager will be looking for them in the skills section. The key, however, is to only list skills that specifically relate to the job posting. 

Remember, it's crucial to tailor each resume to a specific job advertisement, including the skills section. This is obviously easier if the job post explicitly lists desired skills. If it doesn't, look for keywords in the bullet points of the requirements part of the job description to find specific problem-solving skills to include in your resume.

Is it a management position looking for a “proven leader?” Communication skills are a must-have talent.

Is it a logistics position that requires experience with scaling? Then, troubleshooting and negotiation skills will be paramount.

There are both soft skills and hard skills that can be defined as problem-solving skills. “Test development” can be trained, but “troubleshooting” improves with experience. When considering which skills you possess, look at both categories.

Data analysis / Process analysis / Project design / Solution design / Test development / Benchmark development / Troubleshooting / Collaboration

A notable achievements section

A notable achievements section isn't always necessary, but some resumes can benefit from including one. If, for example, you're using a functional resume format for a career change resume or you're a senior executive looking to emphasize career highlights, an accomplishments section can really highlight those skills in action. 

If you're using this section to focus on your problem-solving skills, describe accomplishments with demonstrable results.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• Re-designed and upgraded front-end on 20+ sites with jQuery, AJAX, and Handlebars.js
• Oversaw process improvements, which reduced expenses by $225,000 per quarter
• Restructured the supply chain team following vendor flow issues

Related post : Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

7 Important problem-solving skills for your resume

Problem-solving skills can range from detail-oriented diagnostics to team leadership. Here's a list of skills involved in various stages of the problem-solving process. When crafting your resume, look to these examples to see what problem-solving skills you might have.

1. Research

Research skills are an essential component of the problem-solving skill set, enabling you to identify and understand the root cause of an issue. Research involves gathering data and information, consulting with more experienced colleagues, acquiring knowledge online or from external sources, and collating newfound data for dissemination. This skill is about the ability to find and use the right resources, extract the data you need, and brainstorm with the right group of people. This means:

Studying specific cases without generalizing

Aiming at variables that make the desired differences

Reporting findings in understandable terms

2. Analysis

The first step in finding a solution is an effective analysis of the problem.  To solve a problem, you must be able to analyze it from every angle. Your analytical skills will also help you identify and propose solutions that can resolve the problem.

Analytical skills allow you to assess data and processes to find solutions to a company's challenges. These include:

Forecasting

Data analysis

Interpretation of data and metrics

Deductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning 

Diagnostics

3. Critical-thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to process details with a particular flow and draw connections between concepts and facts. In other words, it's “thinking about thinking” – or finding and fixing flaws in the way we think.

The ability to think critically is the foundation of problem solving. Unless you can see the big picture, you won't be able to identify the pros and cons of different action plans. 

Critical thinking includes:

Interpretation

Open-mindedness

4. Decision making

Decision-making is the ability to choose solutions to problems. Simply stated, it's taking the relevant collected data, considering multiple viewpoints, and making an informed choice.

Once the choices are narrowed down, you'll need to pull the trigger – knowing you'll be held accountable for the decision. At times, you may need to make these decisions quickly, even if the wrong decision might make the problem worse. The ability to make proper use of your research and analysis to select the best action plan is a valuable skill. Components of this skill include:

Emotional Intelligence

Organization

5. Creativity

Sometimes, the best solution is only found by thinking outside the box. That demands creativity. 

Creativity is the ability to approach a task or a challenge in a different way. In other words, it's possessing the imagination to generate new ideas and find interesting approaches and unique perspectives. Creativity is often described as

Divergent thinking

Inspirational thinking

Outside-the-box thinking

Experimental thinking

6. Communication

Strong communication skills are vital during all phases of problem solving:

While identifying and analyzing the problem, you'll need to know how to communicate the core issues to others.

When researching the background of the issue, you'll need to know what communication channels are appropriate when seeking guidance.

When brainstorming possible solutions, you will need to know how to guide a team through positive and effective discussions.

Then, once you find a solution, communicating the action plan with clarity and precision is key to avoiding confusion and achieving proper implementation. 

No problem would ever be solved without good communication skills at work. 

Communication skills, however, include a much broader array of abilities beyond just speaking clearly. They also encompass listening in ways that make your colleagues feel heard, body language that puts your audience at ease, and vocal pitch adjustments to make your point land better. Here are a few common communication skills:

Active listening

Giving constructive feedback

Presentation / visual communication

Nonverbal communication

Written communication

Oral communication

Voice modulation

Rapport building 

7. Collaboration

In the business world, most problems are solved by teams of dedicated personnel, working in collaboration with one another. When highlighting this skill, you need to show how you've worked effectively as part of a team to generate and implement solutions.

Collaboration, by definition, means working with one or more individuals to complete a task. In the workplace, collaboration can be brainstorming ideas, delegating tasks to individual strengths, layering pieces of a process, or bringing together the team to understand the bigger picture.

When people work together, they're more effective at problem solving than when attempting to go it alone. Successful collaboration with your coworkers also increases their motivation and engagement at work, making them feel like they're an important part of the team. 

Collaboration includes:

Long-term thinking

Adaptability

Positive debate

Emotional intelligence

The bottom line

In an increasingly complex business environment, the ability to solve problems is more important than ever before. As a result, including these high-value problem-solving skills on your resume can help to ensure that employers recognize your full value proposition as a prospective new hire. That, in turn, can help to separate you from your competition and increase your odds of landing an interview and job offer.

If you want to make sure that the problem-solving skills in your resume are making the right impression on employers, take a few moments to get your free resume review from our team of experts today!

Related reading:

9 Soft Skills Employers Are Looking for in 2022

11 Steps to Writing the Perfect Resume

Standout Skills for a Resume: How to Make your Resume Great  

Related Articles:

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

Higher Order Thinking Explained

How to Describe Organizational Skills When Applying for a Job

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What Are Problem-Solving Skills, and How Do I Put Them on My Resume?

No matter what career you pursue, a problem-solving resume will always be valued by an employer. Companies want to hire people who can think creatively, break down problems into smaller parts, and come up with an effective solution to these problems.

As a result, knowing how to list problem-solving skills on your resume can be beneficial in your career search. It will help set you apart from all the other candidates out there and show off some of your soft skills to an employer. Other than problem-solving, these key skills include critical thinking, communication skills, decision-making skills, and interpersonal skills.

Find your bootcamp match

In this guide, we examine what problem-solving skills are, why they are valued by employers, and how you can list them on your resume. It is important to note that, while strong problem-solving skills will help you find employment in any field, you may also require certain technical skills. For example, if you want to work in the tech industry, free coding bootcamps are an ideal way to quickly learn both problem-solving abilities and technical skills. 

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are the traits that allow you to identify problems and solve them efficiently and effectively. Problem-solving skills fall under the category of soft skills along with communication skills, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and adaptability, to name a few. 

Every day we encounter problems, whether at work or at home. For example, we may have to figure out how to travel to work if our regular commute is closed. Or we may have to identify ways to free up time on our schedule so that we can meet a deadline that we thought was tomorrow. Problem-solving abilities will help you find viable solutions for these challenges.

To be a good problem solver, you need to have a wide range of skills and a strong work ethic. You need to be good at analyzing problems. You also need to be capable of coming up with creative solutions and doing so with business constraints like capital and the limits of team members. Here is a list of a few problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers:

• Communication
• Decision-making

Why Do Employers Value Problem-Solving Skills?

Businesses encounter problems every day. A sales department may be struggling to reach its goals, and wonder how it can catch up. An office supplies delivery may have been missed, which leaves some workers without paper supplies. 

As a result, employers value job seekers who can solve problems. Employers want to hire people who can come up with solutions to the types of problems that are likely to come up in their job. You should be able to understand the nature of a problem, how it affects a business, and work either independently or as part of a team to come up with a solution.

What Are Some Examples of Problem-Solving Skills?

While you could list “able to solve problems” or “problem solver” on your resume, this is not a very accurate description of all the skills that make up the problem-solving process. Any worker that a business will hire should be capable of solving problems—that doesn’t set you apart from the crowd.

A problem-solving resume should be specific when it comes to listing these skills. Furthermore, you should include a wide variety of problem-solving skills examples. Here are some problem-solving examples that you can list on your resume:

#1: Analysis

The first step in solving any problem is to identify the exact issue that you are dealing with. This is crucial because if you don’t correctly identify a problem, it is very difficult to come up with an effective solution.

Once you have identified the problem you want to solve, you need to analyze it. This will involve using your analytical skills to understand why the problem has arisen and to determine what courses of action you can take to solve the problem. Analysis is an excellent example of problem-solving skills.

#2: Evaluation

When you are coming up with solutions to a problem, you may identify a few potential courses of action. This is because most problems don’t have an obvious solution—there are many ways you can address them.

To be a good problem solver, you need to be capable of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of pursuing a particular solution to a problem. For instance, you may need to evaluate whether a solution can be implemented quickly enough to be effective, or whether the business can afford to implement the solution you are considering.

In addition, you should also be able to evaluate the impact of your decisions after they have been made. Have your decisions led to the success that you expected? If a decision did not turn out in the way that you expected, why was that the case?

#3: Communication

Many of the problems that you’ll face in your job will require input from other team members. Suppose you are working on a team project and have a problem to solve. You would need to communicate that problem to all members of your team and work with them to come up with a solution. 

If you are not able to communicate clearly, different members of the team may walk away with a different understanding of the problem. This could lead to confusion down the line, and make it more difficult to implement a solution.

#4: Decision-Making

Planning out how you are going to solve a problem can only take you so far. At some point, you’ll need to decide on how you are going to solve the problem. You should be able to use your evaluation skills to decide which solution to a problem is best. 

You should also be capable of working with others and using their experience to better understand all the solutions you could use to address a particular problem. Then, once you have found a good solution, you should be able to implement it.

#5: Creativity

Some problems that you encounter will require creative solutions. This is because many problems have limitations within which your solutions must fall. For instance, you may be asked to come up with a solution within a budget, or you may be told that the business can only afford to delegate one team member to solve a problem.

Good problem solvers are capable of thinking outside of the box to arrive at the best solution for a problem. This will involve working with others to understand what has been tried before, and exploring new and novel approaches to problems. This methodical approach to problem-solving is ideal if you are a critical thinker. 

How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume

You must know how to list problem-solving skills on your resume. These skills are a valuable addition to any resume. By knowing how to demonstrate problem-solving skills on your resume, you can better articulate the potential value you can add to a team and ace your job interview.

But, before you add problem-solving skills to your resume, you should ask if it is relevant to the position for which you are applying by checking the job description. Jobs such as programmers, accountants, and customer service representatives, for instance, all involve a high degree of problem-solving in their day-to-day duties.

There are two places you can list your problem-solving skills on your resume. First, you can list them in your skills section. This is where you list all your skills, whether they are technical skills or soft skills, in an orderly fashion. For instance, if you are applying for a job as a full stack web developer, you could use the following list of skills on your resume:

Full stack web developer skills: Creative thinking, problem-solving, proficient in HTML , CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails, good at working on teams.

Alternatively, you could list your problem-solving skills in the “experience” section of your resume, where you list your previous roles. While you may not explicitly mention “problem-solving” in this section, you can use some of the keywords we discussed earlier to highlight your experience using this skill.

The following is a good example of how to highlight problem-solving skills on your resume by using the “experience” section of your resume:

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

J&J Fast Food

District Manager

2014 – 2019

• Averaged 30% annual revenue growth in home district.
• Used analysis skills to plan out a sales campaign that helped attract younger customers to our stores.
• Led the design and introduction of a new monthly inventory model for seven stores.

In this example, the candidate has mentioned that they have experience using “analysis” skills. Furthermore, their leading an initiative implies that they have experience implementing solutions to a problem.

Problem-Solving Skills: Resume Examples

Continue reading as we examine some more problem-solving skills examples for your resume. This first problem-solving resume example is for a video editing job. While a job like this requires advanced technical skills, problem-solving skills are just as important. You can use the “skills” section of your resume to showcase both technical and soft skills.

• Advanced knowledge of Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere . Can use advanced editing features and tools for quick decision-making. These programs allow for creative problem-solving.
• Working with clients . Experience and knowledge of video editing terms and practices to communicate clearly with clients in an easy-to-understand manner. 
• Ability to work under pressure . Video editing is a high-pressure job with tight deadlines. Completing past projects has led to a strong ability to work under pressure. 
• Collaboration . Video editing requires collaborating with a variety of industries and employees. Teamwork is key to quickly solving problems and meeting deadlines.

This second problem-solving resume example is for a sales assistant position at a video game store. Sales assistants spend their time interacting with customers, and therefore, must have strong communication skills. The “experience” section of your resume is an ideal place to showcase previous experience you have working with customers.

2015–2017

• Dealt with customers daily. 
• Answered customer queries on the telephone. 
• Listened to and responded to customer complaints.
• Helped customers choose the right products for them.
• Worked as part of a team.
• Recommended products to order based on customer feedback.
• Demonstrated quick and on-the-spot decision-making.
• Key responsibilities such as cashing out at the end of the day and handling customer orders.

Problem-Solving Skills for Cover Letter

Writing a strong cover letter is a great way to impress employers. Knowing how to add problem-solving skills to your cover letter is one of the best ways to do this. No matter what job you are applying for, problem-solving skills will be vital.

Adding problem-solving skills to your cover letter is easy, as you can use skills you have learned from previous work experience, education, or personal development. Most job descriptions will list specific traits and skills required. This will typically include problem-solving skills of some kind.

This next section will look at two examples of cover letters with problem-solving skills to help you land your dream job. As you will see, it is easy to add several problem-solving skills to a cover letter, as these skills are common in everyday use.

Problem-Solving Skills: Cover Letter Examples

This first problem-solving skills cover letter example is for an audio-visual technician role at Revolution Technologies. The job description indicates the need for technical skills and previous experience. It also mentions that the company requires a team player and a dependable employee. In this cover letter, problem-solving skills are showcased using a story from a previous audio technician job. 

During my time at Five-Star Audio Visual, I worked full-time as an audio technician. I was part of a core team of five other employees who I worked closely with to help meet client expectations, analyze potential technical issues, and organize frequent events. 

Being part of a team helped me to grow as a person and improve my technical learning. I worked under experienced audio technicians, event managers, and production managers. As such, my communication and decision-making skills vastly improved. I also found that working under tight deadlines helped me to deal with high-pressure situations. 

The second example is for a senior analyst position at Magellan Health. The job description highlights many problem-solving skills requirements such as critical thinking, analysis, and organizational skills. Furthermore, a senior role like this requires strong leadership skills. In this example, skills learned from a data analytics bootcamp are used.  

I recently completed the data analytics bootcamp program at Ironhack. During my studies, I collaborated with my peers on several projects. We used our analytical skills and critical thinking skills to identify and solve problems. Furthermore, we learned in-demand technical skills such as Git, Python, and SQL. This program was fast-paced and intense, which helped me to work quickly under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.   

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Not only should you know how to include them on your resume, but you must learn how to improve your problem-solving skills. The more problem-solving skills you can learn the better, as they can be applied to suit any job or situation. You should do your best to maintain, practice, and improve problem-solving skills as often as possible.

Learning how to improve problem-solving skills in the workplace will lead to better job opportunities and an increased salary. By listing problem-solving skills on your resume, you may land your dream job. However, to keep this job and advance up the career ladder, it is vital you understand how to improve your problem-solving skills. 

Acquire More Technical knowledge in Your Field

There are plenty of free resources where you can improve technical knowledge in your field. Alternatively, you can earn an additional degree. For example, if you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science , you may wish to improve your tech knowledge by enrolling in a master’s program or certificate program.

Acquiring more technical knowledge will boost and improve your problem-solving skills. Technical skills training, such as coding, for example, is a great way to boost your critical thinking skills. Managerial training is excellent if you want to improve your communication and leadership skills. Higher education programs typically require collaborative work, which is excellent for improving your teamwork skills.

Seek Out Opportunities to Problem Solve

You can seek out opportunities to problem solve in your place of work or everyday life. This can be something as simple as asking those in your household if they need help with anything. You can also speak to friends or colleagues and find out if they have any problems that need solving. 

The more problems you help solve, the better your problem-solving skills will develop. You might also find that you are seeking out problem-solving opportunities that are not part of your own skillset. This is a vital part of self-development and professional development, and will ultimately lead to job opportunities.

Do Practice Problems

You can use practice problems to work on and improve your problem-solving skills. This can be done at any time. For example, if you have a long commute to work, you can use this time to do practice problems. These problems can be based on past experiences where you had to problem-solve or on fictional problems. 

You might find it helps to write the problems and solutions out, but you can also do it in your head. If you find there is a particularly difficult problem at work, you can use this practice to explore a variety of solutions and options. You can also work on practice problems with other people, which will have the added benefit of building teamwork and communication. 

Observe How Others Problem Solve

One of the best ways to learn anything in life is to see how others do it. If you have the benefit of working with a particularly skilled employer, you can take advantage of their problem-solving skills by watching how they work and the methods they use. Students can often learn from their peers or instructors. 

It is important to ask questions too. While simply observing how others solve problems is hugely beneficial, asking questions will help clarify their methods and techniques. You can also observe problem-solving in your everyday life if you pay close attention to your surroundings.

Why Is Problem-Solving Important in the Workplace?

You cannot underestimate the importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace. No matter what job you do, problems will arise. Being able to efficiently solve these problems is vital if you want to climb the job ladder, earn more money, and impress your employers. Furthermore, being able to problem-solve will make you less reliant on others for help which is another reason why problem-solving is important in the workplace. 

• Climb the corporate ladder . Problem-solving is a great way to impress your employee and climb the ladder. If you want to earn a promotion at work, you can use learned and improved problem-solving skills to ace the interview.
• Earn more money . You can use problem-solving skills to help the company you work for make more money. This in turn can lead to a salary increase. 
• Team player. Strong problem-solving skills can make you a better team player. Working well as part of a team is vital in most careers.
• Meet deadlines. Some jobs have very tight and strict deadlines. Strong problem-solving is key to quickly solving solutions to meet deadlines.

Should You Learn How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume?

Yes, you should learn how to list problem-solving skills on your resume because every job requires problem-solving. These skills demonstrate that you are able to tackle the inevitable challenges that will come up in your job effectively. Soft skills, such as problem-solving, are often taught at universities, colleges, and bootcamps. However, you will develop problem-solving skills in all walks of life.

By following the advice in this article, you’ll have no trouble listing your problem-solving skills on your resume. These may just be the skills that help you convince your dream employer to reach out and schedule an interview with you!

How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Resume FAQ

Yes, you need to list problem-solving skills on your resume if you want the best chance of getting the job. For some jobs, problem-solving skills will be vital, and the more of these skills you can include on your resume the better. More technical jobs, like computer programmers, will need to list problem-solving skills on their resume, along with any technical training.

You can learn problem-solving skills anywhere. If you want formal training, most universities will offer soft skills training, which covers problem-solving. You will encounter problem-solving in everyday activities as well in the workplace. 

Some examples of problem-solving skills include critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, creative thinking, and decision-making. These key skills will help you improve your performance in interviews and help you attain future career opportunities. 

Other skills that employers look for include technical skills, project management skills, operational skills, creativity skills, organization skills, deductive reasoning, customer service skills, math skills, and quantitative skills. Highly developed problem-solving skills are essential, but you should read the job posting carefully to ensure you tick any other boxes required.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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20+ Examples of Good Problem Solving Skills for Your CV

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Problem-solving skills are a group of soft and hard skills that allow individuals to effectively identify, work on, and create effective solutions to problems. Efficient problem solvers possess hard research and analytical skills combined with soft thought-process and interpersonal skills.

That’s the problem-solving skills definition. The importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace won’t diminish, but putting them on your CV effectively can be a problem in itself. We’re here to solve it.

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Problem solving skills examples on a CV

Isaac Harrison

07953 904805

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/isaac_harrison

Personal Statement

Conscientious Project Manager with 13+ years of experience delivering on-time and on-budget in the IT industry. Proven track record of solving roadblocks and scope creep to improve profitability of projects by 10%. Documented ability to oversee multiple projects at a time, with an average budget of £3m. Track record of managing a monthly spending budget of £1.2m. 

Work Experience

IT Project Manager

SoftNet, London

January 2015–Present

• Directed teams up to 40 employees: programmers, developers, analysts and testers.
• Proven track record of solving roadblocks and scope creep to improve profitability of projects by 10%.
• Managed 18+ projects at a time, with an average budget of £3m.
• Generated reports on project performance and implemented corrective actions, which improved the efficiency of all projects by an average of 5%.
• Implemented work organisation solutions to allow finalising 70% of projects up to two weeks ahead of schedule.
• Completed projects generating a total of £89m in revenue.

Project Manager

SoLite, London

February 2008–November 2014

• Led the migration of a desktop application with a range of 40k+ users, improving application speed by 20%.
• Increased profits up to 20% by identifying loyal customers and offering them personalized plans.
• Managed teams of 30+ employees during projects with a total value of £70m+.

2.1 B.Sc. Management, 2005–2008

University of London

• Business Strategy Knowledge
• Critical Thinking
• Project Budgeting
• Complex Strategic Planning 
• Adaptability

Certifications

• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) — PMI, August 2015
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) — PMI, May 2012
• Professional in Project Management (PPM) — PMI, June 2011
• French (fluent)

Examples of problem solving skills

Luckily for you, most problem-solving skills are transferable skills which you could have acquired already, and will be able to apply to many occupations. It may be the case that many successful decisions are made on gut instinct, but that’s not going to work on your CV.

You need proven and quantifiable problem-solving abilities to convince hiring managers that you’re the solution to their problems.

Below, you can find the top 9 problem-solving skills examples to put on your CV:

1. Research skills

Without solid research and preparation, you could be focusing on the wrong issue. A consistent research method will ensure that you’re working on the right problem with the maximum knowledge and resources.

2. Analytical skills

Data analysis doesn’t pertain just to IT skills . Analysing qualitative data, and knowing how to spot trends and patterns, is invaluable to the problem-solving process. Identify the cause, and you’ll be able to identify the solution.

3. Critical thinking

The most important example of problem-solving skills is critical thinking. Following a consistent, logical method from identifying the problem, through considering possible solutions, to finding a way to implement them, ties up all the other skills into one. 

4. Collaboration

Most of the time, problems are solved faster by more than one individual. Whether you’re commandeering the whole team to a solution, or just consulting your thought process with a co-worker, teamwork is important in being an efficient problem solver. 

5. Interpersonal skills

Working together on solving the problem, or implementing your solution, can be difficult if you lack the interpersonal skills to get along with your colleagues. The ability to tailor your approach to different personalities and get them all on the same track speeds everything up.

6. Communication skills

Communication skills ensure that once the decision is made, you present your solution in a clear, understandable, and consistent manner. The right tone and presentation can inspire your colleagues to implement the solution—or convince your superiors that it’s the right one. 

7. Creativity

Going off-script can be massively beneficial, like it was for Martin Luther King Jr. with his improvised ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. The ability to think outside the box, or take a calculated risk when it’s needed is rare, and therefore worth its weight in gold.

8. Organisational skills

Organising your problem-solving process, as well as the process of implementation once the solution is agreed, is crucial. There is no use in having the best solution if the implementation process gets muddled and messy. 

9. Reporting

When you make important business decisions, you’ll need to report them and justify them to colleagues and superiors. Presenting the problem, data, thought process and solution clearly is essential if you want to be taken seriously and engage others.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder .

How to demonstrate problem solving skills on your CV

Now that you have some idea of examples of problem-solving skills, it’s time to discuss how to write that CV! The CV structure might differ some between industries, but the main components are generally the same.

1. Start with your CV personal statement

The CV personal statement adorns the top of every CV and solves the problem of a recruiter quickly and absent-mindedly looking at your application. It’s also known as the CV summary and allows the recruiter to instantly see what you’re about in a few quick lines.

Problem solving skills in the CV summary

2. write an experience section full of problem solving skills.

The most important component is definitely the work experience section . Here’s where the bulk of your problem-solving skills should be, since this is where you can write the most. With these CV tips , you’ll get it right every time.

• Scan the job posting for the skills they need, and put most work in on those.
• List all the different skills, and try to write a bullet point for each. You won’t get all of them, some will end up in the bin, but that’s fine.
• Start as many bullet points as possible with action verbs .
• Quantify with numbers, justify with high-impact accomplishment statements .
• Five plus bullet points for the most recent position, three or less for the older ones.

Job description with problem solving skills

• Implemented work organisation solutions to allow us to finalize 70% of projects up to two weeks ahead of schedule.

3. Solve your education section

Write down your degree or highest level of education. If you have more than a couple of years of experience, that’s it.

When writing a student CV , you have to get more value out of your CV education section , and talk about some extracurricular activities or relevant modules that show examples of problem-solving skills.

Problem solving skills in the education section

2.1 B.Sc. Management , 2005–2008

Relevant Modules:   Logic, The Scientific Method  

Extracurricular activities:

Treasurer of the Business Society:   Reviewed the budget and made decisions that led to 25% increased membership, and 17% reduction in costs.

4. Add a skills section

To get some value out of your CV skills section , try the following:

• Either add a short list of additional skills that you haven’t discussed yet, or use this space to reiterate some important points.
• Balance soft skills and hard skills. 
• Two skills with a couple lines of justification could be more memorable than a laundry list of five skills with no explanation.

Problem solving skills in the skills section

• Decision-making:   By applying observation, analysis and problem solving skills, I was able to reduce costs on all projects by an average of 7%.
• Active Listening:  By listening to the team’s feedback and requests, I undertook solving their roadblocks and problems and in effect reduced the staff turnover to zero in my teams, as well as increasing efficiency.

5. Include additional sections

Writing a perfect CV requires an informed approach to additional sections, only listing relevant facts that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. It’s done this way:

• Languages, Certificates and Awards should have their own separate sections.
• Provide details about issuers of certificates or awards.
• Ensure that the CV hobbies and interests section adds to your general problem-solver profile, instead of being generic or uninteresting.

Problem solving skills in the extra sections

What else to remember when including problem solving skills on your cv.

If you want to learn a logical and scientific approach to problem solving, MindTools has a completely free series of 45 articles on approaches, processes and tools for problem solving . It’s the best resource we could find, with 10-15 minute reads per module, allowing you to take it step by step.

Make sure to write a cover letter . That gives you approximately 350 words to elaborate just what problems you have faced, took on, and solved in your previous positions. It’s valuable space that your CV cannot provide.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

If you’re still struggling to demonstrate problem-solving skills, or you just need some advice on how to include problem-solving skills examples in your CV, then let us know in the comments section. We’re here to help.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines . It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

About the author

Since 2005, the LiveCareer Team has been helping job seekers advance their careers. In our in-depth guides, we share insider tips and the most effective CV and cover letter writing techniques so that you can beat recruiters in the hiring game and land your next job fast. Also, make sure to check out our state-of-the-art CV and cover letter builder—professional, intuitive, and fully in line with modern HR standards. Trusted by 10 million users worldwide.

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Problem solving skills

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How to Highlight Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

Understanding problem-solving skills.

• How to incorporate problem-solving skills into your resume with the Teal AI Resume Builder
• Types of problem-solving skills and problem-solving skills resume examples

Good problem-solving skills are useful in virtually any job. 

Whether you're in engineering, healthcare, finance, or any other field, you'll encounter challenges that require coming up with ideas to approach crisis situations. 

This makes it a great skill for your resume—and employers are also more likely to trust you with greater responsibilities if you've proven yourself as a problem solver in the past.

Below, you’ll learn about seven types of problem-solving skills that can help you stand out in the job market, why they’re important, and how to effectively showcase them on your resume.

Problem-solving skills are your ability to address challenges and obstacles effectively.

These skills involve analyzing the situation, identifying potential solutions, and implementing the most effective one. They combine critical thinking, creativity, and practicality, enabling you to tackle issues head-on and develop workable solutions.

Why employers value problem-solving skills

Employers highly value problem-solving skills because they're important for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.

When challenges arise (and they inevitably will), employers rely on people who can approach these situations methodically and creatively. Effective problem solvers help maintain productivity, drive innovation, and contribute to a positive work culture.

7 problem-solving skills for your resume (+ examples)

1. analytical skills.

Before you can solve a problem, you need to know what the problem is.

Your resume analytical skills help you dissect complex issues to identify the underlying causes. This is the first—and perhaps most crucial—step in the problem-solving process. 

Problems often come with data that need to be interpreted. Whether it's sales figures, customer feedback, or technical reports, analytical skills help you make sense of the data, allowing you to better understand the scope of the problem.

Employers value candidates who can critically assess situations, break them down into smaller parts, and identify patterns or causes. When you’re preparing your resume, be sure to mention instances when you've analyzed complex problems, identified root causes, or used data-driven approaches to suggest potential solutions.

Analytical problem-solving skills examples

• Analyzed sales trends over 12 months, identifying key patterns that led to a 15% increase in targeted marketing effectiveness.
• Conducted detailed customer feedback analysis, which influenced product development, resulting in a 20% decrease in customer complaints.

2. Creativity

Traditional methods may not always provide the best solutions to complex or novel problems.

Creative thinking enables you to think outside the box and develop innovative and effective solutions that others might not see. It allows you to quickly adjust your problem-solving approach to suit different kinds of challenges, making you a more versatile and valuable candidate during job applications.

In a fast-paced work environment, the ability to adapt and develop creative solutions is highly valuable. Creative and critical thinking can set you apart from other candidates, making you more memorable to employers.

To demonstrate problem-solving skills on a resume, you can describe challenges where traditional solutions didn't work and your creative approach led to success.

Creative problem-solving skills examples

As an innovative Data Analytics Project Manager, I bring a unique blend of creative problem-solving, advanced data analysis, and Agile methodology. With a history of using creativity to tackle complex challenges, I've significantly improved efficiency and effectiveness in 100% of my positions. Known for thinking outside the box, I've developed novel solutions where traditional methods fall short, as demonstrated by a 40% increase in process efficiency in my most recent role through innovative strategy implementation.

3. Research

Researching skills often indicate a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and information. They also help demonstrate a natural curiosity and a desire to understand the root cause of problems.

Be sure to describe situations where the research experience on your resume directly influenced key decisions or strategies. List certifications, courses, or workshops you've attended that required extensive research.

Research problem-solving skills examples

• Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, leading to the development of a new product line that increased company revenue by 25%.
• Developed a research-based proposal for waste reduction that was implemented company-wide, resulting in a 30% decrease in waste generation.

4. Decision-making

Problem-solving skills often involve generating multiple potential solutions.

Decision-making is the step that allows you to evaluate these options and choose the most effective action plan. It's what moves the process from theoretical to practical, enabling implementation.

But with complex problems, decisions aren't always final. Once a decision is made and implemented, you can collect data on its effectiveness. This feedback loop is important for workplaces that prioritize continuous improvement, making you a valuable candidate during a job search. 

Employers look for candidates who can make informed decisions, especially under pressure or in ambiguous situations. When crafting a resume, be sure to describe leadership roles or situations where your decisions guided team strategies or changed the course of projects.

Decision-making problem-solving skills example

Recipient of the "Project Excellence Award" for consistently making critical decisions under pressure, resulting in 100% on-time delivery of 12 projects.

5. Communication

Miscommunication can derail the entire problem-solving process. Effective communication skills help team members clearly articulate problems, ensuring that everyone understands the issue at hand.

Problem-solving is often a collaborative effort that requires the input and cooperation of multiple team members. Communication fosters a sense of teamwork that’s especially important in remote settings where one-on-one interaction is challenging.

Besides your team members, problem-solving often involves roping in multiple stakeholders, including management, employees, and sometimes even clients or customers. Your communication skills help your resume stand apart by demonstrating your ability to coordinate with all these different people in a timely and effective manner.

Communication problem-solving skills examples

• Negotiated with vendors and third-party providers, securing services at an average of 15% below budget without compromising quality.
• Presented project proposals and post-project reviews to senior management, securing approval for 90% of proposed initiatives.

6. Collaboration

By showcasing collaboration skills on a resume , you present yourself as a candidate who can coordinate with multiple team members with minimal strife or friction. This is very important to smaller teams in tightly-knit workplaces, such as early-stage startups and small businesses.

To properly emphasize your collaboration skills, describe projects where you worked as part of a team in the experience section of your resume. Mention the team's size, diversity (if relevant), and the project's outcome. 

Collaboration problem-solving skills example

As an innovative Software Engineer with expertise in Java and Full-Stack Development, I bring a blend of technical proficiency and strategic problem-solving to every project. My experience includes a pivotal role in a team of 8 engineers, where we collaboratively developed and launched three new software products, resulting in a substantial 25% increase in company revenue. My advanced skills in Java programming and comprehensive full-stack development have enabled me to contribute effectively across all stages of the software development lifecycle. This skill set, combined with a creative and analytical approach to problem-solving, allows me to adapt to evolving project needs and technological landscapes effectively.

7. Planning

Planning helps you set clear objectives for problem-solving.

Knowing what you aim to achieve makes it easier to prepare the action plan needed to reach there. Conceptual skills like planning also allow you to allocate resources like time, workforce, and materials efficiently. 

All of these are prized skills for any leadership or management role. For roles that need self-starters who can work with minimal supervision, planning skills are one of the first things that employers look for in a candidate.

If you want to demonstrate your planning skills in a resume, describe projects or tasks where planning was crucial to success. 

Mention the scope of the project, the tools or methods you used, and the outcome. If you've used tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or other project management software, be sure to include them, too.

Planning tools for problem-solving examples

• Microsoft Project
• Mind Mapping
• SWOT Analysis

How to add problem-solving skills to your resume

When it comes to showcasing your problem-solving skills on your resume, it's all about how you frame your experiences and skills.

Let's break it down.

Use the right tools

You need the right tools before you start writing your resume section by section and adding your problem-solving skills.

The free Teal AI Resume Builder offers one platform to create, write, update, align, and improve your resume.

With Teal, managing your experience and skills becomes organized and straightforward, simplifying your resume writing step by step.

Start with your professional summary

Begin with a strong professional summary that showcases your career achievements.

This section should aggregate your experience and highlight your most significant accomplishments, particularly those demonstrating your problem-solving abilities.

For example, you could mention leading a challenging project to a successful conclusion or innovating a process that significantly improved efficiency along with the metrics and results to underscore the impact of your actions.

These details illustrate your problem-solving skills and provide a concrete measure of your effectiveness in previous roles.

Focus on work experience

In your "Work Experience" section, it's important to focus not just on what you did but how you did it.

When describing each role, emphasize how you used your problem-solving skills to make an impact. This could include resolving complex issues, implementing new systems, or improving existing processes.

Be sure to use action verbs like "analyzed," "resolved," or "implemented" to add energy to your descriptions. Additionally, quantify your achievements wherever possible to provide a clear sense of your impact.

Incorporate a "Skills" section

Your resume "Skills" section should list the tools or methods you've used in problem-solving instead of soft skills like "problem-solving," "communication skills," or "decision-making skills."

Instead, list technical skills like "data analysis," "Trello," and "Google Analytics" to give a clear picture of your abilities and how you apply them to solve problems.

Well, by listing your hard skills, you can help prospective employers understand the exact tools you're proficient in and how you can apply these skills in a practical work environment. By being specific, you demonstrate a tangible and direct connection between your skills and real-world problem-solving.

Add education, projects, volunteer experience, and more

Don't overlook other parts of your resume, like education, projects, or volunteer experience. These additional sections can be a goldmine for showcasing your problem-solving skills.

For example, if you worked on a complex project during an internship, outline how you navigated challenges or introduced innovative solutions. Similarly, in a volunteer role where you tackled a significant issue, describe the steps you took and the outcome you achieved.

These experiences can effectively demonstrate your ability to apply problem-solving skills in diverse settings, offering further evidence of your value as a potential employee.

Pro Tip: The Teal AI Resume Builder offers expert guidance for every resume section, so you don't miss any important details hiring managers and recruiters might be looking for.

Structure your resume to highlight problem-solving skills

To effectively highlight your problem-solving skills:

• Use clear, concise language and maintain a professional tone.
• Start each bullet point of your work experience with a strong action verb to convey the active role you played in solving problems.
• Quantify your achievements to provide context and show the tangible impact of your problem-solving efforts.

By structuring your resume this way, you showcase your problem-solving skills and demonstrate your ability to communicate your value effectively to potential employers.

Tailoring problem-solving skills to job descriptions

While it can be tempting to list every problem-solving skill you have, there's something to keep in mind. The job of your resume is to align your experience with the role you're applying for. And that means using a strategic approach to analyzing job descriptions and customizing your resume.

Analyzing job descriptions for problem-solving skills

Begin by reading the job description. Pay close attention to the language. Are they looking for analytical skills, research, or collaboration? Identifying these keywords is the foundation for tailoring your resume.

If you want to save time and streamline your approach, the Teal AI Resume Builder and Job Application Tracker pull hard skills, soft skills, and other important language from the job description to make this easy!

Customize your resume

Once you clearly understand what a prospective employer is looking for, it's time to list problem-solving skills accordingly.

Highlight specific instances from your professional experience—for example, when you've used critical thinking skills successfully or applied similar problem-solving skills. Include these keywords alongside metrics and impact to provide concert proof of your skills. (If you're not sure which terms or phrases align, try using resume synonyms .)

Once you've finished tailoring, compare your resume to a job description to see how well it aligns using Teal's Match Score tool.

Add problem-solving skills to your resume with Teal

Problem-solving skills are important—they're essential tools that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex situations and find effective solutions. They show employers you're ready to tackle challenges and drive results.

Teal can help you add them to your resume quickly and easily.

With expert guidance that helps you highlight these crucial skills in the right sections using the most optimal keywords, plus a Match Score to ensure your skills align perfectly with specific job requirements—Teal is your partner every step of the way.

Ready to make your resume problem-solving skills shine? Sign up for Teal for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i showcase problem-solving skills on my resume even if my previous job roles were not directly related to problem-solving, how can i quantify my problem-solving skills on a resume to make a stronger impact, should i include problem-solving skills in both the skills section and work experience section of my resume.

Kayte Grady

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No Problem: How To List Problem Solving Skills on a Resume

Problem solving is an in-demand skill recruiters want to see on your resume. Learn how to highlight this soft skill with our detailed guide.

2 years ago   •   4 min read

Problem solving is a key skill in life — and in most workplaces. Like any other soft skill, it belongs on your resume. The only question is, how do you prove it?

Keep scrolling as we explain how to put problem solving on your resume in a way that actually lands. We'll also explain where soft skills like problem solving belong and give examples you can follow. But first, let's take a look at exactly what hiring managers mean when they say "problem solving."

Problem solving skills employers are looking for

If a job ad says that a company is looking for applicants with "strong problem solving skills," what does that actually mean?

Hiring managers want people with skills like:

• Critical thinking
• Brainstorming
• Troubleshooting
• Negotiation
• Conflict resolution
• Organization
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Experimenting
• Observation

That's a lot! So, how do you fit all that on your resume? Here are some tips to get you started.

How to show problem solving skills on a resume

To effectively showcase problem solving skills on your resume, follow these steps:

• Look at the job ad. What kinds of problem solving skills are specifically mentioned? What key responsibilities are likely to involve problem solving?
• Make a list of these skills or responsibilities — this is what you’ll want to address in your resume.
• Think of a time when you’ve demonstrated each problem solving skill or been in a similar situation.
• Format that incident as an accomplishment by starting with a strong action verb.
• Be specific about what you did and what the end result was.
• Check in with a free resume scanner to see how your accomplishments score and what you can improve.

Now let's take a look at where problem solving skills belong on your resume.

Where to include problem solving skills on a resume

The first thing to know is this: Problem solving is a soft skill, which means you should never list it directly in your skills section. Instead, you should:

• Include past examples of problem solving in your work experience bullet points
• List related hard skills in your skills section
• Mention key skills and accomplishments in your resume summary and cover letter
• Use synonyms to avoid repeating "problem solving" over and over

Emphasize real accomplishments

The best place for any soft skill — including problem solving — is in your Work Experience section. Make your bullet points stand out by outlining what the problem was, what action you took, and what the end result was.

Remember: The key is to be specific. For example, instead of:

Solved problems causing long delivery times.

Streamlined the implementation process and reduced the average product delivery time from 10 days to 4 days by redefining responsibilities and improving accountability of employees.

This specifies what the initial problem was, what action you took, and the end result. Use the formula [Action Verb] + [Accomplishment] + [Metric] to keep you on the right track.

List related hard skills

Problem solving is a soft skill, which means you can’t include it outright in your skills section . But what you can do is list hard skills that go hand in hand with problem solving.

For example:

• Data analysis
• Quality assurance
• Engineering
• Programming languages
• Loss prevention
• Accessibility

If you’re unsure what problem solving skills to include in your skills section, use the tool below to search for the job you’re applying to and it’ll give you a list of hard skills relevant to the job.

Include targeted highlights

If you’re applying for a role where you know that problem solving is an essential skill — like most management, data-driven, or customer-facing positions — you can emphasize your ability to solve problems in your resume summary or cover letter .

Do some research to identify the key issues facing the company, like streamlining inefficient business practices or expanding a small customer base, and highlight 2-3 skills or accomplishments related to those areas.

Here's an example:

Find out if your resume shows enough problem solving skills

An important thing to remember when listing problem solving skills on your resume is, just like other soft skills, you need to show how you’ve used problem solving skills in the past. An easy way to check if you’ve shown hiring managers your problem solving skills, is to upload your resume to the tool below — it’ll tell you if your resume has shown problem solving skills the right way, as well as other soft skills like leadership and communication skills.

Synonyms for problem solving on a resume

Trying to avoid repetition? If you’re searching for another word for problem solving to use on a resume, these action verbs have you covered:

• Transformed
• Revitalized
• Streamlined

For even more suggestions, check out our list of resume action verbs for 2024 .

Resume examples of problem solving skills

Looking for more ways to say that you’re a problem solver on a resume? Try these sample bullet points.

Proposed a plan to reduce shrink, which increased work efficiency and customer services by over 75%.

The first step in solving a problem is identifying it. Companies want to hire people who are proactive, not reactive, which means it's worth including an example of a time you first identified a problem and then took steps to solve it.

Developed a contingency plan during tough economic conditions to save $540K per year.

What's better than solving a problem? Preventing it from becoming a problem in the first place!

Reduced double-booking and error rates by 45%, resulting in a $10,800 increase in yearly sales by developing a scheduling system to coordinate advertising space availability with Sales, Designers, and the Editorial team.

The more specific you can get with your bullet points, the better. Remember, the main point of your resume isn't just to show a recruiter what you've done for other companies — it's to help them imagine what you might do for their company.

Executed self-insured health plan including wellness benefits which saved the business in excess of $70K or 20% and influenced over 200 staff members to become healthier.

What hiring managers want to see is results. Any time you can identify a specific positive outcome in your bullet points, you take one step closer to getting hired.

Responded to and managed 50+ inbound requests from members daily.

Struggling to quantify your achievements? It's okay if you don't have access to specific metrics — you can still include numbers for things like how many projects you worked on or how quickly you completed tasks.

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How Should you Show That you Have Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume?

Here are the top ways to show your Problem Solving Skills skills on your resume. Find out relevant Problem Solving Skills keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

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In This Guide:

What are problem-solving skills, why are problem-solving skills important on your resume, what skills, activities, and accomplishments help you highlight your problem-solving skills, problem-solving skills: key takeaways for your resume.

Imagine this typical situation: there has been a mistake in the contract sent to a client. But what about if your biggest industry competitor surprisingly decreases prices or your Chief Financial Officer quits? What would you do if you had the responsibility to respond?

Problem-solving skills express themselves in the ability to define problems, come up with alternatives, assess which is the best course of action and act on it.

Therefore, problem-solvers are the people who can objectively and calmly respond to issues once they arrive or forecast them in advance while coming up with a set of actions for the timely resolution of the identified problems.

Problems of all sizes arise both inside and outside the workplace. Every day. That is why it is so essential for employers to have employees whom they can trust to handle such situations independently.

Depending on the position and the industry, businesses need talent that can cope with both day-to-day operational challenges and with more long-term strategic issues.

Problem-solving is one of these sets of skills that do not necessarily appear in the “Requirements” section in a job offer. The reason is that employers simply expect candidates to show in some form that they possess analytical minds and a go-to attitude.

Yes, it is much easier to demonstrate your problem-solving skills during an interview when you can talk in detail to paint a picture of a specific situation and your response to a given problem.

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t communicate your abilities to use your sense of initiative to improve problematic situations. Wonder how exactly? Take a look at the following list of skills and abilities.

Unlike conceptual skills, which are about abstract thinking and ideation, problem-solving skills are to be a big part connected to being proactive when it comes to the implementation of your ideas.

Even though problem-solving skills sound pretty self-explanatory in themselves, they are not so easy to communicate. Such abilities are highly situational and can only be relayed when referring to specific tasks and actions you have undertaken to achieve desirable results.

• Communication & Observation skills: to come up with the most effective and efficient solution to an issue, you need to first identify the root cause. Since root causes are rarely obvious, problem-solvers search for them through conversations and careful observations.
• Analytical skills & Decision-making: after the problem definition stage, it is time for action. Therefore, you need to put your analytical skills in use to develop solutions and make a timely decision to speed up the problem-solving process.
• Teamwork and technical skills: having hands-on technical knowledge is necessary so that you know what opportunities lie ahead of you. In addition, even though working in a team is essential for developing the best solution, you need to be prepared to execute it independently.

How to demonstrate problem-solving skills on your resume

• Mention a time when you have taken the initiative to troubleshoot overlooked areas.
• Explain that you like to collect new information and gather data on a daily basis.
• Give examples of times when you have assumed the responsibility to improve processes in the company or your team.
• Illustrate that you are a team player and explain what is your role in a team.

Just keep in mind that you should aim to balance your ability to work independently and work in a team.

Even though in the modern business world, companies face very complex problems which require collective action, you would be expected to use your own capacity to solve some day-to-day issues.

Below you can get some inspiration from Enhancv users who have found a nice way to show that they can be real problem-solvers when issues arise in the workplace.

Example 1: Demonstrate problem-solving skills in the experience section

Job situation: Junior Business Analyst applies for the position of a Junior Project Manager

• • Conducted extensive research on a daily basis to identify potential gaps and issues that would affect the market position of our clients.
• • Used data to identify how my team can make better decisions and improve its analysis strategy.
• • Initiated ‘weekly team lead meetings’ where departments reported arising issues with the Senior Management to prevent issues from becoming major problems.
• • Overcome challenges connected to client complaints and working with a limited client budget.

The examples that this Junior Business Analyst has handpicked demonstrate that he is proactively looking for potential areas and processes that can be further improved and optimized.

What’s more, besides an analytical mindset, the candidate highlights his communication and team skills by showing that he is open to approaching superiors when necessary.

Problem-solving abilities are expressed in a third manner with the example of resolving issues connected to clients' complaints. With this, the candidate communicates that he can be relied on for solving both internal and external issues.

Example 2: Demonstrate innovation skills in the resume summary section

Job situation: Project Manager applies for the position of Senior Account Manager

What is a better way to resolve problems, that actually prevent them from arising in the first place?

In this resume, the candidate shows that he counts on open communication both with his team and clients to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Example 3: Show your problem-solving skills in your achievements sections

Job situation - PR Manager applies for the position of Head of Communications

This set of achievements creates a consistent narrative of an employee who is actively seeking answers and solutions to the everyday challenges in the workplace.

By focusing on both processes and results, the candidate demonstrates that he gives the same importance to achieving great outcomes and following a logical problem-solving path.

Example 4: Demonstrate the skill through other sections of your resume

Besides giving examples from the workplace, your resume may also include references from times when you have tried to build your own initiative, startup, or a side project.

This gives the loudest example that you act upon your ideas for solutions to an identified problem.

Also, don’t be hesitant to mention an occasion when you failed to get the best results or outcomes.

For example, talking about your failure to become President of your college club demonstrates that you are aware of your own mistakes and take credit for both good and bad outcomes.

• Balance your soft and technical skills: in order to be able to solve problems independently, you need to have an analytical mindset and creative thinking, but also some operational capabilities necessary for the execution of your solution.
• Don’t underestimate teamwork: even though self-sufficiency is a good thing to have, working as a part of a team leads to far better results. That is why focusing on your communication and listening skills is so essential for effective problem-solving.

About this report:

Data reflects analysis made on over 1M resume profiles and examples over the last 2 years from Enhancv.com.

While those skills are most commonly met on resumes, you should only use them as inspiration and customize your resume for the given job.

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Best Problem-Solving Skills for a Resume. How to List Them

When it comes to landing your dream job, problem-solving skills are highly valued by employers across a variety of industries. These skills demonstrate your ability to think critically, analyze situations, and develop effective solutions to complex problems. Including your problem-solving skills on your resume can help you stand out to potential employers and showcase your ability to handle challenges in the workplace.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best problem-solving skills to include on your resume and provide tips on how to list them effectively to increase your chances of landing your desired job.

Table of Contents

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills refer to the ability to analyze situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions to complex issues. It involves critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to make informed decisions based on available information.

Effective problem-solving skills are essential for success in any career. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers , problem-solving skills are ranked among the top three most important skills that employers look for in job candidates.

Furthermore, a study by the World Economic Forum found that problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are projected to be the top three skills required for the workforce by 2025.

Source: World Economic Forum

Top 10 Problem Solving Skills for Your Resume + Examples

Here are the top 10 problem-solving skills to include on a resume:

2. Critical thinking

The ability to objectively analyze information to make informed decisions and solve complex problems.

“Applied critical thinking skills to analyze complex business problems and develop effective solutions.”

“Evaluated financial data to identify inefficiencies and developed cost-saving measures that reduced expenses by 15%.”

“Conducted in-depth research to identify market trends and forecasted future demand for products, resulting in a 10% increase in sales revenue.”

“Developed and implemented risk management strategies to minimize potential losses and ensure business continuity.”

“Used critical thinking skills to develop innovative ideas and streamline processes, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.”

3. Creativity

The ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to problems.

“Developed creative solutions to complex business problems by thinking outside the box and leveraging my creative problem-solving skills.”

“Designed and implemented a new product packaging concept that led to a 25% increase in sales within the first six months.”

“Developed and executed a social media marketing campaign that went viral and resulted in a 50% increase in brand awareness.”

“Developed an innovative employee incentive program that resulted in a 30% reduction in employee turnover rates.”

“Continuously generated new ideas and innovative solutions to streamline processes and improve efficiency across multiple departments.”

4. Decision-making

The ability to make informed decisions based on available information and data.

“Exercised strong decision-making skills to evaluate complex information and make informed decisions.”

“Analyzed data from multiple sources to identify trends, opportunities and potential risks.”

“Developed and implemented effective risk management strategies to minimize potential losses and ensure business continuity.”

“Successfully negotiated contracts with vendors to achieve cost savings of 20%.”

“Made strategic decisions that resulted in a 15% increase in sales revenue within the first year of employment.”

“Continuously evaluated the effectiveness of decisions and made necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.”

5. Strategic thinking and ideation

The ability to think long-term and develop plans to achieve goals and overcome challenges.

“Applied strong strategic thinking skills to develop and implement long-term business plans that aligned with organizational goals.”

“Analyzed market trends and customer behavior to identify new opportunities and create competitive advantages.”

“Developed and executed a product development strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in market share within the first year.”

“Led cross-functional teams to implement new processes and systems that improved efficiency and reduced costs by 25%.”

“Continuously evaluated the competitive landscape and adjusted strategies to stay ahead of industry trends.”

6. Problem identification

The ability to identify potential problems before they arise and take preventive measures to address them.

“Used strong problem identification skills to identify and diagnose complex business issues.”

“Conducted root cause analysis to identify underlying problems and develop effective solutions.”

“Developed and implemented a new quality control system that reduced product defects by 20%.”

“Conducted internal audits to identify process inefficiencies and implemented process improvements that resulted in a 30% reduction in lead time.”

“Continuously monitored business operations to identify potential issues and proactively developed contingency plans to mitigate risks.”

7. Adaptability

The ability to quickly adjust and change course when faced with unexpected challenges.

“Applied strong adaptability skills to thrive in fast-paced and dynamic work environments.”

“Demonstrated the ability to quickly learn new processes and procedures and adapt to changing priorities.”

“Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting project plans as needed to meet changing requirements.”

“Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products and services that met evolving customer needs.”

“Successfully navigated a company-wide restructuring by taking on new responsibilities and adapting to a new organizational structure.”

“Proactively sought out feedback from managers and colleagues to continuously improve performance and adapt to changing expectations.”

8. Communication

The ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, stakeholders and customers to understand their needs and develop solutions.

“Used strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and solve complex problems.”

“Facilitated open and transparent communication among team members to ensure everyone was aligned and working towards a common goal.”

“Successfully led cross-functional projects by effectively communicating project plans, goals, and timelines to all stakeholders.”

“Developed and delivered engaging presentations to communicate complex data and project results to senior leadership.”

“Collaborated with customers to understand their needs and effectively communicated those needs to the product development team, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.”

9. Collaboration

The ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

“Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals and solve complex problems.”

“Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with team members and stakeholders.”

“Proactively identified and resolved conflicts to ensure smooth collaboration and successful project outcomes.”

“Actively participated in team meetings and contributed to brainstorming and ideation sessions to generate creative solutions.”

“Successfully led cross-functional teams by delegating tasks and responsibilities and ensuring alignment among team members.”

“Developed and implemented new team-building activities that increased team morale and improved collaboration.”

10. Time management

The ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines and work efficiently to achieve objectives.

“Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting project deadlines and ensuring high-quality deliverables.”

“Developed and implemented effective time management strategies, including prioritization and task delegation, to increase productivity and efficiency.”

“Proactively identified potential roadblocks and adjusted project plans as needed to stay on track.”

“Utilized project management software to track progress and communicate project status to stakeholders.”

“Successfully managed a team of interns, delegating tasks and providing guidance to ensure timely and accurate completion of projects.”

“Received recognition from management for consistently delivering projects ahead of schedule and under budget.”

Including these problem-solving skills on your resume can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a strategic thinker, a creative problem solver, and a valuable asset to any team.

Jobs That Require Problem-Solving Skills

There are many jobs that require problem-solving skills. Here are some examples:

Engineers: Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and testing products, systems, and structures. They often encounter complex problems that require creative problem-solving skills to solve.

IT professionals: IT professionals are responsible for managing and troubleshooting computer systems and networks. They must be able to identify and solve technical issues quickly and effectively.

Healthcare professionals: Healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat patients.

Lawyers: Lawyers must analyze complex legal issues and develop creative solutions to help their clients achieve their goals.

Business professionals: Business professionals, such as managers and executives, must be able to analyze data, identify problems, and develop strategies to solve them.

Educators: Educators must be able to identify and address the individual needs of their students and develop creative solutions to help them succeed.

Scientists: Scientists must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to design experiments, analyze data, and develop new theories and technologies.

Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs must be able to identify opportunities and solve problems in order to start and grow successful businesses.

Overall, problem-solving skills are essential in a wide range of professions and industries, and are highly valued by employers.

Problem-Solving Skills Resume Example

Here is an example of a resume that demonstrates your ability to resolve difficult situations.

Name: John Doe Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe Summary: Highly analytical and creative problem-solver with a strong track record of developing and implementing effective solutions. Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams and adapting to changing environments. Skills: – Problem identification and analysis – Creative thinking and innovation – Strategic planning and execution – Collaboration and teamwork – Strong communication skills – Time management and prioritization Experience : ABC Company Position: Project Manager Duration: Jan 2019 – Present Responsibilities: – Led cross-functional teams in the development and execution of strategic initiatives – Identified and analyzed potential project risks, and developed contingency plans to mitigate them – Streamlined project management processes, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency – Developed innovative solutions to complex problems, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction – Collaborated with stakeholders to develop and implement new product features, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue XYZ Company Position: Business Analyst Duration: Mar 2016 – Dec 2018 Responsibilities: – Conducted data analysis and identified opportunities for process improvement – Developed and executed action plans to address identified issues, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity – Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new product features, resulting in a 10% increase in customer retention – Analyzed customer feedback and developed strategies to improve customer experience, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, XYZ University, Graduated in May 2016 Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) Six Sigma Green Belt

How Can I Improve My Problem Solving Skills?

To improve your problem-solving skills, start by breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. Practice analyzing and identifying the root cause of a problem, brainstorming multiple potential solutions, and evaluating the pros and cons of each option.

Additionally, seek out opportunities to work on collaborative problem-solving projects and seek feedback from others on your approach to dealing with issues. Continuously challenging yourself to solve new problems and refining your problem-solving process can help you improve your skills over time.

Should I Include Hard Skills or Soft Skills as Problem-Solving Skills?

Both hard and soft skills are important for problem-solving . Hard skills such as data analysis and computer programming are critical for identifying and analyzing problems, while soft skills such as communication and collaboration are important for developing and implementing solutions. It’s best to include a mix of both hard and soft skills as problem-solving skills on your resume, to demonstrate your ability to approach problems from different angles and work effectively with others to achieve positive results.

Why Do Employers Value Problem-Solving Skills?

Employers value problem-solving skills because they are critical for driving business success. Individuals who possess strong problem-solving skills can identify and analyze problems, develop and implement effective solutions, and collaborate with others to achieve positive results.

These skills can lead to increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and a better overall business performance.

Additionally, problem-solving skills are essential for innovation and growth, allowing companies to adapt to changes in the market and stay ahead of the competition. Employers look for candidates with strong problem-solving skills because they want employees who can contribute to the company’s success and help drive future growth.

What Other Skills Do Employers Look for?

In addition to problem-solving skills, employers also value a range of other skills including communication, teamwork, adaptability, leadership, time management, and technical expertise in specific fields. These skills can help employees work effectively with others, manage projects and resources efficiently, and stay up to date with industry trends and best practices. By highlighting a combination of problem-solving and other key skills on your resume, you can demonstrate your ability to contribute to a company’s success and add value in the workplace.

Build a strong skill base for your resume: Resume Skills – Complete Career Hub 2023

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• Career Blog

Problem Solving Skills: Best Examples & Advice for 2024

Problem-solving skills are a set of attributes that allow individuals to assess, analyze, and resolve complex situations and challenges that they may encounter in life. It involves the ability to think critically and creatively, identify various options and alternatives, and select the most effective solution to a particular problem.

The constant need for problem-solving skills, both in personal and professional aspects of an individual’s life, highlights the importance of having this skill set. In this article, we will explore the significance of problem-solving skills in personal and professional life and provide some of the best examples and advice to help develop this crucial skill.

Importance of problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are essential in daily life, from figuring out how to fix a broken appliance or to resolve a conflict with a friend. The same applies to the professional world, as individuals are continually faced with workplace challenges that require immediate and practical solutions.

Employers prioritize problem-solving skills when hiring new employees. This is because companies need people who can think critically and creatively in high-stress situations, who can identify opportunities, innovate and implement new ideas, and adapt to changes accordingly. An employee with excellent problem-solving skills adds value to an organization since they can resolve conflicts, contribute to decision-making, and develop effective strategies that enhance productivity levels.

Personal life heavily benefits from problem-solving skills, as individuals who can navigate through difficult situations can maintain healthy relationships, relieve stress, and handle their affairs confidently. Learning how to manage difficulties in personal life translates to how an individual can manage their professional life, helping them to thrive in the workplace.

Definition of problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills involve various attributes, including analytical and critical thinking, decision-making, creativity, and resourcefulness. The ability to think outside the box, coupled with sound judgment, helps individuals weigh various options and identify the most effective solution.

Creativity is also a critical aspect of problem-solving since individuals need to think of alternative solutions to try in challenging situations. Finally, resourcefulness helps individuals overcome unforeseen challenges when there are no obvious solutions.

Types of Problems

Problem-solving is not just about finding a solution. It also involves identifying the type of problem you are facing. By doing so, you can determine the best approach to solve the problem.

Categorization of Problems

Problems can be classified in different ways. Here are some common types of problems:

• Simple problems  are straightforward and have a clear solution. For example, fixing a flat tire on your bike.
• Complicated problems  are more complex and require more effort to solve. These problems typically have multiple steps and may require specialized knowledge. For example, fixing a broken computer.
• Complex problems  are the most challenging type of problem. These problems are often dynamic, with changing variables and uncertain outcomes. They require creative thinking and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. For example, finding a cure for a new virus.

Different Approaches to Solving Complex Problems

Complex problems require a different approach to solve. Here are some approaches that can be used to tackle complex problems:

• Collaborative problem-solving.  This approach involves bringing together a diverse group of people with different perspectives and expertise to work on the problem. This can generate fresh ideas and solutions that may not have been possible otherwise.
• Systems thinking.  This approach involves looking at the problem as part of a larger system. By understanding the system’s interconnected parts and the relationships between them, you can develop a targeted solution that addresses the root cause of the problem.
• Design thinking.  This approach involves looking at the problem from the user’s perspective. By understanding the user’s needs and experiences, you can develop a solution that meets those needs in a practical way.
• Agile problem-solving.  This approach involves breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable parts. This allows you to quickly test and refine solutions, adapting to changing circumstances as needed.

Understanding the type of problem you are facing is crucial to developing an effective solution. By using the appropriate approach, you can solve even the most complex problems.

Steps Involved in Problem-Solving Process

To effectively solve a problem, there are certain steps that need to be followed. In this section, we will discuss the steps involved in the problem-solving process.

Identification of Problem

The first step in problem-solving is identifying the problem. This involves recognizing that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. It’s important to clearly define the problem at this stage, as it will inform the subsequent steps in the process.

Analysis of the Problem

Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to analyze it. This means gathering information and data related to the issue. Understanding the underlying causes of the problem and its impact is key to developing effective solutions.

Defining the Problem

Once the problem has been analyzed, it’s time to define it more precisely. This involves looking at the root causes of the problem and identifying the key issues that need to be addressed. This step will help to ensure that the problem is properly understood and that the right solutions are developed.

Developing Alternative Solutions

With a clear understanding of the problem, it’s time to develop alternative solutions. The aim is to generate a range of options that could potentially address the problem. Brainstorming is a great technique for this stage, as it encourages creative thinking and the exploration of new ideas.

Evaluating the Alternative Solutions

Having generated a range of potential solutions, the next step is to evaluate them. This involves assessing how well each option would address the problem and examining any potential drawbacks. It’s important to be objective during this stage, and to consider each solution on its own merits.

Choosing the Best Solution

Once the potential solutions have been evaluated, the next step is to choose the best one. This means selecting the option that is most likely to solve the problem effectively, efficiently and within the given timeframe. It is important to consider both short-term and long-term consequences of the solution.

Implementing the Solution

With the best solution chosen, the next step is to implement it. This means putting the plan into action and making sure that everyone involved is clear on their role and responsibilities. Communication, collaboration and cooperation between team members are crucial to successful implementation.

Follow-up and Monitoring

The final step in the problem-solving process is follow-up and monitoring. This involves checking that the solution is working as intended and making any necessary adjustments. It’s important to track progress and identify any further challenges or problems that arise, so that they can be dealt with promptly.

Effective problem-solving involves a systematic and analytical approach that requires careful consideration of a range of factors. By following these steps, it is possible to identify and implement solutions that address the root causes of problems and create positive outcomes.

Common Mistakes in Solving Problems

In any problem-solving process, there are common mistakes that teams or individuals can make, leading to a failed outcome. Here are some of the most common ones:

Poor Communication

Poor communication can be the root of many problems in a team or project. It can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, wasted resources, and ultimately, project failure. Communication issues can arise from language barriers, misinterpretation of messages, or even lack of motivation.

To avoid poor communication, it is essential to prioritize clear and concise communication channels. Listen intently and provide feedback actively, and be open to constructive criticism. Stay focused on the outcomes, and ensure that all communication aligns with the project’s goals.

Inaccurate or Insufficient Information

A lack of accurate and relevant information can derail a problem-solving process. Teams must be diligent in researching all available data, seeking expert advice, and analyzing data to make informed decisions. Failure to do so can result in missed opportunities, incorrect solutions, and delays in finding the right solution.

To prevent insufficient information, create a plan to gather all the available data, including the potential sources of information. Involve team members who are experts in their fields, and seek guidance from senior stakeholders. Use the gathered data to create an informed decision-making process.

Failure to Involve Key Stakeholders

It is crucial to involve all relevant stakeholders in the problem-solving process. Failure to involve stakeholders can lead to problematic communication, incomplete information, and unaddressed concerns that arise later.

To prevent failure to involve key stakeholders, identify all stakeholders at the beginning of the problem-solving process, including team members, customers, end-users, and senior leaders. Set up regular communication channels with stakeholder groups and ensure that all feedback and concerns are adequately addressed to achieve desired outcomes.

Bias and Groupthink

Biases and groupthink can influence and cloud the objectivity of the problem-solving process. Personal biases, opinions, or beliefs can impede the individual’s ability to reason and make rational decisions. Groupthink is a phenomenon when a group places more priority on agreeing with the majority rather than critically analyzing the problem.

To avoid bias and groupthink, team members should be trained in recognizing personal biases and avoiding preconceived notions that may influence decision-making. Encourage active participation from all members and foster a culture of open criticism and discussion.

Overlooking Underlying Issues

While addressing the immediate problems that arise, it is easy to overlook underlying issues that cause recurring problems. Fixing the symptoms and ignoring the root cause can be a short-sighted approach to problem-solving.

To avoid overlooking underlying issues, analyze the problem thoroughly, identifying previous occurrences, and consider metrics to gauge current problems’ severity. Look beyond the most obvious solutions and evaluate alternative approaches that address the underlying issues. Create a checklist to assess if the possible solutions address the root cause.

Problem-Solving Techniques and Tools

In any workplace, problem-solving can be a challenging task, especially if the issue is not well-defined or if a team is not capable of reaching a consensus. Fortunately, there are numerous problem-solving tools and techniques that can aid in resolving any problem or issue. The following are some of the problem-solving techniques and tools that individuals and teams use to overcome various challenges:

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a problem-solving technique that facilitates the collective creation of ideas and potential solutions by a group of individuals. This technique enhances creativity and allows individuals to present their thoughts and ideas freely without judgment or criticism. Some brainstorming techniques include structured brainstorming, rapid ideation, and brainwriting. Brainstorming assists in identifying causes and possible solutions to a problem or challenge.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving technique that proactively identifies the root cause(s) rather than just treating the symptoms of the problem. RCA focuses on identifying the most basic reason(s) that leads to a problem, suggesting a solution to the cause(s), and preventing the issue from happening again. RCA is an iterative process that involves systematically defining and analyzing the problem to identify the root cause.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis is used to evaluate an organization’s or individual’s internal and external environment. It considers the strengths and weaknesses of the organization or individual, and the opportunities and threats presented by the external environment. The output of a SWOT analysis fit into two categories – internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats). It is usually used in creating strategic planning and decision-making.

Fishbone Diagram

Fishbone diagrams, also known as cause-and-effect diagrams, are problem-solving tools used to identify the causes of a specific problem or issue. It is based on the idea that every effect has a cause, and that most problems have multiple causes. The causes are categorized into different aspects or categories such as people, process, environment, or equipment to identify which causes need to be addressed first.

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)

FMEA predicts and identifies potential defects or failures before they occur. It provides an essential, structured approach to prioritize possible causes that may cause a defect or failure. FMEA techniques are proactive, assisting the organization or individual to take preventive actions, prioritize potential risks, and mitigate or eliminate the causes of failure.

Pareto Analysis

Pareto Analysis is a statistical problem-solving tool that prioritizes problems or causes based on their severity or impact to the organization or individual. It is also called the 80/20 rule, where 80% of an effect comes from the 20% of the causes. The Pareto chart represents the data, and the focus area of the problem.

Skills Required for Effective Problem Solving

Problem solving is an essential skill that most employers look for in their employees. Effective problem solvers not only overcome challenges, but they also identify new opportunities to keep businesses competitive. Over time, problem solving has been recognized as an incredibly complex activity that requires a diverse range of skills to be effective. This section of the article will focus on six vital key skills for effective problem solving. They are as follows:

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a mental process that is aimed at evaluating information systematically to reach a sound, logical conclusion. When it comes to problem-solving, critical thinking enables us to identify, assess, and analyze the situation’s underlying causes to determine the appropriate course of action. Without critical thinking, decisions are made without thorough consideration of the potential outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to develop critical thinking skills to become a great problem solver.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills involve the ability to scrutinize data and information, break them down into small parts, find patterns, and draw logical conclusions. Effective problem solvers must be able to use analytical skills to evaluate different solutions and determine which one is the most appropriate. This skill requires attention to detail, patience, and an analytical mindset to examine the different parts of a problem and determine their relevance.

Creativity and Innovation

Being creative and innovative means that you can think outside the box and come up with non-traditional solutions to complex issues. Effective problem solvers know how to be both creative and innovative, which is essential when situations call for out-of-the-box solutions. Without this skill, problem solvers would always rely on the same tried-and-tested solutions that may not be applicable in all situations.

Decision-Making Skills

Effective problem solving comes with decision making skills. This skill refers to the ability to analyze situations, weigh the pros and cons of different alternatives, and choose the best course of action. A good decision-maker can identify risks and consequences before making a final decision. The decision-making process can be complex, and it helps to have a logical and straightforward approach.

Communication and Collaboration Skills

Communication and collaboration skills are vital to effective problem solving. This skill set involves providing feedback, sharing expertise, and building consensus with team members. Good communication skills can help to prevent misunderstandings and mistakes while improving productivity. Collaboration skills enable you to work effectively as a team to solve complex issues and achieve the desired results.

Persistence and Resilience

Effective problem-solving requires persistence and resilience to overcome challenging obstacles. Persistence involves to continue working to solve a problem despite setbacks and failures, while resilience brings the ability to bounce back from a difficult situation. Effective problem solvers understand that successful problem-solving requires overcoming hurdles and setbacks to achieve your desired outcome.

Effective problem solving demands a diverse range of skills that can be developed and refined over time.

Examples of Problem Solving in Different Environments

As problem solving is an essential skill, it is crucial to understand how it applies in different environments. Here are some examples of problem solving in different areas:

Problem Solving in the Workplace

In the workplace, problem solving is essential in various scenarios. It could be a technical issue that needs fixing, disagreements among team members, or a more significant issue such as losing clients. Problem solving in the workplace requires collaboration and communication among team members to find a solution that benefits everyone.

One example of a successful problem-solving process in the workplace could be applying the “5 Whys” technique. After identifying a problem, teams would ask why it happened five times until its root cause is identified. With this process, it would be easier to find the right solution preventing the problem from happening again.

Problem Solving in Education

Problem-solving skills are vital in education, as students and teachers face numerous issues daily. It could be a student struggling with a particular subject or a teacher struggling to make their class engaging. To address this, it is crucial to identify the real issue and find the right approach to solve it.

For instance, if a student is struggling with a particular subject, a teacher could assess the student’s learning style and adjust their teaching method accordingly. By doing so, the teacher could help the student improve their understanding of the subject, which could result in better grades.

Problem Solving in Personal Life

We all face issues in our personal life, and problem-solving skills could help us overcome them. For instance, if you have trouble managing your finances, you could identify the issue by listing all your expenses and income sources. After identifying where the issue lies, you could create a budget to manage your finances better.

Another example could be when you have trouble sleeping. You could find the cause of your sleep disturbances and find an appropriate solution. It could be turning off electronic devices an hour before bedtime or changing your bedroom’s temperature to improve your sleep.

Problem Solving in Leadership

As a leader, problem-solving skills are crucial to ensure the success of the team or organization. Leaders face various issues such as employee engagement, low productivity, and conflicts among team members. Effective leaders use problem-solving skills to find the root cause of the problem and develop a plan to address it.

One example of an effective problem-solving process for leaders could be using the “SWOT Analysis” technique. By identifying the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, leaders could develop a strategic plan to improve the organization’s overall performance.

Problem-solving skills are a valuable asset in various aspects of life. By understanding how to apply problem-solving skills in different environments, it would be easier to find the right solution that benefits everyone involved.

Ways to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

As a professional, problem-solving skills are essential for success. As such, it is important for individuals to continually improve these skills. There are several ways to enhance problem-solving skills, and some of the best examples and advice are discussed below.

Practice Effective Communication

Effective communication is essential in problem-solving. Clear communication allows individuals to understand the problems at hand, brainstorm solutions, and communicate potential solutions to colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. Communication skills can be improved through practice, engaging in active listening, and avoiding misunderstandings.

Prepare a Plan and Prioritize Tasks

Preparing a plan and prioritizing tasks enables individuals to systematically tackle and solve problems. Planning involves breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable parts and identifying the steps necessary to solve each part. Additionally, prioritizing tasks helps individuals determine which problems require immediate attention and which can wait.

Think Outside the Box

Thinking outside the box allows individuals to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. Ideas that are considered outside the norm may lead to innovative solutions that have not been considered by others. To think outside the box, individuals should challenge assumptions, examine the problem from different perspectives, and brainstorm unconventional solutions.

Seek Out Feedback and Learn from Failure

Seeking feedback from colleagues, stakeholders, and clients can provide individuals with new insights and perspectives on a problem. Additionally, seeking feedback can help individuals identify areas of improvement and potential solutions to problems. Failure is also an opportunity for growth and learning. Individuals should analyze failures to understand what went wrong and how to avoid similar problems in the future.

Continually Learn and Expand Knowledge

Continuing to learn and expand knowledge is essential for problem-solving. Individuals should stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, take courses or attend workshops, and read books on the subject of problem-solving. This continuous learning process can help individuals identify new solutions and approaches to problems.

Problem-solving skills are essential for success in any profession. By practicing effective communication, preparing plans and prioritizing tasks, thinking outside the box, seeking out feedback, and continually learning and expanding knowledge, individuals can enhance their problem-solving skills and become more effective professionals.

Overcoming Obstacles to Effective Problem Solving

When it comes to problem solving, it’s not always smooth sailing. Obstacles and roadblocks can arise when trying to tackle a particular issue, and these obstacles can make it challenging to reach a successful resolution. In this section, we will discuss some common obstacles to effective problem solving and some strategies to overcome them.

Resistance to Change

One of the most significant barriers to effective problem solving is resistance to change. Some people are naturally resistant to change, and it takes a lot of persuasion to get them to embrace a new solution. If you encounter resistance to change when working on a problem, it’s essential to help stakeholders see the value of the proposed solution.

One strategy to address resistance to change is to involve those who are resistant in the decision-making process. By including them in the process, they may feel more ownership over the problem and be more open to the changes proposed. Another approach is to provide clear communication on the reasons for the change and the benefits it will bring. By demonstrating that the change is necessary for future success, you can help eliminate resistance.

Fear of Failure

Another obstacle to effective problem solving is a fear of failure. When people are afraid of failure, they may avoid taking risks or trying new ideas, which can prevent progress. To overcome fear of failure, it’s crucial to create a safe and supportive environment for experimentation and risk-taking.

One approach is to encourage people to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. By reframing failure as a necessary step towards success, you can help people embrace it as an inevitability in problem-solving. Another strategy is to break problems down into smaller, more manageable pieces. By tackling smaller components of the problem, you can build momentum towards a successful outcome that alleviates fears and shows progress.

Lack of Resources

A lack of resources can also hinder effective problem solving. Limited time, budget, or personnel can create significant barriers when trying to solve a problem. To overcome these obstacles, it’s essential to identify alternative resources that can be utilized.

One strategy is to consider all available resources, even those that may not seem immediately relevant. Brainstorming sessions can be helpful in identifying potential resources previously overlooked. Another approach is to consider collaborating with external partners or stakeholders to leverage additional resources. This can expand the available resources and provide a new perspective on problem-solving.

Unclear Goals and Objectives

Finally, unclear goals and objectives can hinder effective problem solving. When people don’t understand what they’re working towards or what success looks like, it can lead to inefficiency and frustration. To address this obstacle, it’s important to establish clear goals and objectives upfront.

One approach is to involve stakeholders in the goal-setting process. By soliciting input and buy-in upfront, you can ensure that everyone understands the desired outcomes and their individual roles in achieving them. Another strategy is to break down larger goals into smaller, more immediate targets.

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• Career Advice
• What Are Problem-Solving Skills? (for a Resume & Career)

What Are Problem-Solving Skills? (for a Resume & Career)

Our customers have been hired by:

Employers are literally fighting for candidates with highly developed problem-solving skills. So, here’s the question: are there really such few people who know how to solve issues? Or aren’t others just able to show this on their resumes convincingly?

If you want to find out how to define problem-solving skills, how to highlight them on your resume, and how to improve them—you’re exactly where you need.

This article will show you:

• What are problem-solving skills and why you need them.
• How to include problem-solving skills in a resume.
• Examples of problem-solving skills for various professions.
• How to improve problem-solving skills in your free time.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

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Looking for information on other skills? Head straight to one of our guides:

• 99 Key Skills for a Resume
• Organizational Skills
• Project Management Skills
• Marketing Skills
• Creative Thinking Skills
• Collaboration Skills

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills  consist of a set of abilities that help you identify a problem, propose solutions, choose the best one, and implement it. Problem-solving combines a bunch of other skills such as critical thinking, decision making, and information analysis. It's a valued skill in many jobs.

Here’s a list of skills that may come in handy at each stage of the problem-solving process:

Analytical skills

This is pretty self-explanatory. To solve a problem you must be able to analyze it from a couple of angles. Your analytical skills are exactly the ones you need to propose solutions and get to the heart of the matter.

Research skills

As a matter of fact, they tie in nicely with your analytical skills. You must be able to find and use the right resources, dig deep enough to extract the data you need, and find the right people to bounce your ideas off of. Research skills are an essential component of the problem-solving skill set.

Sometimes finding the right solution will require you to step out of your comfort zone, think outside the box, and push the envelope. This is only possible when your creative thinking skills are sharp as razors.

Decision-making skills

Once you narrow down your choices and pinpoint what causes the problem, you need to make the right decision. Remember: you’ll be held accountable for what you decide upon. A bad decision may turn out not to be helpful in finding a solution in the best case. Or may aggravate the problem in the worst.

Critical-thinking skills

The art of problem-solving is correlated with  your ability to think critically . If you have problems with seeing the big picture, you won’t be able to identify all the pros and cons of different avenues you might decide to take.

• Collaboration

Rarely is problem-solving a solitary task, especially in the business context. You need to prove you work effectively as part of the team to implement your solutions.

Communication skills

Last but  definitely  not least. No problem would ever be solved if it weren’t communicated effectively. Period. The importance of good communication can never be underestimated. All problem-solving strategies depend on successful communication.

As you can see, problem-solving is related to many other kinds of skill sets. That's because it takes a mastery of more than one skills to  solve a problem.  Recent studies on employability skills suggest that problem-solving skills consist of two main components:

• identifying the problem,
• deciding on the best solution.

Each of these is as important as the other.

The problem-solving process would involve analyzing the situation, understanding it, and coming up with an action plan. In fact, y ou can come up with several possible action plans based on your assumptions about what the root cause is.

This is when decision-making skills come in handy.

If you have a good understanding of the situation and its implications, you’ll be able to decide on the right course of action more effectively and efficiently. So, when you come to think of it, there’s no such thing as a single problem-solving skill .

Let's take a closer look at how to highlight your problem-solving skills on a resume.

How to Put Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume?

Wondering why you should demonstrate problem-solving skills on a resume?

Employers love them.  Studies invariably place problem-solving somewhere at the top of lists of skills in high demand among hiring managers.

What’s more, i t’s hard to find a job offer that doesn’t mention problem-solving skills as part of the employer’s requirements.

So, naturally, the next question is: How to list problem-solving skills on a resume? Well, t here’s a good strategy that always works.  It’s called: tailor your resume to the job description.

There are many jobs that require your problem-solving skills to be second to none. The job ads for such positions include entire lists of problem-solving skills that recruiters want to see on your resume.

Here’s an example of a job description for the position of a business analyst :

• Collaborate with solution architects to develop solution designs , and developers to ensure solutions meet the business requirements.
• Establish high-quality user requirements and functional requirements on the basis of identified business needs .
• Evaluate information gathered from multiple sources, reconciling conflicts, and decomposing high-level information into details. Abstracting up from low-level information to a general understanding.
• Distinguishing user requests from the underlying true needs .
• Create work effort estimations.
• Support testing process on projects to ensure the solution is fit for purpose .
• Responsible for ensuring that the final solution matches the URS and meets the customer's need s.

By the look of it, you can easily say that a business analyst is a professional problem solver.

Before we move on, you need to know one thing: Almost  all Fortune 500 companies use the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to initially screen resumes for keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the problem-solving keywords the ATS is looking for, you’re likely to end up in the rejected folder. To avoid this, you need to use the resume keywords from the job ad in your own job description.

The experience section of your resume could read something like this:

Problem Solving Skills on a Resume—Example

• Developed solution designs in collaboration with software architects that improved process efficiency by 150% and reduced costs by $300K.
• Supported testing on 3+ large-scale projects to refine solutions and ensure they fit the purpose and match the customer’s needs . This resulted in $1M savings for the client.

This way you can be sure that:

• the relevant keywords are there,
• you’ve included the problem-solving skills the hiring manager is after.

Pro Tip: Describe your past duties and responsibilities in terms of achievements .

But it doesn’t end here.  You can list problem-solving skills on a resume in a separate section to make them even more visible.

But don’t put any random soft skills there.

Take another look at your job description, extract the essence, and use some problem-solving skills synonyms to introduce a bit of variety to your resume:

Examples of Problem-Solving Skills for a Resume

• Data analysis
• Process analysis
• Project design
• Solution design
• Test development
• Benchmark development
• Troubleshooting

The problem-solving skills list above is entirely based on the two aforementioned experience bullet points.

The best part?

If the recruiter decides to ask you situational questions related to any of the skills on the list, y ou’ll be able to answer them by referring to a bullet point in your experience section.

So if you hear something like: Tell me about a situation when your data analysis and solution design skills made a difference,  you can focus on telling the recruiter what steps you took specifically to improve process efficiency by 150% and reduce costs by $300K.

It may be hard to believe, but there’s one more section on your resume you might want to populate with some of your problem-solving skills. The resume objective or resume summary .

Here’s what it could look like:

Problem Solving on a Resume: Example of a Resume Summary

A senior business analyst with 7+ years of experience and excellent communication skills . Eager to join Genentech to support solution lifecycle management and participate in executing strategic initiatives. In previous roles identified a major bottleneck generating a $200K monthly revenue loss, and designed a solution to effectively prevent it .

As you can see in this example, you can call your problem-solving skills by name and put them at the very top of your resume.

Need more ideas? Here’s a list of keywords you may find useful when describing your problem-solving skills on a resume:

The Best Problem-Solving Skills for a Resume

• Brainstorming
• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Drawing conclusions
• Experimenting
• Logical reasoning
• Negotiation
• Observation
• Organization
• Persistence
• Questioning
• Testing 

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our free resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

How to Improve Problem-Solving Skills

Listen: Problem-solving skills are vital.  Studies show that if we come up with the wrong solutions we may unknowingly aggravate the problems in the long run.

Other research shows that of all employability skills , problem-solving skills are the ones that managers find insufficiently developed among the staff. The reason for this is that employees are often afraid that the solutions they propose will lead to the problem... becoming worse.

This is why candidates and employees with highly developed problem-solving skills are so desirable.

If you're wondering how to improve your problem-solving skills—The answer is simple.  Practice makes perfect.  But not just any practice. Here's what you need to do:  Adapt a methodical approach to problem-solving .

One of the best methodologies was put forward by the eminent mathematician George Polya back in 1945 in his famous book How to Solve It .

Polya suggested four steps you must take to solve problems effectively.

1. Understand the problem.

Seems obvious, right? Well,  if this was so obvious, why would people have no faith in their problem-solving skills?  A thorough understanding of the challenge you're facing is vital in finding the right solution.

This is why Polya suggests you start with asking yourself these questions:

• Do you understand the words in which the problem is expressed?
• What exactly are you required to do?
• Can you describe the problem in your own words?
• Can you illustrate the problem with a picture or diagram?
• Do you have all the information necessary to solve the problem?

2. Devise a plan.

Polya suggests a number of strategies you can adopt. Here’s a look at some of them:

• Guess and check
• Draw a picture
• Look for patterns
• Eliminate possibilities
• Make a list
• Be ingenious

Ask yourself more questions:

• What are the connections between the data and the unknown?
• Have you seen a similar problem before?
• Have you taken a look at the problem from different perspectives?
• Can you restate the problem in several different ways?
• Can you solve a simpler problem?

Coming up with the best strategy comes in time and requires you to think in creative ways.

Remember: The more problems you solve, the easier it will be for you to identify the strategies that work for you.

3. Carry out the plan.

After the conceptual stage, implementing the plan may feel like a piece of cake.

As you’re carrying out the plan, keep checking if it brings about the desired results each step of the way.

4. Look back.

Once the problem is solved, i nspect your solution.  Find out what worked and what didn’t. Is it possible to reapply your solution to solving a related problem?

And finally,  check out these simple yet creative tips to improve problem-solving skills, train your brain and learn new strategies:

• Dance and listen to music (they supposedly stimulate neural connections.)
• Play logic games and doing puzzles.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Observe your circadian rhythm and following its patterns.
• Do physical exercise, such as yoga or soccer.
• Note down your ideas.

Your problem-solving skills are just a part of a skill set that turns you into a highly-employable candidate. Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of all you need to remember about problem-solving skills:

• Problem-solving skills are one of the key employability factors as identified by several independent studies.
• They consist of a set of interrelated abilities that allow you to solve problems effectively.
• Employers look for candidates with good problem-solving skills.
• You can show your problem-solving skills on a resume in many ways. Just make sure you identify the relevant ones.
• The best way to improve your problem-solving skills is by approaching problems in a methodical way. Practice makes perfect!

Do you have any questions about problem-solving skills? Maybe you’d like to share some tips on how to develop them? Give us a shout out in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://cdn31.icims.com/icims3/prod/pdf/hei-assets/the-soft-skills-job-seekers-need-now.pdf
• https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d104/37ab118daca2a4d50828ce980ec26e851889.pdf

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26 Good Examples of Problem Solving (Interview Answers)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 15, 2023

Employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure. A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers will be more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical in your approach.

But how do they measure this?

They’re going to ask you interview questions about these problem solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem solving on your resume and cover letter. So coming up, I’m going to share a list of examples of problem solving, whether you’re an experienced job seeker or recent graduate.

Then I’ll share sample interview answers to, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?”

Problem-Solving Defined

It is the ability to identify the problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving also involves critical thinking, communication, listening, creativity, research, data gathering, risk assessment, continuous learning, decision-making, and other soft and technical skills.

Solving problems not only prevent losses or damages but also boosts self-confidence and reputation when you successfully execute it. The spotlight shines on you when people see you handle issues with ease and savvy despite the challenges. Your ability and potential to be a future leader that can take on more significant roles and tackle bigger setbacks shine through. Problem-solving is a skill you can master by learning from others and acquiring wisdom from their and your own experiences. 

It takes a village to come up with solutions, but a good problem solver can steer the team towards the best choice and implement it to achieve the desired result.

Watch: 26 Good Examples of Problem Solving

Examples of problem solving scenarios in the workplace.

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

You can share all of the examples above when you’re asked questions about problem solving in your interview. As you can see, even if you have no professional work experience, it’s possible to think back to problems and unexpected challenges that you faced in your studies and discuss how you solved them.

Interview Answers to “Give an Example of an Occasion When You Used Logic to Solve a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” since you’re likely to hear this interview question in all sorts of industries.

Example Answer 1:

At my current job, I recently solved a problem where a client was upset about our software pricing. They had misunderstood the sales representative who explained pricing originally, and when their package renewed for its second month, they called to complain about the invoice. I apologized for the confusion and then spoke to our billing team to see what type of solution we could come up with. We decided that the best course of action was to offer a long-term pricing package that would provide a discount. This not only solved the problem but got the customer to agree to a longer-term contract, which means we’ll keep their business for at least one year now, and they’re happy with the pricing. I feel I got the best possible outcome and the way I chose to solve the problem was effective.

Example Answer 2:

In my last job, I had to do quite a bit of problem solving related to our shift scheduling. We had four people quit within a week and the department was severely understaffed. I coordinated a ramp-up of our hiring efforts, I got approval from the department head to offer bonuses for overtime work, and then I found eight employees who were willing to do overtime this month. I think the key problem solving skills here were taking initiative, communicating clearly, and reacting quickly to solve this problem before it became an even bigger issue.

Example Answer 3:

In my current marketing role, my manager asked me to come up with a solution to our declining social media engagement. I assessed our current strategy and recent results, analyzed what some of our top competitors were doing, and then came up with an exact blueprint we could follow this year to emulate our best competitors but also stand out and develop a unique voice as a brand. I feel this is a good example of using logic to solve a problem because it was based on analysis and observation of competitors, rather than guessing or quickly reacting to the situation without reliable data. I always use logic and data to solve problems when possible. The project turned out to be a success and we increased our social media engagement by an average of 82% by the end of the year.

Answering Questions About Problem Solving with the STAR Method

When you answer interview questions about problem solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mention problem solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method to tell your story.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. So before jumping in and talking about the problem that needed solving, make sure to describe the general situation. What job/company were you working at? When was this? Then, you can describe the task at hand and the problem that needed solving. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact.

Finally, describe a positive result you got.

Whether you’re answering interview questions about problem solving or writing a cover letter, you should only choose examples where you got a positive result and successfully solved the issue.

Example answer:

Situation : We had an irate client who was a social media influencer and had impossible delivery time demands we could not meet. She spoke negatively about us in her vlog and asked her followers to boycott our products. (Task : To develop an official statement to explain our company’s side, clarify the issue, and prevent it from getting out of hand). Action : I drafted a statement that balanced empathy, understanding, and utmost customer service with facts, logic, and fairness. It was direct, simple, succinct, and phrased to highlight our brand values while addressing the issue in a logical yet sensitive way.   We also tapped our influencer partners to subtly and indirectly share their positive experiences with our brand so we could counter the negative content being shared online.  Result : We got the results we worked for through proper communication and a positive and strategic campaign. The irate client agreed to have a dialogue with us. She apologized to us, and we reaffirmed our commitment to delivering quality service to all. We assured her that she can reach out to us anytime regarding her purchases and that we’d gladly accommodate her requests whenever possible. She also retracted her negative statements in her vlog and urged her followers to keep supporting our brand.

What Are Good Outcomes of Problem Solving?

Whenever you answer interview questions about problem solving or share examples of problem solving in a cover letter, you want to be sure you’re sharing a positive outcome.

Below are good outcomes of problem solving:

• Saving the company time or money
• Making the company money
• Pleasing/keeping a customer
• Obtaining new customers
• Solving a safety issue
• Solving a staffing/scheduling issue
• Solving a logistical issue
• Solving a company hiring issue
• Solving a technical/software issue
• Making a process more efficient and faster for the company
• Creating a new business process to make the company more profitable
• Improving the company’s brand/image/reputation
• Getting the company positive reviews from customers/clients

Every employer wants to make more money, save money, and save time. If you can assess your problem solving experience and think about how you’ve helped past employers in those three areas, then that’s a great start. That’s where I recommend you begin looking for stories of times you had to solve problems.

Tips to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills

Throughout your career, you’re going to get hired for better jobs and earn more money if you can show employers that you’re a problem solver. So to improve your problem solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting. When discussing problem solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Next, to get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t. Think about how you can get better at researching and analyzing a situation, but also how you can get better at communicating, deciding the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem solving ability.

If you practice the tips above, you’ll be ready to share detailed, impressive stories and problem solving examples that will make hiring managers want to offer you the job. Every employer appreciates a problem solver, whether solving problems is a requirement listed on the job description or not. And you never know which hiring manager or interviewer will ask you about a time you solved a problem, so you should always be ready to discuss this when applying for a job.

Related interview questions & answers:

• How do you handle stress?
• How do you handle conflict?
• Tell me about a time when you failed

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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How to Highlight Problem Solving Skills on Your Resume (with Examples)

Instead of coming up with a fake scenario in which your place of work was unexpectedly thrown into chaos and needed someone with good problem solving skills to save the day, why don’t we just use a real example that we all lived through four years ago.

In March of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic was officially recognized as a true emergency in the US, and business, schools, and all non-essential institutions were told to close their doors for the foreseeable future.

While exact numbers are hard to come by, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who lived through that fateful year that thousands of businesses closed in March 2020 and never reopened. But what about the businesses that were able to weather the storm? What did they do differently?

Well, they came up with creative solutions to the problem at hand. They pivoted , which is defined in the business world as “the process of changing direction when the current strategy is not delivering the desired results.”

Most Sought-After Problem Solving Skills

Top problem solving skills in 2024.

• Creativity/Innovation
• Adaptability
• Critical/Analytical Thinking
• Communication/Teamwork
• Decision Making

Where to Put These Skills On Your Resume

Summary section.

Professional Summary

Experience Section

World of Computers — Data Analyst, 2020 – 2024

-        Developed creative solutions to two common software anomalies, improving efficiency of the computer hardware and resulting in a 50% decrease in returns of those devices.

Skills Section

Other tips….

But if you’re in that boat, don’t worry! Not all is lost, and you may even have more skills/experience than you think you do. Our recruitment experts are not only great problem-solvers themselves, they also have tons of other job-seeking tips to share with you! Let CyberCoders help you uncover your true potential, put your best foot forward, and find your perfect career match. To learn more, click here !

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Adding Problem-Solving Skills To A Resume

Problem-Solving skills are essential in our daily lives , as uncomplicated issues may arise that need smart rectification.

Companies also find these skills valuable, irrespective of the industry you choose to work in. Thinking creatively, disassembling problems, and producing practical solutions to ease the situation makes you an asset.

For this reason, we recommend emphasizing this crucial skill on your resume during career searches, as it will set you apart from other individuals competing for the same option.

Are you a problem solver and what Fortunately, this article of ResumeGiants will provide the vital information you need to convey your soft skills and shed more light on what soft skills are and come examples.

Let’s begin!

Here, you will learn about:

What Problem-Solving Skills Are

Problem-solving skills are vital traits that enable us to:

• Identify problems
• Creatively assess them
• Think of solutions effectively and efficiently

This ability enables individuals to be problem solvers and find alternatives when routes to work are blocked, services are down, or anything of the sort happens. In the workplace, it becomes handy when we need to complete tasks quickly, free-up schedules, rectify errors, etc.

Developing this skill requires proficiency in several other skills , including analyzing problems, fathoming creative solutions, and applying these small factors in your personal life and business.

Essentially, honing your ability to analyze, evaluate, decide, and communicate creatively may guarantee your ability to think through challenging situations critically.

List of Problem-Solving Skills

As previously mentioned, the core components that produce effective decision-making include:

• Proper evaluation
• Communication
• Quick decision-making

This section aims to emphasize these factors, giving you more material to express your value on your resume than merely writing “able to solve problems”.

Additionally, merely stating that you possess problem-solving skills on your resume doesn’t set you apart from the crowd as it is now a cliché term. Essentially, all business individuals are expected to possess these skills since they require them.

What makes you appear more valuable is showcasing your problem-solving skills in your resume, and the information below will help you accomplish this goal. These include:

1. Analytical Skills

In business, the best option upon realizing a complicated situation is to assess the issue and understand the problem’s core. This analysis enables you to identify the problem’s cause and produce an effective solution.

Afterwards, the next step involves careful thoughts on why the problem arose, what actions will fix the issue, what tools are necessary for rectification, and more.

Presenting this aspect of your business personality may set you apart from other individuals competing for the same role.

2. Assessment

Analyzing the problem allows you to produce a list of actions that may end the complication; however, when these solutions aren’t obvious, your assessment ability comes into play.

Essentially, multiple solutions produce different outcomes. As a problem-solver, it’s best to evaluate the pros and cons of each possibility and pick the most logical option with little to no consequences.

Some consequences that require further assessment can include the idea’s speed of implementation, cost, efficacy, business requirements, etc.

For example, suppose you have 2 solutions , one fixing the problem long-term but will take days to process, and the other rectifying it short-term in hours.

In that case, if the complication impedes completing an urgent task, the short-term but quick option is practical.

You can take assessment skills further and consider other alternatives should your initial plan fail.

3. Decision-Making

Irrespective of how much analysis or assessment you make, a decision from the brainstorming session is necessary to move forward with the problem. Without good decision-making skills and speed-of-implementation , this attribute falls flat.

Essentially, carefully evaluating the problem and its possible solution is a crucial part of being a problem-solver.

Besides quick implementation, good decision-making skills allow you to factor in the necessary elements needed to execute the problem’s solution, whether the managers or other group members.

4. Communication

As previously mentioned, making a decision may involve consulting your leaders or group members; however, conveying the problem and its possible answers may be impossible without effective communication.

Suppose you’re a developer that works with a team of other programmers and runs into a problem on your end. Failure to convey the problem and solution will hinder work progress or make you seem ineffective.

5. Creativity

Last but not least, the ability that’s necessary to develop complex problem-solving skills is creativity . In other words, the ability to fathom multiple ways to solve the puzzle and view the issue from multiple hypothetical angles.

Creativity implies that you can think outside the box to arrive at a decision that ends the problem in the best way possible. Additionally, this skill will enable you to rectify issues when they involve your group or information that’s not currently within your grasp.

Nevertheless, strive for creativity and develop your mind to view multiple angles to provide a solution.

Showing Problem-Solving Skills in your Resume

Showcasing your problem-solving skills on your resume may seem like a tricky task, but there are multiple locations on the document to accommodate this ability. You can use the “Skills” section, the “Achievements” section and even give examples of when you solved complicated problems in the “Experience” section .

Remember that when presenting your problem-solving skills, avoid writing down the generic “problem-solving” term, as employers encounter the word regularly.

Instead, you can list specific technical and soft skills in your arsenal that would help you solve problems, like research and decision-making abilities.

The most significant place to include problem-solving skills for a resume is in the “experience” section . Use specific examples you can back up with demonstrable action : 

• Present short but powerful examples of times you overcame significant obstacles
• Make sure they are relevant to your career path and the job you’re applying for
• Back them up with figures and statistics wherever you can.

It’s essential to tailor your problem-solving examples to the keywords of the job description you’re applying for. You need to show how your experiences make you an ideal candidate for this role. 

Examples of Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume

As an example, let’s take a look at some ways problem-solving can be expressed in the experience section of a  business analyst resume :

Brockton Industries / Business Analyst / Atlanta, GA /2018 – 2022

• Assessed risk of testing processes, thereby saving the company $5,000 annually. 
• Increased customer satisfaction by 31% by redesigning customer communication and fulfillment procedures. 
• Improved effective communication with company clients to better mutual understanding of processes and service

Now let’s take a look at how problem-solving could be expressed in the experienc e section of a UX Designer resume :

Lamax Solutions/ Senior UX Designer/ Atlanta, GA /2019-Present

• Achieved an 8% boost in user engagement by producing new visual parallax scrolling design prototypes.
• Developed user-based interfaces by focusing on data-driven design systems, resulting in a 89% increase in traffic over three consecutive years.
• Increased employee satisfaction by 20% by utilizing proprietary technology to install third-party applications like Figma into the mainframe

As you can see, it doesn’t matter which way around you present the problem, the solutions, or the impact your decision made. Just make sure you stress that you were indispensable in achieving an optimum outcome!

How to Improve your Problem-Solving Skills

you want to improve your problem-solving skills for a resume, the first step is to identify your areas of weakness.

Once you have identified these weaknesses, you can then begin to develop strategies to address them. 

Some ways you can improve your abilities in these areas include: 

• Practice problem-solving exercises including puzzles and logic games
• Read books or articles related to problem-solving to help you to understand different techniques and approaches
• Seek out real-life challenges that require problem-solving, such as volunteering or taking on new responsibilities
• Keep a journal of your problem-solving successes to track your progress and help you identify areas for improvement.

The most effective steps to take to practically improve your problem-solving ability is to:

• Practice active listening . Listen to the problem carefully
• Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand the issue correctly
• Break down the problem into its components and look for patterns and commonalities. 

Once you have a better understanding of the problem, you can generate possible solutions and select the one that best fits the situation. It’s also important to practice using problem-solving techniques in different contexts. 

Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume: Conclusion

If you feel confident in your ability to thoroughly analyze problems, evaluate possible solutions, and promptly execute the correct actions for rectification, it’s worth including in your resume.

These skills reveal to employers that you’re a valuable asset , as complicated tasks will present little to no challenges while you work.

Hopefully, the information in this article is sufficient in helping you effectively present your problem-solving skills in your resume . Consider using our free resume builder to ease the hassle of composing this crucial document.

Our platform presents multiple resume templates and examples, thereby removing the challenge associated with the task. Let’s get a winning-resume!

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10 essential resume skills to showcase your value to employers

by YouScience | Apr 16, 2024 | Blog

Writing a compelling resume involves more than just listing your work history and education. You also need to highlight your skills effectively to stand out to employers. It can be difficult to know what skills to put on a resume, especially if you don’t have much work experience. Below, we discuss 10 essential resume skills and advice for proving your value to potential employers.

What are good skills to put on a resume?

The best skills to put on a resume include a mix of hard and soft skills. Focus on skills that are most relevant to the position you want. Here are some resume skill examples you could include:

Communication skills

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for almost every type of job. Communication skills include being able to articulate your ideas clearly and listening to others while understanding their perspective.

Active listening skills

Active listening requires paying close attention, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy to ensure you thoroughly understand what someone is trying to say.

• Interpersonal skills

These skills refer to how well you work with other people. They include collaboration, conflict resolution, and the ability to build connections with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Leadership skills

Even if you’re not in a leadership role, showcasing your leadership qualities on your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Examples can include taking initiative, motivating others, and showing accountability.

Problem-solving skills

Employers value candidates who can think quickly to solve problems. Include times when you’ve identified issues, developed solutions, and implemented effective strategies to overcome challenges.

Computer skills

Nearly every job will require the use of a computer, so experience with computers and software is essential. Make sure to include any specific programs or tools you’re proficient in, especially ones directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Customer service skills

Even if you’re not applying for a customer-facing role, including customer service skills on your resume can still be valuable . These skills demonstrate your positivity, adaptability, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Transferable skills

These are skills that can be used in several different positions and industries. Transferable skills may include teamwork, adaptability, organization, or any other qualities all employers are looking for.

Management skills

Highlighting your management skills is crucial if you’re applying for any management role overseeing projects or teams. Management skills can include examples of delegation, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Time management skills

Efficient time management shows your ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity. Employers want to hire disciplined employees who can tune out distractions during work hours.

Hard resume skills vs. soft resume skills

Skills for resumes are either hard or soft skills. Employers typically look for both types of skills on candidates’ resumes.

• Hard skills are specific skills needed to perform the job. These can include technological skills, field-specific education, or credentials related to the job.
• Soft skills include your personality attributes and interpersonal skills. These may include communication skills, leadership qualities, stress management, and problem-solving abilities.

How to list skills on a resume per job type

Tailor your skills to the job you’re applying for to show employers you’re suitable for the job. Here are some hard and soft resume skills examples for different positions:

Digital marketing specialist

Hard skills

• Google Analytics
• Project management systems

Soft skills

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Analytics thinking

Financial analyst

• Financial modeling
• Data analysis
• Attention to detail
• Creative thinking
• Collaboration

Data analyst

• Python and other statistical programming languages
• Data visualization
• Statistical analysis
• Machine learning
• Time management
• Adaptability

How YouScience helps with building a resume

Related articles.

Check out these articles for more helpful information on optimizing your resume. 

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Resume writing down to a science: How to build teenage girls’ confidence

Getting hired: Five resume tips for students

• Career Advice
• Computer Vision
• Data Engineering
• Data Science
• Language Models
• Machine Learning
• Programming
• Cheat Sheets
• Recommendations
• Tech Briefs
• 7 Things Students Are Missing in a Data Science Resume

Adding these 7 key elements to your resume will improve your odds of getting an interview call. Remember, after graduating from the university, your full-time job is to find a job, so put some effort into preparing your resume.

As I reflect on my days as a student, I now realize that there were a few crucial elements that were missing from my data science resume. These shortcomings probably resulted in my being rejected for various job positions. Not only was I unable to present myself as a valuable asset to potential teams, but I also struggled to showcase my ability to solve data science problems. However, with time,  I got better and collaborated with multiple teams to figure out what I was missing and how I could do better if I had to start over.

In this blog, I will share the 7 things that students often overlook in their data science resumes, which can prevent hiring managers from calling them for interviews. 

1. Simple and Readable Resume

Complicating your resume with technical terms, too much information, or unconventional formats can lead to it being rejected right away. Your resume should be easy to read and understand, even by someone not deeply versed in data science. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings, bullet points, and a standard font. Avoid dense blocks of text. Remember, the goal is to communicate your skills and experiences as quickly and effectively as possible to the hiring manager.

2. Quantifiable Achievements

When you are listing your previous work experiences or projects in the experience section, it is recommended to focus on quantifiable achievements rather than simply listing your responsibilities. 

For example, instead of stating "Developed machine learning models", you could write "Developed a machine learning model that increased sales by 15%." This will demonstrate the tangible impact of your work and showcase your ability to drive results.

3. Data Science Specific Skills

When creating a list of your technical skills, it's crucial to highlight the ones that are directly relevant to data science. Avoid including skills that are not related to data science, such as graphic designing or video editing. Keep your list of skills concise, and write the number of years of experience you have in each. 

Make sure to mention programming languages like Python or R, data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI, and data analysis tools like SQL or pandas. Additionally, it's worth mentioning your experience with popular machine learning libraries such as PyTorch or scikit-learn.

4. Soft Skills and Teamwork

Data science is not solely dependent on technical abilities. Collaboration and communication skills are crucial. Including experiences where you worked as part of a team, especially in multidisciplinary settings or instances where you communicated complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders, can demonstrate your soft skills.

5. Real World Experience

Employers value practical, hands-on experience in the field of data science. If you have completed internships, projects, or research in data science, be sure to highlight these experiences in your resume. Include details about the projects you worked on, the tools and technologies you used, and the results you achieved.

Students often underestimate the power of showcasing relevant projects. Whether it’s a class assignment, a capstone project, or something you built for fun, include projects that demonstrate your skills in data analysis, programming, machine learning, and problem-solving. Be sure to describe the project goal, your role, the tools and techniques used, and the outcome. Links to GitHub repositories or project websites can also add credibility.

6. Adaptability and Problem Solving Skills

The field of data science is continually evolving, and employers are seeking candidates who can adapt to new challenges and technologies. 

As a data scientist, you may find yourself jumping from being a data analyst to a machine learning engineer in just a few months. Your company may even ask you to deploy machine learning models in production and learn how to manage them. 

The role of a data scientist is fluid, and you have to be mentally prepared for the role changes. You can demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving skills by highlighting any experiences in which you had to learn a new tool or technique quickly, or where you successfully tackled a complex problem.

7. Links to a Professional Portfolio

Creating an online portfolio and sharing it on your resume is extremely important. This will enable the hiring managers to quickly have a look at your previous projects and the tools you have used to solve certain data problems. You can check out the top platform for creating a data science portfolio for free: 7 Free Platforms for Building a Strong Data Science Portfolio

Failing to include a link to your GitHub repository or a personal website where you showcase your projects is a missed opportunity. 

Final Thoughts

One important thing to keep in mind while submitting your resume for job applications is to modify it according to the job requirements. Look for the skills required for the job and try to include them in your resume to increase your chances of getting an interview call. Apart from your resume, networking, and LinkedIn can be very helpful in finding jobs and freelance projects. Consistently maintaining your LinkedIn profile and posting regularly can go a long way in establishing your professional presence.    

Abid Ali Awan ( @1abidaliawan ) is a certified data scientist professional who loves building machine learning models. Currently, he is focusing on content creation and writing technical blogs on machine learning and data science technologies. Abid holds a Master's degree in technology management and a bachelor's degree in telecommunication engineering. His vision is to build an AI product using a graph neural network for students struggling with mental illness.

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