How to Include Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume

Having problem-solving abilities aids in overcoming difficulties. They help you pinpoint the main problem, make suggestions for fixes, select the best one, and put it into action.

When employers discuss problem-solving abilities, they typically mean the capacity to handle difficult, intricate, or unforeseen circumstances. 

While they enable someone to assess and solve problems calmly, these skills can also be useful for relationship building and routine decision-making.

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.

While problem-solving techniques seem obvious, they can be hard to explain without a compelling narrative. Problem-solving abilities are centered on creating and carrying out an action plan, in contrast to conceptual abilities like abstract thought and idea generation.

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. 

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”

The ability to solve problems can take many forms, from team leadership to meticulous diagnosis. The talents required at different phases of the problem-solving process are listed below. Take a look at these samples of resumes to discover what kind of problem-solving abilities you possess.

1. Research

The ability to conduct research is a crucial part of problem-solving skills since it helps you determine and comprehend the underlying cause of a problem. Research entails obtaining information and data, speaking with more seasoned colleagues, learning from external or internet sources, compiling recently discovered facts for sharing, and more. Finding and using the appropriate resources, gathering the necessary data, and brainstorming with the appropriate set of individuals are all part of this talent. 

This implies:

• Studying specific cases without generalizing
• Aiming at variables that make the desired differences
• Reporting findings in understandable terms

2. Analysis

Doing a thorough examination of the issue is the first step towards solving it. You have to be able to examine an issue from every perspective in order to solve it.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. To put it another way, it's "thinking about thinking," or identifying and correcting errors in our thought processes.

The basis of problem solution is critical thinking skills. You can't weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various action plans until you have a broad understanding of the situation.  

Critical thinking includes:

• Interpretation
• Inference
• Evaluation
• 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:

• Reasoning
• Intuition
• 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 showcasing this ability, you must demonstrate how you have produced and implemented solutions as an effective team player.

Collaborating with others enhances problem-solving skills compared to working independently. Effective teamwork with your coworkers boosts their engagement and drive at work by giving them a sense of importance and belonging to the team.  

Collaboration includes:

• Open-mindedness
• Long-term thinking
• Adaptability
• Positive debate
• Emotional intelligence
• Trust