possess strong analytical and problem solving skills

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P.O. Box 6953 Radford, VA 24142 Kyle Hall Suite 231 540.831.5513 cia@radford.edu cia-analytics@radford.edu cia-innovation@radford.edu

Dr. Wil Stanton, Director wstanton@radford.edu cia-analytics@radford.edu

Vicki Perkins, Administrative Assistant vperkins1@radford.edu

Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Analytical Reasoning Skills Sought by Employers

In this section:

Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

Analytical Reasoning

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Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills are required to perform well on tasks expected by employers. 1 Having good problem-solving and critical thinking skills can make a major difference in a person’s career. 2

Every day, from an entry-level employee to the Chairman of the Board, problems need to be resolved. Whether solving a problem for a client (internal or external), supporting those who are solving problems, or discovering new problems to solve, the challenges faced may be simple/complex or easy/difficult.

A fundamental component of every manager's role is solving problems. So, helping students become a confident problem solver is critical to their success; and confidence comes from possessing an efficient and practiced problem-solving process.

Employers want employees with well-founded skills in these areas, so they ask four questions when assessing a job candidate 3 :

• Evaluation of information: How well does the applicant assess the quality and relevance of information?
• Analysis and Synthesis of information: How well does the applicant analyze and synthesize data and information?
• Drawing conclusions: How well does the applicant form a conclusion from their analysis?
• Acknowledging alternative explanations/viewpoints: How well does the applicant consider other options and acknowledge that their answer is not the only perspective?

When an employer says they want employees who are good at solving complex problems, they are saying they want employees possessing the following skills:

• Analytical Thinking — A person who can use logic and critical thinking to analyze a situation.
• Critical Thinking – A person who makes reasoned judgments that are logical and well thought out.
• Initiative — A person who will step up and take action without being asked. A person who looks for opportunities to make a difference.
• Creativity — A person who is an original thinker and have the ability to go beyond traditional approaches.
• Resourcefulness — A person who will adapt to new/difficult situations and devise ways to overcome obstacles.
• Determination — A person who is persistent and does not give up easily.
• Results-Oriented — A person whose focus is on getting the problem solved.

Two of the major components of problem-solving skills are critical thinking and analytical reasoning.  These two skills are at the top of skills required of applicants by employers.

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Critical Thinking 4

“Mentions of critical thinking in job postings have doubled since 2009, according to an analysis by career-search site Indeed.com.” 5 Making logical and reasoned judgments that are well thought out is at the core of critical thinking. Using critical thinking an individual will not automatically accept information or conclusions drawn from to be factual, valid, true, applicable or correct. “When students are taught how to use critical thinking to tap into their creativity to solve problems, they are more successful than other students when they enter management-training programs in large corporations.” 6

A strong applicant should question and want to make evidence-based decisions. Employers want employees who say things such as: “Is that a fact or just an opinion? Is this conclusion based on data or gut feel?” and “If you had additional data could there be alternative possibilities?” Employers seek employees who possess the skills and abilities to conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to reach an answer or conclusion.

Employers require critical thinking in employees because it increases the probability of a positive business outcome. Employers want employees whose thinking is intentional, purposeful, reasoned, and goal directed.

Recruiters say they want applicants with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They “encourage applicants to prepare stories to illustrate their critical-thinking prowess, detailing, for example, the steps a club president took to improve attendance at weekly meetings.” 7

Employers want students to possess analytical reasoning/thinking skills — meaning they want to hire someone who is good at breaking down problems into smaller parts to find solutions. “The adjective, analytical, and the related verb analyze can both be traced back to the Greek verb, analyein — ‘to break up, to loosen.’ If a student is analytical, you are good at taking a problem or task and breaking it down into smaller elements in order to solve the problem or complete the task.” 9

Analytical reasoning connotes a person's general aptitude to arrive at a logical conclusion or solution to given problems. Just as with critical thinking, analytical thinking critically examines the different parts or details of something to fully understand or explain it. Analytical thinking often requires the person to use “cause and effect, similarities and differences, trends, associations between things, inter-relationships between the parts, the sequence of events, ways to solve complex problems, steps within a process, diagraming what is happening.” 10

Analytical reasoning is the ability to look at information and discern patterns within it. “The pattern could be the structure the author of the information uses to structure an argument, or trends in a large data set. By learning methods of recognizing these patterns, individuals can pull more information out of a text or data set than someone who is not using analytical reasoning to identify deeper patterns.” 11

Employers want employees to have the aptitude to apply analytical reasoning to problems faced by the business. For instance, “a quantitative analyst can break down data into patterns to discern information, such as if a decrease in sales is part of a seasonal pattern of ups and downs or part of a greater downward trend that a business should be worried about. By learning to recognize these patterns in both numbers and written arguments, an individual gains insights into the information that someone who simply takes the information at face value will miss.” 12

Managers with excellent analytical reasoning abilities are considered good at, “evaluating problems, analyzing them from more than one angle and finding a solution that works best in the given circumstances”. 13 Businesses want managers who can apply analytical reasoning skills to meet challenges and keep a business functioning smoothly

A person with good analytical reasoning and pattern recognition skills can see trends in a problem much easier than anyone else.

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Analytical Skills for Your Resume

If you’re reading over a description for a job, you may have come across a requirement such as “Possesses strong analytical skills.” This may leave you wondering: what are analytical skills, and how can I showcase them on my resume?

Analytical skills are commonly listed in job descriptions. These are the skills that allow you to make decisions effectively and solve difficult problems. While you may not know it, you will already have exercised many analytical skills that you can mention on your resume, whether you have done so in the workplace, in school, or elsewhere.

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In this article, we’re going to discuss the basics of analytical skills, why they are important, and walk through a few analytical skills you can mention on your tech resume .

What Are Analytical Skills?

Analytical skills are skills that practice analytical thinking. This is a method of thinking where you first observe a problem, then use the information you have gathered to develop deeper insights into that problem.

Analytical skills are used in a wide range of scenarios in the workplace. For instance, brainstorming new ideas involves a high degree of analytical thinking, because you need to be able to critically evaluate ideas and figure out which ones are worth pursuing.

Making decisions is another scenario where analytical skills may come up. This is because you will need to be able to first analyze a problem before you can make an informed decision about how that problem can be solved.

Analytical thinking involves the ability to try out different approaches and see what works. There is often not one clear answer to a problem that a business faces, and so if you possess analytical thinking skills, you should be competent in trying out ideas, and iterating upon those ideas based on your findings.

Why Do Employers Value Analytical Skills?

Analytical skills are a type of “soft skill”—a trait that is not trained, rather acquired—and are in high demand in the modern workforce.

Analytical skills are important, especially in modern businesses, because they allow you to come up with solutions to difficult problems effectively. Being able to break down a problem into smaller parts, analyze them, and determine an actionable solution can help you tackle tough organizational challenges that a business may be facing.

There are a number of jobs that require analytical skills. For instance, programmers , teachers, data analysts , accountants , and salespeople all need to be comfortable exercising analytical thinking skills.

Examples of Analytical Skills

If you notice that a job description asks for analytical skills, you may be wondering what you can do to your resume to align yourself with those skills.

Here are a few analytical skills you can mention on your resume to showcase your capacity to think analytically:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem Solving

#1: Communication

In order to solve difficult problems, you need to be able to work in a team.

When you are solving a problem, you’ll first need to work with other stakeholders to determine exactly what problem you need to solve and walk through what approaches have been tried in the past to solve the problem. Then, you’ll need to work with a team to come up with a solution, and implement that solution based on the specifications you have created.

You should be able to effectively communicate using both written and verbal methods of communication, such as presentations, talking with others, and writing memos.

#2: Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a skill that allows you to think clearly and rationally, and find logical connections between different ideas.

When you’re solving a problem for a business, you will need to figure out all the main features of that problem. You’ll also have to discover why a problem has arisen in the first place. To do so effectively, you will need to be capable of using logic to understand the problem at hand.

#3: Research

Before you can solve a problem, you need to know all about the problem you are trying to solve. This will involve researching the context behind a problem, and collecting any data that will help you better understand the problem at hand.

In the workplace, research may involve working with team members to better understand a problem or creating official methods to collect data to answer a question. For instance, if you are a marketing manager who wants to know why a campaign performed so well, you may have to create a metrics dashboard to analyze data on the effectiveness of a campaign.

#4: Problem Solving

Once you have identified a problem, you need to come up with a solution. In the workplace, you’ll use analytical thinking skills to consider the data you have collected, and figure out what an effective solution to a problem would be.

Then, once you have come up with a solution, you will need to figure out how you can implement that solution. This will involve considering all the constraints within which you need to operate—such as financial or resource limitations—and breaking down your solution into simple and addressable components.

#5: Creativity

To come up with a solution to a problem, you should be able to think creatively.

When you’re working in a business, you may realize that the most obvious solution is not the best option. For instance, if you are trying to reduce overhead, you may realize that cutting certain obvious expenditures is not a good idea because it will impact employee morale. In this case, you would need to come up with other creative ways to reduce overhead.

How to List Analytical Skills on Your Resume

You can highlight analytical skills in three different places on your resume. These are in the summary, professional history, and skills sections.

Let’s walk through an example of how analytical skills can be listed in each of these sections.

Motivated account manager with five years of experience effectively identifying the needs of clients and solving for those needs.

"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

Professional History

Account Manager

J. Davis Paper Company

March 2015 – Present

• Maintained and expanded relationships with core customers.
• Generated monthly accounts closing reports and analysis.
• Liaised with other account managers on core clients.
• Helped identify new ways to improve communication channels with clients.

Administrative assistant skills: organization, time management, resourcefulness, critical thinking, problem solving, written and verbal communication, ability to anticipate needs.

Analytical thinking skills are a crucial component of every industry, from teaching to healthcare to manufacturing. People with analytical thinking skills are those who can effectively identify problems, break them down into smaller parts, and come up with creative solutions to those problems.

If you are applying for a job that seeks analytical skills, make sure that you take some time to consider which skills you have that you could mention on your resume. Ensure that those skills appear prominently on your resume, so that you can position yourself as someone who has the right skills for the job.

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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What Are Analytical Skills?

Definition & Examples of Analytical Skills

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

How Analytical Skills Work

Types of analytical skills, highlighting analytical skills.

Analytical skills refer to the ability to collect and analyze information,  problem-solve , and make decisions. Employees who possess these skills can help solve a company’s problems and improve its overall productivity and success.

Learn more about analytical skills and how they work.

Employers look for employees with the ability to investigate a problem and find the ideal solution in a timely, efficient manner. The skills required to solve problems are known as analytical skills.

You use analytical skills when detecting patterns, brainstorming, observing, interpreting data, integrating new information, theorizing, and making decisions based on the multiple factors and options available. 

Solutions can be reached by clear-cut, methodical approaches, or through more creative techniques. Both ways of solving a problem require analytical skills.

Most types of work require analytical skills. You use them to solve problems that may not have obvious solutions or that have several variables.

Let's say you're the manager of a restaurant and have been going over budget on food for the past two weeks. You review the menus and what customers have ordered along with food costs from your suppliers.

You see that the cost of seafood has increased over the past two weeks. When you talk to the supplier, they explain that there's been a disruption in the supply chain due to weather. They've increased costs to compensate. You decide to reduce your seafood order to lower costs and work with your chef to develop new specials that take advantage of other protein options.

In this example, you used analytical skills to review data from different sources, integrated new information, and made a decision based on your observations.

Catherine Song / The Balance

The best analytical skills to highlight on a resume depend on the position you're applying for. Here are five skills to consider.

Communication

Analysis only goes so far if you can't share and implement your findings. You need to be an effective communicator to discuss the patterns you see and your conclusions and recommendations.

Analytical communication skills include:

• Problem sensitivity
• Active listening
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Conducting presentations 

Analyzing information often requires a creative eye to spot trends in the data that others may not find. Creativity is also important when it comes to problem-solving. The obvious solution is not always the best option. Employees with strong analytical skills will think outside the box to come up with effective solutions to big problems.

Creative skill sets include:

• Brainstorming
• Collaboration
• Optimization
• Predictive modeling
• Restructuring 
• Strategic planning
• Integration

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking refers to evaluating information and then making a decision based on your findings. Critical thinking is what helps an employee make decisions that help solve problems for a company. It may include:

• Process management
• Benchmarking
• Big data analytics
• Business intelligence
• Case analysis
• Causal relationships
• Classifying
• Comparative analysis
• Correlation
• Decision-making
• Deductive reasoning
• Inductive reasoning
• Diagnostics
• Data interpretation
• Prioritization
• Troubleshooting

Data Analysis

No matter what your career field, being good at analysis means being able to examine a large volume of data and identify trends in that data. You have to go beyond just reading and understanding information to make sense of it by highlighting patterns for top decision-makers.

There are many different types of data analysis, but some of the most common ones in today's workplace include:

• Business analysis
• Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis
• Cost analysis
• Credit analysis
• Critical analysis
• Descriptive analysis
• Financial analysis
• Industry research
• Policy analysis
• Predictive analytics 
• Prescriptive analytics
• Process analysis
• Qualitative analysis
• Quantitative analysis
• Return on investment (ROI) analysis

You must learn more about a problem before you can solve it, so an essential analytical skill is being able to collect data and research a topic. This can involve reviewing spreadsheets, researching online, collecting data, and looking at competitor information. 

Analytical research skills include:

• Investigation
• Data collection
• Checking for accuracy

Analytical thinking is a soft skill , but field-specific, technical types of analysis are hard skills. Both should be highlighted on your resume and in interviews.

Analytical skills are sought after employers, so it's best to highlight these skills when you're applying and interviewing for jobs. Consider:

• Adding relevant skills to your resume : Keywords  are an essential component of a resume, as hiring managers use the words and phrases of a resume and cover letter to screen job applicants, often through recruitment management software.
• Highlighting skills in your cover letter : Mention your analytical skills and give a specific example of a time when you demonstrated those skills.
• Provide examples in your job interview : They can be from past work, volunteer, or school experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Analytical skills refer to the ability to collect and analyze information, problem-solve, and make decisions.
• You use analytical skills when detecting patterns, brainstorming, observing, interpreting data, and making decisions based on the multiple factors and options available to you. 
• Most types of work require analytical skills. You use them to solve problems that may not have obvious solutions or have several variables.
• There are many types of analytical skills, including communication, creativity, critical thinking, data analysis, and research. 
• Highlight and provide examples of your skills in your resume, cover letter, and interviews. 

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Analytical Skills — Here’s How They Can Level Up Your Resume

• March 7, 2022

If you’re looking to find greener pastures, this is the time to dig up that good ol’ resume and update it with some new skills. Not sure how else you can jazz it up? Try this — add analytical skills.

The 2022 stats are in: 23% of employees plan to find new jobs. And a whopping 61% of employees expect to leave their current positions within the first half of the year.

This work-culture movement has a name. And it’s called The Great Resignation. But hold up — here’s a chance to call it what it should be — The Great Opportunity .

The best part is that learning analytical skills can primp and prime your resume regardless of your professional background.

What Are Analytical Skills?

At their core, analytical skills are soft skills that enable you to identify and solve problems. Though they’re not necessarily related to your technical skills, analytical skills are just as important.

Why? Mainly because they’re versatile. What’s more, they come in handy in lots of professional contexts.

People are longing for a different way of working and living, and resigning from a culture of stress and burnout. — Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive

Examples of Analytical Skills

Here are a few analytical skills examples:

• Organization
• Troubleshooting
• Communication
• Data analysis
• Diagnostics

They reflect your professionalism — your ability to use logical reasoning, make informed decisions, and problem-solving . And fun fact: analytical-oriented perception is one of the seven most common (and prized) types of thinking .

Analytical skills also show the recruiters that you have a logical, rational approach to bringing new ideas to life. It also displays how you can deliver creative solutions for any roadblock.

And that is an asset to any company.

Are There Benefits to Analytical Skills?

Leveling up in your personal growth always comes with benefits. As Jim Kwik , trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Quest puts it, “ It’s not how smart you are, but how are you smart. ”

So here are three perks to becoming a more proficient problem solver:

1. It makes you marketable

If you’ve already got your dream job, that’s awesome . Picking up these skills will help you shine at work and will enable you to get your job done more efficiently, in less time. 

But if you’ve yet to secure your dream job, then learning how to improve analytical skills can absolutely help. 

A 2022 survey by Zety, the career advice website, asked more than 200 recruiters and hiring managers to find out which skills they value. They found that 61% consider soft skills to be a more important value than hard skills.

So, developing any of the aforementioned analytical skills can be an incredible advantage.

2. It encourages critical thinking

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, critical thinking is the ability to:

• Grasp information
• Identify logical connections
• Solve problems methodically
• Reflect on your ideas as well as the ideas of others objectively.

This requires you to think clearly and logically while being impartial. With critical thinking, you not only have the ability to take what’s good and make it better, but you also know how to take the bad and be able to mitigate, eliminate, or manage it, according to business executive Jay Abraham .

And because you’re coming in without any bias, you’re able to interact with information, experience, and consciousness without being reactive. This can carve a path toward better interpersonal connections and lead to more harmonious relationships.

3. You’re a better problem solver

By applying critical thinking to problems that arise, it’ll help you be an effective and creative problem solver. Tackling the most daunting of cognitive challenges will be with ease. 

Indeed, when you understand how to digest data, pick out the relevant details, and devise a creative solution, not much will be able to stand in the way of you and what you want.

What Are Some Must-Have Analytical Skills?

Hiring managers often are on the lookout for people who can exemplify these abilities before they even set foot in the office. So if you want your credentials to be as competitive as can be, it’s wise to add strong analytical skills to your resume.

Understandably, mastering any new skill may seem daunting, but it’ll give you a leg up. It may not be the easiest of efforts, but, as all good things are, it’s definitely worth it. And as Jim Kwik always advises: “ If knowledge is power, learning is your superpower. ”

Not sure which analytical skill to start with? Here are six must-haves that are sure to blow your employer’s socks off.

1. The ability to conduct effective research

It’s all about the data nowadays. With data, businesses are able to:

• Have access to real-time insights into a particular issue
• Solve complex problems
• Learn more about their customers
• Improve the bottom line and workflow process
• Make better business decisions

Being able to effectively research and gather data is an invaluable analytical skill – one that is highly sought after. 

2. Data analysis

The next logical step after curating your information is being able to analyze it… because what good is a collection if you don’t do anything with it, right?

Analyzing data may sound technical, but it’s actually something you most likely do every day anyway, both in and out of the workplace. Data analysis is essentially the ability to:

• Look at a collection of data
• Identify where and when logical trends and sequences emerge
• Make informed decisions on what to do next

Data analysis comes in many forms, so detect your own inner analyst at work in your everyday life and mention this skill in your resume. 

3. Efficient problem-solving

Problem-solving isn’t just about finding an effective solution. It’s also about being able to identify that there’s a problem in the first place.

Sometimes, great projects are sidelined by small problems that snowball into unnecessary catastrophes. An effective problem solver:

• Takes in information and analyzes it
• Detects the presence of such issues before they become legitimate hindrances
• Find the most efficient, practical solution available

If your options are few, try some out-of-the-box thinking and try something entirely unique.

4. Creative thinking

Creative thinking isn’t limited to artists and musicians. It is an analytical skill that’s fast becoming expected of everyone. It’s highly valued and very transferrable, and it ties in nicely with being an efficient problem solver. 

Nurturing your inner wellspring of creativity will help you:

• Tackle life’s challenges with no end
• Try alternative methods and inventive approaches
• Streamline the problem-solving process for everyone involved

Being a creative thinker means you’re able to see a problem from different vantage points. You’re skilled enough to come up with out-of-the-box solutions, making you an invaluable asset to the team.

5.Critical thinking

In recent years, the term ‘ critical thinking ’ has become a buzzword in corporate and academic settings, and it does indeed overlap with analytical thinking.

Critical thinking helps with:

• Facilitating the research
• Problem-solving
• Creative output

However, here’s the thing though: it’s all done objectively. And that’s much easier said than done though. More often than not, it can be challenging for us as human beings to separate ourselves from our biases, judgments, and reactions.

Practicing critical thinking skills means practicing the ability to step away from the beliefs that you may hold dear.

6. Compelling communication

As effective communicators, we can facilitate the potency of all our other analytical skills.

Being able to solve problems, think analytically, and spot trends are one thing. But the other thing is being able to truly connect with your team and express your ideas clearly and calmly. 

That’s communication at its finest… or being able to talk the talk, as they say.

How Do You Present Your Analytical Skills to Potential Employers?

As you may know, there are several stages of a job search and application process. And that presents several opportunities to present your analytical skills to potential employers.

On your resume

Showcasing your technical skills is great. However, you should also add in a section where you display your analytical skills, too.

And keep in mind that some companies use applicant tracking systems. So, be sure to research specific keywords that are relevant to the company you’re applying to.

In the cover letter

Think of your cover letter as your wingman — it acts as a personal introduction and helps make your application appealing to your potential employer.

While your analytical skills can be listed in your resume, the cover letter gives you the chance to expand on those abilities. Share your motivations and what interested you in applying for that particular job. Additionally, highlight your communication skills, creativity, and even your experiences in data collection and analysis.

In the job interview

The job interview allows the employer to determine whether your skills, experience, and character are the right fit for the job and the company.

Here’s where you can dive even deeper into showcasing your analytical skills. Share a story of how you handled a work crisis or how you gathered data to help your team achieve its goals. And remember to highlight how the challenges you faced helped you hone your skills.

Epic Things Start With You

Improving your analytical skills begins with the first step — deciding which skill appeals to you most. You can challenge yourself to learn something new. Alternatively, you can improve in the abilities that you already have. 

And if you’re looking for a place to level up, join Mindvalley. As a Member, you have access to the world’s greatest transformational teachers. Plus, a global tribe to help you hone in on your skills.

Because here’s the truth about skills and life — it all starts with you.

See you at Mindvalley.

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7 Problem-Solving Skills That Can Help You Be a More Successful Manager

Discover what problem-solving is, and why it's important for managers. Understand the steps of the process and learn about seven problem-solving skills.

1Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a particular department, and sometimes a whole company, using their problem-solving skills regularly. Managers with good problem-solving skills can help ensure companies run smoothly and prosper.

If you're a current manager or are striving to become one, read this guide to discover what problem-solving skills are and why it's important for managers to have them. Learn the steps of the problem-solving process, and explore seven skills that can help make problem-solving easier and more effective.

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving is both an ability and a process. As an ability, problem-solving can aid in resolving issues faced in different environments like home, school, abroad, and social situations, among others. As a process, problem-solving involves a series of steps for finding solutions to questions or concerns that arise throughout life.

The importance of problem-solving for managers

Managers deal with problems regularly, whether supervising a staff of two or 100. When people solve problems quickly and effectively, workplaces can benefit in a number of ways. These include:

Greater creativity

Higher productivity

Increased job fulfillment

Satisfied clients or customers

Better cooperation and cohesion

Improved environments for employees and customers

7 skills that make problem-solving easier

Companies depend on managers who can solve problems adeptly. Although problem-solving is a skill in its own right, a subset of seven skills can help make the process of problem-solving easier. These include analysis, communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork.

1. Analysis

As a manager , you'll solve each problem by assessing the situation first. Then, you’ll use analytical skills to distinguish between ineffective and effective solutions.

2. Communication

Effective communication plays a significant role in problem-solving, particularly when others are involved. Some skills that can help enhance communication at work include active listening, speaking with an even tone and volume, and supporting verbal information with written communication.

3. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage emotions in any situation. People with emotional intelligence usually solve problems calmly and systematically, which often yields better results.

4. Resilience

Emotional intelligence and resilience are closely related traits. Resiliency is the ability to cope with and bounce back quickly from difficult situations. Those who possess resilience are often capable of accurately interpreting people and situations, which can be incredibly advantageous when difficulties arise.

5. Creativity 

When brainstorming solutions to problems, creativity can help you to think outside the box. Problem-solving strategies can be enhanced with the application of creative techniques. You can use creativity to:

Approach problems from different angles

Improve your problem-solving process

Spark creativity in your employees and peers

6. Adaptability

Adaptability is the capacity to adjust to change. When a particular solution to an issue doesn't work, an adaptable person can revisit the concern to think up another one without getting frustrated.

7. Teamwork

Finding a solution to a problem regularly involves working in a team. Good teamwork requires being comfortable working with others and collaborating with them, which can result in better problem-solving overall.

Steps of the problem-solving process

Effective problem-solving involves five essential steps. One way to remember them is through the IDEAL model created in 1984 by psychology professors John D. Bransford and Barry S. Stein [ 1 ]. The steps to solving problems in this model include: identifying that there is a problem, defining the goals you hope to achieve, exploring potential solutions, choosing a solution and acting on it, and looking at (or evaluating) the outcome.

1. Identify that there is a problem and root out its cause.

To solve a problem, you must first admit that one exists to then find its root cause. Finding the cause of the problem may involve asking questions like:

Can the problem be solved?

How big of a problem is it?

Why do I think the problem is occurring?

What are some things I know about the situation?

What are some things I don't know about the situation?

Are there any people who contributed to the problem?

Are there materials or processes that contributed to the problem?

Are there any patterns I can identify?

2. Define the goals you hope to achieve.

Every problem is different. The goals you hope to achieve when problem-solving depend on the scope of the problem. Some examples of goals you might set include:

Gather as much factual information as possible.

Brainstorm many different strategies to come up with the best one.

Be flexible when considering other viewpoints.

Articulate clearly and encourage questions, so everyone involved is on the same page.

Be open to other strategies if the chosen strategy doesn't work.

Stay positive throughout the process.

3. Explore potential solutions.

Once you've defined the goals you hope to achieve when problem-solving , it's time to start the process. This involves steps that often include fact-finding, brainstorming, prioritizing solutions, and assessing the cost of top solutions in terms of time, labor, and money.

4. Choose a solution and act on it.

Evaluate the pros and cons of each potential solution, and choose the one most likely to solve the problem within your given budget, abilities, and resources. Once you choose a solution, it's important to make a commitment and see it through. Draw up a plan of action for implementation, and share it with all involved parties clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Make sure everyone understands their role for a successful conclusion.

5. Look at (or evaluate) the outcome.

Evaluation offers insights into your current situation and future problem-solving. When evaluating the outcome, ask yourself questions like:

Did the solution work?

Will this solution work for other problems?

Were there any changes you would have made?

Would another solution have worked better?

As a current or future manager looking to build your problem-solving skills, it is often helpful to take a professional course. Consider Improving Communication Skills offered by the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera. You'll learn how to boost your ability to persuade, ask questions, negotiate, apologize, and more. 

You might also consider taking Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating Immensely Human Interactions , offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera. You'll explore the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills common to people with emotional intelligence, and you'll learn how emotional intelligence is connected to team success and leadership.

Article sources

Tennessee Tech. “ The Ideal Problem Solver (2nd ed.) , https://www.tntech.edu/cat/pdf/useful_links/idealproblemsolver.pdf.” Accessed December 6, 2022.

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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How to Show Analytical Skills

Last Updated: September 28, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Diane Martinez . Diane Martinez is a Certified Holistic Life Coach and Founder of Conscious Creating Life Coaching, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. Diane has over 10 years of coaching experience and works with clients in person and virtually on a variety of topics including career decisions, family relationships, anxiety, and setting boundaries. Diane earned her Coaching Certification from Alan Cohen's Holistic Life Coach Training Program. This article has been viewed 18,644 times.

If you're applying for a job that requires analytical thinking, there are several ways you can highlight your skills to make you look desirable to potential employers. When writing a cover letter, resume, or CV, think of times when you've demonstrated skills such as problem solving, researching, or critical thinking. The interview is the time to explain how you problem-solve in detail, showing that you have strong communication skills and an analytical mind.

Writing about Your Skills

• You might say that you analyzed a previous company's marketing strategies and improved them, leading the company to increase sales by 15%.

• Make sure you didn’t cause the issue — maybe another employee messed up and you solved the problem, or your boss wanted to make something better and you came up with a solution.
• An example of how to incorporate problem-solving skills into your cover letter might be, "I noticed that our product was being sent back within the first month in many cases. After reading the reviews from the specific people who returned the item, I found that our product was made of weak plastic. I set a plan in motion to change the plastic to a stronger material."

• An example might be, “Researched the best type of freezer truck to invest in and came up with a cheaper alternative to the one currently being used.”

• An example might be that you maintained and updated an Excel spreadsheet with all of the clients’ information on it, and it would be listed under your job description.
• Using exact numbers, percents, or figures on your resume, cover letter, or CV will show professionalism while also providing more detail.

• Maybe you thought of an out-of-the-box solution to a problem, or you came up with different methods of tackling a job.

• This is a skill you could list on your resume under job responsibilities, or you could mention a time when you communicated information to a group in your cover letter.

• For example, you might say that you planned a company-wide meeting, mentioning how many people attended and what was accomplished at the meeting.

• You could talk about how you used your analytical skills to increase the number of hits your company’s website got per day, or how you improved the production process while decreasing production time.
• Mentioning improvements you've made is something you can list on your CV under the specific job title. It's also a great topic to bring up in a cover letter to show how you stand out.

Showcasing Your Skills During an Interview

• For example, some typical questions from potential employers include, “How do you go about solving an issue when you’re not sure where to start?” or “Give an example of a time when you were given a problem to fix, and how you came up with a solution.”

• Avoid sharing stories where the problem was caused by you, even if you did solve it.
• Choose stories that are relevant to the job that you’re interviewing for.
• An example might be, "I noticed that the attendance had dropped at our most recent fundraisers, so I decided to poll the previous attendees to see how they'd describe their experience. I found that many people wanted to donate money but didn't have time to attend fundraisers, so I set up an online donating system."

• Instead of just saying that you planned a marketing event, you could say that you researched the targeted audience of the product and then created a marketing strategy that captured the attention of potential buyers, increasing sales by 30%.
• While you want to give details, you also want to make sure the details are relevant.

• If your job was to create password protection apps, you could start off by asking your interviewer if they use an app, journal, or other item to keep track of their passwords. Then you can give them a general summary of how you did your job, explaining the details as you would to someone who worked in a different job field.

Expert Q&A

• Always try to include exact numbers in your responses to questions, as well as when highlighting specific examples on a resume, CV, or cover letter. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://blog.mindvalley.com/analytical-skills/
• ↑ https://coverlettersandresume.com/resume/skills/list-of-analytical-skills-for-resume/
• ↑ https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/organizational-skills-resume-examples
• ↑ http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/top-10-business-analyst-job-interview-questions/
• ↑ https://content.wisestep.com/show-analytical-skills-cover-letter-cv-interview/
• ↑ https://biginterview.com/blog/2014/02/behavioral-interview-question-problem-solving.html

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4 Ways to Improve Your Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

Possessing strong analytical skills and solving problems is a part of everyday life– not just in entrepreneurship, but also in your personal life.

In fact, we would go as far as to say that if you aren’t encountering problems every once in a while, and subsequently conquering them, are you even a real entrepreneur?

However, being an entrepreneur, and by extension, an excellent problem solver, you’re going to need a few tricks up your sleeve. You’re in luck today.

Thinking Fast and Slow

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🎧 Audio version available

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Trick #1: Be Impatient

The first trick we’ve got to share is to jump into action. Take immediate steps to tackle this problem. As you know by now, entrepreneurship isn’t a wise career path for people who tend to put things off or procrastinate.

The next time a problem rears its ugly head, tackle it immediately. By “tackling it,” we mean executing our next piece of advice. This is not the same as hurrying into a decision, which could possibly make things worse. Being impatient about solving problems means you’re eager to solve them instead of letting things run their own disastrous course.

Trick #2: Digest

When they find themselves in a bind, a lot of people go with the first decision or plan of action that comes to mind. While you need to get a jumpstart on solving the problem, you should never make a business decision in a hurry. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, coming up with a system that helps you think critically is a must .

The next step is to digest , which in this case means thinking critically about the problem. Digesting means not immediately going with the first idea. Take the time to digest the problem before you even think about offering a solution.

Critical thinking, the ability to logically digest problems, is vital for your business. It’s going to help you grow your brand. And it works for every aspect of the job, including finances, marketing, and when dealing with employees and investors.

And most importantly, it’s going to ensure that your solution is effective and long lasting– as in, it’s not going to circle back with an additional problem.

Analyze every factor on hand. To avoid procrastination, set a strict deadline for when you need to find a solution.

Trick #3: The Five Whys

You know those little kids who constantly bombard people with ‘why’ questions? They may be on to something. Because answering all those ‘why’ questions will help you come up with new and innovative solutions.

Today, we want to be that annoying kid. Ask many ‘whys’ as you want. Be as unsatisfied as that kid is. This is how you’re going to get to the bottom of the problem. With every “why,” you’re digging deeper.

Most notably, you’re gaining insight . This is also related to not going with the first decision you come up with. Never be satisfied with the first solution you find to your first “why.”

After solving the first question, continue asking why. Not sure how many “whys” you need? Here’s an extra trick.

The Five “Whys.”

The technique was created by none other than Toyota– aka, one of the oldest and most reliable car producing companies of all time. The Five Whys were proposed by Japanese inventor and industrialist, Sakichi Toyoda; who was known as the “King of Japanese Inventors”. He’s the one who started the Toyoda family companies. Later on, his son would establish Toyota, the largest automaker in Japan.

So that king of industry made the 5 Whys part of the Toyota Production System. It goes like this: whenever they encounter a problem, Toyota’s scientific approach is to ask “why” a total of five times. Then, not only the solution becomes clear, but also the very nature of the problem.

We’re looking to be problem-solving, analytical business people, and a major part of that is knowing how to make informed decisions. The 5 Whys are magic when it comes to clearing that fog.

The first ‘why’ will reveal a superficial analysis. Being persistent will find the real cause of the problem so that you can find lasting solutions.

Like Toyota, you want to understand what’s happening on the work floor, so you prod and inspect it until a clear reason for that problem is revealed.

The Toyota website states that “whenever a problem cropped up, Taiichi Ohno encouraged his staff to explore problems first-hand until the root causes were found.” “Observe the production floor without preconceptions,” he would advise. “Ask ‘why’ five times about every matter.”

There are a lot of ways you can approach this technique. Some people like to hold meetings to brainstorm. Others work alone. Some move past the five question mark and ask as many ‘whys’ as they want– as many as it takes to get to the root of the problem and clarify the necessary action.

The method depends on following step after step. And we cannot emphasize this enough: don’t hurry. And don’t jump to conclusions.

Your answers to the ‘whys’ should be based on facts and concrete knowledge. Look at the process and assess it before you get started on assessing the people involved.

Since we’re talking about Toyota, let’s use them for an example. Our scenario is a conveyor belt has stopped.

First Why: Why did the conveyor belt stop?

The pulley that rotates the belt isn’t working.

Second Why: Why is the pulley not rotating the belt?

There is not enough power.

Third Why: Why isn’t there enough power?

The motor has stopped working.

Fourth Why: Why isn’t it working?

It burnt out.

Fifth Why: Why is it burnt out?

The motor was overloaded past its power capacity.

Sometimes, it may take more than five whys, but you can usually trace the problem back to its origins and figure out where to go from there.

Where do you go from there? Here is the next trick!

Trick #4: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis

The Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, also shortened to FMEA, is a step by step technique for solving problems that the U.S. military started in the 1940s to identify possible failures in a design, product, service, or manufacturing process.

The gist of it is that FMEA is basically reviewing all that you can– the components, the subsystems, et cetera. This is how you can identify any potential failures, their causes, and effects. There is actually a FMEA worksheet you can use.

While this technique originally began as a military thing, who’s to say it can’t be applied to entrepreneurship? You can use it anytime– when you’re designing a product or a service, when you’re testing quality, when you’re developing control plans, when you’re trying to improve an existing process, or generally throughout the life of your business.

Go Crazy With Generating Ideas

It’s only logical that you’re going to have an abundance of ideas to address to your problem by now. You have all the relevant information on hand, the causes are clear, and you need to get a move on.

Each idea you come up with should be evaluated for practicality and feasibility. Weigh the cost of each solution. With every solution, there is bound to be a trade-off. The advantages and disadvantages of that should be analytically considered as well. Sometimes, while the cost is tempting, it may not be practical. Bounce around ideas and assess each one to find the one that’s most efficient, cost-friendly, and is feasible for all sides involved.

Related: How to Approach Solving Most Common Startup Problems

Walk Through the Execution

It’s show time! This is the moment you implement your solution, but first, the trick to nailing it is to walk through how the execution should go. Test every factor of the solution, each part, and if it wors, you’re good to go.

However, you won’t make it long as an entrepreneur if your implementing skills– and by extension, your problem solving skills– aren’t up to code. The final step in analytical thinking is assessing the final solution. Believe it or not, but this is something that’s often overlooked.

Just because you have a solution doesn’t mean it’s the final solution. Remember that thing about lasting solutions? The final part, the show time, is continually testing whether or not this is the final solution. You never know, knowing all these nifty tricks may be what propels you ahead of the competition!

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What Are Analytical Skills? (Definition, Examples, And Resume Tips)

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Summary. Analytical skills are used to assess situations and make plans to overcome obstacles, usually in structured, logical ways.

There are a few skill sets that are important to hone no matter what industry you work in, and analytical skills are one of those.

In this article, you’ll learn about several different types of analytical skills, how to highlight them when applying for a job, and how to improve your analytical skills.

Key Takeaways

Analytical skills are necessary for figuring out how to overcome obstacles and make wise decisions.

Some examples of analytical skills are data analysis, research, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, visualization, and creativity.

You should highlight your analytical skills on your resume , in your cover letter , and during your interviews.

It’s important to work to grow your analytical skills throughout your career.

Types of Analytical Skills

Additional analytical skills, examples of how to showcase your analytical skills, examples of resumes that showcase analytical skills, example of analytical skills in a cover letter, examples of analytical skills in a job interview, examples of analytical skills on the job, how to improve your analytical skills, analytical skills faqs, final thoughts.

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Analytical skills are the qualities you possess that help you to assess situations rationally, create effective plans, and overcome obstacles. Analytical thinkers can separate themselves from their emotions in order to work effectively. They usually utilize a process to break down large problems into smaller issues to tackle.

There are a variety of traits and abilities that fall under the heading of strong analytical skills. Drawing attention to your strengths in analytical thinking can grab an employer’s attention, and land you an interview or a promotion.

Some analytical skills may be more relevant to your field than others. Take some time to consider which qualities will be the most valuable to your potential employers. Below are some great examples of important analytical thinking that hiring managers look for on your resume .

Data analysis. Taking in information, making sense of it logically, and using it to the best of your abilities is an important step in making calculated decisions.

Having impressive skills in data analysis greatly supports analytical thinking. Considering they share a root word in common, it makes sense that these skills rely on each other.

Data analysis could mean very different things for varying occupations.

If you work for a retail company, it could mean:

Examining quarterly clothing sales

Considering why the numbers are what they are, and if that’s satisfactory

Researching possibilities for how to increase revenue

Make decisions about whether to stay on the current trajectory or make changes to increase sales

Following-up

If you own a blog , it could mean:

Reading your website’s Google Analytics for each post

Determining increases or decreases in traffic and why that may be

Including traffic data points in a spreadsheet to consider trends

Coming up with strategies to boost website traffic based on success trends

Continually updating analytic data

Research . Conducting worthwhile research is very important in building viable solutions. Once you’ve noticed an issue or a way things could be done better, you must look for solutions towards improvement.

That depends on research. Luckily, we live in the age of the internet. Quite literally, we have a world of information available at our fingertips. You’re living proof of this — just look at what you’re doing right now by reading this article.

Carrying out research on important analytical skills, in order to improve your resume and employee profile. Using detailed research in your work style enhances your analytical problem-solving process.

Research involves:

Utilizing reliable resources

Fact-checking

Having an informational goal in mind

Attention to detail

Staying focused

Organizing data

Effectively presenting results

Critical thinking . Critical thinking is the boat that keeps the rest of your analytical skills afloat. It’s largely about having logic and reason at work.

It also involves always being open to learning more. Critical thinkers draw practical connections to further a company’s success. This is an extremely valuable skill for employers because critical thinkers can:

Determine why issues arise

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a particular strategy

Deciphering complex issues into smaller steps

Develop logical plans

Efficiently solve problems

Articulate their thinking to others

Communication . You may have the ability to deep-dive into research and think critically about the results. However, this isn’t very helpful without being able to accurately translate these findings to others.

Communication is key to developing workplace relations and completing projects productively. Throughout the analytical problem-solving process, be sure to keep your co-workers and supervisors in the loop about everything you’re doing and the conclusions you’re drawing. They could have input that affects your course of action or expands on your ideas.

Communication skills involve:

Friendliness

Emotion control

Listening to others

Asking questions

Accepting and returning feedback

Paying attention to non-verbal communication

Coordination

Presentation

Following-up on past interactions

Problem-solving. Problem-solving skills may sound synonymous with analytical, but really, it’s just another skill involved in the analytical process. Employers seek to hire applicants who are adept at problem-solving to handle any unexpected circumstances or issues.

After identifying an issue and conducting proper research, brainstorming potential solutions is next. You use problem-solving abilities to organize all the information you’ve uncovered to produce a logical plan for action.

Problem-solving skills involve:

Active listening

Data analysis

Consulting multiple sources

Strong communication

Formulating strategy

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making

Visualization. One of the traits that make for a strong analytical thinker is a visualization for an end goal. Having a clear vision in mind is necessary for creating a plan that works well. After all, you have to know what outcome you’re looking for to analyze whether it was successful later.

Without an objective, your research and strategy can become disorganized. Throughout the analytical process, keeping your original goal in mind can make your analytical work more productive.

Goal visualization involves:

Taking data into account

Acknowledging your team’s strengths and weaknesses

Deciding what your team’s overall goal is

Discussing the best routes for achieving this objective

Creativity . Creative thinkers have the ability to formulate new ideas and ways of doing things. This can be extremely productive when using analytical reasoning skills.

A large component to coming up with effective solutions to problems that involve innovation. Creative employees make groundbreaking improvements from problems.

Creativity involves:

Imagination

Keeping goals in mind

Problem-solving

Experimentation

Transforming ideas into action

Other useful analytical skills include:

Time-Management

Recognizing achievements

Providing feedback

Computer skills

Clarification

Organization

There are four main ways to showcase your analytical skills as part of your job search :

On your resume

In your cover letter

In a job interview

47 Martin Ln. Orlando, FL , 44587 (771)-409-3376 [email protected] Shelby Malcolm Passionate and creative graphic designer with 4 years of experience and a B.A. in Design. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. SKILLS Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Proficient in Inkscape Creative Dependable Fast learner Problem-solving EXPERIENCE Ecosphere Design Lab, Orlando, FL — Graphic Designer March 2018 – PRESENT Outlining design concepts Coordinating with a team of 6 Direct client requests Illustration Considering industry trends Creating a range of ideas Promoted from Junior graphic designer after the first six months Innovation Graphics, Orlando, FL — Junior Graphic Designer January 2015 – January 2018 Communicating with clients Providing customer service Brainstorming idea for advertisements and logos Utilizing revision when needed Awarded a salary increase of 2% after the first year EDUCATION The University of Tampa, Tampa, FL — B.A. in Design August 2011 – May 2015

Jacob Jones 912 W Evans St. Sedona, AZ , 98211 (398)-197-1126 [email protected] LinkIn.com/in/JacobJones Organized and meticulous social media manager with 5+ years of experience. B.A. in Human Studies from the University of Arizona. Strengths in interpersonal skills and branding. Professional Experience Liberty Public Relations , Sedona, AZ Social Media Manager September 2017-Present Scheduled and coordinated meetings Interacted directly with clients Coordinated with marketing teams Manager profiles for several prominent clients Created detailed plans for success with milestones of completion Handled arising PR issues Awarded $2,500 bonus after the first year Gold Star Media Management , Sedona, AZ Social Media Marketing Intern, June 2016– August 2017 Memo creation and direction Email management Organizing social media post schedules Analyzing post success Collaborated on a team to design branding Aided in brand creation for up-and-coming companies Skills Social media Marketing Branding Google analytics HTML Attention to detail Critical thinking skills Adaptable Education University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ BA in Human Studies, May 2016 GPA: 3.5 out of 4.0

Nicholas Phillips Flexible and outgoing investigative journalist . Possess a Bachelor’s in English and a Masters in Journalism. Strong skills in creative thinking and problem-solving. 22 Main St. Houston, TX , 23014 (129)-828-1192 [email protected] NicholasPhillips.com EXPERIENCE XYZ News Channel, Houston, TX — Investigative Journalist April 2016 – PRESENT Search out newsworthy stories Conduct relevant research Communicating with co-workers and sources Fact-checking Interviewing subjects Developing story outlines Adhering to journalistic integrity Promoting the success and viewership of XYZ Awarded with two raises totaling $16,000 Houston Local News, Houston, TX — Journalist January 2014-April 2016 Thinking creatively to discover eye-catching stories and events Gathering information and subjects via extensive research Assessing lead quality Meeting set deadlines Coordinating with team of 10 Networking to establish working relationships Around Town Quarterly, Houston, TX — Journalist Intern June 2013- January 2014 Assisting in administrative work Conducting assigned research for topics Contributing to weekly brainstorms Editing and proofreading Assisting in interviews EDUCATION The University of Texas, Austin, TX — Master’s in Journalism September 2011 – June 2013 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN– Bachelor’s in English August 2007-May2011. SKILLS Research Writing Bilingual Presentation Integrity Flexible Sociable LANGUAGES Fluency in English and Spanish

During my time as a Marketing Manager for XYZ Inc., I made it my mission to cut the budget while still growing our digital marketing presence. By recognizing that 80% of our traffic was coming from 20% of our content creators, I made the decision to cut our writing staff down significantly. What we saw was a 70% drop in spending on content creation, while traffic grew by an average of 24% monthly. Other accomplishments from this role include: Performed competitor keyword research to increase our organic reach by 29% YoY Developed a website design in tandem with product team and based on user feedback to increase engagement by 76% Identified and implemented best practices for email marketing and affiliate campaigns to increase conversion rates by 15% and revenue by 11%

In a job interview, you’ll hear a lot of questions designed to test your analytical skills. Let’s go over a couple of common interview questions , along with example answers that clearly highlight your supreme analytical powers:

For me, it’s all about maximizing both efficiency and effectiveness. I independently track how much time each of my tasks takes, and what the return on that time investment is. For example, when my team had to code a whole new content cluster using a wildly different style than our home page , I started by assessing which features were most sought after by users. I then implemented those changes and used A/B testing to determine the effectiveness. I found that adding trailing social engagement buttons along the left-hand side of the page upped engagement by over 20%, and it was a relatively simple thing to do. When you see that a huge chunk of your results come from small changes, it becomes easier to prioritize and identify the successful things you’re doing.

When I’m facing a problem I haven’t seen before, my first step is research. Whether that means looking online for tutorials covering the topic or speaking to an expert in the company, fact-finding is critical. Then, I like to implement imperfect changes — I say “imperfect” because I find many people suffer from “analysis paralysis.” Instead, I’m happier to put out the minimal viable product and iterate from there. A lot of the time, the issues you expect from a problem never arise, and ones you never consider crop up unannounced. That’s why I feel more comfortable having an actual product to tweak and perfect, rather than trying to find the perfect solution the first time.

Whether you’re hoping to earn a promotion or leverage your analytical skills into a new job, one of the best ways to showcase your analytical skills is to let others do it for you. By that we mean you should make it so clear that you’re an analytical juggernaut at work that your supervisors recognize it as your stand-out trait.

In practice, that can take a few different forms. Here are some examples of how you can show off your analytical skills in your work:

Take on leadership roles.

Volunteer for assignments that give you a chance to hone and show off your capacity for analysis.

Go out of your way to improve an inefficient or ineffective process.

There’s not a job out there that doesn’t utilize and benefit from analytical skills. Go out there and identify problems, offer solutions, and be critical with your evaluations. That’s how you wind up with a letter of recommendation that touts your ability to analyze situations effectively.

An employee with keen analytical skills has a bright future ahead of them. No matter what field or industry you work in, developing your analytical skills can help you achieve your career goals.

To improve your analytical skills:

Take tests. There are tons of free resources online for testing your analytical skills and ability to think critically. These are often math- or logic-based, and they can help train your brain to approach problems strategically.

Step into leadership roles. Leaders need a whole host of attributes to succeed , but analytical skills are a critical part of the job. Look for opportunities to lead projects to put your analytical skills to the test.

Play games. Not just any games, though. Think logic games like Rubik’s Cubes, Sudoku puzzles, and Chess. These games will strengthen your analytical skills while having fun. Plus, studies have shown that engaging in cognitively stimulating activities like these reduces your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Enroll in classes. It doesn’t even really matter what subject you choose to study, although if your goal is career growth, it should pertain to your job in some way. The important part is that when you’re learning new things, you’re forcing your brain out of its cognitive comfort zone.

Find a mentor . This is good advice regardless of what skills you’re trying to develop. A mentor in your field who has successfully weathered the challenges of your role is like a cheat code for strengthening your analytical skills.

Become a close reader. If you remember close reading from your high school English class, you’re probably groaning right now. But it turns out that was one of the truly valuable strategies you were taught in school.

You don’t need to be reading a text to be a close reader . When you watch movies and shows, see an advertisement, or listen to a politician’s speech, do your best to read between the lines. Look for plot holes, assess why an ad is effective (or not), and pay attention to what the politician isn’t saying.

What are examples of analytical skills?

Some examples of analytical skills include:

Critical thinking

Communication

Visualization

What type of skills are analytical skills?

Analytical skills are soft skills that allow you to collect and analyze information in a way that allows you to solve problems and make decisions well.

You use analytical skills in your daily work tasks, when you’re making schedules, and when you’re making important management decisions, to give just a few examples.

How do you say you have good analytical skills?

You say you have good analytical skills by providing examples of times you used your analytical skills. You can do this in your resume, in your cover letter, and during your interview. You can also showcase your analytical skills while you work.

What jobs use analytical skills?

Some jobs that use analytical skills include software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and accountant. Many people in the finance, technological, and scientific industries use analytical skills in their day-to-day roles.

Analytical skills are useful in a variety of roles and positions, across a variety of industries. You can showcase your experience with them on your resume by listing specific examples of times that you have solved problems or addressed situations using analytical skills.

Harvard Business School Online – 4 Ways to Improve Your Analytical Skills

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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