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

7 Best Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume + Examples (Update)

11 min read · Updated on April 04, 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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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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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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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.

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How to List Problem Solving Skills on a Resume | Best Skills and Examples

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What are problem-solving skills?

Examples of problem-solving skills, how to improve problem-solving skills, how to list problem-solving skills on your resume.

Problem-solving skills are a combination of soft skills that enable you to address and resolve difficult situations. These skills are useful in the workplace to resolve problems that may arise in assigned projects as well as interpersonal conflict. Developing effective problem-solving skills can increase your value to employers. These tips will help you understand problem-solving skills, how you can develop them and how to list them on your resume.

Problem-solving skills are a combination of soft skills necessary to identify and resolve problems. These skills empower you to test and implement solutions to various problems in the workplace. Problem-solving skills include several soft skills such as research, reasoning, analysis and decision making.

Learning and developing problem-solving skills can improve your value in the workplace both as an employee and as a credible teammate. 

Here are some examples of problem-solving skills:

Research skills are the ability to gather information about a problem. This may include meeting with coworkers to understand the symptoms of a problem or consulting with more experienced colleagues. Good research skills also include the ability to identify, read and comprehend material about the source of the problem such as user manuals and online help articles.

Analysis is the ability to methodically examine the problem from all angles. This may include recreating the problem to understand the steps that caused it, and reviewing data or error logs that may provide additional details about the problem. The ability to analyze the problem helps you gain a thorough understanding of the symptoms, cause and impact to better identify a solution.

Reasoning is the ability to use information you’ve gathered through research, analysis and experience to identify steps and draw conclusions. It includes deductive reasoning, which is working backwards from a known conclusion to identify what happened, and inductive reasoning, which is applying evidence you’ve gathered to draw conclusions about possible solutions. 

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the ability to methodically identify the source of a problem and test possible solutions. After researching, analyzing and reasoning through a problem, you may have generated ideas about possible causes and solutions. Troubleshooting allows you to isolate various conditions of the problem to test and confirm or reject these ideas.

Decision making

Decision making is the ability to commit to one of several conclusions. Decision making is necessary in problem solving because it requires that you commit to implementing the solution you identified. Thorough research, analysis and troubleshooting may make decision making easier by revealing clear resolutions. When a problem has several viable solutions, strong decision-making skills are necessary to choose and implement the best solution.

Improving problem-solving skills requires patience and practice. To improve these skills, start by developing the ability to recognize and admit when a problem exists. 

Here are some specific steps to consider when working to improve problem-solving skills:

1. First, learn to recognize and admit when a problem exists

The first step to developing your problem-solving skills is learning to recognize and admit when a problem exists. Although it may be tempting to ignore or deny problems, most problems require active work to reach resolution. When you recognize a problem, practice accepting it, bringing attention to it and working to resolve it.

2. Then, practice evaluating problems

Once you can recognize and admit that a problem exists, evaluate the problem from every angle and learn everything you can about it. Read online help articles, talk to other people who have experienced the problem and collect as much information as possible. Learning about a problem leads to analyzing and reasoning through the problem. As you learn about the problem you will naturally start brainstorming potential causes and solutions.

3. Next, learn to isolate the variables

Learning to isolate different variables of a problem will help you build troubleshooting skills to identify what caused a problem and test possible solutions. You will want to consider all the components of a problem and test each one individually to determine which is the source of the problem. When testing possible solutions, you will want to test and check one variable at a time to know exactly which one resolves the problem. 

4. Last, practice problem-solving

There are several ways to practice problem solving before you’re faced with a real-life problem. Puzzles and practice scenarios are a great way to test and hone your problem-solving skills. You can also attend workshops or seminars designed to improve problem-solving skills. These provide the opportunity to practice problem-solving skills in a structured environment. Workshops or seminars may include activities and role-play where attendees are presented with a problem and must work together to find a solution.

Listing problem-solving skills on your resume can show that you can effectively identify and resolve problems in the workplace. It is important to list skills you are confident in so you can discuss the details and represent yourself properly.

Here are two ways to include problem-solving skills on your resume:

1. First, you can list problem-solving skills on your resume directly within a ‘Skills’ section

If you have a separate section on your resume for listing relevant skills, include important problem-solving skills in this section. For clarity, consider grouping these skills separately from technical or functional skills.

2.  Second, you can include problem-solving skills on your resume within descriptions of your experience

You can also include problem-solving skills in your ‘Work/Professional Experience’ section. For example, you may include a bullet point about how you were responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems within prescribed timeframes. As another example, you may include a bullet point about experience working with a team to develop and test solutions.

Most jobs require identifying and resolving various types of problems. Applicants with strong problem-solving skills are curious, investigative and creative. Problem-solving skills are important to successfully complete tasks, work with others and achieve organizational goals.

Resume builder

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.

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• Resume Tips

How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume

Problem-solving skills are arguably among the most important soft skills that employers look for in new hires. Being able to list problem-solving skills on your resume lets prospective employers know that you can effectively navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute to the success of the team and company. 

Business changes occur every day – companies have to keep up with everything, from competition to changing regulatory practices. When you demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, they know they can depend on you to quickly adapt. Oftentimes, employers will depend on people with strong problem-solving skills to motivate team members to adjust to changes, too. On top of that, when you are able to solve problems quickly, the customers are happier because their issues are being addressed and any inefficiencies are overcome. 

Problem-solving skills go beyond solving problems

You may think that “problem-solving skills” is a talent with the singular focus of finding some issue and fixing it; however, the concept is far broader. They are a multifaceted set of abilities that contribute to your personal career growth and the success of the team you work with, creating an indispensable toolkit for your professional life. 

Let’s talk about how problem-solving skills are more than what’s suggested in the name by touching on a few things that go with having good problem-solving skills:

Critical thinking: If you are a good problem solver, you are likely an adept critical thinker who excels in analyzing situations, breaking down complex issues into manageable components, and evaluating potential solutions. You are probably known for approaching problems with a structured and analytical mindset that allows you to make informed decisions and avoid impulsive actions. Critical thinking is a skill that can be applied to a wide array of tasks and responsibilities, making it an invaluable asset in any role.

Innovation: The word “innovation” is quickly becoming one of those hated buzzwords, but beyond resolving existing issues, problem solvers are often trailblazers. In this capacity, you possess the capacity to identify opportunities for improvement, devise creative solutions, and contribute to organizational growth through an ability to think outside the box and propose novel ideas.

Communication: As an effective problem solver, you are also a skilled communicator . You can articulate thoughts, ideas, and solutions clearly and persuasively to colleagues, superiors, and clients. Usually, if someone needs something explained, they probably come to you because of your ability to articulate things in a way that’s easily understood by everyone.

Decision-making: Being able to make sound decisions is a core component of possessing problem-solving skills. When you have strong problem-solving abilities, you can evaluate options, weigh the pros and cons, and arrive at well-informed decisions. In fact, your capacity to make sound judgments is valuable in roles where choices impact outcomes, resource allocation, and risk management.

Teamwork: If you’re a problem solver, you will often excel in team environments, though you can also work well without supervision. Not only can you contribute to group problem-solving efforts, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and harness collective intelligence to arrive at optimal solutions, but you also have the capacity to solve problems in hybrid or remote environments. 

Leadership potential: The holistic skill set of being a problem solver positions you as a potential leader within your organization. Your ability to tackle complex challenges, guide teams toward solutions, and maintain a commitment to organizational goals is often recognized and rewarded with a promotion to a leadership position.

The great thing about showing potential employers that you have problem-solving skills is that you can do so even if you don’t have a lot of professional experience under your belt. 

Use problem-solving skills to boost your resume

Of course, the only way to let a future employer know that you possess outstanding problem-solving skills is through your resume. Here are some steps for you to consider that will put your resume over the top and help you land a coveted interview spot:

1. Use problem-solving skills in your profile summary

Your resume's opening statement, or profile paragraph , is the ideal place to mention your problem-solving abilities. This profile paragraph is a three to five-sentence elevator speech that highlights the core achievements of your career so far. Use this as an opportunity to introduce you to the new employer but also highlight your problem-solving skills. For example:

"Accomplished UX Design Leader with a decade of experience analyzing client requirements to transform digital landscapes into visually captivating and user-centric environments. Consistently employ a passion for discovering pain points and simplifying complexity to make a meaningful impact on target audiences. "

You’ll notice that the phrase “problem-solving skills” isn’t in the text of this example. You can demonstrate a skill without actually using the phrase. The ability to do this elevates your application and gains the respect of future employers because you’re not simply telling them that you can solve problems; you’ve told them how you solve problems and what the outcome is. 

PRO TIP: It is critical to write your resume using action and accomplishments phrases. This lets hiring managers know that you’re an achiever rather than a doer. The best way to do this is to use the STAR method to create a superior resume .

2. Build a tailored “Core Proficiencies” section

The “Core Proficiencies” section is sometimes referred to as the “Beat the Bots” section. It’s the place to put keywords and phrases that align with what the job description calls for so that you can get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) . Adding “problem-solving” skills to your “Core Proficiencies” is a great way to let the reader know you possess the skill. Additionally, you can add in other soft skills like “decision-making,” “creativity,” and “troubleshooting” to help your application stand out from the crowd. 

3. Talk about problem-solving skills in your “Professional Experience” section

A great way to grab the attention of a prospective employer is to mention achievements from past jobs. One of the few ways a hiring manager can find out what you’ll bring to the table for them is to see what you did for past employers. Use bullet points to talk about what you achieved with your problem-solving skills at your old jobs. 

Ensure that the points you are making on your resume resonate with what the new employer wants. The best way to do that is to eliminate non-relevant bullet points. Remember, your resume isn’t a chronicle of everything you’ve ever done during your career, it is a targeted marketing document that speaks to a particular job. 

Here's an example of how to effectively include problem-solving achievements in your " Professional Experience " section:

Previous Job Title: Project Manager

Company XYZ, Anytown, USA — January 2020 to Present

Led a cross-functional team to identify and rectify bottlenecks in the production process, resulting in a 20% increase in overall efficiency.

Developed and implemented a cost-saving initiative that reduced departmental expenses by 15% within the first quarter.

Resolved a critical project delay by reassigning tasks and reallocating resources, ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget.

Collaborated with the customer support team to identify recurring customer complaints, leading to the implementation of a new customer feedback system that resulted in a 25% decrease in support requests.

Unlock exciting career opportunities

When you strategically incorporate problem-solving skills, like adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking, into your resume, doors will open, and hiring managers will be begging you for interviews. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about opening doors to a fulfilling and dynamic journey that will, most likely, end with you having the word “leader” behind your name. 

The key takeaways from aptly demonstrating problem-solving skills:

Attract hiring managers’ attention: Problem-solving skills are in high demand across industries and across the world. Employers actively seek candidates who can resolve challenges and make informed decisions. 

Demonstrate value: By showing results of using problem-solving skills in past jobs, you illustrate the tangible value you bring to potential employers. 

Build confidence: A well-crafted resume that resonates with employers will boost your confidence and allow you to speak about your experiences and contributions. 

Career advancement: When your resume showcases problem-solving abilities, you end up with a tool that helps you step into promotions and greater responsibility. 

Since problem-solving skills are so much more than figuring out how to fix something that’s broken or not working, they’re really a ticket to unlocking the career path you’ve been working tirelessly to achieve, be sure your resume is filling the bill. 

ZipJob’s team of professional resume writers are, hands-down, the best people you can work with to properly showcase your problem-solving skills to potential employers. 

Recommended reading:

Top 15 Skills Employers Are Hiring For in 2023

How to Leverage Soft Skills to Win Interviews

Interpersonal Skills Can Give You the Competitive Career Advantage You Need

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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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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Resume Synonyms for Resolved

Seeking vivid resume language that conveys your talent designing enduring solutions? While 'Resolved' indicates problem-solving, compelling verbs like 'Eliminated Root Causes By Architecting Lasting Fixes' express your skills not just covering up symptoms, but enacting fundamental changes for breakthrough outcomes. Let's spotlight your gifts.

Table of Contents

Using resolved on a resume.

'Resolved' is a powerful word that signifies the act of finding solutions to problems or challenges. It's a term that carries a sense of determination, finality, and accomplishment, painting a picture of someone who is not deterred by obstacles but instead, rises to the occasion to address them. In the context of a resume, 'Resolved' is often used to highlight an individual's problem-solving skills and their ability to handle difficult situations. It's a word that communicates a candidate's capacity to not only identify issues but also implement effective solutions, showcasing their initiative, leadership, and critical thinking skills. However, while 'Resolved' is a strong term, it's not always the most impactful choice of language for your resume. Its overuse in resumes has somewhat diluted its effect, making it less distinctive. Moreover, it may not fully capture the breadth and depth of your problem-solving skills or the unique approach you bring to tackling challenges. Therefore, it's worth considering other synonyms or alternative phrases that can more accurately and compellingly convey your abilities. By diversifying your language, you can make your resume stand out, better engage potential employers, and ultimately increase your chances of landing that dream job.

Tailor Your Resume Content to the Job Description

Strong vs Weak Uses of Resolved

Examples of using resolved on a resume.

• Resolved complex customer complaints by implementing new procedures, resulting in a 30% decrease in complaints within a six-month period.
• Resolved system-wide technical issues by coordinating with IT team, leading to a 50% increase in system efficiency.
• Resolved inter-departmental conflicts by initiating open communication channels, which improved overall team productivity by 40%.
• Resolved some customer complaints.
• Resolved some technical issues.
• Resolved some conflicts between team members.

How Resolved Is Commonly Misused

"resolved customer complaints".

This statement is too generic and does not provide any specific information about the nature of the complaints or how they were resolved. It is better to provide specific examples or details to showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities.

"Resolved conflicts between team members"

While it indicates conflict resolution skills, it lacks impact and does not highlight any specific achievements. Instead, it is better to mention the outcomes or results of the conflict resolution, such as "Successfully resolved conflicts between team members, resulting in improved collaboration and a 30% increase in productivity."

"Resolved technical issues"

This statement is too vague and does not provide any specific information about the technical issues or how they were resolved. It is better to provide specific examples or details to showcase your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

"Resolved project delays"

While it implies problem-solving skills, it lacks impact and does not highlight any specific achievements. Instead, it is better to mention the outcomes or results of resolving project delays, such as "Successfully resolved project delays by implementing a new scheduling system, resulting in on-time project completion and a 15% cost savings."

When to Replace Resolved with Another Synonym

Resolving conflicts.

Instead of using "Resolved," job seekers can use synonyms like "Mediated," "Negotiated," or "Facilitated" to convey their ability to handle conflicts and find mutually beneficial solutions. These alternatives highlight their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, showcasing their ability to maintain positive relationships and foster collaboration within a team or organization.

Troubleshooting technical issues

When describing experience in troubleshooting technical problems, job seekers can opt for synonyms such as "Diagnosed," "Investigated," or "Rectified." These terms emphasize their ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct thorough investigations, and implement effective solutions. Using these alternatives showcases their technical expertise, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued in many industries.

Resolving customer complaints

Instead of using "Resolved," job seekers can use synonyms like "Addressed," "Handled," or "Solved" to describe their experience in resolving customer complaints. These alternatives highlight their customer service skills, ability to empathize with customers, and commitment to providing satisfactory solutions. Using more precise language showcases their ability to handle challenging situations, maintain customer satisfaction, and contribute to a positive brand image.

Best Resume Synonyms for Resolved

How to replace resolved with a stronger, more relevant synonym, replacing resolved in your resume summary.

Using Resolved

Using a Strong Synonym

Replacing Resolved in Your Work Experience

• Resolved customer complaints and issues, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
• Proactively addressed and rectified customer concerns, driving a significant 20% boost in overall customer satisfaction ratings.

Powerful Resolved Synonyms for Different Job Categories

Best resolved synonyms for marketing resumes, best resolved synonyms for customer service resumes, find the right synonyms for any job, frequently asked questions.

The best replacement word for 'Resolved' on a resume could be 'Addressed', 'Managed', or 'Handled'. For example, instead of saying "Resolved customer complaints", you could say "Managed customer complaints" or "Addressed customer service issues". These words demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations.

You can use 'Resolved' on your resume when you're describing a situation where you've successfully addressed a problem or conflict. It's particularly effective in roles that require problem-solving or dispute resolution skills. For example, "Resolved customer complaints, improving overall customer satisfaction by 20%" or "Resolved technical issues in the software, reducing system downtime by 30%."

"Resolved" is relevant for your resume if you've handled problems or disputes in your previous roles. For instance, if you've worked in customer service and successfully handled customer complaints, you could say "Resolved customer complaints, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction." This word showcases your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle challenging situations.

Which Job Titles use Resolved the Most?

Top 5 titles/functions with the most mentions of resolved on their resume:, related resume synonyms, explore full resume examples to find other improvements.

Guidance to Improve Your Resume Language for Greater Impact

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• problem-solving

adjective as in analytic

Strongest matches

analytical , investigative

Weak matches

inquiring , rational , sound , systematic

adjective as in analytical

analytic , cogent , detailed , diagnostic , interpretive , investigative , penetrating , rational , scientific , systematic , thorough

conclusive , discrete , dissecting , explanatory , expository , inquiring , inquisitive , judicious , logical , organized , perceptive , perspicuous , precise , questioning , ratiocinative , reasonably , searching , solid , sound , studious , subtle , testing , valid

adjective as in analytic/analytical

cogent , conclusive , detailed , diagnostic , discrete , dissecting , explanatory , expository , inquiring , inquisitive , interpretive , investigative , judicious , logical , organized , penetrating , perceptive , perspicuous , precise , questioning , ratiocinative , rational , reasonable , scientific , searching , solid , sound , studious , subtle , systematic , testing , thorough , valid , well-grounded

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Related words.

Words related to problem-solving are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word problem-solving . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in logical

• investigative

adjective as in examining and determining

• explanatory
• inquisitive
• interpretive
• penetrating
• perspicuous
• questioning
• ratiocinative
• well-grounded

adjective as in examining

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Example Sentences

“These are problem-solving products but that incorporate technology in a really subtle, unobtrusive way,” she says.

And it is a “problem-solving populism” that marries the twin impulses of populism and progressivism.

“We want a Republican Party that returns to problem-solving mode,” he said.

Problem-solving entails accepting realities, splitting differences, and moving forward.

It teaches female factory workers technical and life skills, such as literacy, communication and problem-solving.

Problem solving with class discussion is absolutely essential, and should occupy at least one third of the entire time.

In teaching by the problem-solving method Professor Lancelot 22 makes use of three types of problems.

Sequential Problem Solving is written for those with a whole brain thinking style.

Thus problem solving involves both the physical world and the interpersonal world.

Sequential Problem Solving begins with the mechanics of learning and the role of memorization in learning.

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On this page you'll find 87 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to problem-solving, such as: analytical, investigative, inquiring, rational, sound, and systematic.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

Solar Eclipse Math Word Problems, Solar Eclipse 2024 Math Activities Printables.

Description

This engaging collection of math word problems is designed to challenge students' problem-solving abilities while immersing them in real-life scenarios related to solar eclipses.

Aligned with grade-level math standards, this product features 10 thoughtfully crafted word problems covering a range of mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, length, time, and more. Each problem incorporates elements of solar eclipses, making math learning both relevant and exciting for students.

With clear step-by-step solutions provided for each problem, teachers can easily guide students through the problem-solving process, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in the context of real-world phenomena.

• Engages students in real-life scenarios related to solar eclipses.
• Improves problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities in a meaningful context.
• Helps students practice various math operations while learning about astronomy.
• Step-by-step solutions provided for better understanding and confidence building.

Instructions :

• This set of math word problems related to solar eclipses can be implemented by printing out the worksheets and distributing them to students for individual or group work.
• Facilitate discussions around the solutions to reinforce key math concepts and techniques.
• Use the completed worksheets as formative assessments to gauge student understanding.

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