Squaring the Circle: Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills on Your CV
It is said that there are four stages of problem-solving. First, you need to identify the issue. Next, you use logical thinking to come up with potential solutions. Then you decide on the best strategy and finally, you implement it to the best of your ability.
There is no question that problem-solving is a skill that will stand you in good stead regardless of the industry. At some point, virtually every employee is tasked with solving a problem; and not everyone is capable of finding sensible solutions.
What is the Definition of Problem-Solving Skills?
To identify this soft skill, it may be worth taking time to consider what a ‘problem’ is. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it is a “doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution.” The same tome suggests that a problem is hard to understand, accomplish, or handle.
It is human nature to try and find problems, but that could be our collective Achilles Heel. We are often guilty of seeing a problem when there is really an opportunity. In the case of problem-solving in the workplace, it is your chance to showcase your ability to think logically and calmly under pressure.
As for problem-solving skills; a good definition would be showing the capacity to solve a problem in a creative, effective, and efficient, manner.
List of Problem-Solving Skills & Description
As you will see below, there are several steps to solving a problem effectively. There are also multiple skills you’ll need to possess, or develop, to get to the level of problem-solving champion:
- Observational Skills: How often are you aware of what is going on? Do you spot things that others miss?
- Analytical Ability: Are you the kind of person who refuses to think with the crowd? If so, your ability to thoroughly assess the situation will put you a step or three ahead of everyone else.
- Innovation: Typically, it won’t take you long to exhaust the obvious solutions. The next step is to conjure up ideas that aren’t easily thought of. Showing creativity helps you create more strategies and increases your chances of finding a viable solution.
- Resilience: A good problem-solver doesn’t quit at the first sign of trouble. If your first few solutions don’t work, you have to keep pushing until you find something that does.
- Critical Thinking: Once you have identified a ‘good’ solution, you need your critical thinking cap on to ensure that the solution isn’t a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With this skill, you can spot and fix any flaws in what is otherwise a solid solution.
What Are the Best Problem-Solving Steps?
There are several methods of solving a problem, but they usually involve the following stages no matter what steps you take.
- Identify the Problem: Provide a detailed overview of what the issue is. At this point, your sole focus should be on the problem; making sure that it actually is a problem in the first place. An example of a problem would be inconsistent sales figures that are showing a downward trend.
- Look for Creative Solutions: This step requires lateral thinking to consider all the possible options. Make sure you analyse the resources required to complete any solutions you have thought about.
- Select a Strategy: This is arguably the trickiest aspect of problem-solving because you have to pick an option and stick with it. You may face resistance from colleagues, but if you’re confident that it is the right solution, proceed! Those who are unable to commit to a plan of action will struggle ever to become effective problem-solvers.
- Complete the Process: Create your action plan, inform the relevant staff, and follow through on your chosen strategy.
What is the Importance of Problem-Solving Skills for Your CV?
It isn’t enough to simply include ‘problem-solving’ in the key skills section of your CV. You have to outline how you have demonstrated your skills in the past. While you can add detail in your cover letter, try to include quantifiable examples of your problem-solving prowess in the Employment History of your CV. For instance:
- Increased quarterly sales by 24% by implementing a new customer satisfaction program.
- Reduced the number of safety incidents by creating a safety instruction PowerPoint which outlined common reasons for accidents.
- Decreased company expenses by 15% in a year through intensive auditing of employee expenditure.
When outlining your skills, show that you identified a problem in your department, found an effective way to solve it, and achieved tangible results. Remember, problem-solving skills are relevant for any role in any industry.
What Are the Most Common Questions & Answers in an Interview About Problem Solving Skills?
Here a few interview questions that relate to your problem-solving skills:
- Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem.
- Provide an example where you saw an opportunity in a potential problem.
- What are the steps you take before making a problem-solving decision?
- What is the biggest work-related problem you have ever faced? How did you handle it?
- Outline an occasion where you became aware of a potential issue and resolved it before it became a problem.
Regardless of the situation, you must remember that solving a problem involves identifying it, analysing the situation, and implementing a solution. A good answer to any of the questions above shows that you took the initiative but didn’t act without intense thought. It also illustrates your ability to work as part of a team, not to mention your willingness to ask questions before taking action.
How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills in the Workplace?
Once you realise that problem-solving skills are vital in every role, you will hopefully take steps to improve your ability to find solutions. It is also a fact that employees who show a real knack for problem-solving could find themselves in contention for a managerial position sooner rather than later. Here are a few things for boosting your problem-solving skills (which also come in handy outside of work):
- Invest some time in puzzles such as Sudoku or crosswords.
- Look at everyday situations with a different mindset. Consider what would happen ‘if’ a certain incident occurred, and think about how you would solve the issue.
- Buy a notepad and use it to write down all of your ideas.
- Start to implement brainstorming techniques such as mind mapping. In case you are wondering, it is a graphical method of representing new concepts and ideas.
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