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.
Expert Tip
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.
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Written by
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.
