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What are analytical skills? Examples and how to level up

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What are analytical skills?

Why are analytical skills important, 9 analytical skills examples, how to improve analytical skills, how to show analytical skills in a job application, the benefits of an analytical mind.

With market forecasts, performance metrics, and KPIs, work throws a lot of information at you. 

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, not only do you have to make sense of the data that comes your way — you need to put it to good use. And that requires analytical skills.

You likely use analytical thinking skills every day without realizing it, like when you solve complex problems or prioritize tasks . But understanding the meaning of analysis skills in a job description, why you should include them in your professional development plan, and what makes them vital to every position can help advance your career.

Analytical skills, or analysis skills, are the ones you use to research and interpret information. Although you might associate them with data analysis, they help you think critically about an issue, make decisions , and solve problems in any context. That means anytime you’re brainstorming for a solution or reviewing a project that didn’t go smoothly, you’re analyzing information to find a conclusion. With so many applications, they’re relevant for nearly every job, making them a must-have on your resume.

Analytical skills help you think objectively about information and come to informed conclusions. Positions that consider these skills the most essential qualification grew by 92% between 1980 and 2018 , which shows just how in-demand they are. And according to Statista, global data creation will grow to more than 180 zettabytes by 2025 — a number with 21 zeros. That data informs every industry, from tech to marketing.

Even if you don’t interact with statistics and data on the job, you still need analytical skills to be successful. They’re incredibly valuable because:

• They’re transferable: You can use analysis skills in a variety of professional contexts and in different areas of your life, like making major decisions as a family or setting better long-term personal goals.
• They build agility: Whether you’re starting a new position or experiencing a workplace shift, analysis helps you understand and adapt quickly to changing conditions. 
• They foster innovation: Analytical skills can help you troubleshoot processes or operational improvements that increase productivity and profitability.
• They make you an attractive candidate: Companies are always looking for future leaders who can build company value. Developing a strong analytical skill set shows potential employers that you’re an intelligent, growth-oriented candidate.

If the thought of evaluating data feels unintuitive, or if math and statistics aren’t your strong suits, don’t stress. Many examples of analytical thinking skills don’t involve numbers. You can build your logic and analysis abilities through a variety of capacities, such as:

1. Brainstorming

Using the information in front of you to generate new ideas is a valuable transferable skill that helps you innovate at work . Developing your brainstorming techniques leads to better collaboration and organizational growth, whether you’re thinking of team bonding activities or troubleshooting a project roadblock. Related skills include benchmarking, diagnosis, and judgment to adequately assess situations and find solutions.

2. Communication

Becoming proficient at analysis is one thing, but you should also know how to communicate your findings to your audience — especially if they don’t have the same context or experience as you. Strong communication skills like public speaking , active listening , and storytelling can help you strategize the best ways to get the message out and collaborate with your team . And thinking critically about how to approach difficult conversations or persuade someone to see your point relies on these skills. 

3. Creativity

You might not associate analysis with your creativity skills, but if you want to find an innovative approach to an age-old problem, you’ll need to combine data with creative thinking . This can help you establish effective metrics, spot trends others miss, and see why the most obvious answer to a problem isn’t always the best. Skills that can help you to think outside the box include strategic planning, collaboration, and integration.

4. Critical thinking

Processing information and determining what’s valuable requires critical thinking skills . They help you avoid the cognitive biases that prevent innovation and growth, allowing you to see things as they really are and understand their relevance. Essential skills to turn yourself into a critical thinker are comparative analysis, business intelligence, and inference.

5. Data analytics

When it comes to large volumes of information, a skilled analytical thinker can sort the beneficial from the irrelevant. Data skills give you the tools to identify trends and patterns and visualize outcomes before they impact an organization or project’s performance. Some of the most common skills you can develop are prescriptive analysis and return on investment (ROI) analysis.

6. Forecasting

Predicting future business, market, and cultural trends better positions your organization to take advantage of new opportunities or prepare for downturns. Business forecasting requires a mix of research skills and predictive abilities, like statistical analysis and data visualization, and the ability to present your findings clearly.

7. Logical reasoning

Becoming a logical thinker means learning to observe and analyze situations to draw rational and objective conclusions. With logic, you can evaluate available facts, identify patterns or correlations, and use them to improve decision-making outcomes. If you’re looking to improve in this area, consider developing inductive and deductive reasoning skills.

8. Problem-solving

Problem-solving appears in all facets of your life — not just work. Effectively finding solutions to any issue takes analysis and logic, and you also need to take initiative with clear action plans . To improve your problem-solving skills , invest in developing visualization , collaboration, and goal-setting skills.

9. Research

Knowing how to locate information is just as valuable as understanding what to do with it. With research skills, you’ll recognize and collect data relevant to the problem you’re trying to solve or the initiative you’re trying to start. You can improve these skills by learning about data collection techniques, accuracy evaluation, and metrics.

You don’t need to earn a degree in data science to develop these skills. All it takes is time, practice, and commitment. Everything from work experience to hobbies can help you learn new things and make progress. Try a few of these ideas and stick with the ones you enjoy:

1. Document your skill set

The next time you encounter a problem and need to find solutions, take time to assess your process. Ask yourself:

• What facts are you considering?
• Do you ask for help or research on your own? What are your sources of advice?
• What does your brainstorming process look like?
• How do you make and execute a final decision?
• Do you reflect on the outcomes of your choices to identify lessons and opportunities for improvement?
• Are there any mistakes you find yourself making repeatedly?
• What problems do you constantly solve easily? 

These questions can give insight into your analytical strengths and weaknesses and point you toward opportunities for growth.

2. Take courses

Many online and in-person courses can expand your logical thinking and analysis skills. They don’t necessarily have to involve information sciences. Just choose something that trains your brain and fills in your skills gaps . 

Consider studying philosophy to learn how to develop your arguments or public speaking to better communicate the results of your research. You could also work on your hard skills with tools like Microsoft Excel and learn how to crunch numbers effectively. Whatever you choose, you can explore different online courses or certification programs to upskill. 

3. Analyze everything

Spend time consciously and critically evaluating everything — your surroundings, work processes, and even the way you interact with others. Integrating analysis into your day-to-day helps you practice. The analytical part of your brain is like a muscle, and the more you use it, the stronger it’ll become. 

After reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a movie, take some time to analyze what you watched. What were the messages? What did you learn? How was it delivered? Taking this approach to media will help you apply it to other scenarios in your life. 

If you’re giving a presentation at work or helping your team upskill , use the opportunity to flex the analytical side of your brain. For effective teaching, you’ll need to process and analyze the topic thoroughly, which requires skills like logic and communication. You also have to analyze others’ learning styles and adjust your teachings to match them. 

5. Play games

Spend your commute or weekends working on your skills in a way you enjoy. Try doing logic games like Sudoku and crossword puzzles during work breaks to foster critical thinking. And you can also integrate analytical skills into your existing hobbies. According to researcher Rakesh Ghildiyal, even team sports like soccer or hockey will stretch your capacity for analysis and strategic thinking . 

6. Ask questions

According to a study in Tr ends in Cognitive Sciences, being curious improves cognitive function , helping you develop problem-solving skills, retention, and memory. Start speaking up in meetings and questioning the why and how of different decisions around you. You’ll think more critically and even help your team find breakthrough solutions they otherwise wouldn’t.

7.Seek advice

If you’re unsure what analytical skills you need to develop, try asking your manager or colleagues for feedback . Their outside perspective offers insight you might not find within, like patterns in. And if you’re looking for more consistent guidance, talking to a coach can help you spot weaknesses and set goals for the long term.

8. Pursue opportunities

Speak to your manager about participating in special projects that could help you develop and flex your skills. If you’d like to learn about SEO or market research, ask to shadow someone in the ecommerce or marketing departments. If you’re interested in business forecasting, talk to the data analysis team. Taking initiative demonstrates a desire to learn and shows leadership that you’re eager to grow. 

Shining a spotlight on your analytical skills can help you at any stage of your job search. But since they take many forms, it’s best to be specific and show potential employers exactly why and how they make you a better candidate. Here are a few ways you can showcase them to the fullest:

1. In your cover letter

Your cover letter crafts a narrative around your skills and work experience. Use it to tell a story about how you put your analytical skills to use to solve a problem or improve workflow. Make sure to include concrete details to explain your thought process and solution — just keep it concise. Relate it back to the job description to show the hiring manager or recruiter you have the qualifications necessary to succeed.

2. On your resume

Depending on the type of resume you’re writing, there are many opportunities to convey your analytical skills to a potential employer. You could include them in sections like: 

• Professional summary: If you decide to include a summary, describe yourself as an analytical person or a problem-solver, whichever relates best to the job posting. 
• Work experience: Describe all the ways your skill for analysis has helped you perform or go above and beyond your responsibilities. Be sure to include specific details about challenges and outcomes related to the role you’re applying for to show how you use those skills. 
• Skills section: If your resume has a skill-specific section, itemize the analytical abilities you’ve developed over your career. These can include hard analytical skills like predictive modeling as well as interpersonal skills like communication.

3. During a job interview

As part of your interview preparation , list your professional accomplishments and the skills that helped along the way, such as problem-solving, data literacy, or strategic thinking. Then, pull them together into confident answers to common interview questions using the STAR method to give the interviewer a holistic picture of your skill set.

Developing analytical skills isn’t only helpful in the workplace. It’s essential to life. You’ll use them daily whenever you read the news, make a major purchase, or interact with others. Learning to critically evaluate information can benefit your relationships and help you feel more confident in your decisions, whether you’re weighing your personal budget or making a big career change .

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Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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What Are Conceptual Skills? (Example List Included)

Jeff Gillis 0 Comments

By Jeff Gillis

When people think about the skills they need to excel at work, they usually focus on problem-solving , collaboration , and other classics. But conceptual skills are also crucial.

Conceptual thinking helps you understand the big picture, examine abstract ideas, and so much more. If you’re wondering, “What are conceptual skills, and why do they matter?” here’s what you need to know.

What Are Conceptual Skills?

Before we take a deep dive into the various conceptual skills, it’s important to answer one question: what are conceptual skills? Well, to understand what they are, it’s helpful to break everything down a bit.

First, according to the Cambridge Dictionary , “concept” means “a principle or idea.” In some cases, concepts are considered thoughts or notions.

Conceptualizing is the act of coming up with these principles, ideas, thoughts, or notions. Usually, in the business world, conceptualizing is identifying potential solutions to a problem or creative strategies by thinking in an abstract way. It involves understanding and visualizing complex situations to get to an innovative answer.

So, knowing that, conceptual skills are capabilities that help you come up with those solutions or strategies, usually through abstract thinking.

More often than not, conceptual skills are soft skills . Things like creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability play a big part in the conceptual thinking equation. However, that doesn’t mean specific hard skills aren’t valuable.

Usually, you also need the proper technical knowledge to get a complete understanding of the complex workplace scenario you want to navigate. Which hard skills matter depends on the nature of the job and the problem you’re trying to solve.

In the end, any ability, trait, or area of expertise that allows you to conceptualize effectively and come up with critical answers can qualify as a conceptual skill.

How Are Conceptual Skills Relevant to a Job Search?

At this point, you should have a reasonable understanding of what conceptual skills are, so it’s time to talk about why they matter during a job search. Let’s begin with the actual job search itself.

Conceptual skills are relevant to a job search in a few ways. First, if you think about it, finding a new job isn’t unlike problems in the workplace. Your goal is to secure a new position. To make that happen, you have to analyze the situation, identify potential paths toward success, and take strategic action.

With conceptual thinking, your approach can be more effective. You can envision the various pathways you can take and estimate how each method may (or may not) get you the desired result. You’ll be able to see the forest for the trees, ensuring you take the big picture into account.

Conceptual skills may also help you identify the right opportunities. While you might not know exactly what a position involves simply by reading a job ad, conceptual thinking allows you to come up with a solid guess.

Plus, they can help you create a better resume and higher-quality interview answers. Again, conceptual thinking involves the ability to assess scenarios and visualize solutions. In this case, the situation is finding a job, and the solutions are creating standout applications and responses to the hiring manager’s questions.

By taking in data about the situation – in this case, details from the job description and information about the company from its website, social media pages, and other resources – you can visualize what the hiring manager wants to find in a candidate. As you do that, you can determine how to position yourself as the ideal fit, making it easier to stay ahead of the competition.

After all, 80 percent of companies believe that soft skills are increasingly important to business success. So, by showing off your conceptual skills the right way, you can look like a stronger candidate for nearly any job type.

Okay, now it’s time to move onto the second part. Ultimately, conceptual skills are valuable in a wide range of jobs. But if you have your sights set on a management or leadership position, they are outright critical.

With management positions, conceptual thinking is typically part of the role. Upper-level roles commonly have to solve higher-level problems for the organization. Strategy development and innovation can be core responsibilities.

In those cases, having conceptual thinking capabilities is essential if you want to land the job and perform well in the position. They’ll make you a more effective problem-solver for issues at that level.

So, what are the conceptual skills hiring managers are looking for in 2022? Well, two of the biggest are analytical skills and problem-solving skills. Creativity and innovative thinking are also in demand.

But that really only scratches the surface. Remember, any skill that makes you effective at conceptual thinking can be valuable, especially if it helps you separate yourself from the pack.

How to Highlight Conceptual Skills for a Job Search

At this point, you probably have a solid idea about why conceptual skills are important to your job search. That means it’s time to move on and talk about how to showcase those capabilities when you’re looking for a new position.

In most cases, squaring away your resume and cover letter is what you’ll need to tackle first. Those are both parts of a typical application, so getting them right is essential.

When you’re creating your resume and cover letter, being achievement-focused is the better approach. By focusing on accomplishments, you can show the hiring manager how you put your skills to work, as well as highlight the results of your efforts.

If your goal is to highlight conceptual skills, you need to choose achievements where conceptual thinking played a big role in your success.

Okay, but what if you have several accomplishments that fit that bill? How do you pick the right ones to include? Well, by using the Tailoring Method .

The Tailoring Method is all about relevancy. It helps you choose achievements that will mean the most to that specific hiring manager. You take the employer’s needs and preferences into account, ensuring you’re sharing details that matter to them.

Once you’d done with your resume and cover letter, it’s time to start practicing job interview answers. You can use the Tailoring Method to help create responses for both traditional job interview questions and tricky behavioral interview questions .

For behavioral interview questions, adding a healthy dash of the STAR Method is a good move. You’ll turn your answers into engaging stories, making your responses informative and interesting in the eyes of the hiring manager.

How to Develop Conceptual Skills If You Don’t Have Them

If you don’t have conceptual skills, developing them is a good idea. It can help you stand out from other candidates and prepare you for the kinds of problem-solving you’ll likely need to do as you advance in your career.

The thing is, most people have some experience with conceptual thinking. For example, if you had to do science projects while you were in school, you’ve probably used some conceptual skills.

But whether you think you’re starting from scratch or that you have a bit of a foundation, that doesn’t mean you can’t acquire and hone these capabilities. If you aren’t sure how to go about it, here are some tips for building your conceptual skills.

1. Observe Conceptual Thinkers You Admire

Observation can be an incredibly powerful tool. By watching conceptual thinkers that you admire analyze problems and devise solutions, you can get amazing insights into the process.

While it may seem like observing conceptual thinkers in action would be difficult to do, that isn’t always the case. If there is a manager you admire at work, you may get to see them in action during staff meetings or planning sessions.

However, if you don’t have access to a suitable person in the workplace, then go online. For example, you could look up YouTube videos featuring people creating solutions to unique problems.

Mark Rober is an excellent example of a conceptual thinker in action. While his focus is on engineering, he presents information in a straightforward fashion and openly discusses his thought process. Plus, the results of his work are often quite entertaining.

2. Identify a Workplace Problem and Use It as a Case Study

If you want to put your conceptual skills to work, here’s one way to go about it. Identify a problem in your workplace – big or small – and treat it like a case study. Examine the issue from several angles. Talk with colleagues about it. See if you can create potential solutions that align with the company’s broader mission and goals.

You don’t necessarily have to succeed in finding an answer to make this approach worthwhile. It’s all about teaching yourself to think conceptually.

But if you do find a solution, that’s a great bonus. You can present your idea to the appropriate leaders and might be able to create meaningful, beneficial change, giving you a new achievement to add to your resume.

3. Volunteer for Cross-Departmental Projects

When a project involves several departments, it’s an opportunity to learn more about how different organizational areas view problems and devise solutions. It’s a chance to broaden your horizons and learn new ways to find answers by engaging with people who have different skillsets and perspectives.

List of Conceptual Skills

Alright, now is the moment you’ve been waiting for: the list of conceptual skills. Ultimately, there are a lot of capabilities that can fall into this category. By knowing which ones potentially land in this group, you can pick ones to highlight on your resume or cover letter – or in your answers to interview questions – to showcase your conceptual thinking abilities.

Here is a list of conceptual skills examples:

• Problem-Solving
• Innovative-Thinking
• Abstract-Thinking
• Critical-Thinking
• Idea Formulation
• Resourcefulness
• Adaptability
• Strategic-Thinking
• Negotiation
• Flexibility
• Prioritization
• Organization
• Active Listening
• Open-Mindedness
• Logical-Thinking

All of the capabilities and traits above could qualify as conceptual skills. However, that doesn’t mean they are the only ones. Any ability to lets you assess big-picture problems and develop unique solutions could also be a part of that list, so don’t limit yourself to just those included above.

It’s also critical to understand that you don’t have to get all of the skills above squeezed into your resume, cover letter, or interview answers. If you did, you probably went a bit overboard.

Instead, review the job description and company information. Then, use the Tailoring Method to pick the skills and traits that align with the hiring manager’s priorities. That way, you can discuss achievements that matter in their eyes, increasing the odds that you’ll look like an exceptional fit for the position.

Plus, it ensures you have room to discuss other essential capabilities. If you’d like to find out more about the different skills to put on a resume , check out our in-depth piece on the topic. It’ll give you valuable insights into what to highlight, allowing you to take your job search to the next level.

Putting It All Together

In the end, conceptual skills are incredibly valuable, especially if you want to work your way up into a management or leadership role. By honing yours now, you’ll be ready to tackle all of that big-picture, innovative thinking, ensuring you can come up with solutions to a range of challenging problems.

Plus, by reviewing the information above, you know how to showcase your conceptual thinking abilities effectively. Use that to your advantage. That way, when a new job opportunity comes around, you can position yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Jeff gillis.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Conceptual Skills: Definition and Examples for Your Resume

Conceptual skills refer to the ability to analyze complex information and think critically to solve problems. These skills are highly valued in the workplace as they allow individuals to see the big picture and effectively manage resources, time, and people.

Having strong conceptual skills not only enhances an individual’s work performance but also makes them a highly valuable asset to any organization. Conceptual skills can be applied to a wide range of industries and job roles, making them highly transferable.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the definition of conceptual skills and their importance in the workplace. We will also provide examples of how to demonstrate conceptual skills on your resume, and offer tips on how to develop and improve these skills to enhance your career prospects. With this information, you will be better equipped to showcase your abilities and stand out in the highly competitive job market.

Let’s dive in and explore the world of conceptual skills!

Definition of Conceptual Skills

Conceptual skills refer to the ability to think creatively and abstractly, understand complex ideas, and make connections between different concepts. These skills allow individuals to visualize the bigger picture when solving problems and come up with innovative solutions.

A. Explanation of conceptual skills and their meaning

Simply put, conceptual skills involve the ability to understand and analyze complex situations, identify patterns, and think outside the box when creating solutions. Individuals with strong conceptual skills are able to break down complex problems or ideas into more manageable parts and understand how they are interconnected.

Conceptual skills are also essential for leaders or professionals in decision-making roles. These skills allow leaders to anticipate potential problems, think strategically about opportunities and challenges, and make informed decisions that align with the overall vision of the organization.

B. Different types of conceptual skills

There are three primary types of conceptual skills:

• Analytical skills – the ability to break down complex ideas into smaller parts and identify relationships between different concepts
• Creative thinking – the ability to generate new ideas and solutions to problems
• Visionary thinking – the ability to think about the future and anticipate trends or opportunities

C. Examples of conceptual skills

Here are a few examples of how someone might demonstrate their conceptual skills in the workplace:

• Analyzing a company’s financial statements to identify trends and opportunities for growth
• Brainstorming and coming up with new marketing strategies to increase sales
• Developing a long-term strategic plan for a non-profit organization
• Proposing changes to a manufacturing process to increase efficiency

Conceptual skills are a valuable asset for any professional, regardless of their industry or role. By demonstrating your ability to think creatively and strategically, you can set yourself apart as a valuable asset to any organization.

Relationship between Conceptual Skills and Other Skills

Conceptual skills are essential for any individual in the workplace. They enable an employee to envision and strategize a comprehensive plan of action for achieving organizational goals. However, conceptual skills must be complemented by other necessary skills, including technical and interpersonal skills, to ensure the collective success of an organization.

A. Comparison of Conceptual Skills with Technical and Interpersonal Skills

Technical skills refer to analysis, design, and implementation of technology-driven solutions. They require proficiency in the use of various software and hardware tools, programming languages, databases, and other technical platforms. Technical skills are crucial in executing strategies outlined by conceptual skills.

On the other hand, interpersonal skills relate to how an individual interacts with team members, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. They include communication, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Interpersonal skills are essential in creating and maintaining positive relationships within and outside an organization.

Conceptual skills, however, differ from both technical and interpersonal skills. Technical skills are specific to a particular task, while conceptual skills demand a broader perspective, encompassing greater industry insight and the ability to see the big picture. Interpersonal skills are an essential aspect of team collaboration, while conceptual skills focus more on strategy and long-term vision.

B. Explanation of How Conceptual Skills Relate to Other Skills

Conceptual skills relate to technical skills in that they provide a high-level understanding of how technology can be harnessed to achieve organizational objectives. Technical skills translate these abstract concepts into tangible, technical solutions.

Similarly, conceptual skills relate to interpersonal skills in that they guide the overall strategy of creating relationships with stakeholders. Interpersonal skills are critical to communicating this strategy and building the relationships necessary to execute it.

The ability to have conceptual skills, technical skills, and interpersonal skills integrated in the workplace allows for overall success. They complement each other, and each set of skills enhances the other.

C. Importance of Possessing Multiple Skills in the Workplace

The workplace is dynamic and requires employees to adapt to new challenges continually. Possessing more than one set of skills enables individuals to contribute in multiple ways to an organization. An employee who has conceptual skills can see the big picture and translate these ideas through technical and interpersonal abilities effectively.

In addition, possessing multiple skills leads to versatility in the workplace, which can lead to increased responsibility and opportunity for growth. It also allows for a more robust and flexible team that can adapt to shifting demands in the market.

While conceptual skills form the foundation for achieving a company’s strategic goals, they cannot operate in a vacuum. Technical and interpersonal skills are vital for turning abstract concepts into tangible solutions and building the relationships necessary to see that vision through to completion. Possessing multiple skills enables individuals to contribute in a more comprehensive and flexible manner, leading to overall workplace success.

Importance of Conceptual Skills in the Workplace

Conceptual skills are crucial in the workplace as they enable individuals to think abstractly and understand complex concepts. Possessing strong conceptual skills can benefit employees in several ways:

A. The benefits of possessing strong conceptual skills

1. problem-solving.

Employees who possess strong conceptual skills are skilled problem-solvers. They have the ability to analyze and understand complex problems, identify patterns and develop solutions to address them.

2. Creativity

Conceptual skills allow individuals to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas. This is particularly important in creative industries such as advertising, marketing, and product design.

3. Decision-making

Employees with strong conceptual skills can analyze and evaluate multiple options to make sound decisions. This skill is particularly valuable in leadership roles where decision-making can impact the success of the entire organization.

B. Explanation of how conceptual skills add value to an organization

Organizations that have employees with strong conceptual skills can benefit in several ways:

1. Improved Problem-Solving

Conceptual thinkers can quickly analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions. This can lead to reduced costs, increased efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction.

2. Increased Creativity

Conceptual thinkers can help drive innovation and creativity within an organization. This can lead to the development of new products, services, and processes that give the company a competitive edge.

3. Better Decision-making

An organization with employees who possess strong conceptual skills can make better decisions. Employees who can analyze and evaluate multiple options can help the company avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions.

C. Examples of job roles that require good conceptual skills

Several job roles require good conceptual skills. Some examples include:

1. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers need to be able to think creatively and develop innovative marketing campaigns that resonate with consumers.

2. Product Designer

Product designers need to be able to conceptualize and design products that are both practical and visually appealing.

CEOs need to be able to think strategically and make informed decisions that impact the entire organization.

4. Business Analyst

Business analysts need to be able to analyze complex data sets and identify trends and patterns that can inform decision-making.

5. Software Developer

Software developers need to be able to think abstractly and understand complex coding concepts to develop effective software solutions.

Possessing strong conceptual skills can benefit individuals in their careers and add value to organizations. Employers should look for candidates with strong conceptual skills when hiring for roles that require analytical problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Developing Conceptual Skills

Conceptual skills are an essential component of many positions in the workforce. They involve the ability to think critically and creatively, solve problems, and effectively communicate ideas. The following are ways to improve conceptual skills:

A. Ways to Improve Conceptual Skills

Seek out new experiences: Exposure to new situations and ideas can help develop one’s ability to think creatively. It provides an opportunity to explore and analyze different perspectives and broaden one’s knowledge base.

Read widely: Reading various materials, including books, journals, and online articles, helps to build vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. It also exposes one to different writing styles and ideas.

Practice active listening: Active listening is a critical aspect of conceptual skill development. It involves focusing on understanding another person’s perspective by paying attention to their tone, body language, and verbal cues.

B. Explanation of How to Develop Conceptual Skills

Conceptual skills can be developed by consistently engaging in activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Learning new concepts or techniques and applying them to real-life situations can aid in developing conceptual skills.

One way to achieve this is by engaging in critical thinking activities such as puzzles or brain teasers. These activities help to build analytical and problem-solving skills, which can help improve conceptual skills.

Another way to develop conceptual skills is by engaging in group brainstorming sessions. These sessions promote idea generation and encourage participants to think creatively and critically. It also helps in developing conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration skills.

C. Examples of Activities That Can Help Develop Conceptual Skills

Mind Mapping: Mind mapping is a powerful tool that helps organize ideas and promote creativity. It involves using diagrams to visually represent ideas and concepts. This activity helps develop problem-solving skills and promotes critical thinking.

Participate in Debates: Debates are an excellent way to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Engaging in group debates exposes one to different perspectives and ideas and develops the ability to defend one’s stance.

Take Online Courses: Online courses provide an opportunity to learn new skills and concepts, and they are convenient for individuals with busy schedules. Taking online courses can help develop conceptual skills and improve employability prospects by acquiring new certifications and qualifications.

Developing conceptual skills requires consistent practice of activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Through constant learning and exposure to new experiences and ideas, an individual can continually improve their conceptual skills, which can ultimately aid in their professional growth and success.

Examples of Evidencing Conceptual Skills on Your Resume

After understanding what conceptual skills are and why they are essential for career success, the next step is to know how to demonstrate them properly on your resume. Here we will discuss different ways to showcase your conceptual skills effectively.

A. Explanation of how to show conceptual skills on a resume

Conceptual skills are demonstrated on a resume by highlighting your abilities to problem-solve, think critically, and make decisions based on data analysis. The following are ways to show your conceptual skills on a resume:

Provide examples:  Use specific examples to show how you have implemented conceptual skills in different work scenarios. Mention how you identified a problem, analyzed it, and developed solutions that aligned with the business objective.

Use keywords:  Incorporate specific keywords that relate to your conceptual skills in your summary, experience, and skills sections of your resume. Words such as “strategic planning,” “creative thinking,” and “innovative problem-solving” demonstrate your ability to think critically and proactively.

Quantify impact:  Use numbers and data to back up your statements. This shows that you have an analytical mind that is capable of interpreting and using data to make sound decisions. For example, quantify how your strategic planning resulted in increased revenue growth or how your decision-making skills led to process improvements.

B. Examples of how to demonstrate conceptual skills in a resume

Here are different ways to showcase conceptual skills on your resume:

Example 1: Strategic Planning

• Oversaw the design and implementation of a new business model that led to a 30% increase in revenue growth in the first quarter.
• Conducted market analysis, identified gaps in products, and developed a new product line that increased company revenue by 25%.

Example 2: Problem Solving

• Identified inefficiencies in the supply chain process, developed and implemented solutions that increased company-wide efficiency by 20%.
• Conducted a thorough analysis of customer complaints and implemented a new feedback system that reduced customer complaints by 40%.

Example 3: Decision-Making

• Led a team in evaluating different investment opportunities and recommended investments that resulted in a 15% increase in the company’s portfolio value.
• Made critical decisions on behalf of the company, including mergers and acquisitions, that aligned with the company’s long-term goals.

C. Tips for effectively communicating conceptual skills

To effectively communicate conceptual skills on your resume, consider the following tips:

• Tailor your resume to the job description: Highlight the conceptual skills that are most relevant to the role you are applying for, and use the keywords in the job description.
• Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating that you have conceptual skills, provide specific examples that demonstrate how you have applied these skills in different work scenarios.

Critically Assessing Conceptual Skills

Conceptual skills are essential for success in any industry, as they allow individuals to analyze complex situations, think creatively, and develop effective strategies. But how can you evaluate an individual’s conceptual skills during a job interview or performance review? Here’s how.

A. Evaluating Conceptual Skills in a Job Interview or Performance Review

• Ask Open-Ended Questions:  Start by asking open-ended questions that require the candidate or employee to think critically and creatively. For example, “Can you walk me through an example of a time when you had to solve a complex problem at work?” or “How would you approach a challenging project with limited resources?”
• Assess Problem-Solving Abilities:  Conceptual skills are closely linked to problem-solving abilities. Ask questions that allow you to evaluate the candidate or employee’s problem-solving abilities. For instance, “How would you identify the root cause of a problem?” or “Can you provide an example of a time when you had to develop a creative solution to a challenging problem?”
• Look for Innovative Thinking:  Innovative thinking is a hallmark of conceptual skills. You can evaluate this ability by asking questions such as, “How do you keep up with industry trends and new technologies?”, “Can you provide an example of a time when you proposed a new idea or strategy?”, or “How do you foster innovation within your team?”

B. Metrics for Measuring Conceptual Skills

While it can be challenging to quantify conceptual skills, there are some metrics you can use to measure them:

• Innovation Metrics:  The number of innovative solutions or ideas generated by the individual or team.
• Problem-Solving Metrics:  The number of successful problem-solving solutions created by the individual or team.
• Strategic Metrics:  The number of effective strategic plans developed by the individual or team.

C. Examples of Evaluating Conceptual Skills in the Workplace

Here are some examples of how conceptual skills can be evaluated in the workplace:

• Evaluating Problem-Solving Skills:  If a team member consistently comes up with successful solutions to complex problems, it’s a strong indication that they possess strong conceptual skills. Look for examples of when this individual used their conceptual skills to come up with creative and effective solutions.
• Assessing Innovation Ability:  Reviewing the number of successful innovative ideas that an individual or team has generated can give you a sense of their conceptual skills. Consider the originality of their ideas and the effectiveness of their implementation.
• Measuring Strategic Planning Capabilities:  Strong conceptual skills are required when developing effective strategic plans. Review the individual or team’s strategic planning documents and take note of the quality of the plans and their success.

Evaluating conceptual skills is crucial for identifying top talent in any industry. By using open-ended questions, assessing problem-solving abilities, and looking for innovative thinking, you can effectively measure conceptual skills during job interviews or performance reviews.

Challenges in Demonstrating Conceptual Skills

Conceptual skills are crucial for professionals across industries, as they enable individuals to think strategically, identify patterns, and solve complex problems. However, despite their importance, demonstrating conceptual skills can be challenging, and there are several barriers that can hinder their demonstration.

A. Explanation of common challenges in demonstrating conceptual skills

One of the primary challenges in demonstrating conceptual skills is the abstract nature of these skills. Unlike more tangible skills, such as technical or analytical skills, conceptual skills involve a level of abstraction that can be difficult to communicate and showcase. Additionally, conceptual skills often require individuals to think beyond the present moment and anticipate future scenarios, which can be challenging to articulate in tangible terms.

Another common challenge is the relationship between conceptual skills and context. Given that these skills involve strategic thinking and the ability to see patterns, they are often closely tied to the specific context in which they are being applied. As a result, it can be challenging to demonstrate conceptual skills in a way that is universally applicable across different contexts.

B. Examples of barriers that can hinder the demonstration of conceptual skills

There are several barriers that can hinder the demonstration of conceptual skills, including:

Lack of concrete examples: Due to their abstract nature, conceptual skills can be challenging to illustrate with concrete examples. This can make it difficult for individuals to communicate the value of their conceptual skills to others.

Lack of context: As noted above, conceptual skills are closely tied to the specific context in which they are being applied. Without sufficient context, it can be challenging to effectively demonstrate these skills.

Poor communication skills: Effective communication is essential for demonstrating conceptual skills, as individuals must be able to articulate their ideas in a clear and concise manner.

C. Tips for overcoming challenges in demonstrating conceptual skills

While demonstrating conceptual skills can be challenging, there are several strategies individuals can use to overcome these challenges:

Use concrete examples: While conceptual skills are abstract, they can be illustrated through concrete examples. Whenever possible, individuals should try to provide specific examples of how they have used their conceptual skills to solve problems or achieve goals.

Provide context: Whenever possible, individuals should try to provide context for their conceptual skills. This can include information about the specific challenges they faced, the goals they were trying to achieve, and the overall context in which they were working.

Develop communication skills: Effective communication skills are essential for demonstrating conceptual skills. Individuals should work to develop their communication skills, including their ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Seek feedback: Finally, individuals should seek feedback from others on their ability to demonstrate conceptual skills. This can help them identify areas for improvement and refine their approach to showcasing these skills.

Demonstrating conceptual skills can be challenging, but with the right approach, individuals can overcome these challenges and effectively communicate the value of these skills to others.

Best Practices for Utilizing Conceptual Skills

Conceptual skills are highly coveted by employers because they allow you to see the bigger picture, identify patterns, and connect the dots. They enable you to develop creative solutions and make informed decisions based on your knowledge of the organization’s goals, strategies, and values. In this section, we will discuss how to utilize conceptual skills most effectively, provide examples of best practices, and outline the benefits of employing effective conceptual skills.

A. Explanation of how to utilize conceptual skills most effectively

To utilize conceptual skills most effectively, you need to:

Hone your critical thinking skills: Analyzing information, breaking down complex issues into simpler elements, and identifying patterns and relationships are essential skills for leveraging your conceptual skills. Ask questions, gather information, and assess the implications of your findings to get a better understanding of the big picture.

Develop your strategic thinking skills: Conceptual skills enable you to translate broad concepts and strategies into practical actions that further the organization’s goals. To do this, you need to develop a deep understanding of the company’s vision, values, and objectives so you can align your thinking with them.

Collaborate effectively: Conceptual skills also require effective collaboration with others. By building relationships, sharing ideas, and working cooperatively, you can bring diverse perspectives to the table and leverage the collective intelligence of the team to develop innovative solutions.

B. Examples of best practices for utilizing conceptual skills

Here are some best practices for utilizing conceptual skills in the workplace:

Use brainstorming techniques: Brainstorming is an excellent way to tap into your conceptual skills and generate creative solutions. Encourage all members of the team to share their ideas, and build on each other’s suggestions. By keeping an open mind and being receptive to new ideas, you can unleash the power of your thinking.

Look for patterns: By searching for patterns and connections, you can uncover trends that may not be immediately apparent. Look for similarities and differences in data, processes, and workflows that can inform your thinking and lead to new insights. This approach can help you identify opportunities and challenges that you may have missed otherwise.

Explore new possibilities: Keep exploring new ideas and possibilities. Iterate, experiment, and test your hypotheses to see what works best. Focus on the results you want to achieve, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks to get there.

C. Benefits of employing effective conceptual skills

The benefits of employing effective conceptual skills are many. Here are some of the most significant:

Improved decision-making: Conceptual skills enable you to make better decisions by considering the organization’s goals, strategies, and values holistically. They help you see the big picture and identify overarching themes that inform your thinking.

Increased creativity and innovation: Conceptual skills are essential for creativity and innovation. They allow you to generate new ideas, explore novel approaches, and develop unconventional solutions to complex problems.

Case Study: Real-World Example of Utilizing Conceptual Skills

A. explanation of a real-world scenario involving conceptual skills.

In a marketing agency, the team was assigned a project to launch a new product for a client. The client had specific requirements and goals to be achieved through the marketing campaign. However, the team realized that the client’s requirements were not aligned with their target audience’s preferences and needs.

The team realized that the client’s product had a unique feature that could be positioned differently to increase the market potential. However, the team needed to think beyond the client’s brief and come up with a creative marketing strategy that could align with the target audience and achieve the intended goals.

B. Discussion of How the Scenario Was Addressed Using Conceptual Skills

The team utilized their conceptual skills to analyze the problem and come up with a creative solution. They used their knowledge of market trends, consumer behavior, and product features to identify the gap between the client’s requirements and the target audience’s preferences.

The team brainstormed various ideas and concepts to align the product’s unique feature with the target audience’s needs. They used their creativity and innovative thinking to develop a new marketing strategy that was different from the client’s brief but aligned with the target audience’s preferences.

The team presented their new marketing strategy to the client, explaining the benefits and potential of the new approach. The client was impressed with the team’s creativity and approved the new marketing strategy.

C. Lessons Learned from the Scenario and How They Can Be Applied

The scenario highlights the importance of conceptual skills in problem-solving and decision-making. The team demonstrated their ability to think creatively, analyze the problem, and come up with a viable solution.

The following are the lessons learned from the scenario that can be applied:

Think beyond the brief: While it is essential to understand the client’s requirements, thinking beyond the brief can lead to innovative solutions.

Analyze the problem: Utilize your knowledge and expertise to analyze the problem and identify the root cause.

Brainstorm ideas: Encourage creativity and brainstorm various ideas and concepts to identify potential solutions.

Present a compelling solution: Use your communication skills to present a compelling solution that aligns with the client’s goals and objectives.

Conceptual skills are essential for professionals to succeed in their careers. The ability to think creatively, analyze problems, and make decisions can set you apart from your peers. By applying the lessons learned from the scenario, you can improve your conceptual skills and add value to your organization.

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What Are Conceptual Skills?

Definition and Examples of Conceptual Skills

Types of Conceptual Skills

• Communication

Creative Thinking

Problem solving.

Luis Alvarez / Getty Images 

Conceptual skills help employees avoid the pitfall of not “seeing the forest for the trees,” as the saying goes. If you possess conceptual skills, you can both envision problems and brainstorm solutions. Having these skills likely means that you're a creative type, and can work through abstract concepts and ideas. 

Employers value conceptual skills, and in some roles, having them is essential. 

Find out more about the various varieties of conceptual skills, and why they're important. 

Conceptual skills allow someone to see how all the parts of an organization work together to achieve the organization’s goals. 

They're essential for leadership positions, particularly upper-management and middle-management jobs. Managers need to make sure everyone working for them is helping to achieve the company’s larger goals. Rather than just getting bogged down in the details of day-to-day operations, upper and middle managers also need to keep the company’s “big picture” aims in mind.

However, conceptual skills are useful in almost every position. 

Even when you have a particular list of duties, it is always helpful to know how your part fits into the broader goals of your organization. Plus, if you have conceptual skills, you can tackle big challenges that come up for your team and devise creative and thoughtful solutions that go beyond fulfilling rote tasks. 

Take a look at this list of the most important conceptual skills sought by most employers. It also includes sublists of related skills that employers tend to seek in job applicants.

Develop and emphasize these abilities in job applications, resumes, cover letters, and interviews. 

You can use these skills lists throughout your job search process. Insert the soft skills you’ve developed into your  resume  when you detail your work history, and highlight your conceptual abilities during interviews. 

A very important conceptual skill is the ability to  analyze  and evaluate whether a company is achieving its goals and sticking to its business plan. Managers have to look at how all the departments are working together, spot particular issues, and then decide what steps need to be taken.

• Analytical abilities
• Analysis and diagnosis of complex situations
• Cognitive abilities
• Defining strategies for reaching goals
• Diagnosing problems within the company
• Forecasting for the business or department
• Questioning the connection between new initiatives and the strategic plan
• Recognizing opportunities for improvement
• Seeing the key elements in any situation
• Selecting important information from large data sets
• Understanding relationships between departments
• Understanding relationships between ideas, concepts, and patterns
• Understanding the organization’s business model

Without strong  communication skills , an employee won’t be able to share their solutions with the right people. Someone with conceptual skills can explain a problem and offer solutions. They can speak effectively to people at all levels in the organization, from upper management to employees within a specific department. 

People with conceptual skills are also good  listeners . They have to listen to the needs of the employers before devising a plan of action.

• Active listening
• Contextualizing problems
• Effectively communicating strategy
• Implementing thinking
• Interpersonal
• Interrelational
• Presentational
• Verbal communication

People with conceptual skills must be very creative. They must be able to devise creative solutions to abstract problems, which involves thinking outside of the box. They must consider how all the departments within an organization work together, and how they can work to solve a particular problem.

• Abstract thinking
• Being open-minded 
• Creative thinking
• Examining complex issues
• Formulating ideas
• Formulating processes
• Intuitive thinking
• Organization

Someone with conceptual skills also has strong leadership skills. They need to convince employees and employers to follow their vision for the company. They need to inspire others to trust and follow them, and that takes strong leadership.

• Commitment to achieving company goals
• Persuasiveness
• Strategic planning
• Task direction
• Task implementation
• Team building
• Visualizing the company as a whole

Once an employee analyzes a situation and identifies a problem, they then have to decide how to solve that problem. People with conceptual skills are good at solving problems and making strong, swift decisions that will yield results.

• Able to ignore extraneous information
• Broad thinking
• Critical thinking
• Breaking down a project into manageable pieces
• Decision making
• Executing solutions
• Formulating effective courses of action
• Logical thinking
• Multitasking
• Prioritization
• Resolving industry problems

Key Takeaways

• Conceptual skills allow you to foresee issues, brainstorm solutions, and understand the strategic big picture behind a company's day-to-day operations. 
• Possessing conceptual skills is particularly important for people in managerial roles, but they're helpful if you're in any role. 
• Include relevant types of conceptual skills in your resume and cover letter. Plus, use skills keywords during your job interviews. Be prepared to give examples of how you've used each one.

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• Career Advice
• 9 essential conceptual...

9 essential conceptual skills: definitions & examples

10 min read · Updated on April 08, 2024

Add these skills to your CV to give yourself the competitive edge!

To get ahead professionally, you need more than just a good application. You need a CV that showcases how you'll help to drive the business forward. That's where conceptual skills come into play. Put simply, they let the hiring manager know that you have what it takes to solve problems. Let's look into more detail at what they are, some examples for inspiration, and how you can strengthen this unique set of talents. 

What are conceptual skills?

Conceptual skills constitute those abilities that allow you to work with abstract concepts. These thinking skills help you to come up with solutions to problems within the workplace.  They give you the ability to see the bigger picture in any situation, allowing you to grasp even the most complicated ideas and address challenges with creative strategies.

For example, these skills enable you to identify complex interdependencies in your work, such as how specific tasks or department objectives relate to the larger aims of the company. Used well, conceptual skills lead to well-thought-out plans and actions that support the business' long-term growth.

The importance of conceptual skills

Candidates often forget to include conceptual skills on their CV – this is a mistake as hiring managers are always on the lookout for these, especially in applications involving more senior roles. But no matter your career level and career aspirations, these skills can help you excel and can even prime you for sought-after leadership positions in the future. Here's a breakdown of how you can use conceptual skills to move your career forward:

Overcome challenges with ease

Few jobs are without their hiccups. When you've honed your conceptual skills, you'll be better equipped to overcome any challenges in the workplace. This is because learning to account for how your actions impact the business allows you to anticipate problems and conceive solutions more quickly, placing you ahead of the game. And rather than just addressing the signs of a problem, you'll even be able to tackle its root cause, helping you prevent similar problems in the future.

Make better decisions 

When you take the time to consider every part of an issue, you can better arrive at choices that will benefit the whole business. It comes as no surprise then that the ability to formulate sound decisions is a trait many hiring managers look out for. Decision-making is like a muscle. The more you flex it, the easier it becomes to use swiftly and precisely.

Collaborate effectively with other teams 

Chances are, you need to work with other teams to get your job done. Armed with a selection of savvy conceptual skills, this should be a breeze. You'll have the ability to understand what other teams need, communicate with them well, and work towards a common goal. All of the above means that you can drive your processes forward faster and more efficiently.

Hone your leadership potentials

Do you have your sights set high? If you're aiming for a leadership position , you'll need a broad array of conceptual skills. As you start to use these in your everyday workplace activities, you'll be on course to becoming a trusted leader in the workplace. Keep moving forward here. 

Conceptual skills examples

Now that you know what conceptual skills are, let's take a look at some you may want to include in your next application. Regardless of the job role and level to which you're applying, these golden nuggets on your CV will help catch the hiring manager's attention and help you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons: 

1. Decision-making skills

If you have any level of autonomy in your role, you'll need to make snappy decisions that benefit both the department and the entire company. Whether that means deciding when to call a meeting or choosing between marketing campaigns, you're in the driving seat. 

Decision-making is about choosing the course of action that best fits the situation you're in. It isn't merely about the end result. To get to the right conclusion, you need to take logical steps, analyse the information you have, and use your own intelligence.

Expert tip: If you include this on your CV, you can use the STAR approach in the interview to elaborate on it. Show how your decisions have led to top results for the business. 

2. Problem-solving skills 

Problem-solving goes hand-in-hand with decision-making. Much of the time, when you're calling the shots, you'll be dealing with every potential challenge or problem along the way. These two conceptual skills allow you to elevate yourself from mere worker to manager instantly. 

As organisational systems become larger and more complex, overcoming obstacles quickly becomes an increasingly essential ability, highly valued by hiring managers. Upskill in this area by learning about the best problem-solving techniques .

3. Creative thinking skills

Creativity doesn't always mean grabbing a paint brush and making a masterpiece. If you have a creative mind, you can use it to come up with solutions in the workplace. You've probably heard the phrase “think outside of the box.” While it's most certainly overused, there's truth in the idea that original thinkers can come up with innovative solutions. Think of the times you've simplified a process or finally addressed a customer issue for good.

4. Critical thinking skills 

You should never underestimate the value of critical thinking in the modern job market. This conceptual skill will help in almost every area of your job role. To get it right, you'll need to have the ability to quickly understand issues, analyse them, and come to solid conclusions. 

5. Analytical skills 

Similar to critical thinking, your analytical skills allow you to look at complex information in front of you, break them down into smaller parts, and process how they relate to each other. While some people have naturally analytical minds, the rest of us have to work hard to hone these skills. These skills can include any of the following: 

The ability to quickly outline pros and cons 

Critiquing ideas and processes

Understanding multiple perspectives

Weighing up what the right choice is

While you may not work directly in the analytical sphere, these skills can help you to become a more valued worker. So, it's well worth seeing whether you can elevate them. 

6. Communication / presentation skills 

Let's say you've got a stellar idea that you've been concocting – how are you going to share it with the rest of the workforce? When you're spearheading a new solution, which others may often find difficult to visualise, you need to get everybody else on board. The best way to do that is to communicate clearly , sharing your master plan in an easy-to-digest way. Turning your ideas into action means speaking to others so effectively and empathetically that you get them to work towards a shared goal.

7. Interpersonal skills 

Interpersonal skills allow you to get along with your colleagues (and clients!) and collaborate with them. The better these conceptual skills are, the more likely you are to get what you want out of any given situation. With these conceptual skills, networking becomes easy, as well as building lasting working relationships . 

8. Motivational skills

When we're talking about conceptual skills, being motivational may not be the first thing that springs to mind. However, this is a vital talent that can help you work well with a team. All too often, workers can get bored and tired of the humdrum nature of their jobs. As a leader, you have to keep them on track and show them the value of their efforts.  

9. Contextualising

It's one thing to understand complex ideas – it's quite another to put them into context for people. If your team is having a hard time getting to grips with a certain solution, you'll need to show them how it aligns with the rest of the business processes. Listing “contextualising skills” on your CV tells the hiring manager that you have this one down.

Conceptual skills in management

Unsurprisingly, the conceptual skills listed above often come into play when you're leading a group. And that's because managing people and projects involve a good deal of planning and re-configuring day-to-day tasks to achieve the team's goals. We can further categorise the above conceptual skills based on how they're used in a management role:

Developing ideas and solutions . It's important to note that many conceptual skills take place inside your own head (e.g. decision-making, problem-solving, creative thinking, critical thinking, and analytical thinking skills). Having these conceptual skills on your CV shows recruiters that you have what it takes to strategise.

Translating ideas and solutions for others. As a manager, you'll also need to translate your ideas into actual results through people (e.g. communication, interpersonal, motivating, and contextualising skills). That's not always an easy job – especially when dealing with different characters and varied priorities. By including these on your CV, you show recruiters that you can rally team members towards the same direction, no matter how abstract the vision is.

Conceptual skills vs technical skills

As they apply to almost any job and sector, conceptual skills are generally classified as soft skills, instead of technical skills . Hence, these are skills that you can use across roles. When crafting your CV, make sure to show recruiters how you've used these conceptual skills by highlighting concrete and quantifiable examples .

How to develop your conceptual skills 

If you feel as though you're lacking in conceptual skills, don't panic. No matter where you currently are, there are plenty of ways to strengthen these skills – you simply need to work on it. Here are some of the approaches that you can take to help you along the way:

Work closely with a mentor 

If you want to take a conceptual approach to your work, you need to get out of your department, mentally speaking. Working with a mentor can help you to better understand the role that you play within the business. It's worth looking for mentors within your ranks. For example, you may enlist the help of a manager, supervisor, or senior co-worker. 

Discuss ideas with others 

Do ideas stay within the confines of your mind? Or, as you should, do you share them with other professionals? One of the simplest ways to improve your conceptual skills in business environments is to have productive conversations with your co-workers. Start making a habit out of this.

Liaise with other departments

Inter-departmental working is the secret ingredient when it comes to conceptual skills. Departments have to work together to get the right results. If you're not already in the habit of liaising with people from other teams, it may be time to up your game. 

Make an effort to connect with other departments whenever you can. For instance, you might want to ask to attend company-wide meetings, seek more information about certain projects, or look for ways to collaborate with them. 

Showcase your conceptual skills  

In this guide, we've shared some conceptual skills examples that you can include in your CV. When you're looking for the next step on the career ladder, you need to ensure that this skill set is robust, diverse, and clearly outlined in your application. Consider which ones you already have in your professional arsenal and which else you can develop along the way. 

Make sure that your application is optimised to turn hiring managers' heads. Submit your CV for a free CV review to boost your chances of landing more interviews and getting hired faster!

Recommended reading: 

How to use reflective listening in the workplace

How to show a promotion on a CV

How to write a leadership CV

Related Articles:

Professional email salutations that work (with examples)

What is an employee evaluation and how do I conduct one?

What is a linear model of communication? Definition and examples

See how your CV stacks up.

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What Is Analytical Thinking and How Can You Improve Your Analytical Thinking Skills?

Learn why analytical thinking is important and how it differs from critical and creative thinking. Explore some good-paying jobs for analytical thinkers, and find out how you can improve your analytical thinking skills.

When processing a lot of information or facing challenging problems, it often helps to take an analytical approach. Analytical thinking helps you determine the validity of information and allows you to carefully consider problems and arrive at the best solutions.

What is analytical thinking? 

Analytical thinking involves using a systemic approach to make decisions or solve problems. Analytical thinkers can better understand information and come to a sensible conclusion by breaking it into parts. 

For instance, once analytical thinkers identify a problem, they typically gather more information, develop possible solutions, test them, and analyze which works best. Solving complex problems often requires analytical reasoning, which may involve:

Determining causation (if and how one event causes another)

Examining similarities, differences, and relationships

Predicting the next event by following a sequence

Recognizing patterns or trends

Using conditional and converse (if-then) statements 

Why is analytical thinking important?

In daily life, analytical thinking allows you to sift through a steady barrage of information from the news, social media, and accounts from friends and family to get to the truth. Analytical thinking also offers professional value. Employers look for candidates with good analytical skills to help solve problems and make sound decisions in the workplace. 

How is analytical thinking different from creative and critical thinking?

To better understand analytical thinking, it helps to learn how it's different from other types of thinking. For instance, when solving a problem, analytical thinkers take a methodical approach, breaking up information and analyzing each part until they form a conclusion. 

Creative thinkers take a less organized approach to problem-solving. They examine a problem from many angles and welcome new information to come up with a creative solution.  

Critical thinkers are open-minded and have superior evaluative skills. To develop a logical solution to a problem, a critical thinker studies evidence, asks questions, assesses other points of view, and explores any relative assumptions or biases. 

4 good-paying careers for analytical thinkers 

If you can think analytically, it can benefit you in a variety of careers. Explore four good-paying careers for analytical thinkers. 

1. Business analyst

Median annual US salary (BLS): $95,290 [ 1 ]

Job outlook: 10 percent job growth [ 1 ]

Job requirements: A business analyst often holds a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration . Skills that benefit a business analyst include analytical skills, communication, problem-solving, and time management. 

Tasks and responsibilities: As a business analyst, you'll gather information about a company by observing business practices and procedures, examining financial data, and conducting employee interviews. Then, you'll study and evaluate the information and make recommendations to help the company run more effectively.  

Read more: What Is a Business Analyst? Career Guide

2. Cybersecurity analyst

Median annual US salary (BLS): $112,000 [ 2 ]

Job outlook: 32 percent job growth [ 2 ]

Job requirements: A cybersecurity analyst often holds a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer and information technology. Skills that benefit a cybersecurity analyst include analytical skills, attention to detail, communication, computer skills, and problem-solving.

Tasks and responsibilities: A cybersecurity analyst develops and monitors methods for safeguarding computer networks and systems within an organization. Additional tasks involve creating security standards and procedures, writing security reports, and providing tech support for employees installing or learning new security software.

3. Data scientist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $103,500 [ 3 ]

Job outlook: 35 percent job growth [ 3 ]

Job requirements: A data scientist usually holds a bachelor's degree but may hold a master's or PhD in data science, computer science, mathematics, or statistics. Skills that benefit a data scientist include analytical skills, logical reasoning, communication, computer skills, and proficiency in math.  

Tasks and responsibilities: A data scientist gathers, analyzes, and interprets data. Your additional duties in this role include presenting findings of data analysis and making recommendations based on findings. Types of industries that use data scientists include business, education, government, health care, and professional sports.

4. Financial analyst 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $96,220 [ 4 ]

Job outlook: 8 percent job growth [ 4 ]

Job requirements: A financial analyst commonly holds a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field like accounting, economics, or statistics. Skills that benefit a financial analyst include analytical skills, attention to detail, communication, computer skills, decision-making, and proficiency in math. 

Tasks and responsibilities: Generally, a financial analyst offers guidance to individuals or businesses regarding finances and investments. Different types of financial analysts include financial risk analysts, fund managers, portfolio managers, and ratings analysts. 

Read more: What Is a Financial Analyst? (+ How to Become One)

Tips for improving your analytical thinking skills 

The ability to think analytically offers benefits in your professional and personal life. To improve your analytical thinking skills, go through some key steps when problem-solving or decision-making:

Do your research.

Gather information.

Think of several ideas or solutions.

Analyze your ideas or solutions and choose the best one.

Evaluate the success of the idea or solution. 

Consider these additional tips for becoming a more analytical thinker:

Take an analytics class or classes.

Boost analytical skills with riddles, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, or strategic board games like chess or checkers.

Enhance your ability to analyze a problem and break it into steps by taking a math class. Equations and world problems require careful examination, and you may have to engage in trial and error before solving them. 

Read books about data analytics or other types of analytics that interest you.

Network with analytics professionals.

Next steps on Coursera

To determine if you would enjoy a career in analytics, consider the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to gather data, clean and organize it for analysis, and conduct analysis using various computer programs. 

When you finish this eight-course series, you may have as much knowledge as many junior-level data analysts. You'll also receive a Professional Certificate highlighting your data analytics expertise.

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupational Outlook Handbook: Management Analysts , https://www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm?utm_source=fit/programs/8422/ms-information-technology-database-administration/classesutm_medium." Accessed February 23, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm." Accessed February 23, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm." Accessed February 23, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial Analysts , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm." Accessed February 23, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

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

How Should you Show That you Have Conceptual Skills on Your Resume?

Here are the top ways to show your conceptual skills on your resume. Find out relevant conceptual keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

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In This Guide:

What are conceptual skills, why are conceptual skills important on your resume, what skills, activities, and accomplishments help you highlight your conceptual skills, conceptual skills: key takeaways for your resume.

Way back in the 70s, one American organizational and social psychologist identified which are three leadership skills that every manager should possess: technical, interpersonal, and …conceptual.

More than sixty years later, all three of these skills continue to be highly relevant in the business world, especially when it comes to leaders and employees in managerial positions.

How does it sound for someone to be able to understand how to use tools to repair a bike, or understand how to read music sheets in order to play an instrument? Try to convert this to management.

Being conceptually skilled means that you can understand complex notions, work with abstract ideas, create strategic plans, and drive the organization toward reaching its North Star.

Big-picture skills are especially important and needed in management, as they allow leaders to foresee changes and opportunities in the macro environment.

Therefore, if you are aiming to get that Middle management or C-level position, your employer would find great value in your ability to think in concepts, visualize ideas, create models, and predict the moves of your competition and customers.

Every organization needs tech-savvy employees who can get things done on the operational level. No team or organization, however, can function without being guided by some sort of strategic plan.

There comes the role of people with conceptual skills who are able to look beyond daily tactical tasks and come up with a vision and step-by-step action plan for better business performance.

The list of management ideas is endless. What matters, however, is that at their core these ideas relate to issues or areas for improvement.

This includes anything and everything in between how to run a business, how teams should be organized, how employees should be treated, and how customers should be retained.

In a nutshell, if you are good at coming up with business ideas, you are conceptually skilled. Now let’s look at some ways in which you can actually demonstrate your ability to ideate and solve problems.

How many soft skills are needed for a person you identify, conceptualize and think of solutions to complex problems? Most definitely quite a few.

Despite the fact that it seems challenging to demonstrate conceptual skills, there are multiple ways in which you can do that. Here are the most important types of conceptual abilities that would help you stand out.

• Analytical Skills & Creative Thinking : people with analytical thinking are able to understand the nuts and bolts of problems, while creativity enables them to add abstract ideas on top of the practical insights to come up with solutions.
• Strategic planning & Leadership Skills : concepts and visions can only be of value when they are used as a base for the creation of strategic plans and aligning all business divisions, departments, and teams around one major goal.
• Decision-making & Communication Skills : being confident and quick to make decisions is important when the time comes to turn hypothetical scenarios and visions into action. And since you can’t possibly do that alone, you need to get everyone on the same page.

How to demonstrate conceptual skills on your resume

• Mention a time in your career when you used your analytical thinking to diagnose complex situations.
• Include examples of times when you have done business forecasting and how have you helped your team avoid future problems.
• Explain how you go about developing strategies for reaching specific goals.
• Mention a time when you have helped your team become more motivated, or when you have helped them improve their performance by formulating a more clear course of action.

As you’ve already seen, communicating your conceptual skills on a resume is not as scary as it may sound. You just need to talk about the occasions when you have used ideas to remodel thought into problem-solving actions.

If you need some inspiration to think of examples from your professional experience, have a look at the following snippets from Enhancv users.

Example 1: Demonstrate conceptual skills in the experience section

Job situation: Head of IT Department, applied for the positions of Senior Project Manager

• • Responsible for identifying areas of improvements in our clients’ digital business models, creating digital transformation strategies, and overseeing the implementation of IT project strategies.
• • Introduced the Lean model in our department and contributed to the overall improvement of performance and client satisfaction.
• • Worked in close collaboration with both the clients to understand their problems and with the IT team to enable them to understand how to develop solutions that prevent future problems from happening.

This example shows that as a Head of IT, the candidate used a lot of analytical thinking, put his/hers problem-solving skills into work, and managed to lead his team with confidence.

Showing that you have the skill to identify problems and magically think of a solution is one thing, but communicating that to your team and engaging them, is a whole different story.

Unless you are really a superhero, you can’t possibly do everything required in a project alone. That is why you need to show that communicating with different stakeholders is one of your biggest strengths.

Example 2: Demonstrate conceptual skills in the resume summary section

Job situation: Financial Manager applies for the position of Chief Financial Officer

In this example, the spotlight falls on problem-solving and collaboration skills as well as the ability to make linkages between different concepts. It shows that he is an analytical thinker, can identify areas for improvement, and engage other people in the implementation of solutions.

Example 3: Show your conceptual skills in your achievements sections

Job situation - 3D visual artist applies for the position of Creative Manager

These examples of achievements demonstrate that the person applying for the position is able to quickly understand new concepts. Not only that but he/she is able to practically apply new knowledge to accomplish company goals.

Example 4: Demonstrate the skill through other sections of your resume

Behind the complex set of conceptual skills, there is a hidden layer of everyday things that you do to develop your ability to ideate.

Careful and systematic observation, reading, attending seminars, and discussing ideas with people are some of these.

Mentioning that you have diversified interests and hobbies and demonstrating that you strive to constantly improve your skill sets and knowledge, will help you communicate your quick wits.

• Don’t be shy to present your creative side: creativity means ideation, ideation means innovative solutions. This, in turn, speaks that you can resolve issues with out-of-the-box tools. At the same time, being creative indicates that you can come up with ideas that require little resources, which makes you an efficient problem-solver.
• Show you are no stranger to strategizing: in order to turn ideas into implemented solutions, one has to set a well-defined strategy in place. Strategic skills combined with your creativity and ideation abilities make out of a candidate a well-rounded conceptual leader.

About this report:

Data reflects analysis made on over 1M resume profiles and examples over the last 2 years from Enhancv.com.

While those skills are most commonly met on resumes, you should only use them as inspiration and customize your resume for the given job.

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

In this section:

Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

Analytical Reasoning

View the content on this page in a Word document.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Return to top of page -

Critical Thinking 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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5 Types of Conceptual Skills to Add to Your Resume

Can you handle complex theories and employ sharp logic whenever necessary? Perhaps you’re the first person colleagues turn to when they need an abstract concept explained in simple terms? If you’re nodding, you’ve probably got strong conceptual skills — an important quality in the current job market. 

What are Conceptual Skills?

Conceptual skills refer to cognitive abilities that help you process abstract problems into concrete solutions. In school, these skills may have helped you ace math exams or outsmart your science teacher. 

As an adult, the same skills are useful for being a good manager and a workplace leader. Because it is the conceptual skills that help you identify potential obstacles to business growth and develop long-term strategic plans. So it follows that conceptual skills consistently top the list of skills employers look for in candidates . According to the World Economic Forum’s latest  Future of Jobs Report , employers rank the following skill groups as of high importance: 

• Analytical thinking and innovation
• Complex problem-solving
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Creativity, originality, and initiative

And as you’ve probably guessed, these are all examples of conceptual skills.

5 Conceptual Skills Examples to Spruce Up Your Resume

Conceptual skills hint at your ability to tackle different challenges and adapt to new ways of working. That’s great because the current pace of work is highly dynamic and you need to learn on the spot. 

McKinsey research also emphasizes that in the nearest future skills like logical reasoning, agile thinking, mental flexibility, and adaptability will be essential for success in the labor market. 

Feel like you are already good at the above? Awesome, here’s how to communicate your conceptual abilities on your resume. 

1. Problem-Solving Skills

Being a proactive problem-solver makes you a good asset to any business. Employers value people with strong problem-solving skills because they can autonomously cope with the challenges, instead of requiring constant supervision and guidance. What’s more, problem solvers are typically brimming with ideas for enhancing business operations and overcoming inefficiencies. 

Problem-solving skills to add to your resume: 

• Critical analysis
• Data analysis
• Contextualization
• Systems analysis and evaluation
• Strategic thinking 
• Logical reasoning 
• Fact-checking
• Systematic review  

Need more ideas? Be sure to also check our post about analytical skills . 

2. Conceptual Leadership Skills

Leadership isn’t just about delegating tasks and sitting on board meetings. Good leaders always have their eye on the bigger picture, ensuring that every decision they make aligns with company goals. Not only do they have to set the vision, but also motivate and encourage others to follow the strategy they are proposing. 

If that’s among your strengths, be sure to add the following conceptual leadership skills to your resume:

• Ability to motivate others
• Mentorship and empowerment
• Ability to translate ideas into follow-up action
• Delegation and team management
• Ownership and decisiveness 
• Mental resilience and persistence 

3. Creativity and Originality

According to  LinkedIn research , “creativity” topped the list of most in-demand skills in the world. Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean employers are looking for the next Damien Hirst or Andy Warhol :). 

But rather they are trying to find people who are willing to challenge the status quo and battle the corporate inertia with creative solutions. 

Creativity skills to add to your resume:

• Making connections and drawing correlations
• Openness to new ideas and suggestions
• Desire to challenge the status quo
• Innovative thought processes and ideation
• Willingness to leave your comfort zone and learn from mistakes
• Brainstorming skills
• Design thinking 

4. Mental Resilience and Adaptability

Whatever your profession, things will go wrong at some point – that’s life. But the good news is that every pump on the road is a learning opportunity. That makes your ability to quickly change gears and respond with calm and content to new challenges highly valuable. 

Adaptability skills to add to your resume:

• High emotional intelligence
• Emotional maturity
• Ability to embrace and navigate change
• High levels of stress resistance
• Resourcefulness
• Self-control and regulations 
• Understanding of your bias and emotional triggers
• Ability to distance personal woes from work decisions 
• Integrity and self-confidence 

5. People Skills

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention the importance of people skills in the workplace. 

People skills indicate your ability to effectively interact, collaborate, and build relationships with others. They are part of your interpersonal skill set . 

OK, you may be wondering, why your ability to communicate well with others is so important. Think again. Large organizations lose a staggering  $62.4 million per year  in productivity due to inefficient communication. So strong communicators who can effectively relay their ideas to others and group the teams around a shared cause are highly sought after. 

People skills to add to your resume

• Relationship building
• Team coordination and coaching
• Persuasion and charisma  
• High levels of articulacy 
• Active listening and ability to respond sensitively
• Empathy and the ability to relate to other’s issues 
• Conflict resolution and mediation 
• Patience and good judgment 

To Conclude

Conceptual skills definition is on the more vague end since this skills set spans across so many specific abilities. So it can be hard to convey these abilities to an employer in your resume. And you shouldn’t since you also have a cover letter to fit some extra details and the job interview itself!  For both, be sure to also come up with several concrete examples of how you previously applied your conceptual skills!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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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 ! 

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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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