word for problem solving skills

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• problem-solving

adjective as in analytic

Strongest matches

analytical , investigative

Weak matches

inquiring , rational , sound , systematic

adjective as in analytical

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

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

adjective as in analytic/analytical

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Words

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

adjective as in logical

• investigative

adjective as in examining and determining

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

adjective as in examining

Viewing 5 / 11 related words

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

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17 Synonyms for “Problem-Solving Skills” on Your Resume

Do you want to figure out better ways to show you’re good at solving problems?

If you’re concerned that “problem-solving skills” is an overused phrase, you’ve come to the right place.

After all, this article will teach you how to say you have good problem-solving skills on a resume. That way, you can make sure you are unique and impressive!

Problem-Solving Skills Synonyms

• Solution-oriented mindset
• Logical reasoning
• Critical thinking abilities
• Analytical acumen
• Troubleshooting expertise
• Innovative problem resolution
• Decision-making proficiency
• Resourceful approach
• Creative issue resolution
• Adaptive problem-solving
• Strategic troubleshooting
• Diagnostic skills
• Proactive solution finding
• Systematic approach to challenges
• Quick-thinking abilities
• Precision in issue resolution
• Cognitive flexibility

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “Problem-solving skills” is correct and shows you are able to work quickly to find solutions.
• “Solution-oriented mindset” is great as a formal synonym if you’d like to mix things up.
• Try “logical reasoning” to show that you apply logic when trying to find the best ways to move forward.

So, keep reading to learn another word for “problem-solving skills.” We’ve explained more regarding the best two resume phrases from the list above to help you understand them.

You can also read the final heading to learn whether it’s correct to say “problem-solving skills.” If you’re more interested in learning about this, it might be worth you skipping to the end!

Solution-Oriented Mindset

You can always start with “solution-oriented mindset” as a professional term for “problem-solving skills.”

Generally, if you have good problem-solving skills, it means you can find solutions quickly. It also means you actively seek solutions before you even notice a problem.

That’s where this synonym comes in handy.

It’s clear and direct . Also, it lets recruiters know exactly how your mind works when it comes to solving problems.

For the most part, it’s impressive to include something like this. You can also try to prove it by including anecdotal evidence that shows how you find solutions quickly.

Here are some great resume samples to help you understand how to use “solution-oriented mindset”:

I have a solution-oriented mindset which means I’m always looking for ways to solve difficult problems in the workplace.

My solution-oriented mindset makes it quite easy for me to understand ways to fix issues before they arise.

Logical Reasoning

There’s nothing wrong with including “logical reasoning” in some cases, too.

This is another way to say “problem-solving skills” that lets someone know how you think.

The more logic you use in your thinking, the easier it will be for you to find solutions to problems.

Logical thinkers also happen to make some of the best employees.

So, this is a surefire way to impress recruiters when you’re looking for a difficult role. Also, it suggests you’re up for any challenge , which could easily be put to the test.

If you know the job you’re applying for is going to be tricky, this phrase might be exactly what you need to show that you don’t mind putting in the work and finding solutions.

Also, it’s worth reviewing these CV examples if you need a bit more help:

I tackle most problems with logical reasoning . Therefore, I know the best ways to navigate them without getting into too much trouble.

Logical reasoning helps me to solve problems before they even become too big of a detriment.

Is It Correct to Say “Problem-Solving Skills”?

It is correct to say “problem-solving skills.”

It’s a good resume phrase to include in most cases. After all, it suggests that you take the time to work through solutions quickly and effectively when they appear.

The better you are at doing this, the more appealing you’ll seem as a candidate.

You can also review these resume samples to learn more:

I have excellent problem-solving skills during high-pressure situations. I’m always the first person to find a way forward.

I pride myself on my problem-solving skills . I’m also happy to help my coworkers out of difficult situations.

Of course, having strong problem-solving skills is important in the workplace .

Problems can occur anywhere at any time. So, the better you are at handling them, the better you’ll be as an employee.

Technically, problem-solving skills are the same as analytical skills . So, you can use the two interchangeably when writing about your skills in a CV.

Also, make sure you know the hyphen rules here!

You should hyphenate “problem solving” when it comes before “skills.” It acts as a compound adjective here.

For example:

• Correct: Problem-solving skills
• Incorrect: Problem solving skills

Don’t forget to bookmark this page before you go! Then, you can remind yourself of helpful synonyms to show you a better word for “problem-solving skills.”

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What Is Another Way to Say “Problem-Solving Skills”?

February 13, 2024

Linda Brown

Looking for synonyms for problem-solving skills ? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say problem-solving skills .

• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Troubleshooting abilities
• Decision-making skills
• Logical reasoning
• Creative problem-solving
• Conflict resolution skills
• Strategic thinking
• Diagnostic skills
• Innovation skills
• Cognitive skills
• Resourcefulness
• Adaptability
• Solution-oriented mindset
• Lateral thinking

Want to learn how to say problem-solving skills professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Analytical Skills

Refers to the ability to systematically and logically address problems or decisions.

• Example: Her strong analytical skills enabled her to improve the company’s operational efficiency by identifying key areas for cost reduction.

2. Critical Thinking

The capacity to objectively analyze and evaluate an issue in order to form a judgment.

• Example: Critical thinking is essential in the field of research to distinguish between valid and invalid arguments.

3. Troubleshooting Abilities

Specific skills used to identify, diagnose, and resolve problems, typically in technical and mechanical contexts.

• Example: His troubleshooting abilities are invaluable when it comes to maintaining the company’s IT infrastructure.

4. Decision-making Skills

The process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.

• Example: Effective leaders exhibit excellent decision-making skills, especially under pressure.

5. Logical Reasoning

The ability to analyze an issue and come to a conclusion that makes sense based on the information available.

• Example: Lawyers use logical reasoning to construct compelling arguments in court.

6. Creative Problem-solving

An approach to finding unique solutions to problems by thinking outside of conventional solutions.

• Example: Designers often rely on creative problem-solving to overcome user experience challenges.

7. Conflict Resolution Skills

The ability to persuade, negotiate, and resolve disputes.

• Example: Managers with good conflict resolution skills can effectively handle disagreements within their team.

8. Strategic Thinking

Involves the development of long-term plans to achieve desired outcomes.

• Example: Strategic thinking is crucial for businesses looking to expand into new markets.

9. Diagnostic Skills

The ability to identify the root cause of issues and understand their complex systems.

• Example: Doctors rely on their diagnostic skills to provide accurate treatment to their patients.

10. Innovation Skills

The ability to generate novel ideas and creative solutions to overcome challenges.

• Example: Entrepreneurs with strong innovation skills can disrupt markets with groundbreaking products.

11. Cognitive Skills

Mental capabilities that include thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving.

• Example: Cognitive skills are critical for learning and adapting to new situations in various professions.

12. Resourcefulness

The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

• Example: Resourcefulness is a valued trait in startup environments, where resources are often limited.

13. Adaptability

The ability to adjust to new conditions and find solutions in changing environments.

• Example: Adaptability is key in project management, as project scopes and resources frequently change.

14. Solution-oriented Mindset

A focus on finding effective solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

• Example: A solution-oriented mindset helps teams to move forward and implement changes efficiently.

15. Lateral Thinking

The ability to think creatively or “outside the box” in order to solve problems in an indirect and innovative way.

• Example: Lateral thinking is essential in marketing, allowing professionals to conceive unique campaigns that capture the audience’s attention.

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Synonyms and antonyms of problem-solving in English

Problem-solving.

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7 Problem Solving Skills That Aren’t Just Buzzwords (+ Resume Example)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated April 8, 2024 9 min read

Problem-solving skills are something everybody should include on their resume, yet only a few seem to understand what these skills actually are. If you've always felt that the term "problem-solving skills" is rather vague and wanted to know more, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we're going to explain what problem-solving skills really mean. We'll talk about what makes up good problem-solving skills and give you tips on how to get better at them. You'll also find out how to make your problem-solving abilities look more impressive to those who might want to hire you.

Sounds good, right? Curious to learn more? 

In this article we’ll show you:

• What are problem solving skills;
• Why are they important; 
• Specific problem solving skills examples;
• How to develop your problem solving skills;
• And, how to showcase them on your resume.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What are problem solving skills?

Why are problem solving skills important, the best 7 problem solving skills examples, how to develop problem solving skills, problem solving skills resume example, key takeaways: problem solving skills.

First of all, they're more than just a buzzword!

Problem-solving skills are a set of specific abilities that allow you to deal with unexpected situations in the workplace, whether it be job related or team related. 

It's a complex process that involves several “sub skills” or “sub steps,” namely:

• Recognizing and identifying the issue at hand.
• Breaking the problem down into smaller parts and analyzing how they relate to one another. 
• Creating potential solutions to the problem, evaluating them and picking the best one.  
• Applying the chosen solution and assessing its outcome. 
• Learning from the whole process to deal with future problems more effectively. 

As you can see, it's not just about solving problems that are right in front of us, but also about predicting potential issues and being prepared to deal with them before they arise.  

Despite what you may believe, problem-solving skills aren't just for managers . 

Think about it this way: Why do employers hire employees in the first place? To solve problems for them!

And, as we all know, problems don't discriminate. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're just an intern, an entry-level professional, or a seasoned veteran, you'll constantly face some kind of challenges. And the only difference is in how complex they will get.

This is also reflected in the way employers assess suitability of potential job candidates. 

In fact, research shows that the ability to deal with unexpected complications is prioritized by an overwhelming 60% of employers across all industries, making it one of the most compelling skills on your resume.

So, regardless of your job description or your career level, you're always expected to find solutions for problems, either independently or as a part of a team. 

And that's precisely what makes problem-solving skills so invaluable and universal ! 

Wondering how good is your resume?

Find out with our AI Resume Checker! Just upload your resume and see what can be improved.

As we've said before, problem-solving isn't really just one single skill. 

Instead, your ability to handle workplace issues with composure depends on several different “sub-skills”. 

So, which specific skills make an employee desirable even for the most demanding of recruiters? 

In no particular order, you should focus on these 7 skills : 

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Critical thinking 
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Having a growth mindset

Let's have a look at each of them in greater detail!

#1 Analytical skills

Firstly, to truly understand complex problems, you need to break them down into more manageable parts . Then, you observe them closely and ask yourself: “ Which parts work and which don't,” How do these parts contribute to the problem as a whole,” and "What exactly needs to be fixed?” In other words, you gather data , you study it, and compare it - all to pinpoint the cause of the issue as closely as possible.

#2 Research skills

Another priceless tool is your research skills (sometimes relying on just one source of information isn't enough). Besides, to make a truly informed decision , you'll have to dig a little deeper. Being a good researcher means looking for potential solutions to a problem in a wider context. For example: going through team reports, customer feedback, quarterly sales or current market trends.  

#3 Critical thinking

Every employer wants to hire people who can think critically. Yet, the ability to evaluate situations objectively and from different perspectives , is actually pretty hard to come by. But as long as you stay open-minded, inquisitive, and with a healthy dose of skepticism, you'll be able to assess situations based on facts and evidence more successfully. Plus, critical thinking comes in especially handy when you need to examine your own actions and processes. 

 #4 Creativity

Instead of following the old established processes that don't work anymore, you should feel comfortable thinking outside the box. The thing is, problems have a nasty habit of popping up unexpectedly and rapidly. And sometimes, you have to get creative in order to solve them fast. Especially those that have no precedence. But this requires a blend of intuition, industry knowledge, and quick thinking - a truly rare combination. 

#5 Decision-making

The analysis, research, and brainstorming are done. Now, you need to look at the possible solutions, and make the final decision (informed, of course). And not only that, you also have to stand by it ! Because once the train gets moving, there's no room for second guessing. Also, keep in mind that you need to be prepared to take responsibility for all decisions you make. That's no small feat! 

#6 Collaboration

Not every problem you encounter can be solved by yourself alone. And this is especially true when it comes to complex projects. So, being able to actively listen to your colleagues, take their ideas into account, and being respectful of their opinions enables you to solve problems together. Because every individual can offer a unique perspective and skill set. Yes, democracy is hard, but at the end of the day, it's teamwork that makes the corporate world go round. 

#7 Having a growth mindset

Let's be honest, no one wants their work to be riddled with problems. But facing constant challenges and changes is inevitable. And that can be scary! However, when you're able to see these situations as opportunities to grow instead of issues that hold you back, your problem solving skills reach new heights. And the employers know that too!

Now that we've shown you the value problem-solving skills can add to your resume, let's ask the all-important question: “How can I learn them?”

Well…you can't. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. 

Let us explain: Since problem-solving skills fall under the umbrella of soft skills , they can't be taught through formal education, unlike computer skills for example. There's no university course that you can take and graduate as a professional problem solver. 

But, just like other interpersonal skills, they can be nurtured and refined over time through practice and experience. 

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following tips can offer you inspiration on how to improve your problem solving skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset. Remember what we've said before? Your attitude towards obstacles is the first step to unlocking your problem-solving potential. 
• Gain further knowledge in your specialized field. Secondly, it's a good idea to delve a little deeper into your chosen profession. Because the more you read on a subject, the easier it becomes to spot certain patterns and relations.  
• Start with small steps. Don't attack the big questions straight away — you'll only set yourself up for failure. Instead, start with more straightforward tasks and work your way up to more complex problems. 
• Break problems down into more digestible pieces. Complex issues are made up of smaller problems. And those can be further divided into even smaller problems, and so on. Until you're left with only the basics. 
• Don't settle for a single solution. Instead, keep on exploring other possible answers.
• Accept failure as a part of the learning process. Finally, don't let your failures discourage you. After all, you're bound to misstep a couple of times before you find your footing. Just keep on practicing. 

How to improve problem solving skills with online courses

While it’s true that formal education won’t turn you into a master problem solver, you can still hone your skills with courses and certifications offered by online learning platforms :

• Analytical skills. You can sharpen your analytical skills with Data Analytics Basics for Everyone from IBM provided by edX (Free); or Decision Making and Analytical Thinking: Fortune 500 provided by Udemy (＄21,74).
• Creativity. And, to unlock your inner creative mind, you can try Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from the Imperial College London provided by Coursera (Free).
• Critical thinking. Try Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization from Duke University provided by Coursera (Free); or Logical and Critical Thinking offered by The University of Auckland via FutureLearn.  
• Decision-making. Or, you can learn how to become more confident when it's time to make a decision with Decision-Making Strategies and Executive Decision-Making both offered by LinkedIn Learning (1 month free trial).
• Communication skills . Lastly, to improve your collaborative skills, check out Communicating for Influence and Impact online at University of Cambridge. 

The fact that everybody and their grandmothers put “ problem-solving skills ” on their CVs has turned the phrase into a cliche. 

But there's a way to incorporate these skills into your resume without sounding pretentious and empty. Below, we've prepared a mock-up resume that manages to do just that.

FYI, if you like this design, you can use the template to create your very own resume. Just click the red button and fill in your information (or let the AI do it for you).

Problem solving skills on resume example

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why this example works?

• Firstly, the job description itself is neatly organized into bullet points .  
• Instead of simply listing soft skills in a skills section , you can incorporate them into the description of your work experience entry.  
• Also, the language here isn't vague . This resume puts each problem-solving skill into a real-life context by detailing specific situations and obstacles. 
• And, to highlight the impact of each skill on your previous job position, we recommend quantifying your results whenever possible. 
• Finally, starting each bullet point with an action verb (in bold) makes you look more dynamic and proactive.

To sum it all up, problem-solving skills continue gaining popularity among employers and employees alike. And for a good reason!

Because of them, you can overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of your professional life more efficiently and systematically. 

In essence, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to recognize a challenge, identify its root cause, think of possible solutions , and then implement the most effective one. 

Believing that these skills are all the same would be a serious misconception. In reality, this term encompasses a variety of different abilities , including:

In short, understanding, developing, and showcasing these skills, can greatly boost your chances at getting noticed by the hiring managers. So, don't hesitate and start working on your problem-solving skills right now!

Julia is an experienced career writer at Kickresume, who brings you expert tips on how to score big in the job market. From helping people improve their English to gain admission to their dream university, to guiding them on how to advance professionally, it would seem that her own career is also 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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