problem solving letter sample

How to Write Problem-Solution Business Letters

For many business people, writing poses a challenge, especially when a problem-solution letter is at hand. It might help to think of the task you face as inherently optimistic. Not only are you outlining a problem and its consequences, you are also providing a solution that should improve the state of affairs for both parties. Whether you are writing to a customer, vendor or business associate, the fact that you're taking time to present a solution might help ensure the problem won't occur again.

• Devote the first paragraph of your letter to outlining your purpose in writing: You are addressing a problem that has occurred and are proposing what you hope is a mutually agreeable solution.
• Explain the problem and the pertinent background information in the second and third paragraphs, striking a calm, reasonable if not friendly tone that is devoid of sarcasm or anger. Remember you haven't proposed your solution yet, and you don't want your reader to tune out your message.
• Describe the consequences of the problem in real, human terms so the reader fully understands the scope of the problem. Say that you're writing to a vendor who regularly parks his truck in front of your building for one hour every day while he goes to lunch next door. Despite the painted lines on the pavement, his large truck takes up several parking spaces, and right in front of your building. The consequences of this action might be that the truck serves as a deterrent to your customers, some who have complained about this behavior.
• Strive for graciousness by saying you appreciate the person's relationship with your company. If you can, propose a solution that trumps present circumstances, such as suggesting that the vendor park his truck in the back of your building, where he will enjoy ramp access and wider doors.
• Reach for some common ground, perhaps by saying that "as fellow business people," you share a desire to keep your customers happy so both of your businesses continue to prosper and grow.
• Express your desire to hear an alternative solution and encourage a phone call to discuss the issue. Even if you believe there really isn't a workable alternative, the fact that you're willing to entertain an alternative should be met with appreciation.
• Close the problem-solution letter by promising to call in a few days. State your confidence that you will be able to resolve the matter satisfactorily and thank the person for his time and consideration.
• Ask a colleague to read your letter and proof it not only for spelling and grammar but also for tone and word choices.

More For You

How to deal with an angry health care customer, how to politely decline a business lunch, the importance of courtesy when writing business letters, steps for greeting a customer, what should the manager say to an employee who is insubordinate.

• The New St. Martin's Handbook; Andrea Lunsford and Robert Connors; 1999.
• The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers; Maxine Hairston and John Ruszkiewicz; 1991.
• Study English Today: Writing Business Letters
• Colorado State University: Writing Guide: Business Letters
• The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill: Writing Concisely

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• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Writing the Basic Business Letter
• Daily Writing Tips.com: The Impotence of Proofreading
• Human nature being what it is, there's always the chance your polite and rational problem-solution letter will be angrily rebuffed. If this happens, you always have the option of following up with a more strongly worded letter. Stay optimistic. Most people respond in a positive manner to tact and diplomacy, even if they consent to your solution grudgingly.

Mary Wroblewski earned a master's degree with high honors in communications and has worked as a reporter and editor in two Chicago newsrooms. She worked alongside a noted Chicago area nutritionist and holistic healthcare adviser whose groundbreaking work focuses on the “whole” patient rather than focusing on one ailment or problem to the exclusion of everything else. Mary writes extensively about healthy eating and healthy living topics.

26 Expert-Backed Problem Solving Examples – Interview Answers

Published: February 13, 2023

Interview Questions and Answers

Actionable advice from real experts:

Biron Clark

Former Recruiter

Contributor

Dr. Kyle Elliott

Career Coach

Hayley Jukes

Editor-in-Chief

Biron Clark , Former Recruiter

Kyle Elliott , Career Coach

Hayley Jukes , Editor

As a recruiter , I know employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure.

 A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers are more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical.

But how do they measure this?

Hiring managers will ask you interview questions about your problem-solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem-solving on your resume and cover letter. 

In this article, I’m going to share a list of problem-solving examples and sample interview answers to questions like, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?” and “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem without managerial input. How did you handle it, and what was the result?”

• Problem-solving involves identifying, prioritizing, analyzing, and solving problems using a variety of skills like critical thinking, creativity, decision making, and communication.
• Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result ( STAR method ) when discussing your problem-solving experiences.
• Tailor your interview answer with the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
• Provide numerical data or metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your problem-solving efforts.

What are Problem Solving Skills? 

Problem-solving is the ability to identify a problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving encompasses other skills that can be showcased in an interview response and your resume. Problem-solving skills examples include:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Decision making
• Research skills
• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Why is Problem Solving Important in the Workplace?

Problem-solving is essential in the workplace because it directly impacts productivity and efficiency. Whenever you encounter a problem, tackling it head-on prevents minor issues from escalating into bigger ones that could disrupt the entire workflow. 

Beyond maintaining smooth operations, your ability to solve problems fosters innovation. It encourages you to think creatively, finding better ways to achieve goals, which keeps the business competitive and pushes the boundaries of what you can achieve. 

Effective problem-solving also contributes to a healthier work environment; it reduces stress by providing clear strategies for overcoming obstacles and builds confidence within teams. 

Examples of Problem-Solving in the Workplace

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem-Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry-Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

How To Answer “Tell Us About a Problem You Solved”

When you answer interview questions about problem-solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mentions problem-solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. 

Start by briefly describing the general situation and the task at hand. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact. Finally, describe the positive result you achieved.

Note: Our sample answers below are structured following the STAR formula. Be sure to check them out!

EXPERT ADVICE

Dr. Kyle Elliott , MPA, CHES Tech & Interview Career Coach caffeinatedkyle.com

How can I communicate complex problem-solving experiences clearly and succinctly?

Before answering any interview question, it’s important to understand why the interviewer is asking the question in the first place.

When it comes to questions about your complex problem-solving experiences, for example, the interviewer likely wants to know about your leadership acumen, collaboration abilities, and communication skills, not the problem itself.

Therefore, your answer should be focused on highlighting how you excelled in each of these areas, not diving into the weeds of the problem itself, which is a common mistake less-experienced interviewees often make.

Tailoring Your Answer Based on the Skills Mentioned in the Job Description

As a recruiter, one of the top tips I can give you when responding to the prompt “Tell us about a problem you solved,” is to tailor your answer to the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description. 

Once you’ve pinpointed the skills and key competencies the employer is seeking, craft your response to highlight experiences where you successfully utilized or developed those particular abilities. 

For instance, if the job requires strong leadership skills, focus on a problem-solving scenario where you took charge and effectively guided a team toward resolution. 

By aligning your answer with the desired skills outlined in the job description, you demonstrate your suitability for the role and show the employer that you understand their needs.

Amanda Augustine expands on this by saying:

“Showcase the specific skills you used to solve the problem. Did it require critical thinking, analytical abilities, or strong collaboration? Highlight the relevant skills the employer is seeking.”  

Interview Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Solved a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem,” since you’re likely to hear different versions of this interview question in all sorts of industries.

The example interview responses are structured using the STAR method and are categorized into the top 5 key problem-solving skills recruiters look for in a candidate.

1. Analytical Thinking

Situation: In my previous role as a data analyst , our team encountered a significant drop in website traffic.

Task: I was tasked with identifying the root cause of the decrease.

Action: I conducted a thorough analysis of website metrics, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Through my analysis, I discovered a technical issue with our website’s loading speed, causing users to bounce. 

Result: By optimizing server response time, compressing images, and minimizing redirects, we saw a 20% increase in traffic within two weeks.

2. Critical Thinking

Situation: During a project deadline crunch, our team encountered a major technical issue that threatened to derail our progress.

Task: My task was to assess the situation and devise a solution quickly.

Action: I immediately convened a meeting with the team to brainstorm potential solutions. Instead of panicking, I encouraged everyone to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches. We analyzed the problem from different angles and weighed the pros and cons of each solution.

Result: By devising a workaround solution, we were able to meet the project deadline, avoiding potential delays that could have cost the company $100,000 in penalties for missing contractual obligations.

3. Decision Making

Situation: As a project manager , I was faced with a dilemma when two key team members had conflicting opinions on the project direction.

Task: My task was to make a decisive choice that would align with the project goals and maintain team cohesion.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives in detail. I listened actively, asked probing questions, and encouraged open dialogue. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each approach, I made a decision that incorporated elements from both viewpoints.

Result: The decision I made not only resolved the immediate conflict but also led to a stronger sense of collaboration within the team. By valuing input from all team members and making a well-informed decision, we were able to achieve our project objectives efficiently.

4. Communication (Teamwork)

Situation: During a cross-functional project, miscommunication between departments was causing delays and misunderstandings.

Task: My task was to improve communication channels and foster better teamwork among team members.

Action: I initiated regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure that everyone was on the same page regarding project goals and timelines. I also implemented a centralized communication platform where team members could share updates, ask questions, and collaborate more effectively.

Result: Streamlining workflows and improving communication channels led to a 30% reduction in project completion time, saving the company $25,000 in operational costs.

5. Persistence 

Situation: During a challenging sales quarter, I encountered numerous rejections and setbacks while trying to close a major client deal.

Task: My task was to persistently pursue the client and overcome obstacles to secure the deal.

Action: I maintained regular communication with the client, addressing their concerns and demonstrating the value proposition of our product. Despite facing multiple rejections, I remained persistent and resilient, adjusting my approach based on feedback and market dynamics.

Result: After months of perseverance, I successfully closed the deal with the client. By closing the major client deal, I exceeded quarterly sales targets by 25%, resulting in a revenue increase of $250,000 for the company.

Tips to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Throughout your career, being able to showcase and effectively communicate your problem-solving skills gives you more leverage in achieving better jobs and earning more money .

So to improve your problem-solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting.

 When discussing problem-solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Don’t just say you’re good at solving problems. Show it with specifics. How much did you boost efficiency? Did you save the company money? Adding numbers can really make your achievements stand out.

To get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Think about how you can improve researching and analyzing a situation, how you can get better at communicating, and deciding on the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem-solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem-solving ability.

More Interview Resources

• 3 Answers to “How Do You Handle Stress?”
• How to Answer “How Do You Handle Conflict?” (Interview Question)
• Sample Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

About the Author

Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions. Follow on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Read more articles by Biron Clark

About the Contributor

Kyle Elliott , career coach and mental health advocate, transforms his side hustle into a notable practice, aiding Silicon Valley professionals in maximizing potential. Follow Kyle on LinkedIn .

About the Editor

Hayley Jukes is the Editor-in-Chief at CareerSidekick with five years of experience creating engaging articles, books, and transcripts for diverse platforms and audiences.

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Work in Production Blog

How to write about “problem solving” in your cover letter.

“Problem solving” comes up a lot in job listings. When it does, it is useful to give some examples of your ability in your cover letter. Indeed, recently I’ve seen this come up as a requirement in job listings.

Like every other qualification, it is useless to simply assert that you have an ability or experience. You have to prove it through referencing your work experience. Here is a template for writing the story about “problem solving.”

• Outline a problem that came up at work
• Explain what disaster could have happened, or was happening, if it were not resolved
• Elucidate what you did to solve the problem
• Describe the good result that happened
• Express the excellent wider consequences

“ I’m good at solving problems [an adverb or descriptor from the listing like “quickly” or “innovatively” or “on the fly”], like the time when [something went wrong] at [your recent job]. This meant that [some horrible thing could happen or had happened] which we wanted to avoid. I realized that I should [do this, then that]. That meant that [immediate positive outcome going forward], and [excellent wider consequence such as work continued safely, money or time was saved, the client was very pleased and came back with repeat business.]”

One of the tricks here is to not say “the problem was avoided” as the good result or positive consequence. Just saying something like that doesn’t give as good an impression. It could show you as someone who is problem-focused and stuck in negative language and thinking. It may take a few minutes to find a way to express what did happen , rather than what did not , but it will strengthen you cover letter enormously.

The template also works when the problem you solved was some kind of chronic or ongoing issue, rather than an emergency.

“ At [my old job] we had an ongoing issue with [describe the problem]. This meant that every time [something happened] we had [this next thing happen.] This was costly [in some specific way – time, expenses, customer satisfaction, high churn]. I proposed that we [implement or institute this new procedure]. We were able to save [this is a good place to insert a metric – hours, dollars, %’age increase in sales]. It meant that the staff were much happier and able to focus on [some good thing instead of the problem, like delivering client services.]”

This step-by-step method is also a great way to approach this kind of question in an interview, especially if the interviewer asks you to describe your strengths. Have a couple of these stories, that reference the kind of problem that can come up at the prospective job, that you have practiced saying aloud.

The flip side of this skill is planning abilities. Remember the adage, “ If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. ” I like to start any problem-solving description with the phrase, “ I find that attention to planning helps avoid many problems, but they still can happen. I’m good at solving problems “…..and so on.

You can learn more about writing cover letters and expressing your skills in terms of a narrative in my book, “ Work In Production Part Two: How to write a killer cover letter the UPM will actually want to read. “

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How to Write Problem-Solution Business Letters

by Jackie Lohrey

Published on 8 May 2019

Many business owners dread writing collection letters and formal apologies for fear of alienating or further offending their customers. In both cases, you must address an important concern and at the same time maintain customer goodwill. Once you understand a few underlying principles about writing problem-solution letters, you'll learn how these types of letters can be written in a way that generates goodwill.

Problem Solution Letter Format and Style

It might be helpful to think of a problem-solution letter as a miniature essay written in a business letter format. Follow the same format, adopt the same style and use the same 12-point Times New Roman font as you would in any business letter. The only changes you should make are in the words used in the body and closing sections. Most problem-solution letters also include enclosures. Indicate this by typing “Enclosures” one line below the closing and then list the name of each document you are including with the letter.

Emphasize Positive Words

Short, direct and personalized letters reduce the chance for misunderstandings and are often the most effective. In addition, words with a positive twist are more likely to produce a positive response. The Purdue University Online Writing Lab suggests that you avoid words and phrases such as “unfortunately,” “unable to,” “problem” and “failure,” which convey unpleasant facts. Instead, emphasize what you can or are willing to do rather than what you cannot or will not do.

Opening and Closing Statements

Open and close the letter with simple, direct statements. An opening statement such as “Thank you for taking the time to explain your concern about …” references and identifies the problem. Close with a statement that emphasizes your desire to preserve the relationship. Statements such as "We value your business" or "We recommit to providing the high-quality customer service you expect from our company" are two common examples.

Request to Solve a Problem 

In the first body paragraph, reference relevant background information and any previous communications to show that you understand the customer's concern. Offer a clear, specific solution to the problem – including goodwill gestures and actions you’ve already taken or plan to take – in the third paragraph.

For example, if you’re writing a first-request collection letter, note the customer’s previous good payment record, but remind the customer about payment due dates. As a solution, offer to work with the customer to set up alternate payment arrangements or extend the payment date in exchange for a return phone call.

How to Write an Email to Your Boss About a Problem (With 20+ Samples)

If you’re like most people, you probably dread having to email your boss about a problem. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

With some guidance, you can frame the conversation in a helpful and positive way.

According to several professionals, the following are the best ways to email your boss about a problem at work, along with a few examples.

Abdulaziz M. Alhamdan, M.Sc.

Leadership Coach and Podcast Host, Story Bonding

Learn to “sandwich” the problem and take advantage of psychological biases

The issue with communicating to your boss about a problem is what is called “ Psychology Anchoring.”

When you trigger an emotion in someone, they associate it with you. So if the problem triggers a  negative  emotion in your boss, and he associates that negative emotion with you, this won’t be good for your career and your prospects of promotion.

To avoid this, we have to place the problem  within  our emails where it is least triggering to the receiver:

Use the first impression bias

Humans pay more attention to the  first  bit of information we receive than what we hear in the middle of a message.

Therefore, begin the email with something  positive . 

The best opening lines focus on a trait your boss has that will make it possible to solve the problem you will communicate, so the boss feels validated and sees the problem as a challenge rather than as bad news.

Related: 25+ Good Examples of Problem Solving in the Workplace

• “I have learned a lot from you about using logic and analytical skills to solve problems.”
• “I have always been inspired by your persistence when facing a challenging task.”
• “I was thinking today that the story of your grandfather immigrating with nothing and then building his life from scratch is a real example of turning difficulties into something better than before.”

In the middle of the email, mention the problem

Do  not  be apologetic or try to explain it away, as that adds more emotional charge to the issue and brings attention to this part. Just say things in the most  objective  way possible.

• “Our clients have recently rated our customer service below industry standards.”
• “Our best salesperson has resigned, and our sales team performance has dropped soon after.”
• “Our main client informed us they will delay their upcoming invoice payment for 90 days.”

End it with something motivating

The Recency Bias states that  “what we hear last stays on our minds for a while, so you cannot end on a bad note.”

And, in many ways, view yourself as a  coach  to everyone around you, even your boss. That is the true meaning of  leadership. So end up by  inspiring  that shows you are both on the same team, ready to tackle this problem.

• “We have faced difficulties before, and just like before, we are ready to tackle them head-on.”
• “This is why our clients pay us, to solve problems. And that is what we will do now as a team.”

In summary, we have the power to  control  how people perceive and receive the information we share.

It all comes down to the  frame  we use to show reality.

And “ sandwiching ” is one of the best ways to frame bad news in a way that  reduces  its negative impact on the receiver and our relationships with them.

• Begin with a positive observation of the receiver
• Deliver bad news in a neutral manner
• End with a hopeful, positive expectation

Robert Gibbson

Editor in Chief, Decline Magazine

Determine why you’re sending the email

Determine why you’re calling your supervisor before you write your email. This can help you stay on track while writing your email and ensure that all pertinent information is included.

If you want to seek a project deadline adjustment, for example, give the old deadline, the new proposed deadline, and the rationale for the change.

Include a relevant subject line

Your email’s subject line should convey the reason for your communication in a few words. Sending an email with a relevant subject line makes it easier for your supervisor to find the email, understand what to expect, and prioritize it based on priority and urgency.

Add a greeting

The greeting appears directly below the subject line of your email. Determine the preferred name and title for your supervisor and include it in the email greeting.

If your boss wants to be addressed by their first name, for example, you can address them as such. You can use your supervisor’s last name if you’re not sure what name and title they prefer.

Explain why you’re sending the email

Include an opening line after your greeting that says why you’re emailing. The email will be succinct and clear if you begin by describing your argument.

Explain the situation

If possible, give specifics or an explanation for why you’re emailing. Although you can exclude any irrelevant or personal details, it may be good to include an explanation so that your supervisor understands the context of a situation.

Make a list of the tasks you’d like your boss to perform

After you’ve explained everything, make sure to include any chores you’d like your supervisor to conduct after reading your email. This could involve things like accepting a project proposal or a deadline adjustment, checking your time off benefits, or making a project choice.

Finish with a strong statement

The concluding line of your email is where you might express gratitude for your supervisor’s time, reiterate essential information, or welcome them to ask any questions about the substance of your email.

Sign the document

Include your entire name and job title in your signature so that your boss can recognize you.

Keep the email short and sweet

Keep your email’s content succinct, containing only the most important elements and removing any extraneous material. Use short, clear sentences to explain your point so that your boss understands the purpose of your email fast.

Use your company’s email address

To stay professional and guarantee that your supervisor receives your email in a timely manner, email your supervisor using your work email. Emails from a person’s personal email account are sometimes filtered out at work.

Make sure it’s simple to comprehend

Because supervisors receive a variety of emails throughout the day, make sure yours is simple to grasp in case they need to scan or read it fast. You can have a trustworthy colleague read it through to see how easy it is for them to comprehend.

Proofread your email before sending

Make sure to proofread your email before sending it to catch any spelling problems, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. Sending an error-free email to your supervisor demonstrates professionalism and guarantees that your message gets understood.

Here are a few examples:

Request for time off

“Request for time off from [date] to [date] in the subject line

Please accept my heartfelt greetings, [Supervisor’s name].

I’m sending you an email today to seek a vacation from [date] to [date]. I have [done an activity to prepare for time off]. Please contact me if you have any questions about my vacation. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely, [Insert your name and job title here].”

Request for a deadline extension

“ [Project name] in the subject line Request to change the deadline from [date] to [date].

I’m sending this email to request a deadline extension for [project name] from [date] to [date]. This adjustment is required to ensure that my team has enough time to perform [task] and [task]. I am optimistic that we will be able to complete the project before the deadline. Please have a look at the [description of information] that is attached.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email, and please contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely, [Insert your name and job title here]. “

Creator, Rezjumei

Writing an email to your boss about a problem you have encountered in the workplace can prove to be an awkward situation. Being perceived as a complainer can leave you feeling vulnerable and a target for bullying from other staff.

However, there are times when speaking up is the best option to increase productivity and resolve conflicts.

Here are some tips on how to write an effective email to your boss:

Wait until you have calmed down before drafting your email

If you are highly emotional, you might want to wait until you have calmed down before drafting your email. This is especially important if the problem you face is direct with your boss.

Being rude will likely cause more damage than good, and as the saying goes, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

Use a respectful tone when writing this type of email.

Explain your problem clearly

The more detail you provide about the issue you are facing, the easier it will be for your boss to understand precisely what is troubling you. Being vague will most likely result in your email being ignored simply because you have not painted a clear enough picture.

On the other hand, repeatedly mentioning the problem until you have written a 3,000-word email isn’t ideal either.

Your explanation should be thorough but not tiresome to read.

Suggest a solution and the positive outcomes it would have

Your boss may not have a solution for the problem you are facing. For example, if it is a highly technical issue, resolving it may require the assistance of a manager who has the appropriate level of experience.

Therefore, it would be in your best interest to propose a solution to the problem, mentioning a specific course of action that can be taken.

If possible, don’t directly blame specific people

The last thing you want to do is have someone hold a grudge against you for the next few years because you chose to complain about them.

If there is an issue you are facing with a specific person, don’t blame them directly; instead, as per the paragraph above, propose a solution on how the two of you can work together to resolve the issue.

Example email:

“Hi Daniel,

I hope you are well.

I am writing this email to bring to your attention an issue I have been facing while building the company’s new web user interface. As you know, the existing code isn’t well documented, and there are only a few members of the development team who have a firm understanding of how it functions.

Over the last few days, I have contacted specific people for assistance. Still, the outcome has been the same — they are either (understandably) too busy to respond, or their responses lack sufficient detail for me to complete the task at hand efficiently.

With the tight deadlines that need to be met, this is causing a large amount of stress on my part.

As a solution, I would like to suggest a bi-weekly stand-up meeting for senior and junior developers at the beginning of each day. This will allow me and other new team members (facing similar issues) to ask questions and receive appropriate feedback.

I believe this will lead to a significant increase in productivity across the entire team.

Kind regards, John “

Maria A. McDowell

Founder, EasySearchPeople

Email is one of the most effective ways to communicate any perceived problem in every workplace, especially when you can’t meet or have an in-person discussion with your boss.

Emails enable you to articulate your thoughts and also show proof of communication.

There are some important guidelines to adhere to when writing an email to your boss about an identified problem.

Be professional in your salutation

When writing to your boss about a problem, no matter the relationship you share with them, ensure to be professional, especially in your salutation.

Related: What Does It Mean to Be Professional at Work?

Use “Hi, Hello, or Dear” followed by your boss’s professional title and first name. For example, “Hi Dr. Maria” or “Dear Prof. James.” Avoid using informal greetings like “Hey” or “Yo” when writing to your boss.

Use a clear and direct subject line

The subject of your email should be clear and direct to get the attention of your boss. Do not write a lengthy subject line that doesn’t directly relate to the identified problem you want to talk about. Your email subject should be concise and direct.

Clearly and concisely state the problem

Go straight to the point and state the identified problem. If possible, try to capture the issue and its effect on you or the organization in a paragraph.

Suggest a solution

After outlining the problem, it is best to suggest a solution. Suggesting a solution to an identified problem makes you a resourceful employee.

Your closing email should contain important information

Your closing is an integral part of the email. Your email closing should contain any other important information you find necessary, appreciation, and a call to action.

Example 1: Email to a boss about a product-related problem

“Hi Dr. Maria,

Subject: Customer complaints about XYZ product.

Over the last few days, there have been increased customer complaints about product xyz. After careful analysis of customers complaints, I realized that product xyz quality doesn’t meet the expectations of our customers which has led to increased complaints and bad reviews.

The poor reviews of product xyz is affecting other products on our platform. I suggest that we take down product xyz and improve on it before uploading it again. I also think it will be ideal to email all our customers and apologize about their experience and inform them of the steps we have taken to improve on product xyz.

Thank you for your time. Let me know if you have any questions or clarification concerning this email.

Regards, Jerry Salton”

Example 2: Email to a boss about a work-related problem.

“Dear Mr. Joseph.

Subject: Poor website security.

In the last two months, the company’s website has been under consistent cyber-attack, which has affected its ability to function effectively. After carefully analyzation, I realized that the hosting company we use for the website has poor security measures.

I have attached a list of better hosting companies and their rates to this email. I suggest we switch out hosting service to a better hosting company with enhanced security measures to protect our website from hackers.

Kindly look through the listed hosting companies and let me know your thoughts and how to proceed.

Regards, Emmanuel Jay”

Melanie Cohen

Co-Founder, Instya

Emails are a powerful tool in the workplace. They can be used to communicate a problem, ask for a favor, or offer feedback. When writing an email to your boss, it’s important to be concise and direct.

Here are three tips for writing an email that will get your message across.

Use simple language

When writing to a boss, it’s also important to use simple language. Avoid using complex grammar or vocabulary when possible — this can be confusing and make it difficult for the boss to understand what you are saying. Try to stick with terms that are common knowledge among most people.

In short — when writing an email to your boss about a problem, try to be concise and use simple language — this will help the boss understand what you are trying to say more easily.

Explain the cause of the problem

Use this example to explain the cause of the problem. It’s the most affected one.

“Hello [Name],

I hope you are well. I wanted to reach out and let you know about a problem that we are experiencing at work. It seems as though there is something causing a lot of our emails not to send, and we are not sure what it is.

We have tried restarting our email servers, clearing our spam filters, and changing our settings in Outlook, but nothing seems to be working. We have also contacted our ISP, and they said that there is nothing wrong with the network or their servers.

The cause of the problem is still a mystery to us, but I wanted to let you know so that you can start taking precautions in case it happens again. In the meantime, please bear with us as we work to get this fixed as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time and continued support!”

Offer solutions if you can

When something goes wrong at work, it can be tempting just to let it simmer and stew. But if you want to keep your career on track and build a good relationship with your boss, it’s important to offer solutions instead of just complaining.

First, take a deep breath and remember that you’re not the only one who’s been affected by this issue. Your boss is probably feeling frustrated, too.

So start by expressing your concerns and laying out what went wrong. This will help them understand the situation and give them a chance to brainstorm possible solutions.

If you don’t have any solutions yourself, don’t be shy about asking for help from your boss or other employees in the office. The more people who are involved in finding a solution, the better off everyone will be.

And don’t forget to stay positive — conveying frustration only makes things worse.

Elliot Ledley

Director of Media Relations, Caspian Studios

Use a professional greeting

“Dear,” “Hello,” or “Hi,” followed by your recipient is some professional salutations you can use to welcome your boss (boss, superior, or supervisor).

You can also use their first name if you’re on a first-name basis. Otherwise, use a formal address such as “Professor Kegley,” “Dr. Goldstein,” or “Mr. Mark.” Then, after your recipient’s name, add a comma.

Use full names for your supervisor instead of salutations like “Hey,” “Hiya,” or “Yo,” which sound unprofessional.

Use a specific and concise subject line

Your supervisor is most likely a busy individual who receives several emails from various departments, clients, and business partners. Save them time and effort by making the purpose of your email crystal apparent in the subject line.

Always double-check that the content of your email corresponds to the subject line.

“Problems with the Gizmo Software” “Website down” “Product complaint” “Faulty machines”

Make sure to state the problem clearly and directly

As previously stated, your employer is most likely overworked and overburdened. As a result, you must go right to the point by explaining the issue plainly and concisely.

• You don’t need to go into great depth; simply offer a general outline of the issue.
• You can briefly describe the issue and how it affects you or the company.
• If you have one in mind, you can also provide a solution in the email.
• “For the past two days, I’ve been having severe problems with the graphics design software, and it’s definitely affecting my productivity for the day. I’ve upgraded both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, but I’m still having the same issue. As a result, I’m contacting you to see if you can offer any aid.”
• “Nearly every day, our clients have complained about our Facebook and Instagram pages falling down. The social media team is getting agitated since they don’t know how to fix the problem.”

Suggest a solution if you have one

You can propose a solution when you bring a problem to your boss’s attention. Keep in mind that your boss is busy and will appreciate it if you can find a solution.

If you’ve already tried to tackle the problem, but your solution didn’t work, tell your manager what you did. By doing so, you are demonstrating to your manager that you are a problem solver who considers solutions rather than issues.

“I checked into the graphics design problem, and it appears to be caused by the software no longer supporting my laptop’s version. I’m currently updating my laptop to the most recent version. Then I’ll reinstall the software and give it another shot. Hopefully, that will be enough.”

You can propose alternate solutions if your worries are likely to cost your boss money and damage their reputation.

Reeko Curll

HR Executive, The Pest Control

Think about how you’ll explain the situation so that your boss will understand it

Have you run into a problem at work? Then it’s probably time to email your boss about it! No matter what, though, you need to make sure that you do it the right way.

But first, try to solve the problem on your own. If that doesn’t work, talk to a coworker or supervisor about it.

Next, prepare yourself for the conversation by thinking about why you think the problem exists and how you can address it.

If you’re feeling confident in your ability to solve the problem on your own, you can go directly to the boss and ask for help. But before you do that, think about how you’ll explain the situation so that your boss will understand it.

I’ll give you some tips on how to write an email to your boss about a problem.

Address your boss by their name

When you write an email to your boss, make sure you address them by name. This is important because it makes your boss feel as though they are being personally addressed.

State the problem clearly and concisely

You must state your problem as clearly as possible. Be sure to include any relevant information that might help your boss understand why the problem exists.

To make sure you do this, you should read over the email and make sure it is easy for your boss to understand what’s going on.

“I have been having serious issues with the management software that we are using. We have been having problems with it since the beginning of this month, but your IT department has been unable to solve them. I am looking for a way to move forward with this issue, and I would like to meet with you in person so that we can discuss our options.”

Explain what you have done to try to solve the problem

Give a brief outline of what you have done to try to solve the problem. Include all possible options that you’ve tried and explain why each option didn’t work.

“I have tried contacting the support team, but they have not responded to our requests. I have also tried to call their hotline, but it is always busy.”

Suggest a solution or ask for help in solving the problem

If you really can’t come up with an answer, then ask your boss for help. This can be as easy as asking if they have any ideas or suggestions. If you don’t know what to do, then ask them for some advice.

“I’m not sure what to do, so I was wondering if you had any suggestions.”

Thank them for their time and consideration

Once you’ve explained your problem and given them your suggestions, thank them for their time and consideration.

“Your time and suggestion are greatly appreciated.”

Joshua Rich

CEO and Founder, Bullseye Locations

Use a personalized tone in your email

I personally like to see a personalized tone in the emails that my workers send me. I recommend that the style workers use in their emails should depend on their relationship with their boss but must also have a gist of formality.

Choosing the tone that lands best with your boss is essential as it helps them comprehend the email well. They will be able to read the email in your tone and understand your intentions better.

It is also always good to sign off your email with “Thank you” as it reflects your politeness and respect for your boss.

Choosing a tone can be very tricky, but as long as it is both professional and personal, you are good to go!

The email should be very brief and to the point

It is important that the emails have short paragraphs, each covering a different point. This makes it easy for bosses to follow you and understand your problems.

Bosses are always on tight schedules, and sending long emails will waste their time. They may not want to continue reading it if you trail off from the topic in the middle.

Therefore, keeping things simple and adding extra details that don’t contribute to the subject matter should be avoided.

For example, if you are writing to your boss about workplace discrimination, include all of the details that a boss needs to know in order to take appropriate action, as well as your intentions and expectations.

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The email shouldn’t have any threats to the boss or to the person that has committed the act of disgrace, as this will make the email very unprofessional.

Don’t use the subject line of the email as clickbait

When writing me an email, most of my employees use the subject line as clickbait to get my attention right away. This is very unprofessional, and your boss may never choose to respond to you.

Doing stuff like this shows a lack of integrity in the individual, and you will never make it into your boss’s good books.

Another subject line error is using caps lock, i.e., ‘URGENT,’ which again is to grab the boss’s attention but portrays very unprofessional behavior.

If the matter really is urgent, contact your boss via phone call or schedule a meeting to discuss it instead of writing an email with a subject line, which sounds imperious.

Omer Usanmaz

CEO and Co-Founder, Qooper Mentoring & Learning Software

When you have a problem at work, the best way to handle it is to talk to your boss about it. But how do you write an email to your boss about a problem?

Start by describing the problem

Be specific and concise, and include any relevant details. Talk about how the issue impacts your work and why you think it needs to be addressed.

Explain what you’ve done to try to solve the problem on your own

If you’ve tried multiple solutions, list them in order of how successful you think they were. This will show that you’ve taken the initiative and care about solving the problem.

Suggest a plan of action on how to solve the problem

Finally, suggest a plan of action for how you and your boss can work together to solve the problem. Be specific about what you need from your boss and what you’re willing to do to help solve the problem.

Make sure your tone is respectful and humble

Avoid speaking negatively about your boss or co-workers, even if they are part of the problem. Instead, focus on solving the issue at hand.

This shows your boss that you’re mature and professional and that you’re more interested in solving the problem than in placing blame.

Here is a template you can use:

I wanted to bring to your attention a problem I’ve been having at work. It’s been impacting my work because. I’ve tried a few solutions on my own, including and _____, but so far, nothing has worked.

I think it would be helpful if we could brainstorm a solution together. My suggestion is _____. I’m open to other ideas as well, but I believe this is a good place to start.

Do you have any time in the next few days where we could talk about this? Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Your name

CFO, Abtron Computer Services Inc.

It is important to know what type of concern exists

As a general rule, formal letters should be written in formal letter format and sent via email. You should send a copy of the communication to your home email address, depending on how sensitive the issue is.

Computers at your workplace are company property, and they have the right to lock you out at any time.

Consider being professional, not singling out anyone unless it is absolutely necessary, and keeping all emotions out of the correspondence. Additionally, think of possible solutions to the problems you are facing. Having solutions demonstrates initiative, dedication, and thoughtfulness.

Since I am not aware of what the “concerns” are, it is difficult to give specific advice.

“Dear Mr. Johnson,

Subject Line: Salary Dissatisfaction

During the past four and a half years, I have worked as a security engineer at Spark electronics. I would like to raise the issue of my salary at the company based on my performance so far.

In spite of having the same qualification and degree as my colleagues, I continue to be the lowest-paid employee. In light of my experience in the last four years and my contribution to the company’s growth and development [list some achievements and contributions to the company] , I feel that I am at a disadvantage in this position.

My performance has always been praised by customers and colleagues alike, and I’ve never needed disciplinary action. In addition, I sometimes work on weekends and after hours, so I believe I deserve a raise.

Could you please review this and arrange a meeting with me soon to discuss this matter? I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards, Max Shack”

Related: How to Negotiate Your Salary (Tips and Examples)

Hannah Dworkin

Leader and Recruiter, USScrapYard

Check to see that the content of your email corresponds to the subject line

There are a few essential pointers you need to keep in mind whenever you are communicating with your manager via email regarding an issue.

In business settings, sending and receiving emails continues to be one of the most efficient forms of communication.

Your manager is most likely a very busy individual who receives a large number of emails from colleagues in different departments, customers, and business partners.

You may save them time and effort by making the subject line of your email incredibly clear as to the purpose of the message. Always check to see that the content of your email corresponds to the subject line.

As it was mentioned previously, it’s likely that your employer is quite active and juggling a wide variety of responsibilities at the same time.

Therefore, you need to get right down to business by articulating the issue in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner. You don’t need to go into too much detail; instead, just provide an overarching description of the issue that you are facing.

You might give a concise explanation of the issue and how it is affecting the organization or you personally. You can also provide a solution to the problem in the email if you already have one in your head.

“ [Boss name]

Subject: Electricity issue during job hours

As the [post] at [company name] , I have heard several complaints from our staff members, particularly from our female employees, about the electricity issue during working hours.

Because of this, there have been some severe issues with the company’s productivity, which is especially problematic around this time of year when it is getting workload increases before the business closes this year.

For your convenience, a copy of the official complaint, as well as the suggestions made by the organization’s planning committee, have been attached to this email.

I reached out to the electrician to inquire about the possibility of arranging electricity when the consumption of electricity is necessary on a part-time solution basis, as well as ways in which we may improve our electricity system during office hours.

Before we continue with the process, I would like to talk about it with you when your schedule is less hectic, if that is okay.

I appreciate you taking the time.

Sincerely, [Your name] “

CEO and Founder, Palaleather

Begin the email by informing who you are

Emailing your boss may be a daunting thing to do. However, most bosses appreciate emails, especially when they are necessary for the health and growth of the company. Emails about real problems, whether about the processes or the employees are welcome.

Begin the email by informing who you are and from what department or team you are from. Proceed with the details of the problem and all the relevant background and context that can help your boss grasp the issue at hand.

Related: How to Introduce Yourself in an Email (18 Expert Tips and Examples)

Then, present your proposed solution. Be clear and concise in your writing, and avoid going off on tangents. If you have any supporting information or documentation, include that as well.

End the email by thanking your boss for their time and saying that you’re looking forward to hearing their thoughts on the matter.

Here’s an example:

“Hi [name of boss] ,

This is [name] , from [department] .

I would just like to raise a concern regarding [issue] . To give you some context, [add a date, date range, who else is involved, what happened prior, what actions were previously taken] .

This has caused [mention the effects of the problem] . I would like to inform you and ask for your thoughts on this matter. Attached in this document are supporting information about the [issue] .

Here are several things in my mind that may help with the situation [offer your proposed solutions] .”

Jennifer Cheng

Head of Customer Success, nimble made

Understand your boss’ communication style

When you’re writing about a problem to your boss, you should first understand what style of communicator your boss is. If they prefer to talk out problems in person, then sending a detailed email is just going to waste everyone’s time.

If your boss is someone who likes having all the details in front of them before you can discuss a solution, they’re going to be very annoyed if you keep asking them to set up meetings to discuss problems.

Once you know their style, it’s easy to craft an email that is clear and concise but efficient.

For example, you should include, at the very least, a summary of the nature of the problem, how you’ve attempted to resolve the issue, and the next steps. I’ve attached an example below.

Hello [Name] ,

I was working on [Context of problem] when I encountered [Nature of problem ]. So far, I’ve attempted to resolve it through [Steps taken to solve problem].

If you’ve solved it: I managed to resolve the issue, but I wanted to let you know the situation of what happened. Let me know if there are any other details you’d like me to provide or anything you’d like to discuss.

If you need additional help: I’ve tried to resolve it, but I’m hitting a wall. Do you have any suggestions for the next steps? I can also set up a meeting if you’d like to discuss it live.

Best, [Name]

Oberon Copeland

CEO and Owner, Very Informed

How you write an email to your boss can depend on your relationship with them as well as the purpose of the email. If it is a formal request or you are asking for something, it is best to be polite and courteous.

Start the email with a greeting

Start the email with a greeting, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Good morning.” State the purpose of the email right away so that your boss knows what they are reading about.

For example, “I am writing to request permission to work from home on Fridays.” Be clear and concise in your ask, and explain why this would be beneficial for you and your work.

Thank your boss in advance for their time

Thank them in advance for their time, and sign off with your name. If you have a good relationship with your boss and the email is more casual in nature, you can forgo the formalities.

One of the most difficult things to do in the workplace is to email your boss about a problem. Whether it’s an issue with a project, a colleague, or something else entirely, it’s hard to know how to broach the subject without seeming like you’re complaining.

The good news is that there are some strategies you can use to make sure your email is well-received and gets the results you’re looking for.

• First, make sure you have a clear idea of what the problem is and what you’d like your boss to do about it. It’s important to be specific so that your boss can understand the issue and take action if necessary.
• Next, take some time to think about how your boss might react to the email . It’s important to be respectful and professional, even if you’re feeling frustrated.
• Finally, consider cc’ing other relevant colleagues on the email . This can help to show that the problem isn’t just isolated to you and that others are also affected by it.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to write an email to your boss about a problem that is both effective and professional.

CEO and Founder, milepro

Always be solution-focused

Even though you’re talking about a problem, which is something negative, always frame the email in a way that shows that you want to find a solution.

This way, you turn it into a team effort — i.e., let’s figure something out together — rather than just venting your frustrations.

Try to schedule an in-person or video call meeting

Complex problems require in-person communication because you can’t communicate the nuances of a difficult issue via email. In fact, it can often make it worse because it’s so easy to misread or misinterpret the tone of a message when it’s written down.

Instead, if you see the person, it’s easier to understand the tone and emotion that the person is trying to express about the problem.

So use the email as a way to describe the problem briefly and then end it by asking if you could schedule a quick 20-minute meeting to talk about it.

For example:

“Hi X, I’m emailing you about a concern I have regarding ABC. I was hoping to get your advice on how to solve this problem because [insert how the problem is bothering you] , and I realize that I need someone’s insight to resolve it.

Do you have time on Friday at 2 pm for a quick meeting to talk about it? Let me know!”

AJ Silberman-Moffitt

Senior Editor,  Tandem

As an office professional with 25+ years of work experience, I have needed to write emails to my supervisors about problems. Every situation is different, which means every situation will necessitate a different response.

Here are some ways you can politely and professionally write an email to your boss about a problem.

Don’t be accusatory

One of the first things you will want to remember when reaching out to your boss is to try not to be accusatory.

Though your boss needs to know about an issue that is happening, you want your boss to know that you are level-headed and trying to see things from various aspects.

Do include details

Though you might think that your boss is already aware of the situation, this may not be the case. Also, if someone were to read your email in the future, it needs to make sense to them. And remember — your email may become part of your employee file.

For these reasons, you’ll want to ensure that you include as many details as possible.

Don’t merely complain

If you send an email that simply is you complaining about a situation, you might come across as either whiny or immature. Keep your emotions in check. In the email, do your best to be factual without sounding as if you are a petulant child.

Do be professional

No matter what the email talks about, it’s integral that you remain professional throughout. Use common courtesies, such as please and thank you, and refrain from being condescending.

When you are ready to email your boss about a problem, you must not react without thinking. Before sending the email, think about how large a problem it is.

Is this something you can handle by discussing the situation directly with the person who has caused the problem? Or have you already tried talking to someone to no avail?

Once you determine that an email is necessary, follow the advice above, and, more likely than not, your boss will respect you for it.

Chaye McIntosh

Clinical Director, ChoicePoint

Tell your problem to your boss in a formal manner

Being humans means that at some point, there will come a time when you will require to take some time from your work. Employees are often scared to talk directly to their boss when it comes to conveying that they have a problem.

Here is how to write an email to your boss about your problem:

Start with a greeting

An email should begin professionally with small greetings ad shouldn’t look like you just forgot your manner while a problem arises in your life.

Promise that your work will not be affected

Begin by telling your boss about your current progress and any small achievement you got that month/week. Then promise that while you are away, your work will not be affected. Give a few solid reasons.

State the problem in a very straightforward way

Tell your problem to your boss in a manner that is formal. No need t get into tiny details. Get straight to the point.

“Hi Sir,

I hope this email finds you well. In the month of May, I completed my KPIs and moved on to the new task. I have submitted my previous work also.

With due respect, I need to state that I am facing some problems and need some time off. My progress will not be affected as I am willing to check my emails from home and give extra hours.

I am hoping to hear a positive reply.”

Kristin Heller, PHR

Leadership Coach and HR Consultant, HR Creative Consulting

Reporting a problem is best done in person

When it comes to giving your boss bad news, it is best done in person. As methods of communication become less about conversations and more about email, I do not recommend emailing business leaders about problems.

Walk to your boss’ office and have a conversation. Go in prepared with the facts and a proposed solution. If you are stuck on the solution, ask for help. If you work remotely, call your boss.

It is too easy to “read into” an email. Readers interpret email differently. It is important that your boss fully understands the issue. Achieving understanding will be more effective with a conversation.

I think it is perfectly acceptable to follow up the conversation with an email for documentation purposes. The email should outline the problem with the proposed solution.

I do not think it is ever acceptable to email a problem as a first step in the communication of the problem. Have the conversation.

Ronald Williams

Founder, BestPeopleFinder

Don’t beat around the bush

In the current workplace environment that is more hectic and subtle at the same time, it is quite common and normal to face circumstances that need modification and need the involvement of the manager to resolve the matters for a smoother operation.

Some common reasons that require immediate discussion:

• Inadequate salary raise against excellent work performance
• Delayed or compromised promotion-related issue
• Operational paraphernalia that doesn’t meet the (current) demands of the organization
• Gaslighting by a leader

Knowing any problem, the most important is to highlight it without burning the edges. It is all about what you have to say and how you say it. Some suggestions are:

It is never wise to make long texts in an email that states the problem. Make it clear, concise, and direct. Consider your boss may be busy, and therefore it is wise just to share an overview of the problem without beating about the bush.

You can make it clear from the subject line and can expand the line into two or three crisp sentences. Remember, the aim of the email should be highlighting, not the fighting.

For example, you can write it as:

“Dear [boss’ name] ,

Subject Line: Commuting problem in [project name]

It is to bring to your attention that the staff [name the staff] related to [name the project] is facing a traveling problem since the project is far [mention the distance] and it takes time [describe the exact time] to commute them.

One solution is [discuss feasibility] , but it needs your approval, and I am hopeful for prompt action.

I would request to review this matter and, if possible, arrange a meeting to discuss it in detail. If you have any additional questions in this regard, I am open to discuss. Thank you for your time, and looking forward to a positive response.

Regards, Ronald Williams”

CEO, Lucky Bobbleheads

Be sure to express the situation in a direct and understandable manner

There is a good chance that your employer is occupied and juggling a number of responsibilities at the moment. Therefore, you need to get right down to business by articulating the issue in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner.

You don’t need to go into too much detail; instead, just provide an overarching description of the issue that you are facing.

“Because we are having issues that we are unable to resolve, I had no choice but to come to you for assistance. Our technical staff has spent the better part of the past week attempting to set up an internet connection for a customer; however, they have run into problems with the outdoor internet transmitter. It is a significant distance from the address of the customer. Could you tell us what options we have available to us?”

Christopher Gadek

Vice President of Growth, AdQuick

Include actionable ideas that may provide solutions to the issue you are addressing

Reflecting upon what is making you feel stressed at work can reveal where the actual problem lies.

Whether you’re stuck on a particular project detail or you’re facing a technical challenge, taking some time to ponder the situation may bring clarity to factors that are contributing to it, what you can do to fix it, and what support and resources you’ll need for a successful outcome.

With this information, you can write an email that’s proactive rather than reactive. Be sure to include the problem as defined by fact rather than your opinion .

Offer at least two viable solutions with an analysis of the resources required for implementation, including time, data, personnel, and budget. And ensure that you will continuously measure progress and make adjustments as necessary.

Positioning yourself as a problem solver who focuses on positive results shows you are a valuable and trusted asset to the company, leaving a far better impression upon your boss when it comes time for a promotion.

Trevor Ford

Head of Growth, Yotta

Don’t divulge all of the problems in your email

Leave a lot open so that you can speak about the issue privately and in person.

Include enough in the email to get your boss’ attention. Make them want to discuss the issue with you in more detail.

What you don’t want to do is pile up too many grievances in the body of the email. You don’t want your boss thinking, “I didn’t realize (Employee X) felt this way.” It doesn’t feel good to be blindsided, and you don’t want to look unprofessional.

You want your boss to appreciate you having the courage to come forward.

Normally a grievance has to do with another individual. The subject of the email should not include that person’s name. Again, you don’t want to hit your boss over the head with the issue right away.

The subject line could include, “ An issue we need to discuss ” or “ A disruption in the workflow .”

You can be more specific in the body of the email but not too specific. “I’m afraid performances will be affected by (Employee X’s) pattern of behavior. If you have time later this week to discuss it in more detail, let me know.”

If you have a recommended solution to the problem, it won’t hurt to notify your boss of that in your email, too.

Kimberly Silva

CEO, FindPeopleFirst

Before emailing, you must have a record of everything

Keep track of dates, times, names, etc. Don’t forget to chronicle what happened and how it affected your work, as well as the work of those who were involved.

Most supervisors won’t care until you can explain how a perceived inefficiency negatively impacts you or someone else.

Construct a list of possible solutions. If you complain to management, they’ll ignore you. Having a solution, even a partial one, shows that you’ve considered the issue. Rough guidance will do.

If your solution requires a major process change, implement it in stages. People are more adaptable to small changes in stages than large ones.

You also have to be respectful. Be sure to be composed and not emotional. Give a straightforward account of what you found, with no exaggeration or elaboration.

In other words, don’t come out as someone who just wants to air their grievances, but as someone who is actively working to make the firm more efficient.

To be concise, instead of saying “here’s something you want to change,” offer “if you want ideas, I do have suggestions for adjustments we may make to increase our mutual efficiency” and then wait to be asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i do if i’m nervous about sending the email.

It’s normal to be nervous before sending an email like this. Here are some tips to calm your nerves:

• Read through your email several times to make sure it’s clearly and professionally worded • Ask a trusted colleague or friend to read the email before you send it • Remind yourself that your boss’s job is to help you solve problems and that you aren’t making unreasonable demands • Take a deep breath and hit send – you’ll feel better when you’ve done it!

Is It Better to Send an Email or Talk to My Boss in Person?

Whether you send an email or talk to your boss in person depends on the situation and your personal communication style. Here are some factors you should consider:

• If the problem is urgent or time-sensitive, an email may be the best option to ensure the issue is addressed quickly • If the problem is complex or requires a back-and-forth conversation, it may be better to speak with your boss in person or on the phone • If you prefer to communicate in writing, an email may be a better choice for you • Consider your boss’s communication style and preferences – if they prefer to discuss issues in person, that may be the best course of action.

What if My Boss Is the Problem?

Knowing how to handle the situation can be challenging if your boss is the problem. Here are some tips for dealing with this situation:

• Document specific examples of the problematic behavior or actions • Talk to HR or a higher-up for guidance on how to handle the situation • Consider speaking with a trusted colleague or friend for support and guidance • If you feel comfortable, talk directly to your boss about the problem and offer possible solutions or ways to improve the situation

Remember that you have a right to a safe and healthy work environment and that resources are available to help resolve issues with your supervisor(s).

Should I Cc Anyone Else on the Email?

Whether to cc anyone else on the email to others depends on the situation. Here are some factors you should consider:

• If the problem is complex and involves multiple stakeholders, it may be helpful to cc relevant colleagues or team members • If you’re worried about negative consequences or want to ensure that there’s a record of the communication, cc HR or a higher-up • If you’re unsure whether to cc someone, consider speaking with a trusted colleague or friend for guidance

Remember that cc’s can be seen as a sign of distrust, so use your judgment and be thoughtful about who you include.

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The Editors

Problem Solving Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on July 21, 2023 — 4 minutes to read

Problem solving is an important skill in any work environment: it includes the ability to identify, understand, and develop solutions to complex issues while maintaining a focus on the end goal. Evaluating this skill in employees during performance reviews can be highly beneficial for both the employee and the organization.

Questions that can help you determine an employee’s rating for problem solving skills:

• How well does the employee define the problem and identify its root cause?
• How creative is the employee in generating potential solutions?
• How effective is the employee in implementing the chosen solution?
• How well does the employee evaluate the effectiveness of the solution and adjust it if necessary?

Related: Best Performance Review Examples for 48 Key Skills

2000+ Performance Review Phrases: The Complete List (Performance Feedback Examples)

Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples For Problem Solving

5 – outstanding.

Phrases examples:

• Consistently demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities
• Proactively identifies issues and offers innovative solutions
• Quickly adapts to unforeseen challenges and finds effective resolutions
• Exceptional problem-solving ability, consistently providing innovative solutions
• Regularly goes above and beyond to find creative solutions to complicated issues
• Demonstrates a keen understanding of complex problems and quickly identifies effective solutions

Paragraph Example 1

“Jane consistently demonstrates outstanding problem-solving skills. She proactively identifies issues in our department and offers innovative solutions that have improved processes and productivity. Her ability to quickly adapt to unforeseen challenges and find effective resolutions is commendable and has proven invaluable to the team.”

Paragraph Example 2

“Sarah has demonstrated an outstanding ability in problem solving throughout the year. Her innovative solutions have significantly improved our department’s efficiency, and she consistently goes above and beyond expectations to find creative approaches to complicated issues.”

4 – Exceeds Expectations

• Demonstrates a strong aptitude for solving complex problems
• Often takes initiative in identifying and resolving issues
• Effectively considers multiple perspectives and approaches before making decisions
• Displayed a consistently strong ability to tackle challenging problems efficiently
• Often takes the initiative to solve problems before they escalate
• Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking when resolving issues

“John exceeds expectations in problem-solving. He has a strong aptitude for solving complex problems and often takes initiative in identifying and resolving issues. His ability to consider multiple perspectives and approaches before making decisions has led to valuable improvements within the team.”

“Sam consistently exceeded expectations in problem solving this year. His efficient handling of challenging issues has made a positive impact on our team, and he often takes the initiative to resolve problems before they escalate. Sam’s critical thinking ability has been a valuable asset to our organization, and we appreciate his efforts.”

3 – Meets Expectations

• Displays adequate problem-solving skills when faced with challenges
• Generally able to identify issues and propose viable solutions
• Seeks assistance when necessary to resolve difficult situations
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of problem-solving techniques
• Capable of resolving everyday issues independently
• Shows perseverance when facing difficult challenges

“Mary meets expectations in her problem-solving abilities. She displays adequate skills when faced with challenges and is generally able to identify issues and propose viable solutions. Mary also seeks assistance when necessary to resolve difficult situations, demonstrating her willingness to collaborate and learn.”

“Sarah meets expectations in her problem-solving abilities. She demonstrates a solid understanding of problem-solving techniques and can resolve everyday issues independently. We value her perseverance when facing difficult challenges and encourage her to continue developing these skills.”

2 – Needs Improvement

• Struggles to find effective solutions to problems
• Tends to overlook critical details when evaluating situations
• Reluctant to seek help or collaborate with others to resolve issues
• Struggles to find effective solutions when faced with complex issues
• Often relies on assistance from others to resolve problems
• May lack confidence in decision-making when solving problems

“Tom’s problem-solving skills need improvement. He struggles to find effective solutions to problems and tends to overlook critical details when evaluating situations. Tom should work on being more willing to seek help and collaborate with others to resolve issues, which will ultimately strengthen his problem-solving abilities.”

“Mark’s problem-solving skills need improvement. He often struggles to find effective solutions for complex issues and seeks assistance from others to resolve problems. We encourage Mark to build his confidence in decision-making and focus on developing his problem-solving abilities.”

1 – Unacceptable

• Fails to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Lacks critical thinking skills necessary for effective problem-solving
• Often creates additional issues when attempting to resolve problems
• Demonstrates a consistent inability to resolve even basic issues
• Often avoids responsibility for problem-solving tasks
• Fails to analyze problems effectively, leading to poor decision-making

“Sally’s problem-solving skills are unacceptable. She consistently fails to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, and her lack of critical thinking skills hinders her ability to effectively solve challenges. Additionally, her attempts to resolve problems often create additional issues, resulting in a negative impact on the team’s overall performance.”

“Susan’s problem-solving performance has been unacceptable this year. She consistently demonstrates an inability to resolve basic issues and avoids taking responsibility for problem-solving tasks. Her ineffectiveness in analyzing problems has led to poor decision-making. It is crucial that Susan improve her problem-solving skills to succeed in her role.”

• Job Knowledge Performance Review Phrases (Examples)
• Cooperation Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• 100 Performance Review Phrases for Job Knowledge, Judgment, Listening Skills
• 10 Examples: What Are Analytical Skills?
• Collaboration Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Critical Thinking: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples

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What Are Problem-Solving Skills, and How Do I Put Them on My Resume?

No matter what career you pursue, a problem-solving resume will always be valued by an employer. Companies want to hire people who can think creatively, break down problems into smaller parts, and come up with an effective solution to these problems.

As a result, knowing how to list problem-solving skills on your resume can be beneficial in your career search. It will help set you apart from all the other candidates out there and show off some of your soft skills to an employer. Other than problem-solving, these key skills include critical thinking, communication skills, decision-making skills, and interpersonal skills.

Find your bootcamp match

In this guide, we examine what problem-solving skills are, why they are valued by employers, and how you can list them on your resume. It is important to note that, while strong problem-solving skills will help you find employment in any field, you may also require certain technical skills. For example, if you want to work in the tech industry, free coding bootcamps are an ideal way to quickly learn both problem-solving abilities and technical skills. 

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are the traits that allow you to identify problems and solve them efficiently and effectively. Problem-solving skills fall under the category of soft skills along with communication skills, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and adaptability, to name a few. 

Every day we encounter problems, whether at work or at home. For example, we may have to figure out how to travel to work if our regular commute is closed. Or we may have to identify ways to free up time on our schedule so that we can meet a deadline that we thought was tomorrow. Problem-solving abilities will help you find viable solutions for these challenges.

To be a good problem solver, you need to have a wide range of skills and a strong work ethic. You need to be good at analyzing problems. You also need to be capable of coming up with creative solutions and doing so with business constraints like capital and the limits of team members. Here is a list of a few problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers:

• Communication
• Decision-making

Why Do Employers Value Problem-Solving Skills?

Businesses encounter problems every day. A sales department may be struggling to reach its goals, and wonder how it can catch up. An office supplies delivery may have been missed, which leaves some workers without paper supplies. 

As a result, employers value job seekers who can solve problems. Employers want to hire people who can come up with solutions to the types of problems that are likely to come up in their job. You should be able to understand the nature of a problem, how it affects a business, and work either independently or as part of a team to come up with a solution.

What Are Some Examples of Problem-Solving Skills?

While you could list “able to solve problems” or “problem solver” on your resume, this is not a very accurate description of all the skills that make up the problem-solving process. Any worker that a business will hire should be capable of solving problems—that doesn’t set you apart from the crowd.

A problem-solving resume should be specific when it comes to listing these skills. Furthermore, you should include a wide variety of problem-solving skills examples. Here are some problem-solving examples that you can list on your resume:

#1: Analysis

The first step in solving any problem is to identify the exact issue that you are dealing with. This is crucial because if you don’t correctly identify a problem, it is very difficult to come up with an effective solution.

Once you have identified the problem you want to solve, you need to analyze it. This will involve using your analytical skills to understand why the problem has arisen and to determine what courses of action you can take to solve the problem. Analysis is an excellent example of problem-solving skills.

#2: Evaluation

When you are coming up with solutions to a problem, you may identify a few potential courses of action. This is because most problems don’t have an obvious solution—there are many ways you can address them.

To be a good problem solver, you need to be capable of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of pursuing a particular solution to a problem. For instance, you may need to evaluate whether a solution can be implemented quickly enough to be effective, or whether the business can afford to implement the solution you are considering.

In addition, you should also be able to evaluate the impact of your decisions after they have been made. Have your decisions led to the success that you expected? If a decision did not turn out in the way that you expected, why was that the case?

#3: Communication

Many of the problems that you’ll face in your job will require input from other team members. Suppose you are working on a team project and have a problem to solve. You would need to communicate that problem to all members of your team and work with them to come up with a solution. 

If you are not able to communicate clearly, different members of the team may walk away with a different understanding of the problem. This could lead to confusion down the line, and make it more difficult to implement a solution.

#4: Decision-Making

Planning out how you are going to solve a problem can only take you so far. At some point, you’ll need to decide on how you are going to solve the problem. You should be able to use your evaluation skills to decide which solution to a problem is best. 

You should also be capable of working with others and using their experience to better understand all the solutions you could use to address a particular problem. Then, once you have found a good solution, you should be able to implement it.

#5: Creativity

Some problems that you encounter will require creative solutions. This is because many problems have limitations within which your solutions must fall. For instance, you may be asked to come up with a solution within a budget, or you may be told that the business can only afford to delegate one team member to solve a problem.

Good problem solvers are capable of thinking outside of the box to arrive at the best solution for a problem. This will involve working with others to understand what has been tried before, and exploring new and novel approaches to problems. This methodical approach to problem-solving is ideal if you are a critical thinker. 

How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume

You must know how to list problem-solving skills on your resume. These skills are a valuable addition to any resume. By knowing how to demonstrate problem-solving skills on your resume, you can better articulate the potential value you can add to a team and ace your job interview.

But, before you add problem-solving skills to your resume, you should ask if it is relevant to the position for which you are applying by checking the job description. Jobs such as programmers, accountants, and customer service representatives, for instance, all involve a high degree of problem-solving in their day-to-day duties.

There are two places you can list your problem-solving skills on your resume. First, you can list them in your skills section. This is where you list all your skills, whether they are technical skills or soft skills, in an orderly fashion. For instance, if you are applying for a job as a full stack web developer, you could use the following list of skills on your resume:

Full stack web developer skills: Creative thinking, problem-solving, proficient in HTML , CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails, good at working on teams.

Alternatively, you could list your problem-solving skills in the “experience” section of your resume, where you list your previous roles. While you may not explicitly mention “problem-solving” in this section, you can use some of the keywords we discussed earlier to highlight your experience using this skill.

The following is a good example of how to highlight problem-solving skills on your resume by using the “experience” section of your resume:

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

J&J Fast Food

District Manager

2014 – 2019

• Averaged 30% annual revenue growth in home district.
• Used analysis skills to plan out a sales campaign that helped attract younger customers to our stores.
• Led the design and introduction of a new monthly inventory model for seven stores.

In this example, the candidate has mentioned that they have experience using “analysis” skills. Furthermore, their leading an initiative implies that they have experience implementing solutions to a problem.

Problem-Solving Skills: Resume Examples

Continue reading as we examine some more problem-solving skills examples for your resume. This first problem-solving resume example is for a video editing job. While a job like this requires advanced technical skills, problem-solving skills are just as important. You can use the “skills” section of your resume to showcase both technical and soft skills.

• Advanced knowledge of Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere . Can use advanced editing features and tools for quick decision-making. These programs allow for creative problem-solving.
• Working with clients . Experience and knowledge of video editing terms and practices to communicate clearly with clients in an easy-to-understand manner. 
• Ability to work under pressure . Video editing is a high-pressure job with tight deadlines. Completing past projects has led to a strong ability to work under pressure. 
• Collaboration . Video editing requires collaborating with a variety of industries and employees. Teamwork is key to quickly solving problems and meeting deadlines.

This second problem-solving resume example is for a sales assistant position at a video game store. Sales assistants spend their time interacting with customers, and therefore, must have strong communication skills. The “experience” section of your resume is an ideal place to showcase previous experience you have working with customers.

2015–2017

• Dealt with customers daily. 
• Answered customer queries on the telephone. 
• Listened to and responded to customer complaints.
• Helped customers choose the right products for them.
• Worked as part of a team.
• Recommended products to order based on customer feedback.
• Demonstrated quick and on-the-spot decision-making.
• Key responsibilities such as cashing out at the end of the day and handling customer orders.

Problem-Solving Skills for Cover Letter

Writing a strong cover letter is a great way to impress employers. Knowing how to add problem-solving skills to your cover letter is one of the best ways to do this. No matter what job you are applying for, problem-solving skills will be vital.

Adding problem-solving skills to your cover letter is easy, as you can use skills you have learned from previous work experience, education, or personal development. Most job descriptions will list specific traits and skills required. This will typically include problem-solving skills of some kind.

This next section will look at two examples of cover letters with problem-solving skills to help you land your dream job. As you will see, it is easy to add several problem-solving skills to a cover letter, as these skills are common in everyday use.

Problem-Solving Skills: Cover Letter Examples

This first problem-solving skills cover letter example is for an audio-visual technician role at Revolution Technologies. The job description indicates the need for technical skills and previous experience. It also mentions that the company requires a team player and a dependable employee. In this cover letter, problem-solving skills are showcased using a story from a previous audio technician job. 

During my time at Five-Star Audio Visual, I worked full-time as an audio technician. I was part of a core team of five other employees who I worked closely with to help meet client expectations, analyze potential technical issues, and organize frequent events. 

Being part of a team helped me to grow as a person and improve my technical learning. I worked under experienced audio technicians, event managers, and production managers. As such, my communication and decision-making skills vastly improved. I also found that working under tight deadlines helped me to deal with high-pressure situations. 

The second example is for a senior analyst position at Magellan Health. The job description highlights many problem-solving skills requirements such as critical thinking, analysis, and organizational skills. Furthermore, a senior role like this requires strong leadership skills. In this example, skills learned from a data analytics bootcamp are used.  

I recently completed the data analytics bootcamp program at Ironhack. During my studies, I collaborated with my peers on several projects. We used our analytical skills and critical thinking skills to identify and solve problems. Furthermore, we learned in-demand technical skills such as Git, Python, and SQL. This program was fast-paced and intense, which helped me to work quickly under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.   

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Not only should you know how to include them on your resume, but you must learn how to improve your problem-solving skills. The more problem-solving skills you can learn the better, as they can be applied to suit any job or situation. You should do your best to maintain, practice, and improve problem-solving skills as often as possible.

Learning how to improve problem-solving skills in the workplace will lead to better job opportunities and an increased salary. By listing problem-solving skills on your resume, you may land your dream job. However, to keep this job and advance up the career ladder, it is vital you understand how to improve your problem-solving skills. 

Acquire More Technical knowledge in Your Field

There are plenty of free resources where you can improve technical knowledge in your field. Alternatively, you can earn an additional degree. For example, if you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science , you may wish to improve your tech knowledge by enrolling in a master’s program or certificate program.

Acquiring more technical knowledge will boost and improve your problem-solving skills. Technical skills training, such as coding, for example, is a great way to boost your critical thinking skills. Managerial training is excellent if you want to improve your communication and leadership skills. Higher education programs typically require collaborative work, which is excellent for improving your teamwork skills.

Seek Out Opportunities to Problem Solve

You can seek out opportunities to problem solve in your place of work or everyday life. This can be something as simple as asking those in your household if they need help with anything. You can also speak to friends or colleagues and find out if they have any problems that need solving. 

The more problems you help solve, the better your problem-solving skills will develop. You might also find that you are seeking out problem-solving opportunities that are not part of your own skillset. This is a vital part of self-development and professional development, and will ultimately lead to job opportunities.

Do Practice Problems

You can use practice problems to work on and improve your problem-solving skills. This can be done at any time. For example, if you have a long commute to work, you can use this time to do practice problems. These problems can be based on past experiences where you had to problem-solve or on fictional problems. 

You might find it helps to write the problems and solutions out, but you can also do it in your head. If you find there is a particularly difficult problem at work, you can use this practice to explore a variety of solutions and options. You can also work on practice problems with other people, which will have the added benefit of building teamwork and communication. 

Observe How Others Problem Solve

One of the best ways to learn anything in life is to see how others do it. If you have the benefit of working with a particularly skilled employer, you can take advantage of their problem-solving skills by watching how they work and the methods they use. Students can often learn from their peers or instructors. 

It is important to ask questions too. While simply observing how others solve problems is hugely beneficial, asking questions will help clarify their methods and techniques. You can also observe problem-solving in your everyday life if you pay close attention to your surroundings.

Why Is Problem-Solving Important in the Workplace?

You cannot underestimate the importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace. No matter what job you do, problems will arise. Being able to efficiently solve these problems is vital if you want to climb the job ladder, earn more money, and impress your employers. Furthermore, being able to problem-solve will make you less reliant on others for help which is another reason why problem-solving is important in the workplace. 

• Climb the corporate ladder . Problem-solving is a great way to impress your employee and climb the ladder. If you want to earn a promotion at work, you can use learned and improved problem-solving skills to ace the interview.
• Earn more money . You can use problem-solving skills to help the company you work for make more money. This in turn can lead to a salary increase. 
• Team player. Strong problem-solving skills can make you a better team player. Working well as part of a team is vital in most careers.
• Meet deadlines. Some jobs have very tight and strict deadlines. Strong problem-solving is key to quickly solving solutions to meet deadlines.

Should You Learn How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume?

Yes, you should learn how to list problem-solving skills on your resume because every job requires problem-solving. These skills demonstrate that you are able to tackle the inevitable challenges that will come up in your job effectively. Soft skills, such as problem-solving, are often taught at universities, colleges, and bootcamps. However, you will develop problem-solving skills in all walks of life.

By following the advice in this article, you’ll have no trouble listing your problem-solving skills on your resume. These may just be the skills that help you convince your dream employer to reach out and schedule an interview with you!

How to List Problem-Solving Skills on Resume FAQ

Yes, you need to list problem-solving skills on your resume if you want the best chance of getting the job. For some jobs, problem-solving skills will be vital, and the more of these skills you can include on your resume the better. More technical jobs, like computer programmers, will need to list problem-solving skills on their resume, along with any technical training.

You can learn problem-solving skills anywhere. If you want formal training, most universities will offer soft skills training, which covers problem-solving. You will encounter problem-solving in everyday activities as well in the workplace. 

Some examples of problem-solving skills include critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, creative thinking, and decision-making. These key skills will help you improve your performance in interviews and help you attain future career opportunities. 

Other skills that employers look for include technical skills, project management skills, operational skills, creativity skills, organization skills, deductive reasoning, customer service skills, math skills, and quantitative skills. Highly developed problem-solving skills are essential, but you should read the job posting carefully to ensure you tick any other boxes required.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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How to write a problem statement: a step-by-step guide

Many great business ideas begin with a crucial problem that needed solving. While product teams and designers may be eager to build solutions, it pays to not rush your product out the door. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe,” you might understand why.

Instead of immediately switching into solution-mode, there’s value in taking time to understand a problem from all angles. One of the best ways to properly diagnose and solve problems is to write a problem statement.

In this article, we explain what problem statements are, how to write one, and share a few examples.

What is a problem statement?

Problem statements summarize a challenge you want to resolve, its causes, who it impacts, and why that’s important. They often read like a concise overview managers can share with stakeholders and their teams.

Why are problem statements important?

Problem statements help you share details about a challenge facing your team. Instead of rushing to a solution, writing a problem statement enables you to reflect on the challenge and plan your response.

The high-level perspective a problem statement offers lets teams focus on the factors they need to change. Managers also use this top-down vantage to oversee their teams as they work out solutions.

When to use a problem statement

Any time you face a challenge is an opportunity to write a problem statement. You can write a problem statement to improve operations in different contexts. For example, you might use a problem statement to:

• Refine project proposals: Managers write project proposals to solve user issues. Problem statements inform these proposals, shaping their goals, plans, and approaches.
• Develop your product offering: Many startups build their business model on solving a long-standing problem. Problem statements help clarify a company’s mission and core product design .
• Clarify the outcome of solving a problem: Problem statements point out the long-term benefits of solving the issue, which can help you put the problem into context for stakeholders and secure necessary resources.
• Collaborate with multiple teams: You can rally teams around a common goal if you frame it as a shared problem. Collaboration ensures you examine the problem and reach solutions from all possible angles.
• Improve the user experience: Problem statements can identify pain points and ways to enhance a product. When teams act on problem statements, this can improve UX.

What are the elements of a problem statement?

You can break problem statements into a few core elements. While the format of a problem statement is flexible, aim to include the following:

• Gap: the challenge, issue, or pain point you currently face
• Orientation: a description of when and where you found the problem and the trend it creates or follows
• Impact: a measure of your problem’s consequences in cost, time, quality, environment, or personal experience
• Importance: why this problem matters to your organization and customers

How to write a problem statement

Now that you understand the elements of a problem statement, you can write your own in five key steps.

1. Identify the problem

Start by pointing out an issue and gathering data. Put yourself in the support or production environment where the problem arises and try to experience it firsthand. When gathering data, look for trends or overarching themes—they may help you find the root cause of your problem later.

After seeing the problem for yourself, interview others who know about it. Start with employees who run into the problem or offer support for it. In some cases, they may have a design brief with more information on the issue. Beyond that, customer testimonials and stakeholder interviews can lay out the full scope of your problem.

2. Put the problem into context

Describe how the problem impacts customers and stakeholders. Avoid personal bias and focus on developing a clear perspective. This approach helps prioritize the issue and explain why you need to solve it. If customers can't reach the benefits of your product because of an issue, that's a high-priority concern. If you’ve ever conducted design research , this process should feel similar.

You can put a problem into context by asking:

• Does the problem lead to a reputational, financial, or logistical cost?
• Is the main issue a symptom of a greater challenge?
• Has your team already tried to solve this problem? Why didn’t past solutions work?
• What do you and your team definitely know about the current problem?

3. Find the root cause

Ask yourself "why" questions about the problem to find its origin point. Your initial assumptions about a problem might stand in the way, so as you learn more about the issue, don’t be afraid to change how you look at it. You'll get closer to the root cause as you reframe your understanding around these discoveries.

If you need help uncovering the root cause or challenging your initial assumptions, these templates can help:

• The 5 whys template helps you get to the root cause of a problem.
• Reverse brainstorming templates reverse the way you frame problems to find new solutions.
• A DMAIC template lets you define, measure, analyze, improve, and control a problem.
• Mind map templates allow for brainstorming causes, effects, and solutions in a shared space.

4. Describe your ideal outcome

Now that you understand the problem, think about your ideal outcome. Whether you're solving a problem with your product or an internal process, remember to avoid scenarios where you put a Band-Aid on the issue. Even if you can avoid specific symptoms in the short term, letting a core problem go unsolved can lead to other setbacks later.

In some cases, you can describe safeguards that let a process work as intended. You can also write an alternative process that avoids the issue altogether. This ideal outcome will inform your goals and objectives in the next step.

5. Propose a solution and outline its benefits

Finally, your problem statement should include solutions to the problem. Including more than one solution gives stakeholders and your team options for deciding your approach. Note the benefits of each solution, highlighting why it stands a chance of working or how it can save on time and costs.

To ensure you arrive at the best solution, be sure to:

• Ask your team if the proposed solution matches their understanding of the problem.
• Consider more than one solution. Sometimes, you can choose between multiple options or apply more than one solution at once.
• Include long-term financial, intangible, and operational benefits the solution provides.
• Consider whether your solution has blind spots or causes changes that could lead to more issues.

Problem statement examples

Now that you know how to write problem statements, here are some examples.

Example 1: Support ticket wait times

Suppose you’re a support manager at a midsize SaaS company. Ideally, you want to respond to every support request within a few hours. However, your team can’t reach turnaround times fast enough to meet customer expectations. Start by breaking down the elements of your problem statement:

• Gap: Customers have long wait times for their support tickets to get a response.
• Orientation: This problem began in the last few months and has only worsened.
• Impact: Customers aren't happy with their quality of service, and your teams feel burnt out from trying to keep up.
• Importance: Retaining customers with support is essential for sustaining your business.

Now that we’ve laid out the details, we can format it as a problem statement:

• Identify the problem: You have high support ticket turnaround times. Gather data by tracking how the time has lengthened in the past few months and talking to customers about inconsistencies in wait times.
• Put it into context: Customers upset about their wait could switch to competitors. You initially assumed it was seasonal demand rising, but wait times haven’t tapered off, which could cause reputational and financial problems.
• Find the root cause: You initially assumed demand had increased. Support tickets have remained steady, but your AI support designed to solve minor problems has had fewer tickets. This lack of AI support has your teams stretched thin.
• Describe your ideal outcome: AI support should be able to handle more advanced queries. This way, your service teams can focus solely on tickets too advanced for AI.
• Propose a solution: Choose between assigning devs to revamp your AI or investing in a new solution to handle tickets. You can also consider reworking support agents' workflows to focus more on direct customer contact.

Example 2: New feature development

Assume you're a project manager at a tech company. You offer a platform that tracks goals and finds inefficiencies in your programmer's workflows. Your leadership wants to release a tool that lets customers estimate the amount of money earned for each workflow issue they correct. However, you aren't sure you have the resources to implement the feature.

• Gap: You need to create a payoff calculator, but you may not have the necessary resources.
• Orientation: The problem began when you received the assignment. The more time you spend researching the new tool , the less time you have to implement it.
• Impact: Failure to get this feature off the ground will give competitors who offer this tool an advantage.
• Importance: You need this feature to stand out from competitors and for lead generation.

With this information, you can turn it into a problem statement:

• Identify the problem: Your team doesn’t have the resources to design and implement a new feature. Start by interviewing stakeholders and employees who have worked on tools like this—they can explain the issues and solutions that go into adding this feature.
• Put it into context: Not implementing this feature would give competitors an edge and potentially push customers interested in payoff calculators away from your product.
• Find the root cause: Your team currently isn't tracking the necessary metrics to use in an ROI calculator. Your team also doesn't have enough experience with the kind of tool to build it from scratch.
• Describe your ideal outcome: Your devs add the calculator to your platform. This feature draws in new customers interested in the tool and helps current ones make the switch.
• Propose a solution: Your devs learn more about the feature’s framework and add the ability to track ROI-centric metrics. From there, you can create a project roadmap to get this feature added to the platform in a few months.

Problem statement template

Ready to start writing your own problem statement? Try our problem statement template below.

Get your team on the same page to solve problems faster

Project managers used to putting out fires can tell you how much of their job comes down to problem-solving. But before working on solutions, you need to organize your team around a clear problem statement. Find actionable, collaborative solutions by rallying everyone around a shared understanding of a problem.

Once you square away your problem statement, check out our library of over 300 templates . With FigJam, your team can plan and strategize around every step of your project. The right online whiteboard helps you exchange feedback and loop in other teams to find solutions faster.

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31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

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You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review , 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal.

The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management , effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making , problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist. Start using effective performance review questions to help better guide your workforce's development. 

Problem solving appraisal comments: you're doing great

• You always maintain an effective dialogue with clients when they have technical problems. Being clear and articulate makes sure our customers' faults are attended to promptly.
• You constantly make sure to look beyond the obvious you never stop at the first answer. You’re really good at exploring alternatives. Well done!
• Keeping the supervisors and managers informed of status changes and requests is important. You’re really good at communicating the changes to the projects at all times. Keep it up!
• You stay cool and collected even when things aren’t going according to plan or up in the air. This is a great trait to possess. Well done!
• You’re excellent at giving an honest and logical analysis. Keep it up! Effectively diagnosing complex problems and reaching sustainable solutions is one of your strong points.
• Your ability to ability to make complex systems into simple ones is truly a unique skill to possess. Well done!
• You often identify practical solutions to every roadblock. You’re a real asset to the team! Great job.
• You always listen actively and attentively to make sure you understand what the exact problem is and you come up with solutions in an effective manner.
• You have an amazing ability to clearly explain options and solutions effectively and efficiently. Well done!
• When driving projects, you can shift to other areas comfortably and easily. making sure the project runs smoothly. Great job!

Problem solving performance review phrases: you should think of improving

• You always seem too overwhelmed when faced with multiple problems. Try to think of ways to make problems more manageable so that they can be solved in a timely and effective manner.
• Avoiding conflicts constantly with people is not a good idea as you will only build up personal frustration and nothing will be done to remedy the situation. Try to face people when there are problems and rectify problems when they occur.
• Don’t allow demanding customers to rattle your cage too much. If they become too demanding, take a step back, regulate your emotions , and try to make use of online support tools to help you rectify problems these tools can help a lot!
• It’s necessary that you learn from your past mistakes . You cannot keep making the same mistakes , as this is not beneficial to the company.
• You tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Try to listen more attentively or take notes when colleagues are answering!
• Providing multiple solutions in an indirect and creative approach will allow you to be more effective at problem-solving . if you struggle with this typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
• You fail to provide staff with the appropriate amount of structure and direction. They must know the direction you wish them to go in to achieve their goals .
• You need to be able to recognize repetitive trends to solve problems promptly.
• You tend to have problems troubleshooting even the most basic of questions. As a problem solver and customer support person, it’s imperative that you can answer these questions easily.
• Read through your training manual and make sure you fully understand it before attempting questions again.

Performance review tips to improve problem solving

• Try to complain less about problems and come up with solutions to the problems more often. Complaining is not beneficial to progression and innovation.
• As a problem solver, it’s important to be able to handle multiple priorities under short deadlines.
• You need to be able to effectively distinguish between the cause and the symptoms of problems to solve them in an efficient and timely manner.
• Try to anticipate problems in advance before they become major roadblocks down the road.
• Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and thrive at the challenge of solving the problem.
• Remember to prioritize problems according to their degree of urgency. It's important that you spend the majority of your time on urgent tasks over menial ones.
• When putting plans into place, stick to them and make sure they are completed.
• When solving problems, try to allocate appropriate levels of resources when undertaking new projects. It is important to become as efficient and as effective as possible.
• Try to learn to pace yourself when solving problems to avoid burnout . You’re a great asset to the team and we cannot afford to lose at this point.
• Meeting regularly with your staff to review results is vital to the problem-solving process.
• Staff that has regular check-ins understand what it is that is required of them, what they are currently achieving, and areas they may need to improve. Try to hold one-on-one meetings every week.

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25 performance review questions (and how to use them)

How a performance review template improves the feedback process, 10 performance review tips to drastically move the needle, 53 performance review examples to boost growth, 5 tactics for managing managers effectively — and why it matters, agile performance management: how to improve an agile team, 37 innovation and creativity appraisal comments, how to manage poor performance in 5 steps, why today's high-performance culture isn't what you think it is, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, teamwork skills self-appraisal comments: 40 example phrases, your complete guide to self-assessments (with examples), 30 communication feedback examples, 30 customer service review examples to develop your team, 15 tips for your end-of-year reviews, 8 creative solutions to your most challenging problems, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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How to Show Your Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume and Cover Letter

Problem-Solving on Your Resume

Problem-solving on your cover letter.

You can make problem-solving a key theme of your resume and cover letter by giving concrete examples from your background. The following guide will show you how.

To develop strong examples of problem-solving on your resume, follow these steps:

Step 1: Brainstorm past problems

For each relevant job in your work history, brainstorm the general business problems you’ve solved or alleviated. These may include:

• Employee skill or knowledge gaps
• External audit findings
• High staff turnover
• Process inefficiencies
• Low employee morale
• New regulations
• Poor customer relations
• Cost increases

Step 2: Pinpoint your actions

Now identify your core actions in relation to those problems. The following verbs list can help you explore and determine how you’ve tackled past challenges. Notice how each verb indicates some problem or issue that hindered (or threatened to hinder) business performance, as opposed to more neutral/positive resume verbs like “Created,” “Enhanced,” or “Introduced.”

• Revitalized
• Troubleshoot
• Turned around

Step 3: Explain measures you took

Having identified past problems and your core actions in response to them, try to be more specific. How did you solve or alleviate the problem? Describe the strategies or projects you developed. For instance, did you address skill gaps by devising a new training program? Or fix service issues by introducing a better way to engage with customers? If so, what did that new service approach entail?

After completing these steps, you should have the basis for one or more strong examples of problem-solving on your resume, such as:

• Developed a new training program that resolved critical gaps in sales team’s product knowledge
• Restored positive relationship with a major client by paying regular in-person visits to demonstrate new product features and address any concerns

Step 4: Quantify your results

If possible, quantify the example with hard numbers. Show how your problem-solving made a tangible impact on $ revenue, % growth, or other business metrics. For example:

• Restored positive relationship with a major client by paying regular in-person visits to demonstrate new product features and address any concerns. Efforts prevented loss of a $500K account

Detailed bullet points like this one are the cornerstone of a great resume. By giving concrete examples of your problem-solving talents, they show hiring managers you’re ready to tackle similar challenges at their organization.

(Optional) Step 5: Use the PAR method

You can develop the example further by using the “PAR” (Problem, Action, Result) approach. This approach is a slight variation of the STAR interview method . With the PAR method, you write out one or more distinct lines to describe:

• The particular problem you encountered
• The action you took to solve the problem
• The positive result your solution produced

Problem: A top client struggled to integrate the company’s latest product with its systems, leading to miscommunications and frustration with the support team.

Action: Quickly revised work schedule to focus on mending the relationship. Paid weekly in-person visits to client offices to demonstrate new product features and address any concerns.

Result: Restored positive relations and productive partnership with the client, preventing loss of a $500K account.

The PAR method is a great way to call extra attention to your top achievements. However, keep in mind that this structure takes up much more space than a regular bullet point and can be a bit ponderous if you overuse it. To keep your resume manageable, consider using PAR for just your top three achievements from your career so far.

The four-step process above lets you feature problem-solving on your cover letter, as long as you’ve structured your letter to include bullet highlights. Copy over the examples you’d like to include in this document. Since the bullet points will appear on your letter out of context, cite the associated job and company in brackets at the end of the line. For example:

• Developed a new training program that resolved critical gaps in sales team’s product knowledge [Sales Director, ESS Corp.]

Don’t worry about repeating these resume points on your cover letter. A little repetition across job search documents doesn’t undermine your application and can make it easier for the hiring manager to register your top selling points from your experience. Take care not to repeat more than a few sentences or bullet points. Keep the overall focus of your cover letter on why the job and company at hand appeal to you.

You can also emphasize problem-solving in the introductory sections of your resume. Consider these four options:

• Incorporate one of your problem-solving examples in your Profile description. Add a sentence that starts with “Achievements include…” or “Recent achievements include…” and then plug in whatever highlight you’d like to showcase.
• Add a line to your Profile stating your general skill at problem-solving. For example:

Focused on isolating key business problems and finding creative yet practical solutions.

• Also, in your Profile section, include the adjective “Resourceful” or “Solution-focused” ahead of your professional title. For example:

Resourceful Sales Director with 10+ years of advancement and achievement.

• In your Key Skills section, add one or more of these terms as they relate to your background:
• Complex Problem-Solving
• Cost Reduction & Elimination
• Operational Turnarounds
• Risk Management & Mitigation
• Technical Troubleshooting

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How to write a problem statement: Template and examples

In your time as a product manager, it is likely that you and your team will face many different customer pain points, needs, and opportunities. Problems (and the reasons why they occur) always seem to be never ending — whether it’s customers complaining about your product’s poor user experience, its high cost, or other issues that seem innocuous to you but serious to your customers.

There are a number of different problems for your team to solve, and these problems can also be poorly defined from a customer perspective. This implies that it’s difficult to figure out what you and your team need to do to remedy the vague or little known pain point.

As a product manager, it is your responsibility to help define the problem, to scope and set boundaries over it, and to point to a definition of success for resolving that problem. This helps your team understand the issues that your customers are facing, ideate potential solutions, and make necessary trade-offs.

The description, definition, and scope of the problem can be succinctly described as part of a problem statement. In this article, we will walk through what a problem statement in product management is, the advantages of having a well-defined problem statement, key frameworks to use when defining your problem statement, and elements of an effective problem statement.

What is a problem statement?

As mentioned in the name, a problem statement is a written statement about the customer problem — usually expressed as a pain point, need, or opportunity — that you and your team are trying to resolve. You can do this by either coming up with a technical solution ( like an initiative that becomes epics and user stories) or consulting about it with another function of the organization. For example, if the pain point relates to pricing, it’s best to consult with your revenue and account management team.

Although it sounds simple in theory, it can be a difficult and frustrating exercise in practice. Firstly, problems can be ill-defined by the customer in the first place — meaning that it doesn’t necessarily have the shape and structure to enable your team to find a well-scoped solution. Furthermore, there may be a number of different hidden problems masking the “real reason” the issue occurred in the first place.

As such, time needs to be invested to figure out if the problem presented by the customer at first instance is the real and only problem, or if there are layers underneath that need to be explored to determine if there is a deeper, systemic issue instead.

It helps to have a well-structured, evidence-based problem statement that allows your team to dial into the actual problem. A focused solution can then be implemented to resolve the real or foundational customer need, pain point, or opportunity presented by the problem statement.

The advantages of having a well-defined problem statement

There are a number of advantages to having a well-defined problem statement. We’ll go over them in detail below.

Helps see the problem from the customer’s perspective

Problem statements are usually written from the customer’s point of view. That is, it usually considers the types of problems that the customer faces because of the “life role” they are currently using your product for. Whether your product is a web or mobile application, whether it’s for consumer or business consumption, or whether it’s a SaaS product, chances are that your customer is facing the problem with your product based on what they are at that moment.

For example, a customer of a social media application will have different problems, pain points, needs, or opportunities compared to a customer of a stock trading platform application. They are trying to do different things on each individual app, and due to this, they will run into different problems that only they will experience as the bespoke customers of your application.

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Creates an understanding of the job that the customer is trying to do with your product

Further along to the first point, by seeing the role that your customer is playing at the moment of using your product, you also get the chance to understand the job that they are trying to complete by using your product.

A job in this sense is different from what you might think about traditionally — this is the thing that they are trying to complete at that point in time. The only way that they can complete the thing is by using the functions and features from your product.

By understanding the job that your customer is trying to achieve with the product, along with the “life role” they are playing when using your product, your team will have a unique understanding of the problems that they are facing and the reasons why those problems are serious. They are preventing the customer from getting the job done.

Say you are a social media user. A possible job that you want to get done is to post a picture on the internet for your friends to see. To do that, you need to have a function or feature on the app that allows you to choose a picture from your camera roll and possibly have a chance to edit or tweak the photo before posting it online. However, if the upload button is not working, you can’t post your pictures on the internet and, as a result, can’t get your job done.

Keeps the team focused on delivering a real solution to solve a real problem

As we wrap up to the above two points, by understanding both the role and job that the customer is trying to achieve, your team focuses on the actual pain point and translates this focus into a viable solution.

This helps the team avoid the build trap, e.g., building functions and features for the sake of building. Instead, a well-written problem statement should help them really understand the “why” and “what” they are building, as well as the connection that the solution has to the pain point, issue, or opportunity.

Frameworks to use when defining a problem statement

In structuring a proper problem statement, it can help to fall back on several tried and tested frameworks, methods, and theories.

Writing from a user persona perspective

A user persona is a fictional profile based on your real life user’s traits, which should be a reflection of your product’s typical customer . By having a well-developed user persona, a product manager is capable of understanding the key traits, goals, and responsibilities of their typical customer. This enables them to translate that understanding into problem discovery and focus from a customer’s perspective.

In the context of developing a problem statement, a user persona is useful to assist you in understanding the exact job that they want to complete on your application or product. By understanding the job that they want to get done based on the goals and traits of their user persona, you will gain deeper insight into the real reasons why they are experiencing the problem and how best you can solve it.

The Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) Framework

Based on Anthony Ulwick’s book What Customers Want , the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework stems from the idea that customers buy products and services to get the job done. In using your product, a customer will decide whether or not they will purchase or continue using your product based on how well it delivers on the outcomes that they are looking for, e.g. the job that they want to get done by using your product.

Using the JTBD framework together with a well crafted user persona provides you a holistic view of the customer, what they want to do with your product, why they want to do that particular job using your product, and the current problems preventing them from getting said job done using your product.

In this way, you help narrow your problem statement down to issues that, if resolved, will help with the resumption or increased frequency of the customer getting the job done using your product.

Problem statement template

Using the frameworks above, a typical problem statement sounds something like this:

As a [USER];

I’m trying to [MOTIVATION];

So I can [EXPECTED OUTCOME];

But [PROBLEM];

Which makes me feel [EMOTION].

You can use that as a template to write successful, actionable problem statements. You don’t need anything super fancy, as long as you hit on these points to get a holistic view of the problem:

The following is a breakdown of how we write this:

Examples of realistic problem statements

Going off of the previous section where we looked at a problem statement template, let’s now review some examples:

Follow the above tips and you’ll be writing expertly crafted and well defined problem statements in no time. Thanks!

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Similar Letters

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• If you want to suggest a solution to a problem, write a detailed letter. You can send this message to one person or many people to offer your suggestion. Don't make it sound definitive like a reminder or a directive. Give your opinion in a courteous tone. Don't put pressure on the reader to follow it.
• Give background information, if it is needed to explain your solution.
• State which course of action is suitable.
• State what benefits the reader can gain by following your suggestion.
• Describe how to take advantage from your suggestion: steps to follow, where to sign up, who to contact, etc.
• Make a few remarks about your proposal but don't pressurize the reader.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Letter Date]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-

Dear [Recipients Name],

I am rather concerned with the turnover of the employees in your department. I learned that just this past year, an employee's average length of stay is only five months. Please remember that the initial two months are for employee training. As such, these employees only do steady work for an average of three months. This work schedule is very disadvantageous for the company. It is a must that we solve this problem right away. I suggest that we should specify to the new applicants that we need them to be committed to the job for at least a year. Also, kindly review the employment history of an applicant to check the stability and commitment of such individual. I am hoping to meet with you this coming Friday so that we can discuss the issue and come up with a more concrete solution.

Sincerely, [Senders Name] [Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional - cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Example letter to suggest a solution to a company's problem.

Further things to consider when writing suggestion letters to management

Suggestion Letters

Suggestion letters are letters written to give an option, recommend something or give a point of view on an issue. A suggestion letter can be written to either request for a suggestion or give a suggestion requested for. The letter can be formal or informal based on the setting. In a business setting the letter should be formal and professional while in a personal or private setting the letter can be informal and casual. A suggestion letter should be sent promptly and should provide the best advice to help the recipient solve the issue at hand. When writing suggestion letters, you need to be genuine. State that the opinion you are giving is up to the best of your knowledge. If you have given any suggestions successfully in the past, this is a great opportunity to refer to the effectiveness of those suggestions. Be courteous and assure the recipient that you have carefully analyzed the situation and that the given recommendation is the best solution or settlement. Do not forget to mention any potential benefits of the given recommendation. Be polite and maintain a soft tone. Conclude by asking the recipient to contact you in case of any queries.

Letters to Management

Letters to management are letters written to the personnel or department that controls and makes decisions for a company or organization. These could be job application letters to apply for jobs, complaint letters to raise complaints, inquiry letters to request information, etc. Under all circumstances, all letters written to the management should be formal, contain all the necessary information, and free of grammatical errors. They must also be typed in a legible and professional font. Make sure not to include any sensitive information especially when the letter is not addressed to a specific person. Before writing letters to management, you need to think about what you want to achieve and exactly who you are writing to. Use proper address and salutation. If you do not have an existing relationship with the recipient, introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Start with the most important information and go directly to the point. Keep it brief. However, if your letter is relatively lengthy, break it into short paragraphs. If there are any attachments, make sure to mention that in the letter and give a brief description of what they are. Finish with an expression of appreciation and give your contact details.

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Problem Manager Cover Letter Example

Kick-start your career & learn to write your cover letter with our free, editable Problem Manager cover letter example. Use this cover letter sample for free or rewrite it using our online cover letter builder.

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Problem Manager Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Diana laursen.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Problem Manager role at MEQ Group, Inc. as advertised on LinkedIn.com. I believe that my professional experience and qualifications make me a strong candidate for this position.

Currently, I hold the position of Problem Manager at MH Corporation, Inc. where I have honed my skills in complex problem-solving and management over the past 3 years. In my role, I have successfully identified and resolved business operations issues, led a team of 10 individuals, developed new processes and procedures, and coordinated cross-functional meetings.

Some of my notable achievements include reducing unnecessary business costs by 10% and being awarded Employee of the Year for exceeding all targets.

In addition to my experience, I hold a Bachelor of Business & Management degree from the University of Manchester. I was recognized on the Dean's List for my 4.0 GPA and served as President of the Business Club. I possess strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to think critically.

As a native French speaker with fluency in English and basic knowledge of Spanish, I am well-suited to thrive in an international organization like yours. I am proficient in using software such as Zendesk Suite, Asana, Slack, and Trello.

I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of MEQ Group, Inc.

Sincerely, Diana Laursen

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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