Problem solving skills with examples
Problem-solving skills are abilities you use daily, in both your professional and personal life. They help you identify problems and find effective solutions to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. It’s important to know how to showcase these skills effectively on a CV and during recruitment.
Our customers have been hired by: *Foot Note
Have you ever had to resolve a disagreement at work, correct a mistake made by a colleague, or come up with a creative solution in a meeting? These are all examples of situations that require problem-solving skills.
Whether you’re applying for a new job, looking to advance your career, or just wondering how to improve your problem-solving skills, this article is for you. Read on to understand how these skills can help you stand out in the workplace.
Ready to take advantage of your problem-solving skills and take your career to the next level? Explore our professional CV examples to see how to highlight your transferable skills in a job application.
What are problem-solving skills?
Problem-solving skills are transferable skills that you use to identify challenges, come up with possible solutions, and implement strategies to resolve those issues. You use these skills in all areas of life – whether you’re fixing a broken sink at home or resolving conflicts at work, problem-solving is your best friend. In a workplace setting, you can use problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles and, as a result, improve your efficiency and contribute to your employer’s overall success.
Below are the key types of problem-solving skills and how you can apply them in the workplace:
Analytical thinking
Analytical thinking helps you break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable tasks. You use this skill to understand the structure and underlying causes of a problem. You might use it at work to identify patterns in recurring problems or evaluate large amounts of data.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information logically, objectively, and from different perspectives. Great critical thinkers use this skill to make sound judgements when dealing with challenging or new situations, such as making strategic business decisions. A good example of using critical thinking in the workplace is when your client presents you with their conflicting project requirements, and you help them identify the pros and cons of each requirement so that they can make an informed decision.
Research
With research skills, you know how to gather data and verify information and its sources. You might use research principles to find out about industry trends, assess a competitor’s campaign, or troubleshoot a technical problem at work. By developing strong research skills, you can ensure that the decisions you and your team make are based on credible information.
Creativity
Creativity is a transferable skill that allows you to come up with innovative solutions to all kinds of problems, whether they’re recurring or new. Although some people are born with the ability to think creatively, it’s possible to improve this skill through practice, such as learning brainstorming techniques. By fostering creativity, you can approach challenges with fresh perspectives and develop unique, effective solutions.
Decision making
Decision-making is a critical element of problem-solving. When you solve problems, you usually do so on the basis of the data you’ve gathered and after analysing all the possible outcomes of your decisions. A good example of strong decision-making at work is when a team leader evaluates a project’s financial reports and long-term goals to decide what’s the best way to allocate budgets.
Communication
Effective communication skills help you convey your ideas and concerns to others in a logical and clear way. In addition to spoken conversations, it also includes written communication, non-verbal cues, and active listening.
Problem-solving often requires collaboration and strong communication helps in developing solutions or persuading stakeholders. Whether you’re explaining a technical problem to a non-technical colleague or negotiating with a client, clear communication is an essential workplace skill.
Adaptability
Adaptability helps you remain flexible and quickly adjust to new situations, people, and conditions. It’s the ability to embrace change and use it to your advantage – for example, to improve or develop a new technical skill when a manager suddenly requires your team to start using new software to complete routine tasks.
Collaboration
Collaboration is the ability to work effectively with others to solve problems and achieve common goals. It activates other skills, such as active listening and idea sharing, to leverage a team’s strength. When you use collaboration principles at work, you’re likely to help improve productivity and lead to more innovative problem-solving.
Time management
Solving problems efficiently requires prioritising tasks, managing deadlines, and making sure everyone stays on track. Strong time management skills help you allocate time effectively to tackle challenges without compromising other responsibilities. For example, when managing multiple client projects, a consultant must manage time wisely to meet deadlines while delivering quality solutions.
Why are problem-solving skills important?
Problem-solving skills encompass all five aspects of the IDEAL model – a structured approach to effective problem-solving. IDEAL stands for:
- Identifying the problem,
- Defining it,
- Exploring possible strategies,
- Acting on them, and
- Looking back and evaluating the impact of your actions.
This step-by-step approach shows why problem-solving is an essential skill in any workplace. Every organisation faces its own challenges – it’s a natural and inevitable part of business. And when these challenges arise, employees who can assess situations and implement effective solutions are invaluable.
Here’s why problem-solving is one of the most important skills in the workplace:
Problem-solving skills help prevent problems
Preventing a problem is often easier than solving it. Strong problem-solving skills, such as communication or observation, enable you to identify potential issues early and take proactive steps to avoid their escalation. In addition, experience with similar challenges improves your ability to recognise warning signs and address problems before they arise, making prevention a key benefit of effective problem-solving.
Problem-solving skills improve performance
Problem-solving is a skill that forces you to think outside the box and find new solutions. When faced with a challenge, you need to combine several skills to succeed. This may include creativity, risk assessment, analytical thinking – as well as teamwork, time management, or organisational skills. Such concrete training in a crisis situation makes you grow and develop as a conscious professional, which ultimately leads to improved performance.
Problem-solving skills help resolve problems much faster
Its simplicity is obvious, but problem-solving skills help solve problems much more efficiently, faster, and often with better results. Appropriately approaching a problem and choosing the best solution is a key step in the problem-solving process.
Problem-solving skills promote progress and growth
Problem-solving skills are extremely important and highly valued because they actively contribute to growth. By consciously analysing the industry, observing customer behaviour, and monitoring the environment, including the competition, we can quickly identify potential threats, problems faced by competitors, trends, or opportunities. And then, rather than waiting for a problem to arise or an opportunity to pass us by, we act in the most profitable direction.
How to improve problem-solving skills
Have you ever asked yourself, "How can I improve problem solving skills?” Developing strong problem-solving skills is key to tackling a wide range of workplace challenges, enabling you to find effective solutions and achieve success in any situation.
Explore these steps to learn how to solve problems with ease:
Step 1:
Develop active listening
Active listening may seem passive, but it’s an essential skill during the problem-identification stage. It encourages open, honest communication and strengthens team relationships. Working on your ability to actively listen to others will therefore help you identify problems early on. Here are some tips for improving your active listening during meetings and workplace interactions:
- Adopt an open, inviting posture. For example, avoid crossing your arms.
- Look directly at the person who’s speaking. Maintain natural eye contact to show engagement.
- Ask the right questions. Summarise key points to confirm understanding.
- Never interrupt people. Instead, wait for your turn to speak to show respect and attention.
Step 2:
Strengthen communication skills
To become a better communicator, always adapt your tone and language depending on who you're talking to. For example, use precise terminology when addressing subject matter experts to get your message across effectively. Similarly, use a more casual and friendly tone when chatting with colleagues. This approach will help you make sure your message is clear for your audience.
Reading industry-related materials can expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to articulate thoughts effectively. In addition, developing empathy will allow you to communicate more thoughtfully, especially in sensitive situations, making it easier to navigate difficult discussions.
Step 3:
Improve analytical thinking
To develop analytical thinking, engage in activities that require concentration and logical thinking. You might even try hobbies such as painting, crocheting, or model making, as they’re known to train the brain to concentrate while developing patience and creativity. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and logic games might also provide a mental workout that improves your ability to recognise patterns and think critically.
Step 4:
Make decisions consciously
Effective decision-making is about carefully weighing your options, considering the potential outcomes of a situation, and having the confidence to take action when the time is right. To make conscious decisions, never rush into them, as this often leads to mistakes. Take the time needed to understand the problem and evaluate the possible solutions fully. The more you know about an issue, the easier it is to make informed decisions because you can rely on your knowledge and experience to guide you.
In addition, learn from past experiences - whether your own or those of others. This approach gives you a better sense of what works and what doesn't. And don't be afraid to seek advice from colleagues or mentors, as they can offer fresh perspectives that can help you see things differently.
Problem solving skills: CV examples
As you may have noticed, problem-solving skills cover many skills. They involve noticing and identifying a problem, analysing its causes, considering and selecting appropriate solutions, and preventing problems from recurring. Every industry or profession faces its own specific problems, so when you learn how to write a CV, you will certainly find more than one skill that would fall into the problem-solving category.
Here are two examples of problem-solving skills on a CV that you may use as inspiration when creating your job application:
Example 1: Interior designer CV
Interior designers encounter many challenges in their day-to-day work, from space planning and client preferences to budget constraints and material selection. All of the skills listed on your CV can play a role in solving these problems, but abilities such as creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are particularly important in overcoming these obstacles effectively.
Skills
- Charismatic
- Creative
- Flexible schedule
- Originality
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Skilled problem solver
- Project management
- Time management
Example 2: Healthcare assistant CV
Healthcare assistants may face a number of problems at work, including patient condition, availability or state of equipment, patient behaviour and many other aspects. All of the skills listed in this CV can be useful to some extent to address these problems, but we would consider professional expertise, attention to detail and surveillance to be the main problem solving skills here.
Skills:
- Elderly care expertise
- Safeguarding policy compliance
- Patient transfer support
- Dementia care
- Health surveillance
- Meticulous eye for detail
- Data confidentiality
Problem-solving skills: examples by industry
Different industries require unique approaches to problem-solving, as each field presents its own set of challenges. While the core problem-solving skills, such as critical thinking and creativity, remain valuable across all sectors, the specific skills required can vary depending on the role.
Here are examples of problem-solving skills based on the industry you’re in:
Problem-solving skills for sales
In sales, problem-solving often involves understanding customer needs, overcoming objections, and finding the best solutions to close deals. Here are the key problem-solving skills for success in this field:
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Active listening to understand customer needs
- Ability to adapt to changing market conditions
- Critical thinking skills to overcome objections
- Persuasive techniques to close sales
Problem-solving skills for data analysis jobs
Data analysts are responsible for interpreting complex data sets, identifying trends and solving problems related to business performance. The key problem-solving skills they use include:
- Knowledge of data analysis software and tools
- Attention to detail to identify patterns in large data sets
- Analytical mindset to interpret data and solve problems
- Ability to effectively communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders
Problem-solving skills for retail jobs
In retail, problem-solving is essential for resolving customer issues, managing stock, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Here are some problem-solving skills to include on your retail CV:
- Conflict resolution skills to deal with customer complaints
- Time management skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Inventory management skills to deal with stock issues
- Excellent customer service skills to maintain customer satisfaction
- Quick decision-making to deal with unexpected challenges
Problem-solving skills for marketing jobs
Marketing professionals are often tasked with developing strategies to reach target audiences, increase brand awareness, and adapt to ever-changing market trends. Their critical problem-solving skills for a marketing CV include:
- Creativity to develop innovative marketing strategies
- Data analysis to measure campaign effectiveness
- Adaptability to changing market trends and consumer preferences
- Project management skills to execute campaigns
- Strategic thinking to align marketing efforts with business objectives
How to present problem-solving skills in a cover letter
Problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming challenges and demonstrating adaptability at work. Demonstrating them in a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates.
Although these skills may not be the most important part of a barista’s job, they’re certainly an important part of being able to deal with challenges effectively. In her cover letter below, Kiara highlights key skills that can help baristas deal with common issues – whether it’s dealing with a rude customer, managing a staff shortage, or dealing with a surge in orders. Tackling these issues often requires a blend of expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and resilience – qualities that Kiara demonstrates in her letter.
Take a look at the sample cover letter:
Kiara Connell
444 Kingsway
Manchester M60 3TT
07912345678
07912345678
Kiara.Connell@example-example.co.uk
8 September 2022
Cuppa Cafe
Manchester
Phone: 963852741
E-Mail: contact@cuppa-cafe.com
RE: Enthusiastic and Hardworking Barista
To the Management staff at Cuppa Cafe:
As an experienced Barista, the posting for the Barista position with Cuppa piqued my interest. While reviewing the job requirements and your website, I was excited to see that my qualifications and personal traits are aligned with your requirements.
I bring a set of talents that I believe will be valuable to Cuppa. In my Barista role, I honed my abilities in beverage preparation and cashiering, providing a solid foundation for the Barista position. My ability to learn and grow, my people-centric nature and my eagerness to meet customers’ needs have afforded me excellent personal effectiveness skills. I am excited to contribute my strengths to your team’s efforts. As an extroverted and personable communicator with a proven track record in order taking, I take pride in remembering customers’ custom orders and providing exceptional service even under pressure.
Please review my CV for an in-depth view of my work history and accomplishments. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Kiara Connell
Mentioned skills:
- Beverage preparation
- Cashiering
- Ability to learn and grow
- Interpersonal skills (people-centric nature, eagerness to meet customer needs, remembering custom orders)
- Order taking
- Customer service
- Communication
Common problem-solving interview questions with answers
Employers highly value problem-solving skills, and it’s important that you not only know how to include them on a CV - but also present them during a job interview. Below, we list three common problem-solving job interview questions, explain why recruiters ask them, and provide example answers you can use to prepare for your next job interview.
Can you talk about a time when you encountered a challenging situation at work?
This question helps recruiters assess your ability to think critically, approach challenges strategically, and find effective solutions to problems.
Example answer: “In my previous role as a customer service representative, I was faced with a situation where a customer was unhappy with a product they had purchased, which made them upset. I listened carefully to their concerns, acknowledged their emotions, and offered a replacement or refund. To ensure the problem didn't happen again, I worked with the team to find a better way to track product stock and communicate clearly with customers about product availability."
How do you solve problems at work when you don’t have access to all the information you need?
By asking you this question, recruiters want to understand if you know how to navigate uncertainty. In your answer, highlight that it’s possible to problem-solve under limited resources. You may also emphasise your initiative in gathering the necessary information.
Example answer: “When faced with a problem where I don't have all the information, I start by gathering as many facts as I can from colleagues or company documents. I ask questions, seek expert advice, and examine any available data. Once I've gathered enough relevant information, I analyse the situation and consider several possible solutions before choosing the most viable option.”
Can you give an example of a time when you came up with a creative solution to a problem?
This question assesses your creativity and ability to think outside the box. To answer it correctly, mention a situation that allowed you to approach a challenge in an innovative way.
Example answer: “In my last role, our marketing team was faced with the challenge of low engagement on a social media campaign. I suggested an interactive challenge for our followers to share their own content related to our brand for a chance to win a prize. It was a new idea for our team, but I thought it could increase engagement and foster a sense of community. The campaign exceeded our expectations, resulting in a 40% increase in engagement.”
What other skills are appreciated in the job market?
Key takeaways for improving and showcasing your problem-solving skills
- Problem-solving skills are essential across all industries, enabling you to overcome challenges and improve efficiency.
- Key problem-solving skills include analytical thinking, creativity, decision-making, communication, and adaptability.
- Decision-making is essential for choosing the best course of action when faced with multiple solutions or limited information.
- Employees with problem-solving skills are more resilient and can handle unexpected challenges with confidence.
- Demonstrating problem-solving skills in interviews is essential as employers value candidates who can efficiently overcome obstacles.
Olga Knapinska
Content Writer
Olga Knapinska is an experienced content writer and recruitment marketing specialist with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I). With a background in career advice, she thrives on helping individuals navigate today’s dynamic job market and discover unique, non-traditional career paths. She’s passionate about equipping people with the right tools to understand and grow their potential as they work towards professional and personal growth.
*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.