difference in analytical skills and problem solving skills

Analytical Thinking vs Problem Solving: A Comprehensive Comparison

Analytical thinking and problem solving are crucial skills in various aspects of life, including personal and professional situations. While they may seem interchangeable, there are distinct differences between the two. Analytical thinking focuses on breaking down complex information into smaller, manageable components to understand a situation and evaluate alternatives effectively. On the other hand, problem solving involves devising practical solutions to overcome challenges or resolve issues that arise in daily life or the workplace.

Key Takeaways

Understanding analytical thinking.

Nature of Analytical Thinking

Key components of analytical thinking include reasoning, fact-checking, and questioning assumptions. This skill set allows individuals to approach problems with an open mind, meticulously gather and analyze data, and make well-informed decisions. Ultimately, analytical thinking leads to more informed and strategic decision-making, increasing the likelihood of success in professional and personal endeavors.

How Analytical Thinking Works

It is important to note that analytical thinking is not solely reserved for mathematicians or scientists but is a valuable skill applicable to a wide range of disciplines and professions. From business analysts, who require analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and implement changes, to daily decision-making in personal lives, analytical reasoning plays a vital role in successfully navigating through various complexities.

Significance of Problem Solving

Features of problem solving, process of problem solving, comparing analytical thinking and problem solving, similarities.

Moreover, practicing both analytical thinking and problem-solving techniques can lead to improved decision-making abilities. This development, in turn, translates into greater efficiency and effectiveness in personal and professional contexts.

Differences

In conclusion, analytical thinking and problem-solving, while both essential skills, have distinct applications and methods, and their effective use can be instrumental in achieving success in various aspects of life.

Ways to Improve Both Techniques

Developing analytical thinking.

Collaborating with others can also help individuals enhance their analytical thinking skills. By working together, people can build on each other’s strengths and overcome challenges. Additionally, they can exchange ideas and learn from different viewpoints, which may lead to innovative solutions.

Enhancing Problem Solving Skills

Utilizing a methodical approach to problem-solving can also yield positive results. Techniques like breaking down complex issues into manageable steps or generating multiple possible solutions can enable a more comprehensive analysis, increasing the likelihood of success in overcoming challenges.

Importance in Workplace and Career Success

Relevance in the workplace.

Effective communication is an important aspect of analytical thinking and problem solving. In a professional setting, employees must often convey their findings and ideas to stakeholders, ensuring that solutions are implemented appropriately and any concerns are addressed. This communication can lead to improved collaboration, clearer goals, and faster resolution of issues 3 .

Implication for Career Success

Role in decision making and risk management, influence on decision making.

Analytical thinking plays a crucial role in decision making, as it involves breaking things down into their component parts and using deductive reasoning to draw conclusions from given evidence and assumptions source . This allows individuals and organizations to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option, determine the feasibility of implementing potential solutions, and weigh the costs and benefits associated with each decision.

Contribution to Risk Management

Similarly, problem-solving assists in risk management by addressing potential challenges that may arise during the implementation of solutions, such as examining potential obstacles, resource constraints, and other factors that may impact the success of an initiative source . By combining the strengths of both analytical thinking and problem-solving, decision-makers can enhance their risk management strategies and ensure a higher probability of success in their respective decisions.

Utilization in Business Analysis

Application in business analysis.

When approaching a problem, business analysts consider several key factors, such as people, processes, and technology. They employ systems thinking to understand the enterprise holistically and how all these elements interact. This mindset helps them to not only identify the root cause of a problem, but also to develop solutions that address the underlying issues effectively [2] .

Understanding Financial Data

Real life examples.

Analytical thinking and problem solving are essential skills in both personal and professional life. They allow individuals to tackle complex issues, identify the root causes, and develop effective solutions. Let’s examine some real-life examples that emphasize the differences between these two thought processes.

Another example can be found in the realm of personal finance. Analytical thinking would be employed to evaluate one’s financial situation and understand patterns in spending habits. This analysis could reveal areas where money may be saved or better utilized. For instance, it may uncover excessive spending on dining out or ineffective monthly budgeting practices.

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What are analytical skills? Examples and how to level up

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What are analytical skills?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Brainstorming

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

2. Communication

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

3. Creativity

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

4. Critical thinking

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

5. Data analytics

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

6. Forecasting

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

7. Logical reasoning

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

8. Problem-solving

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

9. Research

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

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

1. Document your skill set

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

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

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

2. Take courses

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

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

3. Analyze everything

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

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

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

5. Play games

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

6. Ask questions

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

7.Seek advice

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

8. Pursue opportunities

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

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

1. In your cover letter

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

2. On your resume

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

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

3. During a job interview

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

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

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We all solve problems on a daily basis, in academic situations, at work and in our day-to-day lives.  Some of the problems that are typically faced by students include: 

• Putting together an argument for an essay
• Dealing with an awkward customer when working part-time in a shop or restaurant
• Thinking about how you are going to manage your budget to keep you going until the end of term
• Working out why your printer won’t respond
• Developing a strategy to reach the next level of a computer game.

Any job will also bring problems to be faced. It is important to show to a recruiter that you have the right skills to resolve these problems, and the personal resilience to handle the challenges and pressure they may bring. You need to be able to: 

• Evaluate information or situations
• Break them down into their key components
• Consider various ways of approaching and resolving them
• Decide on the most appropriate of these ways

Solving these problems involves both analytical and creative skills . Which particular skills are needed will vary, depending on the problem and your role in the organisation, but the following skills are key to problem-solving:

• Lateral Thinking
• Logical Reasoning
• Persistence 

Analytical and critical thinking skills help you to evaluate the problem and to make decisions. A l ogical and methodical approach is best in some circumstances: for example, you will need to be able to draw on your academic or subject knowledge to identify solutions of a practical or technical nature.  In other situations, using creativity or l ateral thinking will be necessary to come up with ideas for resolving the problem and find fresh approaches  Not everyone has these two types of skills in equal measure: for this reason, team working is often a key component in problem-solving. Further skills, such as communication, persuasion and negotiation , are important in finding solutions to problems involving people.

Whatever issue you are faced with, some steps are fundamental: 

• I dentify the problem
• D efine the problem
• E xamine the options
• A ct on a plan
• L ook at the consequences

This is the IDEAL model of problem-solving.  The final stage is to put the solution you have decided on into practice and check the results. 

Any workplace, project or task will have challenges or obstacles which need to be overcome. If an organisation employs people who are adept at solving problems at all levels, it reduces the need for complex chains of command or lessens demand on managers' time. In short, it will help save time and therefore money.  Analytical skills are perhaps becoming increasingly important; we are all bombarded with huge amounts of information every day. Being able to quickly yet comprehensively identify and evaluate the most important or relevant information for the organisation or your specific job role will be an increasingly useful skill. 

• Leisure activities (e.g. chess, logic games, computing).
• Overcoming obstacles to achieve an ambition or goal.
• Working in a customer environment and resolving complaints, particularly in situations where there is no protocol.
• Research (e.g. for essays or projects, or within the workplace).
• Particular achievements in the workplace (e.g. devising new working practices to improve efficiency, information systems development, diagnosing and rectifying faults or issues).
• Creative solutions to coursework problems.
• Identifying appropriate source material for assignments. 

A large cosmetics company had a problem in that some of the soap boxes coming off the production lines were empty. The problem was quickly isolated to the assembly line, which transported the packaged boxes of soap to the delivery department: some soap boxes went through the assembly line empty. The management asked its engineers to solve the problem. They spent much time and money in designing a machine with high-resolution monitors manned by staff; to scan all the boxes on the line to make sure they weren't empty.  A workman hearing about this, came up with another solution. He got a powerful industrial fan and pointed it at the assembly line. As each soap box passed the fan, the empty boxes were blown off the line. Moral: the simplest solution is usually the best!

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What Are Analytical Skills? Definition and Examples

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Forage puts students first. Our blog articles are written independently by our editorial team. They have not been paid for or sponsored by our partners. See our full  editorial guidelines .

Analytical skills help you assess information and facts, problem-solve, and implement the best solutions. According to LinkedIn , they’re one of the top 10 most in-demand soft skills of 2024. So, what are some analytical skills examples and how can you improve yours?

Analytical Skills Definition

Analytical skills are the skills you use to make decisions and find solutions to problems. In the workplace, an analytical person helps the company problem-solve by breaking down information; looking through data and finding patterns, trends, and outliers; brainstorming new ideas; and making decisions on what solutions to implement.

These skills apply to multiple fields, not just in traditional data-heavy or analytics roles. You can use analytical skills in the workplace:

• In marketing , to review traffic to the website and understand what is (and isn’t) driving people to the site  
• In data analytics , to identify seasonal trends in a company’s sales to understand the best time to launch a campaign
• In finance , to prepare forecasts of the company’s financial performance for the next year
• In user experience (UX) design , to understand current issues with the company’s UX while interviewing a user
• In sales, to create models to track revenue growth

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Analytical Skills Examples

While analytical skills are a type of soft skill, you may apply hard skills to help you become a better analytical thinker. Analytical skills examples include data analysis, logical thinking, research, creativity, and communication.

>>MORE: Discover the right career for you based on your skills with a career aptitude test .

Data Analytics

Data analytics is a hard skill where you look at data to put numbers behind answers to questions or potential solutions. For example, you might use data analytics to answer what products have had the most success during the summer vs. winter months, or to create charts or graphs that show the company’s recent financial performance. 

Examples of data analytics skills include:

• Programming languages (specifically SQL, Python, and R)
• Probability and statistical analysis
• Machine learning
• Microsoft Excel
• Data visualization

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Logical Thinking

Logical thinking is when you use reason to analyze a situation and come up with a solution. There are a few different types of logical thinking, including:

• Inference: Assuming an answer based on facts we already know
• Inductive reasoning : Observing a specific pattern, then making a general conclusion
• Deductive reasoning : Observing a general premise, then applying it to a specific situation 

For example, as a writer on a marketing team, I might use logical thinking, and specifically inductive reasoning, by taking action based on a specific trend I notice about my company’s audience. I may notice a specific pattern — for instance, that our audience is clicking on stories that have investment banking skills in them. Then, I could make the general conclusion that our audience values investment banking content. I would then test my hypothesis by writing more content on that topic, and hopefully increase our audience in the process. 

Analytical people seek all the facts and information before coming to a conclusion. A smart researcher knows where to find those facts and who to ask for help to get more information. 

In the workplace, you might apply research skills to discover facts about the company’s history, like conducting a reflective analysis, and showing the company’s progress over the last five years. You could also do more qualitative research , and speak to colleagues in other departments to understand how a problem is affecting their team, or even set up an informational interview with an outside expert to learn from their experience.

Examples of research analytical skills include: 

• Report writing
• Data collection and analysis
• Critical thinking
• User interviews

Communication

Analytical skills aren’t just about facts and figures; they also require creativity to brainstorm solutions and possible answers to problems. Creativity helps analytical people move away from the small points and think big picture. 

In the workplace, you might use creative thinking to organize a brainstorm with team members, or to propose product improvements based on a client survey. You could also use it to present information to stakeholders in a new, exciting way, or to create a new brand design for your company’s website. Creative thinking can be applied to numerous industries, even in more data-heavy or analytical roles.

Examples of analytical creativity skills include:

• Active listening
• Risk-taking
• Storytelling

Your analytical thinking won’t have an impact unless you share it with the team; however, not everyone can easily understand data or analytical problem-solving. Communication skills help you translate complex analytical ideas into digestible, actionable takeaways for the rest of your team.

For example, you can use communication skills to explain a data visualization to team members and help them understand company performance, or to present high-level findings from a data exercise or statistical analysis. 

Examples of analytical communication skills include:

• Verbal communication
• Chart, graph, and data presentation
• Public speaking

How to Show Your Analytical Skills in a Job Application

In a job application, you can show off your analytical skills in two ways: first, by demonstrating the technical analytical tools you know and second, by explaining your problem-solving skills to show your analytical thinking.

Demonstrating Technical Analytical Skills

“For early professionals, definitely showing the tools, the technical skills, and also projects you’ve worked on is important,” Kristen Rice, product manager, website growth at Sprout Social, says. “If you don’t have a particular project in mind or that you can share, showcase ideas that you do have around analytics. If you use a type of code such as SQL, Python, R etc., that is huge because businesses seek to automate analyses a lot quicker and there is an increasing need to connect data that doesn’t always share the same foundation. These different programming languages allow for the ability to do those things.”

You can include hard analytical skills on your resume either in a dedicated “skills” section or in a job explanation (if you used the skill in a specific work experience). For example, if you used your data analytics skills in a finance internship , you could write: 

Used SQL queries to extract data and create reports that helped the team decrease surplus spending by 13% MoM.

Explaining Your Analytical Thinking Skills

Yet you don’t need to know multiple coding languages or analytics programs to show off your analytical skills. You can also show analytical thinking through how you describe your problem-solving methods and approach at work. 

• What do you first consult when solving a problem? Can you talk about any experience analyzing numerical results, looking at website analytics, etc.?
• What steps do you take to make sense of a problem? 
• Who or what do you consult to help you solve the problem?
• How do you test and iterate your solution?
• How do you reflect on your solution? What steps do you take after?

Showing Soft Analytical Skills on Your Resume

On your resume , you can describe your analytical skills in your job descriptions. Even if you’re talking about soft skills, you should include the impact your skills had. For example, as a writer, I might write something like:

• Performed competitive research analysis to identify three key improvement opportunities for our blog, leading to 10% traffic growth in two months
• Led brainstorming sessions to produce 30 new content ideas each month
• Conducted and shared analysis of top-performing content to inform future content strategy, leading to 20% MoM traffic growth

Log in to download a customizable resume template with examples of how to include analytical skills:

Showing Soft Analytical Skills in the Interview

In the interview , use the STAR method to show how you apply analytical skills and the impact your skills had. Again, even if you’re talking about soft skills, get specific about programs, tactics, or methodology you use when solving problems. This will give the interviewer a clear picture of how you work and problem-solve.

For example, you might be asked about your decision-making process at work. You can respond with something like:

My decision-making process usually starts with gathering all the information I know about the problem, whether that’s by researching, collaborating with other teams, or performing data analysis. Once I have a better understanding of the problem, I’ll then share this information with my coworkers and ask them to brainstorm with me. After that, I’ll perform a risk analysis of all of the solutions we brainstormed and make a final decision on the best path forward.

>>MORE: Analytical Skills Interview Questions (and Answers)

How to Improve Your Analytical Skills

Even though some technical skills are involved in analytical thinking, much of analytical thinking relies on your soft skills — which means it’s harder to know how to be a better analytical thinker. However, by understanding your current problem-solving process and asking others about theirs, you’ll start to hone your analytical skills.

Document Your Current Skills

It isn’t easy to assess your current skill level if you don’t know how you currently use analytical thinking, even in your everyday life. The next time you approach a problem, even something like figuring out what to wear to dinner with friends, ask yourself:

• What facts am I considering here?
• What research do I do? Do I ask anyone for help, and who?
• How do I brainstorm solutions?
• How do I make my final decision on how to move forward?
• Do I reflect on my decision-making skills after, and if so, how does that affect my future decisions?

To use the dinner example, maybe you consider factors like the weather and the restaurant’s dress code when deciding what to wear. You might look up the weather using an app and research the restaurant online to see what the vibe is. Then, maybe you pull out a few options and try them on to see what you’re comfortable wearing. 

This decision-making process might seem simple, but it’s a true skill! Improving your analytical skills starts with understanding how you uniquely solve problems. 

Network With Other Teams

Learning from people around you can help you identify the problems they’re working on and show you how they may solve problems. You might learn about new resources or tools, or even just methods and tricks they use at work.

“ Network with people in roles that you’re interested in,” Rice recommends. “I’ve connected with people on LinkedIn who are resources for me, internally at my organization I’ve had the opportunity to learn from our data science, data engineering, and business analytics team, and I also try to attend events or webinars that are geared towards analytics to build my knowledge and connections as well.”

Create Opportunities for Yourself

An analytical thinker will take in facts, do their research, brainstorm creative solutions, narrow down to the most logical one, and reflect on their solutions after the decision was made to learn for the next time. There’s no better way to improve your skills than to put yourself into situations where you need to exercise your analytical skills — whether that’s doing something simple like logic puzzles, or even putting yourself in a professional’s shoes and pretending you have to make a big company decision. Practice walking through these steps when you problem-solve and make a decision, whether big or small.

Lululemon Omnichannel Marketing

Use analytical thinking and creative thinking to create a marketing plan and product strategy.

Avg. Time: 2-2.5 hours

Skills you’ll build: Strategic and analytical thinking, project management, market research, user research, communication

Analytics at Work: The Bottom Line

Analytical skills help you dig into problems and come out with facts-based solutions. While some technical skills like data analysis and visualization are elements of analytical skills, there are also soft skills like creativity and communication that are essential to being an effective analytical thinker. 

No matter what kinds of analytical skills you have, show them off on your resume and in the interview by detailing your unique, informative analytical problem-solving process.

Image Credit: olia danilevich / Pexels

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Analytical skills: What are they and how to add them to your resumé

Understanding information is one thing, but analysing it? That’s a whole other skill set. That’s where your analytical skills come in – they allow you to draw conclusions from information, so you can make informed decisions.

Analytical thinking plays a big role in our day-to-day lives, allowing us to examine a problem or a data set to find a solution. This ‘solution’ could be insights, trends or ways to overcome a challenge. In the workplace it’s often required for data-specific tasks, but analystical skills are  also transferable , so they come in handy in almost all areas of life. 

There are many different types of analytical skills that are useful at work, including critical thinking, problem solving and data interpretation. A retail assistant may have to think outside the box to help a customer, while a project manager would need data analysis skills to report on the potential risks of a job. 

Whatever your role, you’ll learn everything you need to know about different analytical skills and how to make the use of them in this guide. 

What are analytical skills?

Analytical skills involve the ability to gather, interpret and assess information to make informed decisions or solve problems. Using critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills can help you advise on or make decisions based on what is most likely to provide the best outcome.

Why is having an analytical mindset important?

We make decisions all day everyday – some consciously, and many more subconsciously. Being able to make the right decisions about more complex problems can greatly impact the outcome. Developing better analytical abilities can help you:

• Break down complex problems to get to the bottom of the issue. From there, you can come up with effective solutions
• Make informed decisions, helping save money, time and stress
• Appear and feel confident and in control of situations
• Find creative solutions to difficult challenges
• Increase efficiency and productivity
• Adapt to new situations by being able to adjust strategies as needed

Examples of analytical skills

Let’s take a look at some examples of analytical thinking and the different ways you can use these skills. 

Problem solving

Problem solving is the skill of finding solutions to difficult situations. Using analytical and problem solving skills involves:

• identifying the problem, 
• gathering the relevant information, 
• coming up with potential solutions and 
• assessing their suitability before taking action. 

Being able to solve problems is essential skill in the workplace, especially if you’re interested in management roles. Employees with good problem-solving skills help companies run more efficiently. Here are two examples of problem-solving skills in different careers: 

• You’re a mechanic servicing a car with a strange rattle, but the diagnostic tests aren’t showing anything mechanically wrong. A good problem solver will try to think of other causes for the rattle, such as something loose in the glove compartment.
• In some roles, like human resources manager , problem solving might be a core part of the job. In HR, you’d be resolving conflicts, sourcing hard-to-find talent and helping to streamline your company’s policies. 
• Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the process of analysing information, concepts, situations or problems to make judgements. It involves being able to evaluate arguments, claims and evidence in an unbiased way, to come to a solution. 

It’s likely you use critical thinking every day without even knowing it. For example, when you see an article on social media, you’ll use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of the news source, consider potential biases and verify the information. 

There are certain fields, like law and medicine, where critical thinking is an essential part of the job, in order to provide accurate guidance and diagnoses. But that’s not to say other professions don’t benefit from these skills. Almost every job imaginable requires some level of critical thinking.

• Data analysis

Data analysis is the method of examining and interpreting data. It involves a number of techniques, including:

• collecting relevant data (such as from databases, surveys, etc.), 
• cleaning the data (removing errors), 
• exploring patterns and trends, 
• interpreting what this information means and 
• drawing conclusions from the analysis. 

As a data analyst , you may also need to present the data in an easy-to-understand way, using visual communication tools like graphs or charts. 

The specific methods of collecting data and analysing it will depend on the role. Here are two examples of what these skills may look like in different careers:

• A marketing strategist may use platform data collection tools, like Google Analytics and Meta Business Manager, to monitor performance and make informed choices about campaigns. 
• A business analyst may use Excel, Power BI and other data management tools to track performance and gain customer insights. Data analysis skills are useful to anyone who has measurable data they can use to improve outcomes of their work. 

Research skills

Research skills are techniques used to locate, evaluate and use information to find solutions, answer questions or explore specific topics. Not only are they important for students, academics and professionals, they’re an important skill set in your personal life too. 

There are many different types of research: collecting existing data, case studies, surveys, experiments and more. Here are two examples of careers that use research skills:

• Engineers will use controlled experiments to test the properties and performance of materials and structures, while a marketing specialist may conduct consumer research and surveys to evaluate the potential impact advertising campaigns will have for a business. 
• Journalism is a good example of a career using multiple research methods. Journalists will conduct interviews, surveys and polls, use field reporting to gather first-hand evidence, seek out historical evidence and refer to online resources. 

Decision-making

Decision-making is an important analytical skill as it involves a systematic and rational approach to processing information. There are many steps you can take to improve your decision-making process, including analysing data, assessing risks and using critical thinking to make sound judgements without bias. 

Everyone benefits from better decision-making skills. They come into play in every aspect of work, whether that’s deciding what colour to make a banner ad or narrowing down venue options for the next office party. No matter what your role or industry, you’ll be able to make decisions more effectively and confidently when you improve your analytical skills.

How to improve your analytical skills

Like soft skills , analytical skills are something everyone can work on. They can help you make better decisions, communicate why a decision should be made and even help you progress in your career . Taking courses , being observant, reading books – these are all ways you can develop your analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. 

Resources for improving your analytical skills

From early childhood, our analytical skills are constantly developing. To give them a boost, there are resources you can tap into that target specific analytical skills. These include:

• Online courses to learn data platforms, data analysis and more
• Leadership and communication courses through university and colleges
• Books on analytical thinking or problem solving for your industry
• Online communities and forums to help with specific problems 
• Training in analytics software
• On-the-job training or mentoring
• Podcasts, online research and other digital informational sources

No matter your age, budget or needs, there is always a way to improve your analytical skills.

How to highlight analytical skills on your resumé

Employers are always looking for people with strong analytical skills, especially those with specialised technical skills, like knowledge of data platforms or accounting software. Here are some of the different ways you can add your analytical skills to your resumé to help you stand out. 

Adding analytical skills to the skills section

Analytical skills can be grouped in with the rest of the skills on your resumé. List out all the specific analytical skills you have, naming any relevant software or database platforms. 

Top analytical skills to add to your resumé’s skill section include:

• Specific platforms you have used
• Pattern recognition

Tailor your skills to the job you’re applying for, using the phrases used in the job description, so it’s clear to the hiring manager that you’re a good match for the role.

Incorporating analytical skills in your work experience section

If you have used analytical skills in your past roles, you should add them to the work experience section of your resumé. Use action verbs and add in specific results where possible to demonstrate the impact of your skills. 

Some examples of analytical skills to put in your work experience section include:

• Used Google Analytics to optimise ads and increase conversion by 22% in 12 months
• Deployed employee surveys to improve team retention by 90% YoY under my leadership
• Used Sprinklr dashboard to grow social media engagement by 30% in 90 days
• Used problem-solving skills to achieve a 4.9/5 customer service rating 12 months in a row

By giving specific results of how you used your skills, you demonstrate to hiring managers that you are able to use data to drive performance. 

Showcasing analytical skills in your summary or objective section

You don’t always need to include a summary or objective section on your resumé, but if you have extensive or specialised experience you’d like to highlight, it can be a great way to make yourself stand out. Your summary should only be one or two sentences long, giving the reader an instant overview of who you are, what you’re looking for and what you bring to the table. As with the analytical skills on your resumé, you should customise your objective statement to each role you apply for.

Highlighting your analytical skills in a career objective can give you an edge over other job seekers, particularly if you’re applying for leadership roles. Examples of analytical and problem solving skills selection criteria answers may include:

• Motivated and detail-oriented business and IT graduate with a strong foundation in data analysis, statistics and programming. Seeking entry-level data analyst role to uncover insights and contribute to data-driven decision-making in a dynamic setting. 
• Experienced retail manager of more than 10 years, with a proven track record of developing and implementing data-driven strategies to improve sales by a minimum of 60%. Seeking a challenging role in a forward-thinking organisation where I can leverage my analytical, problem-solving and leadership skills to drive growth and innovation.

When you’re updating your resumé with new skills, it’s important to understand the meaning of analytical skills as they apply to your specific area of work. Keep your resumé up-to-date with these skills, as they’ll differentiate you from the crowd. Even if you’re not looking for a new job and you just want to improve in your current role, enhancing your analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills could be the secret to standing out and getting ahead.

Why are communication skills important in analytical work?

Communication skills are vital in analytical work because they allow for effective data sharing and collaboration. Being able to clearly communicate helps convey findings, insights and recommendations with technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring they can make informed decisions. It also helps foster a productive work environment when working with others on analytical projects.

Why are collaboration skills important in analytical work?

Collaboration skills are crucial in analytical work because they enhance problem solving, foster diverse perspectives and improve data interpretation. Effective teamwork helps uncover insights, promotes data accuracy and streamlines decision-making, driving better analytical outcomes.

Why is creativity important in analytical work?

Creativity is vital in analytical work as it helps you find innovative solutions and identify patterns in data. It empowers analysts to generate fresh insights, develop new approaches and adapt to evolving challenges. It enhances the effectiveness and competitiveness of their analytical efforts.

Why is emotional intelligence important in analytical work?

Using emotional intelligence in analytical work fosters empathy, effective communication and collaboration. Analytical people with high emotional intelligence can navigate interpersonal dynamics more easily, build stronger relationships and more clearly understand stakeholder needs, leading to insightful, actionable results. 

Why is continuous learning important in analytical work?

Continuous learning is essential in analytical work to stay updated with evolving tools, techniques and data trends. It allows analysts to adapt, enhance their skills and provide more accurate and valuable insights. 

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Summary. Analytical skills are used to assess situations and make plans to overcome obstacles, usually in structured, logical ways.

There are a few skill sets that are important to hone no matter what industry you work in, and analytical skills are one of those.

In this article, you’ll learn about several different types of analytical skills, how to highlight them when applying for a job, and how to improve your analytical skills.

Key Takeaways

Analytical skills are necessary for figuring out how to overcome obstacles and make wise decisions.

Some examples of analytical skills are data analysis, research, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, visualization, and creativity.

You should highlight your analytical skills on your resume , in your cover letter , and during your interviews.

It’s important to work to grow your analytical skills throughout your career.

Types of Analytical Skills

Additional analytical skills, examples of how to showcase your analytical skills, examples of resumes that showcase analytical skills, example of analytical skills in a cover letter, examples of analytical skills in a job interview, examples of analytical skills on the job, how to improve your analytical skills, analytical skills faqs, final thoughts.

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Analytical skills are the qualities you possess that help you to assess situations rationally, create effective plans, and overcome obstacles. Analytical thinkers can separate themselves from their emotions in order to work effectively. They usually utilize a process to break down large problems into smaller issues to tackle.

There are a variety of traits and abilities that fall under the heading of strong analytical skills. Drawing attention to your strengths in analytical thinking can grab an employer’s attention, and land you an interview or a promotion.

Some analytical skills may be more relevant to your field than others. Take some time to consider which qualities will be the most valuable to your potential employers. Below are some great examples of important analytical thinking that hiring managers look for on your resume .

Data analysis. Taking in information, making sense of it logically, and using it to the best of your abilities is an important step in making calculated decisions.

Having impressive skills in data analysis greatly supports analytical thinking. Considering they share a root word in common, it makes sense that these skills rely on each other.

Data analysis could mean very different things for varying occupations.

If you work for a retail company, it could mean:

Examining quarterly clothing sales

Considering why the numbers are what they are, and if that’s satisfactory

Researching possibilities for how to increase revenue

Make decisions about whether to stay on the current trajectory or make changes to increase sales

Following-up

If you own a blog , it could mean:

Reading your website’s Google Analytics for each post

Determining increases or decreases in traffic and why that may be

Including traffic data points in a spreadsheet to consider trends

Coming up with strategies to boost website traffic based on success trends

Continually updating analytic data

Research . Conducting worthwhile research is very important in building viable solutions. Once you’ve noticed an issue or a way things could be done better, you must look for solutions towards improvement.

That depends on research. Luckily, we live in the age of the internet. Quite literally, we have a world of information available at our fingertips. You’re living proof of this — just look at what you’re doing right now by reading this article.

Carrying out research on important analytical skills, in order to improve your resume and employee profile. Using detailed research in your work style enhances your analytical problem-solving process.

Research involves:

Utilizing reliable resources

Fact-checking

Having an informational goal in mind

Attention to detail

Staying focused

Organizing data

Effectively presenting results

Critical thinking . Critical thinking is the boat that keeps the rest of your analytical skills afloat. It’s largely about having logic and reason at work.

It also involves always being open to learning more. Critical thinkers draw practical connections to further a company’s success. This is an extremely valuable skill for employers because critical thinkers can:

Determine why issues arise

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a particular strategy

Deciphering complex issues into smaller steps

Develop logical plans

Efficiently solve problems

Articulate their thinking to others

Communication . You may have the ability to deep-dive into research and think critically about the results. However, this isn’t very helpful without being able to accurately translate these findings to others.

Communication is key to developing workplace relations and completing projects productively. Throughout the analytical problem-solving process, be sure to keep your co-workers and supervisors in the loop about everything you’re doing and the conclusions you’re drawing. They could have input that affects your course of action or expands on your ideas.

Communication skills involve:

Friendliness

Emotion control

Listening to others

Asking questions

Accepting and returning feedback

Paying attention to non-verbal communication

Coordination

Presentation

Following-up on past interactions

Problem-solving. Problem-solving skills may sound synonymous with analytical, but really, it’s just another skill involved in the analytical process. Employers seek to hire applicants who are adept at problem-solving to handle any unexpected circumstances or issues.

After identifying an issue and conducting proper research, brainstorming potential solutions is next. You use problem-solving abilities to organize all the information you’ve uncovered to produce a logical plan for action.

Problem-solving skills involve:

Active listening

Data analysis

Consulting multiple sources

Strong communication

Formulating strategy

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making

Visualization. One of the traits that make for a strong analytical thinker is a visualization for an end goal. Having a clear vision in mind is necessary for creating a plan that works well. After all, you have to know what outcome you’re looking for to analyze whether it was successful later.

Without an objective, your research and strategy can become disorganized. Throughout the analytical process, keeping your original goal in mind can make your analytical work more productive.

Goal visualization involves:

Taking data into account

Acknowledging your team’s strengths and weaknesses

Deciding what your team’s overall goal is

Discussing the best routes for achieving this objective

Creativity . Creative thinkers have the ability to formulate new ideas and ways of doing things. This can be extremely productive when using analytical reasoning skills.

A large component to coming up with effective solutions to problems that involve innovation. Creative employees make groundbreaking improvements from problems.

Creativity involves:

Imagination

Keeping goals in mind

Problem-solving

Experimentation

Transforming ideas into action

Other useful analytical skills include:

Time-Management

Recognizing achievements

Providing feedback

Computer skills

Clarification

Organization

There are four main ways to showcase your analytical skills as part of your job search :

On your resume

In your cover letter

In a job interview

47 Martin Ln. Orlando, FL , 44587 (771)-409-3376 [email protected] Shelby Malcolm Passionate and creative graphic designer with 4 years of experience and a B.A. in Design. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. SKILLS Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Proficient in Inkscape Creative Dependable Fast learner Problem-solving EXPERIENCE Ecosphere Design Lab, Orlando, FL — Graphic Designer March 2018 – PRESENT Outlining design concepts Coordinating with a team of 6 Direct client requests Illustration Considering industry trends Creating a range of ideas Promoted from Junior graphic designer after the first six months Innovation Graphics, Orlando, FL — Junior Graphic Designer January 2015 – January 2018 Communicating with clients Providing customer service Brainstorming idea for advertisements and logos Utilizing revision when needed Awarded a salary increase of 2% after the first year EDUCATION The University of Tampa, Tampa, FL — B.A. in Design August 2011 – May 2015

Jacob Jones 912 W Evans St. Sedona, AZ , 98211 (398)-197-1126 [email protected] LinkIn.com/in/JacobJones Organized and meticulous social media manager with 5+ years of experience. B.A. in Human Studies from the University of Arizona. Strengths in interpersonal skills and branding. Professional Experience Liberty Public Relations , Sedona, AZ Social Media Manager September 2017-Present Scheduled and coordinated meetings Interacted directly with clients Coordinated with marketing teams Manager profiles for several prominent clients Created detailed plans for success with milestones of completion Handled arising PR issues Awarded $2,500 bonus after the first year Gold Star Media Management , Sedona, AZ Social Media Marketing Intern, June 2016– August 2017 Memo creation and direction Email management Organizing social media post schedules Analyzing post success Collaborated on a team to design branding Aided in brand creation for up-and-coming companies Skills Social media Marketing Branding Google analytics HTML Attention to detail Critical thinking skills Adaptable Education University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ BA in Human Studies, May 2016 GPA: 3.5 out of 4.0

Nicholas Phillips Flexible and outgoing investigative journalist . Possess a Bachelor’s in English and a Masters in Journalism. Strong skills in creative thinking and problem-solving. 22 Main St. Houston, TX , 23014 (129)-828-1192 [email protected] NicholasPhillips.com EXPERIENCE XYZ News Channel, Houston, TX — Investigative Journalist April 2016 – PRESENT Search out newsworthy stories Conduct relevant research Communicating with co-workers and sources Fact-checking Interviewing subjects Developing story outlines Adhering to journalistic integrity Promoting the success and viewership of XYZ Awarded with two raises totaling $16,000 Houston Local News, Houston, TX — Journalist January 2014-April 2016 Thinking creatively to discover eye-catching stories and events Gathering information and subjects via extensive research Assessing lead quality Meeting set deadlines Coordinating with team of 10 Networking to establish working relationships Around Town Quarterly, Houston, TX — Journalist Intern June 2013- January 2014 Assisting in administrative work Conducting assigned research for topics Contributing to weekly brainstorms Editing and proofreading Assisting in interviews EDUCATION The University of Texas, Austin, TX — Master’s in Journalism September 2011 – June 2013 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN– Bachelor’s in English August 2007-May2011. SKILLS Research Writing Bilingual Presentation Integrity Flexible Sociable LANGUAGES Fluency in English and Spanish

During my time as a Marketing Manager for XYZ Inc., I made it my mission to cut the budget while still growing our digital marketing presence. By recognizing that 80% of our traffic was coming from 20% of our content creators, I made the decision to cut our writing staff down significantly. What we saw was a 70% drop in spending on content creation, while traffic grew by an average of 24% monthly. Other accomplishments from this role include: Performed competitor keyword research to increase our organic reach by 29% YoY Developed a website design in tandem with product team and based on user feedback to increase engagement by 76% Identified and implemented best practices for email marketing and affiliate campaigns to increase conversion rates by 15% and revenue by 11%

In a job interview, you’ll hear a lot of questions designed to test your analytical skills. Let’s go over a couple of common interview questions , along with example answers that clearly highlight your supreme analytical powers:

For me, it’s all about maximizing both efficiency and effectiveness. I independently track how much time each of my tasks takes, and what the return on that time investment is. For example, when my team had to code a whole new content cluster using a wildly different style than our home page , I started by assessing which features were most sought after by users. I then implemented those changes and used A/B testing to determine the effectiveness. I found that adding trailing social engagement buttons along the left-hand side of the page upped engagement by over 20%, and it was a relatively simple thing to do. When you see that a huge chunk of your results come from small changes, it becomes easier to prioritize and identify the successful things you’re doing.

When I’m facing a problem I haven’t seen before, my first step is research. Whether that means looking online for tutorials covering the topic or speaking to an expert in the company, fact-finding is critical. Then, I like to implement imperfect changes — I say “imperfect” because I find many people suffer from “analysis paralysis.” Instead, I’m happier to put out the minimal viable product and iterate from there. A lot of the time, the issues you expect from a problem never arise, and ones you never consider crop up unannounced. That’s why I feel more comfortable having an actual product to tweak and perfect, rather than trying to find the perfect solution the first time.

Whether you’re hoping to earn a promotion or leverage your analytical skills into a new job, one of the best ways to showcase your analytical skills is to let others do it for you. By that we mean you should make it so clear that you’re an analytical juggernaut at work that your supervisors recognize it as your stand-out trait.

In practice, that can take a few different forms. Here are some examples of how you can show off your analytical skills in your work:

Take on leadership roles.

Volunteer for assignments that give you a chance to hone and show off your capacity for analysis.

Go out of your way to improve an inefficient or ineffective process.

There’s not a job out there that doesn’t utilize and benefit from analytical skills. Go out there and identify problems, offer solutions, and be critical with your evaluations. That’s how you wind up with a letter of recommendation that touts your ability to analyze situations effectively.

An employee with keen analytical skills has a bright future ahead of them. No matter what field or industry you work in, developing your analytical skills can help you achieve your career goals.

To improve your analytical skills:

Take tests. There are tons of free resources online for testing your analytical skills and ability to think critically. These are often math- or logic-based, and they can help train your brain to approach problems strategically.

Step into leadership roles. Leaders need a whole host of attributes to succeed , but analytical skills are a critical part of the job. Look for opportunities to lead projects to put your analytical skills to the test.

Play games. Not just any games, though. Think logic games like Rubik’s Cubes, Sudoku puzzles, and Chess. These games will strengthen your analytical skills while having fun. Plus, studies have shown that engaging in cognitively stimulating activities like these reduces your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Enroll in classes. It doesn’t even really matter what subject you choose to study, although if your goal is career growth, it should pertain to your job in some way. The important part is that when you’re learning new things, you’re forcing your brain out of its cognitive comfort zone.

Find a mentor . This is good advice regardless of what skills you’re trying to develop. A mentor in your field who has successfully weathered the challenges of your role is like a cheat code for strengthening your analytical skills.

Become a close reader. If you remember close reading from your high school English class, you’re probably groaning right now. But it turns out that was one of the truly valuable strategies you were taught in school.

You don’t need to be reading a text to be a close reader . When you watch movies and shows, see an advertisement, or listen to a politician’s speech, do your best to read between the lines. Look for plot holes, assess why an ad is effective (or not), and pay attention to what the politician isn’t saying.

What are examples of analytical skills?

Some examples of analytical skills include:

Critical thinking

Communication

Visualization

What type of skills are analytical skills?

Analytical skills are soft skills that allow you to collect and analyze information in a way that allows you to solve problems and make decisions well.

You use analytical skills in your daily work tasks, when you’re making schedules, and when you’re making important management decisions, to give just a few examples.

How do you say you have good analytical skills?

You say you have good analytical skills by providing examples of times you used your analytical skills. You can do this in your resume, in your cover letter, and during your interview. You can also showcase your analytical skills while you work.

What jobs use analytical skills?

Some jobs that use analytical skills include software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and accountant. Many people in the finance, technological, and scientific industries use analytical skills in their day-to-day roles.

Analytical skills are useful in a variety of roles and positions, across a variety of industries. You can showcase your experience with them on your resume by listing specific examples of times that you have solved problems or addressed situations using analytical skills.

Harvard Business School Online – 4 Ways to Improve Your Analytical Skills

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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

In this section:

Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

Analytical Reasoning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Critical Thinking 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Skills and competencies

Analytical skills: the ability to make sense of data.

Abigail Lewis

2 Aug 2023, 08:27

Graduates who demonstrate their analytical thinking during a job interview or assessment centre will stand out from other candidates.

What are analytical skills?

Here’s a simple definition for analytical skills: they are the ability to work with data – that is, to see patterns, trends and things of note and to draw meaningful conclusions from them. (Note: contrary to popular opinion, data includes information and facts of all types, not just statistics.) This analysis is then used to solve problems, to make business decisions or to provide recommendations to colleagues, clients and bosses.

The competency is essential to business success. It’s not surprising, then, that ‘strong analytical skills’ is frequently listed as an essential requirement on graduate job descriptions, person specifications and job adverts. The good news is that if you have completed a degree you will have honed your analytical skills. All degrees are designed to develop critical thinking, which is, for all intents and purposes, analytical skills by another name.

Short on time? Watch our quick guide to analytical skills

Spend a minute with our targetjobs expert to discover:

• what it really means to have analytical skills
• how your analytical abilities might be assessed throughout the recruitment process (applications, interviews and assessment centres)
• how you may have already developed your analytical skills.

Are you analytical in the right way for the job?

Different degree subjects give experience of different types of information. English literature students, for example, read texts critically to form a qualitative argument or analyse the reliability of sources, while engineering students often use the quantitative results from models to further their experiments or research projects.

Different sectors and professions, too, will use information differently. A candidate well versed in qualitative research may be short on examples that will convince recruiters that they are sufficiently numerate to work confidently with lots of quantitative data. However, many of the analytical skills tests interviewers use aren’t based on your previous experiences but on how you perform then and there, and there are ways to develop your analytical skills further (see below).

How are your analytical skills likely to be tested in your graduate job application?

Online aptitude tests , often the second stage of the application process, assess your ability to analyse a situation and make a judgement. Situational judgement tests (SJTs), numerical tests and inductive reasoning tests are the most likely to focus on your analytical skills. Our commercial partner AssessmentDay has a number of free and paid-for practice tests available for graduates.

What interview questions will you be asked about analytical skills?

It’s possible that you may be asked directly about your analytical skills at interview, such as:

• Give an example of a time when you used analytical skills
• What experience do you have analysing data?
• When have you made a decision based on data?

However, for graduate and entry-level jobs, it is much more likely that your analytical skills will be assessed via an assessment centre exercise or a job-related task (see below) rather than via an interview question. This is because it is easier for a recruiter to assess your analytical skills when you are actually demonstrating them, instead of just talking about them.

Having said that, your analytical skills may be being partially assessed if you are asked a competency-based interview question about solving a problem. For example:

• Give me an example of your lateral thinking.
• Give me an example of a time when you ran into an unexpected obstacle on a project. What did you do?
• Give me an example of a difficult problem you had to solve outside of your course. How did you approach it?
• Tell me about a time you worked through a problem as a team.

To demonstrate your analytical skills when answering these sorts of questions, you will need to explain how you completed a realistic assessment of the situation, and explored and evaluated options.

You might also be asked commercial awareness or hypothetical interview questions that call on your analytical skills. These will vary according to the job, but could include:

• What do you think is the biggest challenge facing us in the next 12 months? (You will need to have analysed the company’s performance and business plans, have an idea of its competitors and have a sense of how the economy and wider political events could affect the business.)
• What would you do if there was conflict between team members you were managing? (This is most likely to be asked in interviews for trainee management jobs. You will need to show that you can analyse the motivations and behaviour of the people involved in conflict.)
• How do our products compare to those of our competitors? (This is most likely to be asked in interviews for consumer goods and retail jobs; you need to have analysed the market to answer this well.)
• If you had £100m, where would you invest it? (This is most likely to be asked in interviews for finance and investment jobs. You will need to show that you have analysed the current financial situation and the behaviour of the markets.)

To answer these questions well, you will need to undertake an analysis of the scenario in question.

What analytical skill examples can I give at interviews?

As mentioned above, it is much more likely that you will be asked a question that uses your analytical skills rather than be asked to cite an example of it. In these situations, the best way to demonstrate your analytical skills is to explain your thought processes as you answer the question: show off your logical approach and critical thinking abilities.

Yet, there may be times when you are asked about them directly. Or perhaps you want to support your answer to interview questions such as ‘Why would you be successful in this job?’ , ‘What are your strengths?’ and ‘Tell us about yourself’ by providing examples of your analytical skills. In these cases, here are just a few examples of when you could have developed analytical abilities:

• Completing degree modules requiring statistical analysis or quantitative/qualitative research (eg running surveys)
• Completing degree modules requiring close analysis of source material
• Undertaking an online course on data analysis, business awareness or a similar topic
• Running a social media account (working out which posts received the highest level of engagement and adjusting your content plan accordingly is a great example of putting analytical skills into practice)
• Planning a gap year or travel itinerary (where you might have had to analyse different travel options to find the best one for you)
• Weighing up between two or more options (eg deciding on your university course)
• Undertaking competitor analysis tasks as part of work experience or an internship (eg if asked to evaluate the company's products or services against those of their key competitors).

What exercises could be used to assess analytical skills at an assessment centre or job interview?

At an assessment centre, analytical skills are most likely to be tested via a case study exercise, either in a group or individually. It’s likely that you will be given a dossier of information and you will need to assess the contents and use it to make recommendations to a client.

Your analytical thinking will also be on show if you are asked to give a presentation : the assessors will be interested in what information you choose to include and how you structure it.

Other analytical skills tests will vary according to the role and the employer. For example, it is common for aspiring solicitors to be given what’s known as an ‘article interview’. Candidates are supplied with some written information, such as a newspaper article, and are then asked questions on it in their interview. The analytical skills of would-be engineers, meanwhile, are usually tested by being given a technical problem (such as, in civil engineering, being asked to design an element). A candidate for a software engineer or programmer job might be asked to find errors in a piece of code or to write a product specification for a hypothetical client. An aspiring data analyst, meanwhile, might be asked to evaluate different software tools in advance and be asked to present their findings in an interview.

How is data analysis used in different jobs?

The way in which graduates use their analytical skills – and the types of decisions that they will make or contribute to – will vary considerably according to their profession. For example:

• Solicitors use analytical skills throughout their career, whether to work out how legislation and case law affects a client’s transaction, to judge if something is a relevant piece of evidence, to explain situations to clients, to assess whether contractual obligations have been reneged upon or to research the background of a case.
• Marketing executives most often use analytical skills to assess customer research and the performance of marketing campaigns – that is, to discern what is popular and to forecast future trends, using a range of metrics (such as social media interactions) and data tools (such as Google Analytics).
• Data analysts can find work in a range of sectors, including consulting, retail and marketing, but the role is often technology-focused and requires a computer science or statistics-based degree. As well as analysing and interpreting data, much of the role involves presenting it in an understandable format for non-technical colleagues or clients.
• Insurance underwriters take into account demographic data and financial models to decide whether to accept an application for insurance cover.

Analytical skills versus problem-solving skills: is there a difference?

Analytical skills are closely aligned with problem-solving skills and the two are often conflated in person specifications, but in fact they are separate and distinct sets of competencies. Sound analysis of a situation is an essential stage of problem solving, but you can use analytical thinking for purposes other than solving a problem: for example, by forecasting the likelihood of future events.

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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Analytical thinking: what it is and why it matters more than ever

January 30, 2024

Welcome back to our high-impact workplace skills series. We really enjoyed the conversations happening in the comments section of last week’s top skills of 2023 issue, so be sure to check those out for perspectives and insights from fellow members of our Career Chat community.

One comment that’s been on our mind came from Kendra Vivian Lewis , who asked some thoughtful questions about the comparative importance of workplace and technical skills and if there’s a way to forecast which skills will be important in the coming years. This week’s topic—analytical thinking, the number one skill on the list—is a great example as we explore both questions. Be sure to read to the end to discover a special offer that we’re running on Coursera Plus subscriptions through September 21.

What it means to think analytically

Analytical thinking involves using data to understand problems, identify potential solutions, and suggest the solution that’s most likely to have the desired impact. It’s similar to critical thinking skills , which are the skills you use to interpret information and make decisions.

In order to succeed as a strong analytical thinker, you also need to have strong technical skills in your field. Remember: technical skills describe the things you do, while workplace skills describe how you do them. So your workplace skills, used effectively, enhance your technical skills. That’s why we consider them to be high-impact—they stand to make your work more impactful than it would have been had you only used your technical skills.

To illustrate, suppose you just started a job as a data analyst for a think tank focused on climate change, and you’ve been tasked with raising community engagement in future climate action efforts.

You might start with your technical data analysis skills as you gather data from a few sources. Then, you’ll use your analytical thinking skills to determine the validity of each data source. Perhaps you’ll discard one source when you learn the research was funded by a firm with a financial stake in fossil fuel consumption. Your technical skills lead again as you clean data, and then you’ll return to your analytical thinking skills to analyze and interpret your findings, ultimately leading to your recommendation to start a transparency campaign to display water and energy use in the community.

Tell us in the comments: How do you use your analytical skills alongside your technical skills in your day-to-day work?

Why analytical skills top the list

To develop the skills list, the World Economic Forum surveyed 800+ global employers on their views of skills and jobs over the next five years, so this list is forward-looking. According to the Future of Jobs Report , employers believe analytical thinking skills will grow in importance by 72 percent in this timeframe.

The reason employers are keen to hire employees with strong analytical thinking skills is informed by trends in automation and technological advancements. While technical data analysis becomes easier with automation, reasoning and decision-making automation is advancing at a much slower pace—meaning employers anticipate that, within the next five years, we’ll have a wealth of data at our fingertips and too few people to interpret what that data means.

Where to begin

For a crash course in critical thinking, try the University of California, Davis’s Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional course. You can finish this beginner-level course in about 7 hours.

For a more comprehensive exploration into analytical thinking , try Duke University’s Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization . Over four courses, you’ll learn how to effectively argue and reason using logic.

For a technical process to guide your analytical thinking, try Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate . Ground your analytical thinking skills in technical know-how in this eight-course series.

Interested in multiple programs? Don’t miss this special offer!

Through September 21, we’re offering $100 off annual Coursera Plus subscriptions for new subscribers. With this offer, you’ll pay less than $25 per month for one year of access to 6,100 courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates with flexibility to start new courses and move between programs at your pace.

This offer is a great choice if you are frequently tempted to enroll in multiple courses at once or plan to complete a Specialization or Professional Certificate within the next year. If that sounds like you, take a closer look at the offer and the Coursera Plus course catalog.

That’s all for this week! Join us next week to talk about motivation and self-awareness skills.

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4 Ways to Improve Your Analytical Skills

• 07 Jan 2021

Data is ubiquitous. It’s collected at every purchase made, flight taken, ad clicked, and social media post liked—which means it’s never been more crucial to understand how to analyze it.

“Never before has so much data about so many different things been collected and stored every second of every day,” says Harvard Business School Professor Jan Hammond in the online course Business Analytics .

The volume of data you encounter can be overwhelming and raise several questions: Can I trust the data’s source? Is it structured in a way that makes sense? What story does it tell, and what actions does it prompt?

Data literacy and analytical skills can enable you to answer these questions and not only make sense of raw data, but use it to drive impactful change at your organization.

Here’s a look at what it means to be data literate and four ways to improve your analytical skills.

Access your free e-book today.

What Is Data Literacy?

Data literacy is the ability to analyze, interpret, and question data. A dataset is made up of numerous data points that, when viewed together, tell a story.

Before conducting an analysis, it’s important to ensure your data’s quality and structure is in accordance with your organization’s needs.

“In order to transform data into actionable information, you first need to evaluate its quality,” says Professor Dustin Tingley in the Harvard Online course Data Science Principles . “But evaluating the quality of your data is just the first step. You’ll also need to structure your data. Without structure, it’s nearly impossible to extract any information.”

When you’re able to look at quality data, structure it, and analyze it, trends emerge. The next step is to reflect on your analysis and take action.

Tingley shares several questions to ask yourself once you’ve analyzed your dataset: “Did all the steps I took make sense? If so, how should I respond to my analysis? If not, what should I go back and improve?”

For example, you may track users who click a button to download an e-book from your website.

After ensuring your data’s quality and structuring it in a way that makes sense, you begin your analysis and find that a user’s age is positively correlated with their likelihood to click. What story does this trend tell? What does it say about your users, product offering, and business strategy?

To answer these questions, you need strong analytical skills, which you can develop in several ways.

Related: Business Analytics: What It Is & Why It’s Important

How to Improve Your Analytical Skills

Analysis is an important skill to have in any industry because it enables you to support decisions with data, learn more about your customers, and predict future trends.

Key analytical skills for business include:

• Visualizing data
• Determining the relationship between two or more variables
• Forming and testing hypotheses
• Performing regressions using statistical programs, such as Microsoft Excel
• Deriving actionable conclusions from data analysis

If you want to provide meaningful conclusions and data-based recommendations to your team, here are four ways to bolster your analytical skills.

Related: How to Learn Business Analytics Without A Business Background

1. Consider Opposing Viewpoints

While engaging with opposing viewpoints can help you expand your perspective, combat bias, and show your fellow employees their opinions are valued, it can also be a useful way to practice analytical skills.

When analyzing data, it’s crucial to consider all possible interpretations and avoid getting stuck in one way of thinking.

For instance, revisit the example of tracking users who click a button on your site to download an e-book. The data shows that the user’s age is positively correlated with their likelihood to click the button; as age increases, downloads increase, too. At first glance, you may interpret this trend to mean that a user chooses to download the e-book because of their age.

This conclusion, however, doesn’t take into consideration the vast number of variables that change with age. For instance, perhaps the real reason your older users are more likely to download the e-book is their higher level of responsibility at work, higher average income, or higher likelihood of being parents.

This example illustrates the need to consider multiple interpretations of data, and specifically shows the difference between correlation (the trending of two or more variables in the same direction) and causation (when a trend in one variable causes a trend to occur in one or more other variables).

“Data science is built on a foundation of critical thinking,” Tingley says in Data Science Principles . “From the first step of determining the quality of a data source to determining the accuracy of an algorithm, critical thinking is at the heart of every decision data scientists—and those who work with them—make.”

To practice this skill, challenge yourself to question your assumptions and ask others for their opinions. The more you actively engage with different viewpoints, the less likely you are to get stuck in a one-track mindset when analyzing data.

2. Play Games or Brain Teasers

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills on a daily basis, there are many simple, enjoyable ways to do so.

Games, puzzles, and stories that require visualizing relationships between variables, examining situations from multiple angles, and drawing conclusions from known data points can help you build the skills necessary to analyze data.

Some fun ways to practice analytical thinking include:

• Crossword puzzles
• Mystery novels
• Logic puzzles
• Strategic board games or card games

These options can supplement your analytics coursework and on-the-job experience. Some of them also allow you to spend time with friends or family. Try engaging with one each day to hone your analytical mindset.

Related: 3 Examples of Business Analytics in Action

3. Take an Online Analytics Course

Whether you want to learn the basics, brush up on your skills, or expand your knowledge, taking an analytics course is an effective way to improve. A course can enable you to focus on the content you want to learn, engage with the material presented by a professional in the field, and network and interact with others in the data analytics space.

For a beginner, courses like Harvard Online's Data Science Principles can provide a foundation in the language of data. A more advanced course, like Harvard Online's Data Science for Business , may be a fit if you’re looking to explore specific facets of analytics, such as forecasting and machine learning. If you’re interested in hands-on applications of analytical formulas, a course like HBS Online's Business Analytics could be right for you. The key is to understand what skills you hope to gain, then find a course that best fits your needs.

If you’re balancing a full-time job with your analytics education, an online format may be a good choice . It offers the flexibility to engage with course content whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.

An online course may also present the opportunity to network and build relationships with other professionals devoted to strengthening their analytical skills. A community of like-minded learners can prove to be an invaluable resource as you learn and advance your career.

Related: Is An Online Business Analytics Course Worth It?

4. Engage With Data

Once you have a solid understanding of data science concepts and formulas, the next step is to practice. Like any skill, analytical skills improve the more you use them.

Mock datasets—which you can find online or create yourself—present a low-risk option for putting your skills to the test. Import the data into Microsoft Excel, then explore: make mistakes, try that formula you’re unsure of, and ask big questions of your dataset. By testing out different analyses, you can gain confidence in your knowledge.

Once you’re comfortable, engage with your organization’s data. Because these datasets have inherent meaning to your business's financial health, growth, and strategic direction, analyzing them can produce evidence and insights that support your decisions and drive change at your organization.

Investing in Your Data Literacy

As data continues to be one of businesses’ most valuable resources, taking the time and effort to build and bolster your analytical skill set is vital.

“Much more data are going to be available; we’re only seeing the beginning now,” Hammond says in a previous article . “If you don’t use the data, you’re going to fall behind. People that have those capabilities—as well as an understanding of business contexts—are going to be the ones that will add the most value and have the greatest impact.”

Are you interested in furthering your data literacy? Download our Beginner’s Guide to Data & Analytics to learn how you can leverage the power of data for professional and organizational success.

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Critical Thinking vs Analytical Thinking: What’s the Difference?

What is critical thinking, what is analytical thinking, traits of critical thinkers, traits of analytical thinkers, for example, why are critical thinking and analytical skills important, how to develop a critical thinking and analytical mind , critical thinking vs analytical thinking faqs.

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• Curious:  They possess a natural curiosity and an insatiable desire to learn and understand. They constantly ask questions and seek deeper knowledge.
• Structured Problem-Solving :  Analytical thinkers approach problems systematically. They break down complex issues into smaller, manageable components for thorough analysis.
• Data-driven:  They rely on data and evidence to support their conclusions. Data analysis is a key aspect of their decision-making process.
• Critical Evaluation:  They critically assess the quality and reliability of information sources. They are discerning about the credibility of data.
• Logical Reasoning:  They employ logical reasoning to connect facts and deduce insights. Their arguments are based on sound logic.

• Questioning Attitude:  Critical thinkers question assumptions, statements, and conventional wisdom. They challenge ideas to seek deeper understanding.
• Open-Minded:  They maintain an open mind, considering multiple perspectives and being receptive to new information.
• Problem-Solving:  Critical thinkers approach problems by examining all angles, evaluating evidence, and identifying the best possible solutions.
• Inquisitive:  They have a natural curiosity and an appetite for knowledge. They are motivated to dig deeper into subjects.
• Emotional Intelligence :  They are attuned to emotions, both their own and those of others. This awareness helps them understand human behavior and reactions.

Critical Thinking vs Analytical Thinking for Managers

• A retail store manager might use analytical thinking skills to analyze sales data to identify patterns and trends. For example, they might examine sales data to determine which products are selling well and at what times of day or year. They might then use this information to adjust inventory levels, schedule staff, or develop marketing campaigns to capitalize on trends. 
• A manager might use analytical thinking skills to analyze financial data to identify cost savings or revenue growth opportunities. For example, they might analyze expense data to identify areas where costs are higher than expected and develop strategies to reduce them. They might also analyze sales data to identify opportunities to expand into new markets or increase revenue from existing customers. 
• A manager might use critical thinking skills to evaluate competing proposals for a new project. For example, they might consider each proposal based on feasibility, cost, the potential impact on the organization, and alignment with its strategic goals. They might then use this evaluation to make an informed decision about which proposal to pursue. 
• A manager might use critical thinking skills to evaluate the performance of individual employees or teams. For example, they might evaluate employee performance based on factors such as productivity, quality of work, and adherence to company policies and procedures. They might then use this evaluation to decide on promotions, training, development, or disciplinary action. 
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• Effective problem-solving: Critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for identifying, analyzing, and solving complex problems. By breaking down problems into smaller parts and evaluating each part objectively, individuals can develop effective solutions to complex problems .
• Improved decision-making: Critical thinking and analytical skills help individuals make well-informed decisions by evaluating and synthesizing information from multiple sources. By objectively assessing information, individuals can make decisions based on evidence rather than biases or emotions.
• Increased creativity: Analytical thinking skills can help individuals identify patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of information, leading to creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.
• Better communication: Critical thinking skills help individuals evaluate the quality of arguments and evidence presented by others, leading to more transparent and effective communication .
• Success in the workplace: Employers value critical thinking and analytical skills because they enable individuals to be more effective problem-solvers and decision-makers, leading to better business outcomes and increased success.

• Ask questions: Ask questions to clarify information, evaluate evidence, and challenge assumptions. This helps you better understand the information and think more critically about it.
• Seek out diverse perspectives: Engage with people who have different backgrounds and experiences from your own. This helps you to see problems from different angles and gain new insights.
• Evaluate sources: Practice evaluating the credibility of sources, such as news articles or research studies. This helps you develop a critical eye and avoid being swayed by false information.
• Practice active listening: When engaging in conversation, try to listen to others and truly understand their perspectives. This helps you to evaluate information objectively and avoid making assumptions.
• Practice problem-solving: Regularly engage in problem-solving activities like puzzles or brain teasers. This helps you to develop your analytical skills and practice thinking creatively.
• Practice analyzing data: Analyze data from different sources and identify patterns or trends. This helps you to develop your analytical skills and practice thinking critically about information.
• Reflect on your thinking: Regularly reflect on your thinking processes and evaluate how you approach problems or make decisions. This helps you identify improvement areas and develop better critical thinking habits.
• Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from others on your critical thinking and analytical skills. This helps you to identify areas where you can improve and develop new strategies for thinking more critically.
• Practice decision-making: Practice decision making based on evidence and logical reasoning rather than emotions or biases. This helps you to develop more effective decision-making skills.
• Engage in a debate: Participate in debates or discussions where you are challenged to defend your position and evaluate opposing arguments. This helps you to practice critical thinking and develop more effective communication skills.

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How to Answer Analytical Skills Interview Questions

Why is the interviewer testing your analytical skills? During an interview, your employer may ask you some tricky questions to assess your problem-solving skills and how you use data to analyze and evaluate processes. By preparing for these questions in advance with sample answers created by our team at Workable, you can demonstrate your analytical skills and present yourself as an outstanding candidate.

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What are common interview questions ?

The following analytical interview questions assess how you:

• Gather data to inform your decisions
• Assess both positive and negative situations to improve your processes
• Are able to develop processes 
• Evaluate information through critical thinking
• Think through problems to find solutions
• Set and achieve goals
• Communicate your findings and decisions to a team

Describe a situation where you needed to solve a problem but did not have all the information you needed to do so. What did you do then?

This question requires you to demonstrate your research skills and problem-solving abilities. Use this opportunity to show what makes you unique and how analytical, organized, and detail-oriented you are by supporting your interview answer with real work experience.

Sample answer: “Sales were down, and I needed to find a solution. I sent out surveys to team members to determine the cause of the problem. It turned out that sales were down because employees were not following up on leads. After I implemented a new project management system, sales increased by 10%.”

How do you weigh the pros and cons before making a decision?

When answering the question, explain how you make decisions, what systems you use, and why you use them. There’s no right or wrong system.

Sample answer: “When I make decisions, I use logic and reasoning and ensure I have gathered all the information I need. I then use the facts to weigh the different options and evaluate the likelihood of each outcome. I make the best decision for my company based on the ideal scenario.”

Your manager wants to buy new software or hardware to increase team productivity and asks you for a recommendation. How would you respond?

Your interviewer has asked you to imagine a job-related scenario. It’s hypothetical, but it will test your ability to think through all the relevant factors. 

Sample answer: “ First, I would research which functions are most important to my supervisor and what the budget constraints are. Then I would search for productivity software that would meet current and future needs. Once I compiled a list of 5-10 options, I would narrow it down to three with a top recommendation.”

Explain step-by-step how you troubleshoot [X] problem

You are not expected to solve the problem but rather explain how you approach it.

Sample answer: “I first try to understand the situation. Then I take a step-by-step approach to figure out what caused the problem. If I can’t do it myself, I ask for help. At that point, we should have found something that works. If not, I’ll review to see if there’s another step I have overlooked or contact my managers .”

What metrics do you regularly track (e.g., conversion rates, number of new customers, expenses)? What information do you research, and how do you use it?

Answer this with a metric that you know is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Sample answer: “ I currently use analytics software to track where visitors to my website are coming from and their activities while they are there. This helps me understand how successful our current campaigns are and how often we attract new visitors to our site. These statistics assist in determining the next step for the business .”

Do you need to prepare for an analytical skills interview?

For your interview preparation , it’s a good idea to have some answers in mind beforehand to clarify your thoughts. The best way to do this is to practice using these sample questions and answers and adapting them to your role. You can also prepare for an interview by looking at the types of decision-making questions an interviewer might ask.

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Building a bright future: How Hospitality skills open doors in every industry

Discover how hospitality skills can open doors in any industry. From communication to problem-solving, see how these transferable skills can boost your career success.

In the fast-paced world of modern careers, versatility and adaptability are more crucial than ever. One often-overlooked cornerstone that provides a solid foundation for virtually any professional path is the set of skills gleaned from the hospitality industry. Whether you’re aiming for a corner office, dreaming of launching a startup, or even scaling the creative heights of the arts, the competencies you develop in hospitality can catapult you to success. Here's why learning about service and hospitality offers invaluable transferrable skills that can benefit your career across industries.

The Universality of Hospitality Skills

Hospitality is fundamentally about service, satisfaction, and managing human interactions gracefully—a universal requirement across all job sectors. At its core, hospitality focuses on understanding and meeting the needs of people, whether they are hotel guests, restaurant patrons, or clients in a corporate firm. This focus on service cultivates a suite of soft skills that are in high demand across various fields. 

1. Communication:

Effective communication is paramount in hospitality. Staff must be clear, friendly, and professional, whether they're explaining menu items or addressing guest concerns. This skill translates into the ability to articulate ideas clearly and interact positively with colleagues and clients in any professional setting. 

2. Problem-solving:

Things don’t always go according to plan. A guest’s room might not be ready, or a reservation could be lost. Successful hospitality workers quickly find solutions, often having to think on their feet . Similarly, in other industries, the ability to assess situations swiftly and devise effective solutions is invaluable. 

3. Teamwork:

Rarely is a hospitality worker an island. They must coordinate with everyone from kitchen staff to management to ensure guests have a seamless experience. This emphasis on teamwork helps individuals learn how to work effectively in diverse groups, respecting different roles and collaborating towards common goals. 

4. Attention to detail:

In hospitality, the smallest details can make the biggest difference—think of the placement of a mint on your pillow at a high-end hotel or the personal greeting by name at your favorite café. Such attention to detail can elevate performance in any career, ensuring that projects are completed thoroughly and thoughtfully. 

5. Adaptability:

The ability to adapt to the needs of different guests and handle surprises is crucial in hospitality. Similarly, industries today demand professionals who can pivot and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. 

6. Emotional intelligence:

Dealing with a diverse clientele sharpens your emotional intelligence , teaching you to read and respond to different emotional states. This is a critical skill in any role that requires interaction with people, be it in sales, education, or healthcare. 

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Real-world applications of Hospitality skills 

Marketing and sales:.

The deep understanding of customer needs and preferences gained in hospitality is directly transferrable to these roles, which require empathy, excellent communication, and customer satisfaction to drive success. 

Event planning:

Like orchestrating a perfect stay or dining experience, event planning demands supreme organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously. 

Human resources:

HR professionals benefit from the strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence honed in hospitality, as they navigate employee relations, recruitment, and organizational culture. 

Entrepreneurship:

Many entrepreneurs start in hospitality, which teaches them how to manage a business, understand client needs, and deliver products or services effectively. These skills are fundamental when launching and managing a new business. 

Creative industries:

Whether you’re a designer, writer, or artist, understanding your audience and how to cater to their preferences can significantly enhance how your work is received and appreciated. 

In an era where soft skills are often cited as key differentiators among equally qualified candidates, the hospitality industry serves as a prime training ground for these essential competencies. The ability to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, manage time efficiently, and handle emotional nuances with finesse can elevate your professional capabilities in any field. Whether you’re serving up cappuccinos or coding websites, the skills you learn in hospitality don’t just prepare you for a job—they prepare you for a successful, adaptable career in a dynamic professional landscape.

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