how to display critical thinking and analytical skills

Strong Analytical Thinking Skills: Example Usage on Resume, Skill Set and Top Keywords in 2024

Three ways to show your analytical skills on your resume in 2023!

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In This Guide:

What are analytical thinking skills, why are analytical thinking skills important on your resume.

What traits, skills, and abilities help you demonstrate strong analytical skills on your resume?"?

How to demonstrate strong analytical thinking skills on your resume

Analytical thinking skills are a set of soft skills that help you recognize, collect and process data related to a problem that needs to be solved efficiently. They also help you identify improvement possibilities or predict and prevent disaster.

Great analytical thinking skills usually cover a spectrum of abilities such as Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking, Data analysis, and Research.

To demonstrate what we mean, let’s have a quiz. In WW2, the RAF aimed to reinforce their airplanes so that they have a better chance of survival. They knew which parts of the airplane received the most bullet holes. So, what did they do? Keep reading and you will find out.

Because analytical thinking skills are a set, you will need to demonstrate them indirectly in your resume, highlighting the abilities we mentioned a few lines earlier. HR officers will look for them in the skill section, especially if the job title you are applying for contains the word “analyst”.

In simple words, analytical thinking skills ensure survival and progress. In the corporate world, analytical skills are vital for making an enterprise profitable. Those with analytical skills show the way and lead the path. Decisions and actions are based on those skills and without them, any company is doomed. This is why the most sought-after employees and executives are the ones with a proven record of analytical thinking. To see patterns and trends, to draw logical conclusions, and be able to communicate that within the organization is a must in finances, data science, medicine, marketing, law, and many more well-paid and prestigious positions.

What traits, skills, and abilities help you demonstrate strong analytical skills on your resume?"?

• Observation skills and curiosity : sometimes the data you need to solve a problem is not delivered to your desk. You need not only to see what is in front of you, but what is missing. Remember our RAF planes? Some came back, but some did not.
• Research : once you notice a problem, you will have to look for data. Here you need to be patient, study the problem, and collect all the relevant information and data you can. You need to be creative in finding places where to look for it.
• Data analysis : to analyze data, you need to be able to concentrate and systematize the information. This is where the patterns and dependencies will show up. Your job is to make sense of it and come up with a conclusion.
• Creativity and Critical thinking : to be able to think critically and creatively means to be able to avoid the obvious. Often, critical thinking means exploring even impossible angles to find a solution. A good example that comes to mind is Israel’s 10th man approach, depicted in the movie “Z world war”. The rule states that the 10th member of their council is obligated to doubt anything if all nine others agree on a decision. By the way, do you still think about the RAF planes? Back then they found the solution, avoiding the obvious.
• Communication : once you have a solution, you will need to find a way to communicate it to your colleagues. Here you need to know how to present the information when to present it, how to draw attention and how to inspire.
• Give examples with critical situations on your job that demonstrate those skills
• Describe a specific process or method you use
• Think of major achievements and breakthroughs made possible by your analytical skills
• If you practice brain games and read a lot of books, make sure to include this in the “Interests” section, as these improve analytical skills.
• List specific courses or certificates related to analytical skills

Writing “Strong analytical thinking skills” on your resume is simply not enough. You will need to prove your case, convincing the HR officer that you might be able to think analytically. You have to show examples, achievements and be creative. Remember, the HR officer uses analytical skills as well to find a suitable candidate.

Below you will find relevant examples that will help you start:

Example 1: Show your analytical thinking skills in your experience bullet point

• • Developed a market entry strategy in California, targeting 1 million bottles sold in the first year of operations
• • Increased the store turnover by 20%and the main KPIs by 15% by proficient management of stock and orders
• • Successfully managed and motivated a 5-member team, reducing the staff turnover to 0
• • Successfully managed events with more than 50 suppliers involved and up to 500 participants
• • Recruited, trained and managed multicultural team composed of approximately 100 persons
• • First ever digital content into TV integration increased impressions +2%
• • Invented a cross-category solutions, bringing +3% penetration on Telivus portfolio and +5.7% sales increase

Example taken from our Project Manager resume guide

The applicant demonstrates strong analytical skills by meeting his sales forecast. His analysis of stock and orders allowed him to implement a strategy that resulted in savings for the company. This also shows that he can work with data. The experience in managing events with more participants and at a bigger scale repeatedly shows the candidate’s ability to plan and communicate. The word “Invented” speaks of creativity.

Example 2: Demonstrate analytical skills in your resume summary

Example taken from our Software Engineer resume guide

We can see that the candidate has a major achievement. More importantly, the achievement is for an “optimized” network. Any optimization is a result of analytical skills. Especially useful are achievements confirmed by a third-party organization.

Example 3: Use your achievements to make the point

Example taken from our Resumes of Chernobyl article

This is what counts. We can see that Mr. Legasov “Led the investigation” of the Chernobyl disaster, which is to show that he conducted research and collected data. Then he analyzed the data and using creative and critical thinking he came up with conclusions and solutions. “Pointed to the problems” is the most incredible part of his achievements. Although the party and the whole political situation did not allow for honesty and the spread of information, he put his will and communication skills and work and informed the world about the dangers of RBMK-1000 reactors.

Top related skills to strong analytical skills:

• Public Speaking
• Demonstrate, do not claim: Lead the HR officer through your achievements and results.
• Make them believe in you: List any awards and recognition.
• Be wise with words: Sort and clear sentences. Action and power verbs. Only the essence. You will explain the details later at the interview.

And what happened to those pilots and their planes? An analyst at the RAF concluded that they need to reinforce the parts of the plane where there are no bullet holes. The reason for this was that although hit many times, the planes they studied returned after all. The rest hit in other places, did not.

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How Do You Describe Analytical Skills on a Resume?

11 min read · Updated on December 11, 2023

Analytical skills are in high demand and can help you stand it out from the competition. But how do you communicate them in the right way on your resume? This blog will walk you through each step.

Challenges inevitably arise at work. Employers cherish employees with unique abilities to face problems and find solutions.

Analytical skills allow you to assess data and processes to find solutions that can boost productivity and address a company's challenges. Many job descriptions even include some form of analytical skills as a requirement.

It's one thing to possess problem-solving skills – being able to describe them clearly on your resume is another.  Anyone can say they are a “critical thinker” or that they “think outside the box,” but those cliched phrases are easily dismissed, especially if there are no accomplishments on your resume to support the claim.

How do you describe your analytical skills in ways specific enough to attract a reader's attention? How do you demonstrate that they have brought tangible value?

In this blog, we'll cover:

What are analytical skills?

Why do they belong on a resume?

Where to place your analytical skills on your resume

The skills that enable you to investigate a problem and find the ideal solution in a timely, efficient manner are known as analytical skills.

Analytical skills are used when detecting patterns, brainstorming, interpreting data, integrating information, and making decisions based on multiple factors. They can encompass both quantitative and methodical skills or more creative and innovative abilities. 

If you're unsure which analytical skills you possess, if any, take a detailed look at your accomplishments and your methods for getting the best results. You might have more than you think.

Here are a few analytical skills to get you started:

A creative eye can spot trends in data that others may not see. Creativity is also useful for problem-solving when the obvious solution is not always the best solution. Creative thinkers often find effective solutions to big problems.

Creative skills include: brainstorming, collaboration, optimization, predictive modeling, restructuring, strategic planning, and integration.

Critical thinking 

Thinking critically means being able to avoid the obvious. It refers to evaluating information and then making a decision based on your findings, often exploring even impossible angles to find a solution. Critical thinking is what helps an employee make decisions that help solve problems for a company. 

Critical thinking skills include: process management, auditing, benchmarking, big data analytics, case analysis, causal relationships, comparative analysis, correlation, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, diagnostics, dissecting, evaluating, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.

Communication

Once you have a solution, you have to communicate it to your colleagues so that it can be shared and implemented. Effective communicators know how to discuss patterns, conclusions, and recommendations. They know how to draw attention and inspire colleagues. If the goal is to find a solution as a group, good communicators also know how to lead teams in effective collaboration.

Analytical communication skills include: problem sensitivity, active listening, reporting, surveying, teamwork, oral communication, written communication, and conducting presentations.

Data analysis

Data analysis is the ability to systematize information in order to uncover patterns and dependencies. No matter what the career field might be, data analysis involves being able to examine a large volume of data and identify trends in that data. It goes beyond simply reading and comprehending the information to clarifying larger concepts and presenting conclusions for top decision-makers. It can also involve the ability to see past the data and find the “spaces in between”. Sometimes the data you need isn't obvious. You need not only to see what is in front of you, but what is missing. 

Data analysis skills include: observation, business analysis, SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), cost analysis, credit analysis, financial analysis, industry research, policy analysis, predictive analytics, process analysis, qualitative analysis, and ROI analysis.

Why are analytical skills important on your resume?

Facing and overcoming challenges is critical to a company's survival. An employee with analytical skills can find new solutions to problems that arise and can lead teams down new paths to bolster efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Decisions and actions are based on those skills. This is why the most sought-after employees and executives have a proven record of verifiable analytical skills. 

The ability to see trends, draw conclusions, and communicate options is a must in finances, data science, medicine, marketing, law, and many more industries.

That's why it's crucial to highlight what analytical skills you have for a potential hiring manager. But, simply saying you have “analytical” or “critical thinking” skills in a cover letter means next to nothing. Use your resume to demonstrate your skills in action.

How to demonstrate analytical skills on your resume

The keyword here is “demonstrate”, as in demonstrate the skill or skills in use. Countless resumes will use phrases like “critical thinker”, “communicator” or “solution-oriented”, but can you show how you've utilized a skill in a way that has brought value to an employer? 

Give examples of situations in your job where those skills lead to a solution

Describe a specific process you utilized

List major achievements enable by your analytical skills

Include specific training courses related to analytical skills

Use synonyms to avoid repeating “analyzed,” “analysis,” and “analytical skills.”

Where do I list analytical skills on the resume?

The summary.

The summary is a good place to introduce a skill that has served you repeatedly throughout your career. If you've assisted clients in analyzing their workflow, have often been called upon to find unique solutions, or are a manager known for leading teams through difficult situations, this is the place to introduce that.

Here's an example: Solutions-driven market analyst with 6+ years of experience consulting businesses on trends and products. Lead partner for Consulting Company X. Extensive experience with digital transformation. Revolutionized a client's reach by 20% by taking them online.

Work history

The work history is the ideal place to list analytical skills that lead to demonstrable successes. Here, you have the opportunity to use stats, percentages, and dollar amounts to show how your ability to assess and solve problems increased revenue, advanced markets, or led teams.

In the work history section, you're less likely to use the terms that define analytical skills and more likely to describe them indirectly by showing the success they've brought. 

Make use of the STAR (Situation–Task–Action–Result) model when selecting accomplishments to list in your work history. 

Situation: The employer wanted to achieve a target. 

Task: You were tasked with devising solutions to meet this target.

Action: What steps you took to perform the task. (also, what analytical skills you used)

Result: What was the result of your actions?

When phrasing the accomplishment in your work history, follow the ATM model: Action verb // Task // Metric . Here's an example:

Analyzed $80k/month marketing spend // to optimize reach ; // increased conversion by 15% MoM and d ecreased cost per acquisition by 20%

Take a look at the following example. This resume shows how this person's strong data analysis and market research skills helped advance his company into a new market; how their process analysis skills helped optimize their inventory system; and how their communication skills helped them train and manage staff. The words “invented” and “generated” also elicit creativity.

WORK HISTORY

Project Manager

Artus Springs - Phoenix, AZ

01/2017 - 02/2020

Developed a market entry strategy for the Northwest market, leading to $1.3 million in new market revenue in the first 2 years of operations

Increased stock turnover by 30% and KPIs by 15% by overhauling the inventory management process

Successfully managed a 5-member leadership team

Organized and led events with 40 suppliers

Recruited and trained  a diverse team composed of 100+ brand ambassadors

Invented cross-category marketing solutions, bringing +12% market advertising penetration

The skills section

Because analytical skills are often listed in job descriptions, hiring managers will look for them in the skills section. ATS systems will also scan the skills section to filter for resumes with relevant skills. So, if the job listing to which you are applying clearly lists specific analytical skills that you have, be sure they are listed in your skills section as well. 

Beyond that, it's important to list your analytical skills here in any case. But beware – less is more. Don't list every analytical skill in existence. The key is to list skills that specifically relate to the job or have a strong focus on the industry. Remember, it's crucial to tailor each resume to a specific job offer. That includes the skills section. For example, if the job posting doesn't explicitly list desired skills, look for keywords in the job description that might allude to helpful analytical skills. Is it a management position? Communication skills are a must. Is it a sales position that expresses a hope to expand markets? Market analysis and projection modeling are key.

Also, whichever skill you list in the skills section, be ready to be asked about it in an interview. Before you add a skill to your list, consider whether you can back it up with an anecdote, evidence, or achievement.

The next key is to strive for word choices that are as specific as possible. If the job description calls for “communication”, of course, list that. But is there a specific area of communication in which you excel? Do you have experience with “team management,” “surveying,” or “giving presentations”?

Remember there are both soft skills and hard skills that qualify as analytical skills. “Data analysis” can be trained, but “market prediction” is a skill developed with experience. When considering which analytical skills you possess, look to both categories.

See this example for a research assistant resume:

SPECIAL SKILLS

analytical skills

deductive reasoning

problem-solving

communication

qualitative analysis

quantitative analysis

strategic thinking

data management systems

A special achievements section

An achievements section doesn't occur on every resume, but there are a couple of reasons to include one. For example, an accomplishments section can be helpful if you have impressive achievements outside of the workplace, such as community organizing, volunteering, or hobbies with impressive, relatable skills. 

If you're in a senior executive position in your career, it can be helpful to add a Career Highlights section at the top of your resume, showcasing the many accomplishments you've achieved throughout your career.

On the opposite end, if you're just beginning your career journey, but have significant achievements in school or your community, an accomplishments section is a great place to list them.

If you're looking to use this section to highlight your analytical skills, make sure to focus on accomplishments with demonstrable results.

See the examples below.

Example #1: outside the workplace

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Raised $10,000 for lymphoma research through community fundraisers

Created annual “Feed the Homeless” events within my community, raising $1,500 avg.

Led Girl Scout Troops on hikes of the full length of the Appalachian Trail in 2018-2022

Example #2: career highlights

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Led a team of 15 employees in a local call center location for more than 5 years

Created and implemented a new training program which resulted in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction

Managed an international customer service team of 25+ employees

Implemented Lean Management directives at company X, which cut overall operating cost by 35%

Example #3: recent graduate

EXTRACURRICULARS

Tutored SAT and ACT improving their test scores by 40% for the average student.

Tutored 4 students in linear algebra, helping them improve by two grades on average.

Organized debate club travel logistics for away meets.

Analytical skills in your education section

If you have a degree, advanced training, or other qualification that could help demonstrate analytical skills, make sure you list it in your education section. Majors in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or statistics demonstrate analytical skills. If you're a recent graduate, include relevant minors. If the job is specifically looking for particular skills and you've taken seminars or have received certifications for new skills, be sure to highlight them under education.

Davis University, Bachelor of Science

Major in Computer Science

Minor in Statistics

Teaching assistant Sept 2019 - May 2020

Analytical skills are in high demand. Understanding how to communicate yours effectively on your resume will help you stand it out from the competition. Be specific and authentic. 

Analytical skills are those skills that allow you to discover patterns, think critically and find unique solutions for success. Consider not only your greatest achievements but also your day-to-day successes when looking for your analytical skills. 

TopResume understands that talking about skills and achievements can be a difficult challenge. Reach out to our expert team of resume writers to help build your resume that successfully highlights your skills. 

Recommended reading:

What's an ATS-Friendly Resume? And How to Write One | TopResume  

How to Write a Chronological Resume (Tips + Examples) | TopResume  

Resume Objective Examples That Get You Hired | TopResume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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Expert Tips for Highlighting Analytical Skills on Your Resume: 2024 Edition

In a data-driven world, your resume needs to keep up. Our 2024, recruiter-approved guide on embedding analytical skills in your resume includes which skills to list, synonyms to use, and 15+ examples.

2 years ago   •   12 min read

Analytical skills are an integral part of any job, be it a data analyst role or a senior management position. But what exactly are employers looking for when they ask to see analytical skills on your resume?

Analytical skills refer to your ability to break down problems and come up with appropriate solutions. These skills are useful in any field, but especially in roles involving science, data, engineering, or other tech-heavy processes. Typically, to show analytical skills, you need to describe a situation or a problem at a previous job, detail how you came up with a solution, and quantify the benefits of your solution. In other words, how did your solution benefit the company or project as a whole?

In this article, we’ll explain what the best analytical skills are to showcase on your resume, how to tailor your skills to each application, how to highlight specific analytical toolsets depending on your industry, and how to show analytical skills in each section of your resume.

Let's start with a quick "how to" before diving into exactly what analytical skills employers are looking for.

A step by step guide to demonstrating analytical skills on your resume

If you're applying for a job that requires strong analytical skills, you should:

• Think of a time when you had to analyze something and include examples in your work experience accomplishments. Be as specific as possible and include the results of your actions.
• Include a section for projects and other activities where you’ve used analytical skills.
• List any relevant degrees or other qualifications in your education section.
• Mention technical skills related to analysis in your skills section.
• Highlight analytical skills in your resume summary and cover letter.
• Use synonyms to avoid repeating “analyzed,” “analysis,” and “analytical skills.”

We'll go into each of those in a little more detail below, but first — what are employers actually looking for when they ask for analytical skills?

Analytical skills to list on your resume

If a job posting mentions analytical skills, that means the company is looking for applicants with abilities in:

• Problem solving
• Observation
• Data analysis
• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Machine learning
• AI-driven data interpretation
• Deductive reasoning
• Forecasting
• Brainstorming
• Troubleshooting
• Predictive modeling
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Organization
• Communication
• Feedback and reporting

How analytical skills are changing in 2024

With the rise of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial intelligence (AI), traditional analytical roles are evolving to include these new and emerging skill sets. As AI and ML reshape conventional analysis methods and data-driven decision-making, modern recruiters expect to see experience with these types of tools for a variety of roles moving forward.

Studying modern AI and ML tools can help you update your resume and remain competitive, especially in technical roles. Consider investing in online learning, qualifications, and certificates to add these skills to your resume, as this will help your resume stand out in 2024, particularly for modern data-driven roles.

Should you still list analytical skills for non-technical roles?

It's important to mention analytical skills on your resume, even when applying for non-technical roles. In today’s diverse job market, roles in areas like marketing, human resources, and administration still benefit significantly from analytical thinking, even if it’s not directly a data-driven role.

Demonstrating your ability to analyze consumer trends, assess employee data, or manage complex scheduling shows versatility and critical thinking, and highlights your capacity to approach problems creatively, all of which are excellent transferable skills to highlight for any industry.

How to show analytical skills on your resume

Now that you understand what employers are looking for, how do you prove that you have what it takes?You can demonstrate analytical skills on your resume by giving examples of where you:

• Analyzed data to come up with solutions or improve processes
• Worked with numbers (i.e. show your numerical and quantitative abilities)
• Managed budgets or involved in organizational planning
• Designed processes, background research, etc.

In addition to the traditional work settings, it's important to showcase how you've used analytical skills in remote or hybrid work environments, as employers increasingly value candidates who can adapt their problem-solving skills to virtual settings. Highlight examples where you have successfully managed or participated in remote projects, used digital communication tools, or independently solved problems while working remotely.

Synonyms for analytical skills

Where do you begin when demonstrating analytical skills on a resume? With action verbs . These are the heart and soul of your bullet point accomplishments and the clearest way to tell recruiters what you actually did.

Starting with "analyzed" sounds like a no-brainer, and it should definitely be in there once or twice. More than that, however, and it’s likely to make a hiring manager's eyes start to glaze over. Try shaking it up with synonyms like:

• Interpreted
• Investigated
• Extrapolated

Where to put analytical skills on your resume

The best way to demonstrate any kind of soft skill is to scatter it throughout your resume — that way, instead of just saying, "I have great analytical skills" and leaving it at that, you're painting a picture of exactly what you bring to the table.

This means you should include analytical skills in your:

• Work experience bullet points
• Projects or additional section
• Education section
• Skills section
• Resume summary
• Cover letter

Here are some examples of what that should look like.

In your work experience section

The best place to include analytical skills on your resume is in your work experience section . Why? Because a) it’s the part of your resume recruiters pay the most attention to, and b) it shows how you’ve actually used those skills in a professional setting.

Include bullet point examples of times you’ve analyzed data, including what impact your accomplishment had on the company’s bottom line, as shown in the example below.

In a projects or additional section

Your resume doesn’t have to be limited to paid work experience. If you’ve completed significant personal or university projects, activities, competitions, or certifications , feel free to list these in a section titled “Projects,” “Other,” or “Additional Information.”For example:

In your education section

If you have a degree, major, or other qualification that could help demonstrate analytical skills, make sure you list it in your education section . This could include majors in computer science , engineering, mathematics, or statistics.

If you’ve taken courses or projects in AI, machine learning, or advanced data analytics, highlight these to demonstrate your understanding of current industry trends.  If you’re a recent graduate, you could also include minors or relevant coursework .

For example:

In your skills section

Technical skills like data visualization or engineering software , proficiency with standard techniques, programming languages, and other tools and frameworks can all go in the skills section of your resume, as shown in the example below.

Alongside traditional analysis tools, mention your proficiency with modern AI and machine learning software, visualization tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch, and any other modern data analysis frameworks you're familiar with to show that you’re up-to-date with current and emerging tools.

If you’re not sure of which technical skills to include on your resume, use the tool below to search for the job you’re applying for and it’ll give you a list of relevant skills. You can also upload your resume to the tool — it’ll perform a quick scan and tell you which skills are missing from your resume.

In your resume summary

When applying for roles involving data analysis, put your analytical skills front and center in your resume summary . Your summary should be 3-6 lines, including your key skills and experience related to data analysis. For an even better chance of getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) , include a resume title that matches the title of the job you’re applying for. For example:

In your cover letter

If you want to talk about your skills in a little more depth, your cover letter is the ideal place. Reinforce that you’re a good fit for an analysis-heavy role by expanding on how you’ve used your analytical skills, including the context, end result, and how you plan to use those skills in the position you’re applying for.

Here's an example:

During my internship with Airbus working with fluid mechanic technology I evaluated wind tunnel and flight test data in order to reduce external airframe noise emissions. The analysis that I conducted involved examining data under varying flight conditions and extracting useful information. At the conclusion of my internship, I was able to provide my group with recommendations for improving the model scale testing in the wind tunnel to make better predictions for the flight test outcomes. My work was part of the group’s task to provide continual improvements to the company’s commercial aircraft. I would be excited to use my analytical skills to improve hardware systems, especially early in their life-cycle at Raytheon, when recommendations can have a high impact and positive result for the end user.

Sample resume with analytical skills

Really need to emphasize analytical skills on your resume? Here's an example of what you should be aiming for:

You can download this resume template in Google Docs or as a Microsoft Word document.

Notice that not once does this example use the words “strong analytical skills.” Instead, it demonstrates these skills through previous experience, technical skills, appropriate qualifications, and the use of resume power words.

Get a free resume analysis

The best way to figure out if your resume conveys enough analytical skills is to upload it to the tool below — you'll get a confidential resume review, with a detailed analysis of your analytical skills.

Analytical skills bullet point examples

You don’t have to start from scratch when coming up with examples of resume accomplishments that demonstrate analytical skills. Here are some examples to help you get started:

Don't just say that you analyzed something — mention exactly what you did and what the results were.

Led the first major effort to A/B test the company's core sales landing page and optimize it for customer acquisition; resulted in a 18% increase in new customers.

You can always list hard skills in your Skills section, but it's even better if you can weave them into your bullet points as well.

Built Looker dashboard using data from MySQL and MongoDB to visualize core business KPIs (e.g. Monthly Recurring Revenue), saving 18 hours per week of manual reporting work.

What employers care about most is the bottom line, so if you made a measurable impact on your company, start with that.

Reduced signup drop-offs from 35% to 18% and increased user engagement by 20%, through a combination of hypothesis testing, segmentation analysis and machine learning algorithms.

Problem solving and critical thinking are essential components of analytical skills. Hiring managers aren't just looking for someone who can solve the problems presented to them — they want people who can seek out answers on their own.

Implemented crash reporter and used findings to fix three biggest causes of crashes; fixes reduced customer support calls by 30%.

Communication and analysis may seem like very different skills, but they often go hand in hand. The best employees are the ones with a healthy mix of hard and soft skills — things like teamwork, leadership, and communication.

Co-led task force to realize $1.62m annual savings; analyzed large sets of data to improve fixed and variable cost inputs and recommended additional invoice validation measures.

How to tailor your analytical skills to match the job description

Matching the skills you highlight on your resume with each specific job description is an essential part of showing a recruiter why you’re the right candidate for the job, and how your previous experience is relevant to their position.

Here's how to tailor your analytical skills to each job you apply for:

• Analyze the job description : Carefully read the job posting and identify any analytical skills specifically highlighted in the text. Employers often list specific tools, methodologies, or problem-solving approaches they prefer, so take note of these.
• Use relevant keywords : Look for keywords in the job description and use a keyword finder to generate a list of relevant words to include on your resume. Including these keywords not only shows that you have the specific skills a recruiter is looking for but also helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Customize your experience : In your work experience section, emphasize aspects of your previous roles that align with these keywords and requirements. For example, if the job requires data visualization, highlight your experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI, and demonstrate your practical experience in contexts similar to what the job will entail.
• Highlight transferable skills : If you are switching industries or applying for a role that involves a different kind of analysis than you've done in the past, focus on transferable analytical skills like data interpretation, statistical analysis, or logical reasoning.
• Quantify your achievements : Whether discussing projects, specific tools, or transferable skills, use metrics to quantify your experience. For example, instead of simply saying that you “worked to improve the efficiency of your project’s marketing campaign” , write that you "Used statistical analysis to improve marketing campaign efficiency, resulting in a 20% increase in customer engagement."

How to highlight specific analytical tools on your resume

When applying for roles that require proficiency in specific analytical tools, it's crucial to highlight and mention the particular tools you have experience with. These tools are likely the exact tools you will be using in your new position, so it’s important to be specific about your experience with each one, even if you’re just a beginner.

• Split up your skills list: Dedicate a portion of your skills section to list the analytical tools you are proficient with, like Excel, SQL, Python, R, Tableau, SAS, or SPSS.
• Highlight your proficiency: Be specific about your level of expertise, such as beginner, advanced, or expert, and the projects you’ve used them in. Even if you are only a novice in a skill, it is worth including if it’s relevant to your application.
• Mention specific tools in your work experience bullet points: Directly mention tools in your work experience section, to demonstrate not just the particular tool but also how you have used it in a work context. For example, “Utilized Python and Pandas library for data manipulation and analysis in a market research project.”
• Describe specific projects and the scope of your skills : If you’ve worked on academic or personal projects that involved data analysis, describe the tools and software you used, the scope of your involvement, and the positive results. This showcases your practical application of these tools in real-world scenarios, even if you lack paid experience with these skills.

How to showcase analytical skills at different career stages

Whether you're just starting out, are mid-career, or are looking for senior positions, here are tailored tips to highlight your analytical skills effectively.

Entry-level candidates

For entry-level candidates, focus on educational and project experience, especially if you lack extensive paid work experience. You can highlight analytical skills you learned through university projects, internships, and relevant coursework and showcase your eagerness to learn and adapt by including relevant certificates or workshops.

Conducted comprehensive data analysis using Python during a university project, resulting in actionable insights to improve campus recycling programs.

Mid-level candidates

If you have a range of paid experience, provide examples of how you've applied specific analytical skills in your previous roles. Show your skill development by discussing how you've expanded your skill set over time, such as learning new data analysis tools or methodologies relevant to your field.

Leveraged data analytics to optimize supply chain processes, resulting in a 15% reduction in costs over two years.

Senior professionals

If you’re applying for a senior position, you want to demonstrate your leadership in analytical roles. Focus on how your analytical skills have contributed to strategic decision-making and leadership, and highlight the impact of your analytical skills on company goals, such as improving efficiency, increasing revenue, or driving innovation.

Guided a team in the implementation of advanced data modeling techniques, enhancing predictive capabilities by 25%.

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How to develop critical thinking skills

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What are critical thinking skills?

How to develop critical thinking skills: 12 tips, how to practice critical thinking skills at work, become your own best critic.

A client requests a tight deadline on an intense project. Your childcare provider calls in sick on a day full of meetings. Payment from a contract gig is a month behind. 

Your day-to-day will always have challenges, big and small. And no matter the size and urgency, they all ask you to use critical thinking to analyze the situation and arrive at the right solution. 

Critical thinking includes a wide set of soft skills that encourage continuous learning, resilience , and self-reflection. The more you add to your professional toolbelt, the more equipped you’ll be to tackle whatever challenge presents itself. Here’s how to develop critical thinking, with examples explaining how to use it.

Critical thinking skills are the skills you use to analyze information, imagine scenarios holistically, and create rational solutions. It’s a type of emotional intelligence that stimulates effective problem-solving and decision-making . 

When you fine-tune your critical thinking skills, you seek beyond face-value observations and knee-jerk reactions. Instead, you harvest deeper insights and string together ideas and concepts in logical, sometimes out-of-the-box , ways. 

Imagine a team working on a marketing strategy for a new set of services. That team might use critical thinking to balance goals and key performance indicators , like new customer acquisition costs, average monthly sales, and net profit margins. They understand the connections between overlapping factors to build a strategy that stays within budget and attracts new sales. 

Looking for ways to improve critical thinking skills? Start by brushing up on the following soft skills that fall under this umbrella: 

• Analytical thinking: Approaching problems with an analytical eye includes breaking down complex issues into small chunks and examining their significance. An example could be organizing customer feedback to identify trends and improve your product offerings. 
• Open-mindedness: Push past cognitive biases and be receptive to different points of view and constructive feedback . Managers and team members who keep an open mind position themselves to hear new ideas that foster innovation . 
• Creative thinking: With creative thinking , you can develop several ideas to address a single problem, like brainstorming more efficient workflow best practices to boost productivity and employee morale . 
• Self-reflection: Self-reflection lets you examine your thinking and assumptions to stimulate healthier collaboration and thought processes. Maybe a bad first impression created a negative anchoring bias with a new coworker. Reflecting on your own behavior stirs up empathy and improves the relationship. 
• Evaluation: With evaluation skills, you tackle the pros and cons of a situation based on logic rather than emotion. When prioritizing tasks , you might be tempted to do the fun or easy ones first, but evaluating their urgency and importance can help you make better decisions. 

There’s no magic method to change your thinking processes. Improvement happens with small, intentional changes to your everyday habits until a more critical approach to thinking is automatic. 

Here are 12 tips for building stronger self-awareness and learning how to improve critical thinking: 

1. Be cautious

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of skepticism. One of the core principles of critical thinking is asking questions and dissecting the available information. You might surprise yourself at what you find when you stop to think before taking action. 

Before making a decision, use evidence, logic, and deductive reasoning to support your own opinions or challenge ideas. It helps you and your team avoid falling prey to bad information or resistance to change .

2. Ask open-ended questions

“Yes” or “no” questions invite agreement rather than reflection. Instead, ask open-ended questions that force you to engage in analysis and rumination. Digging deeper can help you identify potential biases, uncover assumptions, and arrive at new hypotheses and possible solutions. 

3. Do your research

No matter your proficiency, you can always learn more. Turning to different points of view and information is a great way to develop a comprehensive understanding of a topic and make informed decisions. You’ll prioritize reliable information rather than fall into emotional or automatic decision-making. 

4. Consider several opinions

You might spend so much time on your work that it’s easy to get stuck in your own perspective, especially if you work independently on a remote team . Make an effort to reach out to colleagues to hear different ideas and thought patterns. Their input might surprise you.

If or when you disagree, remember that you and your team share a common goal. Divergent opinions are constructive, so shift the focus to finding solutions rather than defending disagreements. 

5. Learn to be quiet

Active listening is the intentional practice of concentrating on a conversation partner instead of your own thoughts. It’s about paying attention to detail and letting people know you value their opinions, which can open your mind to new perspectives and thought processes.

If you’re brainstorming with your team or having a 1:1 with a coworker , listen, ask clarifying questions, and work to understand other peoples’ viewpoints. Listening to your team will help you find fallacies in arguments to improve possible solutions.

6. Schedule reflection

Whether waking up at 5 am or using a procrastination hack, scheduling time to think puts you in a growth mindset . Your mind has natural cognitive biases to help you simplify decision-making, but squashing them is key to thinking critically and finding new solutions besides the ones you might gravitate toward. Creating time and calm space in your day gives you the chance to step back and visualize the biases that impact your decision-making. 

7. Cultivate curiosity

With so many demands and job responsibilities, it’s easy to seek solace in routine. But getting out of your comfort zone helps spark critical thinking and find more solutions than you usually might.

If curiosity doesn’t come naturally to you, cultivate a thirst for knowledge by reskilling and upskilling . Not only will you add a new skill to your resume , but expanding the limits of your professional knowledge might motivate you to ask more questions. 

You don’t have to develop critical thinking skills exclusively in the office. Whether on your break or finding a hobby to do after work, playing strategic games or filling out crosswords can prime your brain for problem-solving. 

9. Write it down

Recording your thoughts with pen and paper can lead to stronger brain activity than typing them out on a keyboard. If you’re stuck and want to think more critically about a problem, writing your ideas can help you process information more deeply.

The act of recording ideas on paper can also improve your memory . Ideas are more likely to linger in the background of your mind, leading to deeper thinking that informs your decision-making process. 

10. Speak up

Take opportunities to share your opinion, even if it intimidates you. Whether at a networking event with new people or a meeting with close colleagues, try to engage with people who challenge or help you develop your ideas. Having conversations that force you to support your position encourages you to refine your argument and think critically. 

11. Stay humble

Ideas and concepts aren’t the same as real-life actions. There may be such a thing as negative outcomes, but there’s no such thing as a bad idea. At the brainstorming stage , don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Sometimes the best solutions come from off-the-wall, unorthodox decisions. Sit in your creativity , let ideas flow, and don’t be afraid to share them with your colleagues. Putting yourself in a creative mindset helps you see situations from new perspectives and arrive at innovative conclusions. 

12. Embrace discomfort

Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable . It isn’t easy when others challenge your ideas, but sometimes, it’s the only way to see new perspectives and think critically.

By willingly stepping into unfamiliar territory, you foster the resilience and flexibility you need to become a better thinker. You’ll learn how to pick yourself up from failure and approach problems from fresh angles. 

Thinking critically is easier said than done. To help you understand its impact (and how to use it), here are two scenarios that require critical thinking skills and provide teachable moments. 

Scenario #1: Unexpected delays and budget

Imagine your team is working on producing an event. Unexpectedly, a vendor explains they’ll be a week behind on delivering materials. Then another vendor sends a quote that’s more than you can afford. Unless you develop a creative solution, the team will have to push back deadlines and go over budget, potentially costing the client’s trust. 

Here’s how you could approach the situation with creative thinking:

• Analyze the situation holistically: Determine how the delayed materials and over-budget quote will impact the rest of your timeline and financial resources . That way, you can identify whether you need to build an entirely new plan with new vendors, or if it’s worth it to readjust time and resources. 
• Identify your alternative options: With careful assessment, your team decides that another vendor can’t provide the same materials in a quicker time frame. You’ll need to rearrange assignment schedules to complete everything on time. 
• Collaborate and adapt: Your team has an emergency meeting to rearrange your project schedule. You write down each deliverable and determine which ones you can and can’t complete by the deadline. To compensate for lost time, you rearrange your task schedule to complete everything that doesn’t need the delayed materials first, then advance as far as you can on the tasks that do. 
• Check different resources: In the meantime, you scour through your contact sheet to find alternative vendors that fit your budget. Accounting helps by providing old invoices to determine which vendors have quoted less for previous jobs. After pulling all your sources, you find a vendor that fits your budget. 
• Maintain open communication: You create a special Slack channel to keep everyone up to date on changes, challenges, and additional delays. Keeping an open line encourages transparency on the team’s progress and boosts everyone’s confidence. 

Scenario #2: Differing opinions 

A conflict arises between two team members on the best approach for a new strategy for a gaming app. One believes that small tweaks to the current content are necessary to maintain user engagement and stay within budget. The other believes a bold revamp is needed to encourage new followers and stronger sales revenue. 

Here’s how critical thinking could help this conflict:

• Listen actively: Give both team members the opportunity to present their ideas free of interruption. Encourage the entire team to ask open-ended questions to more fully understand and develop each argument. 
• Flex your analytical skills: After learning more about both ideas, everyone should objectively assess the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Analyze each idea's risk, merits, and feasibility based on available data and the app’s goals and objectives. 
• Identify common ground: The team discusses similarities between each approach and brainstorms ways to integrate both idea s, like making small but eye-catching modifications to existing content or using the same visual design in new media formats. 
• Test new strategy: To test out the potential of a bolder strategy, the team decides to A/B test both approaches. You create a set of criteria to evenly distribute users by different demographics to analyze engagement, revenue, and customer turnover. 
• Monitor and adapt: After implementing the A/B test, the team closely monitors the results of each strategy. You regroup and optimize the changes that provide stronger results after the testing. That way, all team members understand why you’re making the changes you decide to make.

You can’t think your problems away. But you can equip yourself with skills that help you move through your biggest challenges and find innovative solutions. Learning how to develop critical thinking is the start of honing an adaptable growth mindset. 

Now that you have resources to increase critical thinking skills in your professional development, you can identify whether you embrace change or routine, are open or resistant to feedback, or turn to research or emotion will build self-awareness. From there, tweak and incorporate techniques to be a critical thinker when life presents you with a problem.

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Foster creativity and continuous learning with guidance from our certified Coaches.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

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How to build your critical thinking skills in 7 steps (with examples)

Critical thinking is, well, critical. By building these skills, you improve your ability to analyze information and come to the best decision possible. In this article, we cover the basics of critical thinking, as well as the seven steps you can use to implement the full critical thinking process.

Critical thinking comes from asking the right questions to come to the best conclusion possible. Strong critical thinkers analyze information from a variety of viewpoints in order to identify the best course of action.

Don’t worry if you don’t think you have strong critical thinking abilities. In this article, we’ll help you build a foundation for critical thinking so you can absorb, analyze, and make informed decisions. 

What is critical thinking? 

Critical thinking is the ability to collect and analyze information to come to a conclusion. Being able to think critically is important in virtually every industry and applicable across a wide range of positions. That’s because critical thinking isn’t subject-specific—rather, it’s your ability to parse through information, data, statistics, and other details in order to identify a satisfactory solution. 

Definitions of critical thinking

Various scholars have provided definitions of critical thinking, each emphasizing different aspects of this complex cognitive process:

Michael Scriven , an American philosopher, defines critical thinking as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication as a guide to belief and action."

Robert Ennis , professor emeritus at the University of Illinois, describes critical thinking as "reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do."

Diane Halpern , a cognitive psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association, defines it as "the use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome."

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Top 8 critical thinking skills

Critical thinking is essential for success in everyday life, higher education, and professional settings. The handbook "Foundation for Critical Thinking" defines it as a process of conceptualization, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information.

In no particular order, here are eight key critical thinking abilities that can help you excel in any situation:

1. Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking involves evaluating data from multiple sources in order to come to the best conclusions. Analytical thinking allows people to reject cognitive biases and strive to gather and analyze intricate subject matter while solving complex problems. Analytical thinkers who thrive at critical thinking can:

Identify patterns and trends in the data

Break down complex issues into manageable components

Recognize cause-and-effect relationships

Evaluate the strength of arguments and evidence

Example: A data analyst breaks down complex sales figures to identify trends and patterns that inform the company's marketing strategy.

2. Open-mindedness

Open-mindedness is the willingness to consider new ideas, arguments, and information without prejudice. This critical thinking skill helps you analyze and process information to come to an unbiased conclusion. Part of the critical thinking process is letting your personal biases go, taking information at face value and coming to a conclusion based on multiple points of view .

Open-minded critical thinkers demonstrate:

Willingness to consider alternative viewpoints

Ability to suspend judgment until sufficient evidence is gathered

Receptiveness to constructive criticism and feedback

Flexibility in updating beliefs based on new information

Example: During a product development meeting, a team leader actively considers unconventional ideas from junior members, leading to an innovative solution.

3. Problem-solving

Effective problem solving is a cornerstone of critical thinking. It requires the ability to identify issues, generate possible solutions, evaluate alternatives, and implement the best course of action. This critical thinking skill is particularly valuable in fields like project management and entrepreneurship.

Key aspects of problem-solving include:

Clearly defining the problem

Gathering relevant information

Brainstorming potential solutions

Evaluating the pros and cons of each option

Implementing and monitoring the chosen solution

Reflecting on the outcome and adjusting as necessary

Example: A high school principal uses problem-solving skills to address declining student engagement by surveying learners, consulting with higher education experts, and implementing a new curriculum that balances academic rigor with practical, real-world applications.

4. Reasoned judgment

Reasoned judgment is a key component of higher order thinking that involves making thoughtful decisions based on logical analysis of evidence and thorough consideration of alternatives. This critical thinking skill is important in both academic and professional settings. Key aspects reasoned judgment include:

Objectively gathering and analyzing information

Evaluating the credibility and relevance of evidence

Considering multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions

Making decisions based on logical inference and sound reasoning

Example: A high school science teacher uses reasoned judgment to design an experiment, carefully observing and analyzing results before drawing conclusions about the hypothesis.

5. Reflective thinking

Reflective thinking is the process of analyzing one's own thought processes, actions, and outcomes to gain deeper understanding and improve future performance. Good critical thinking requires analyzing and synthesizing information to form a coherent understanding of a problem. It's an essential critical thinking skill for continuous learning and improvement.

Key aspects of reflective thinking include:

Critically examining one's own assumptions and cognitive biases

Considering diverse viewpoints and perspectives

Synthesizing information from various experiences and sources

Applying insights to improve future decision-making and actions

Continuously evaluating and adjusting one's thinking processes

Example: A community organizer reflects on the outcomes of a recent public event, considering what worked well and what could be improved for future initiatives.

6. Communication

Strong communication skills help critical thinkers articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. Communication in the workplace is crucial for effective teamwork, leadership, and knowledge dissemination. Key aspects of communication in critical thinking include:

Clearly expressing complex ideas

Active listening and comprehension

Adapting communication styles to different audiences

Constructing and delivering persuasive arguments

Example: A manager effectively explains a new company policy to her team, addressing their concerns and ensuring everyone understands its implications.

7. Research

Critical thinkers with strong research skills gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources of information. This is particularly important in academic settings and in professional fields that require continuous learning. Effective research involves:

Identifying reliable and relevant sources of information

Evaluating the credibility and bias of sources

Synthesizing information from multiple sources

Recognizing gaps in existing knowledge

Example: A journalist verifies information from multiple credible sources before publishing an article on a controversial topic.

8. Decision-making

Effective decision making is the culmination of various critical thinking skills that allow an individual to draw logical conclusions and generalizations. It involves weighing options, considering consequences, and choosing the best course of action. Key aspects of decision-making include:

Defining clear criteria for evaluation

Gathering and analyzing relevant information

Considering short-term and long-term consequences

Managing uncertainty and risk

Balancing logic and intuition

Example: A homeowner weighs the costs, benefits, and long-term implications before deciding to invest in solar panels for their house.

7 steps to improve critical thinking

Critical thinking is a skill that you can build by following these seven steps. The seven steps to critical thinking help you ensure you’re approaching a problem from the right angle, considering every alternative, and coming to an unbiased conclusion.

First things first: When to use the 7 step critical thinking process

There’s a lot that goes into the full critical thinking process, and not every decision needs to be this thought out. Sometimes, it’s enough to put aside bias and approach a process logically. In other, more complex cases, the best way to identify the ideal outcome is to go through the entire critical thinking process. 

The seven-step critical thinking process is useful for complex decisions in areas you are less familiar with. Alternatively, the seven critical thinking steps can help you look at a problem you’re familiar with from a different angle, without any bias. 

If you need to make a less complex decision, consider another problem solving strategy instead. Decision matrices are a great way to identify the best option between different choices. Check out our article on 7 steps to creating a decision matrix .

1. Identify the problem or question

Before you put those critical thinking skills to work, you first need to identify the problem you’re solving. This step includes taking a look at the problem from a few different perspectives and asking questions like: 

What’s happening? 

Why is this happening? 

What assumptions am I making? 

At first glance, how do I think we can solve this problem? 

A big part of developing your critical thinking skills is learning how to come to unbiased conclusions. In order to do that, you first need to acknowledge the biases that you currently have. Does someone on your team think they know the answer? Are you making assumptions that aren’t necessarily true? Identifying these details helps you later on in the process. 

2. Gather relevant information

At this point, you likely have a general idea of the problem—but in order to come up with the best solution, you need to dig deeper. 

During the research process, collect information relating to the problem, including data, statistics, historical project information, team input, and more. Make sure you gather information from a variety of sources, especially if those sources go against your personal ideas about what the problem is or how to solve it.

Gathering varied information is essential for your ability to apply the critical thinking process. If you don’t get enough information, your ability to make a final decision will be skewed. Remember that critical thinking is about helping you identify the objective best conclusion. You aren’t going with your gut—you’re doing research to find the best option

3. Analyze and evaluate data

Just as it’s important to gather a variety of information, it is also important to determine how relevant the different information sources are. After all, just because there is data doesn’t mean it’s relevant. 

Once you’ve gathered all of the information, sift through the noise and identify what information is relevant and what information isn’t. Synthesizing all of this information and establishing significance helps you weigh different data sources and come to the best conclusion later on in the critical thinking process. 

To determine data relevance, ask yourself:

How reliable is this information? 

How significant is this information? 

Is this information outdated? Is it specialized in a specific field? 

4. Consider alternative points of view

One of the most useful parts of the critical thinking process is coming to a decision without bias. In order to do so, you need to take a step back from the process and challenge the assumptions you’re making. 

We all have bias—and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unconscious biases (also known as cognitive biases) often serve as mental shortcuts to simplify problem solving and aid decision making. But even when biases aren’t inherently bad, you must be aware of your biases in order to put them aside when necessary. 

Before coming to a solution, ask yourself:

Am I making any assumptions about this information? 

Are there additional variables I haven’t considered? 

Have I evaluated the information from every perspective? 

Are there any viewpoints I missed?

5. Draw logical conclusions

Finally, you’re ready to come to a conclusion. To identify the best solution, draw connections between causes and effects. Use the facts you’ve gathered to evaluate the most objective conclusion. 

Keep in mind that there may be more than one solution. Often, the problems you’re facing are complex and intricate. The critical thinking process doesn’t necessarily lead to a cut-and-dry solution—instead, the process helps you understand the different variables at play so you can make an informed decision. 

6. Develop and communication solutions

Communication is a key skill for critical thinkers. It isn’t enough to think for yourself—you also need to share your conclusion with other project stakeholders. If there are multiple solutions, present them all. There may be a case where you implement one solution, then test to see if it works before implementing another solution. 

This process of communicating and sharing ideas is key in promoting critical thinking within a team or organization. By encouraging open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, you create an environment that fosters the development of critical thinking skills in others.

7. Reflect and learn from the process

The seven-step critical thinking process yields a result—and you then need to put that solution into place. After you’ve implemented your decision, evaluate whether or not it was effective. Did it solve the initial problem? What lessons—whether positive or negative—can you learn from this experience to improve your critical thinking for next time? 

By engaging in this metacognitive reflective thinking process, you're essentially teaching critical thinking to yourself, refining your methodology with each iteration. This reflective practice is fundamental in developing a more robust and adaptable approach to problem-solving.

Depending on how your team shares information, consider documenting lessons learned in a central source of truth. That way, team members that are making similar or related decisions in the future can understand why you made the decision you made and what the outcome was.

Example of critical thinking in the workplace

Imagine you work in user experience design (UX). Your team is focused on pricing and packaging and ensuring customers have a clear understanding of the different services your company offers. Here’s how to apply the critical thinking process in the workplace in seven steps: 

Step 1: Start by identifying the problem

Your current pricing page isn’t performing as well as you want. You’ve heard from customers that your services aren’t clear, and that the page doesn’t answer the questions they have. This page is really important for your company, since it’s where your customers sign up for your service. You and your team have a few theories about why your current page isn’t performing well, but you decide to apply the critical thinking process to ensure you come to the best decision for the page. 

Gather information about how the problem started

Part of identifying the problem includes understanding how the problem started. The pricing and packaging page is important—so when your team initially designed the page, they certainly put a lot of thought into it. Before you begin researching how to improve the page, ask yourself: 

Why did you design the pricing page the way you did? 

Which stakeholders need to be involved in the decision making process? 

Where are users getting stuck on the page?

Are any features currently working?

Step 2: Then gather information and research

In addition to understanding the history of the pricing and packaging page, it’s important to understand what works well. Part of this research means taking a look at what your competitor’s pricing pages look like. 

Ask yourself: 

How have our competitors set up their pricing pages?

Are there any pricing page best practices? 

How does color, positioning, and animation impact navigation? 

Are there any standard page layouts customers expect to see? 

Step 3: Organize and analyze information

You’ve gathered all of the information you need—now you need to organize and analyze it. What trends, if any, are you noticing? Is there any particularly relevant or important information that you have to consider? 

Step 4: Consider alternative viewpoints to reduce bias

In the case of critical thinking, it’s important to address and set bias aside as much as possible. Ask yourself: 

Is there anything I’m missing? 

Have I connected with the right stakeholders? 

Are there any other viewpoints I should consider? 

Step 5: Determine the most logical solution for your team

You now have all of the information you need to design the best pricing page. Depending on the complexity of the design, you may want to design a few options to present to a small group of customers or A/B test on the live website.

Step 6: Communicate your solution to stakeholders

Critical thinking can help you in every element of your life, but in the workplace, you must also involve key project stakeholders . Stakeholders help you determine next steps, like whether you’ll A/B test the page first. Depending on the complexity of the issue, consider hosting a meeting or sharing a status report to get everyone on the same page. 

Step 7: Reflect on the results

No process is complete without evaluating the results. Once the new page has been live for some time, evaluate whether it did better than the previous page. What worked? What didn’t? This also helps you make better critical decisions later on.

Tools and techniques to improve critical thinking skills

As the importance of critical thinking continues to grow in academic and professional settings, numerous tools and resources have been developed to help individuals enhance their critical thinking skills. Here are some notable contributions from experts and institutions in the field:

Mind mapping for better analysis

Mind mapping is a visual technique that helps organize and structure information. It's particularly useful for synthesizing complex ideas and identifying connections between different concepts. The benefits of mind mapping include:

Enhancing creativity by encouraging non-linear thinking

Improving memory and retention of information

Facilitating brainstorming and idea generation

Providing a clear overview of complex topics

To create a mind map:

Start with a central idea or concept.

Branch out with related sub topics or ideas.

Use colors, symbols, and images to enhance visual appeal and memorability.

Draw connections between related ideas across different branches.

Mind mapping can be particularly effective in project planning , content creation, and studying complex subjects.

The Socratic Method for deeper understanding

The Socratic Method, named after the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, involves asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. This technique is widely used in higher education to teach critical thinking. Key aspects of the Socratic Method include:

Asking open-ended questions that encourage deeper reflection

Challenging assumptions and preconceived notions

Exploring the implications and consequences of ideas

Fostering intellectual curiosity and continuous inquiry

The Socratic Method can be applied in various settings:

In education, to encourage students to think deeply about subject matter

In business, it is important to challenge team members to consider multiple points of view.

In personal development, to examine one's own beliefs and decisions

Example: A high school teacher might use the Socratic Method to guide students through a complex ethical dilemma, asking questions like "What principles are at stake here?" and "How might this decision affect different stakeholders?"

SWOT analysis for comprehensive evaluation

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is a strategic planning tool that can be applied to critical thinking. It helps in evaluating situations from multiple angles, promoting a more thorough understanding of complex issues. The components of SWOT analysis are:

Strengths: internal positive attributes or assets

Weaknesses: internal negative attributes or limitations

Opportunities: External factors that could be beneficial

Threats: External factors that could be harmful

To conduct a SWOT analysis:

Clearly define the subject of analysis (e.g., a project, organization, or decision).

Brainstorm and list items for each category.

Analyze the interactions between different factors.

Use the analysis to inform strategy or decision-making.

Example: A startup might use SWOT analysis to evaluate its position before seeking investment, identifying its innovative technology as a strength, limited capital as a weakness, growing market demand as an opportunity, and established competitors as a threat.

Critical thinking resources

The Foundation for Critical Thinking : Based in California, this organization offers a wide range of resources, including books, articles, and workshops on critical thinking.

The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking : This council provides guidelines and standards for critical thinking instruction and assessment.

University of Louisville : Their Critical Thinking Initiative offers various resources and tools for developing critical thinking skills.

The New York Times Learning Network provides lesson plans and activities to help develop critical thinking skills through current events and news analysis.

Critical thinking frameworks and tools

Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework : Developed by Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder, this framework provides a comprehensive approach to developing critical thinking skills.

Bloom's Taxonomy : While not exclusively for critical thinking, this classification system is widely used in education to promote higher-order thinking skills.

The California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) : This assessment tool measures the disposition to engage in problems and make decisions using critical thinking.

The Ennis-Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test : Developed by Robert Ennis, this test assesses a person's ability to appraise an argument and to formulate a written argument.

By incorporating these tools and techniques into regular practice, individuals can significantly enhance their critical thinking capabilities, leading to more effective problem-solving, decision-making, and overall cognitive performance.

Critically successful 

Critical thinking takes time to build, but with effort and patience you can apply an unbiased, analytical mind to any situation. Critical thinking makes up one of many soft skills that makes you an effective team member, manager, and worker. If you’re looking to hone your skills further, read our article on the 25 project management skills you need to succeed .

Related resources

10 tips to improve nonverbal communication

Scaling clinical trial management software with PM solutions

4 ways to establish roles and responsibilities for team success

6 ways to develop adaptability in the workplace and embrace change

Mind by Design

Critical thinking vs analytical thinking: The differences and similarities

The ability to think clearly and make informed decisions is paramount to life. This article delves deep into the realms of analytical thinking and critical thinking, shedding light on their differences and how they complement each other. By understanding these thinking styles, you’ll be better equipped to tackle complex problems, evaluate information, and make well-informed decisions. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Analytical and Critical Thinking

Analytical and critical thinking are two skills essential for solving problems and making decisions in various aspects of life. While both involve the use of logic and reasoning, they differ in their approach and outcomes. Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex information into smaller parts, while critical thinking involves taking a holistic view and evaluating information from different angles. Analytical thinking involves the ability to dissect a problem or situation into its individual components and examining each part separately. It requires careful observation and the ability to identify patterns and relationships. This type of thinking is essential for tasks such as data analysis, problem-solving, and troubleshooting.

Critical thinking, on the other hand, involves the ability to assess information objectively, evaluate its credibility, and make logical judgments. It involves questioning assumptions, examining evidence, and considering different perspectives. Critical thinking is crucial for making informed decisions, weighing pros and cons, and avoiding biases and fallacies.

Both analytical and critical thinking complement each other and are necessary for effective problem-solving and decision-making. Analytical thinking provides a structured and systematic approach to understanding complex problems , while critical thinking helps evaluate different options and make sound judgments.

Developing analytical and critical thinking skills can greatly benefit individuals in various aspects of life. In academia, these skills are necessary for understanding and interpreting complex subjects, conducting research, and writing analytical essays. In the workplace, analytical and critical thinking skills are highly valued by employers as they enable employees to solve problems efficiently and make informed decisions. In daily life, these skills are essential for evaluating information, distinguishing between fact and opinion, and making rational choices.

There are various ways to improve analytical and critical thinking skills. Engaging in activities that require logical reasoning, such as puzzles, brain teasers, and mathematical problems, can help develop analytical thinking abilities. Reading diverse sources of information, questioning assumptions, and actively seeking different perspectives can enhance critical thinking skills . Additionally, engaging in debates, discussions, and problem-solving exercises can promote both analytical and critical thinking.

Analytical and critical thinking skills are essential for problem-solving and decision-making in various aspects of life. They involve breaking down complex information and evaluating it from different angles. Developing these skills can lead to more effective problem-solving, informed decision-making, and overall improved cognitive abilities. 

Traits of an Analytical Thinker

An analytical thinker is one who is adept at breaking down complex problems into smaller parts. This type of thinking is linear and involves analyzing cause and effect relationships. Analytical thinking uses logic and reasoning to come to a conclusion, often relying on data and facts. Some key traits of an analytical thinker include:

• The ability to dissect complex information into smaller pieces.
• A knack for recognizing patterns and relationships.
• A methodical approach to problem-solving.

What Does It Mean to Think Critically?

Critical thinking, on the other hand, is a type of higher-order thinking that requires a more holistic approach. Critical thinkers are often skeptical, questioning the validity of information before accepting it. They are adept at evaluating information from various sources and are not easily swayed by outside information. Key aspects of critical thinking include :

• The ability to form an opinion based on evidence.
• Considering multiple perspectives before making a decision.
• Recognizing biases and challenging one’s own assumptions.

Analytical Thinking vs Critical Thinking: The Major Differences

While both analytical and critical thinking are essential for solving problems, they differ in several key ways:

• Approach : Analytical thinking is more linear and focuses on breaking down complex information into smaller parts. Critical thinking, however, is holistic and looks at the bigger picture.
• Use of Information : Analytical thinkers rely heavily on facts and data, while critical thinkers use facts in conjunction with other pieces of information and perspectives.
• Outcome : Analytical thinking often leads to a single logical conclusion, whereas critical thinking might result in multiple potential solutions or outcomes.

The Processes: Analytical Thinking Process vs Critical Thinking Process

Both styles of thinking have distinct processes:

• Analytical Thinking Process : Starts with gathering data, followed by breaking down complex problems, analyzing the cause and effect relationships, and finally drawing a conclusion.
• Critical Thinking Process : Begins with gathering diverse pieces of information, evaluating their validity, considering various perspectives, and finally forming an opinion or decision.

Using Analytical and Critical Thinking in Real Life Scenarios

In real-life scenarios, these thinking styles can be applied in various ways. For instance, when faced with a business decision, an analytical thinker might focus on the numbers and statistics, while a critical thinker might consider the potential impact on employees, company culture, and external stakeholders.

Analytical thinking can be particularly useful when analyzing financial data and making data-driven decisions. For example, a business owner might use analytical thinking to analyze the company’s financial statements and determine the profitability and financial health of the business. They might examine key financial ratios, such as return on investment or gross profit margin, to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of various business operations.

On the other hand, critical thinking can be applied when evaluating different options and considering the potential consequences of each option. For example, when considering a potential business expansion, a critical thinker may explore the potential impact on existing employees, the company’s culture, and the external stakeholders. They may assess the potential risks and benefits of the expansion, considering factors such as increased competition, resource allocation, and market demand.

Analytical and critical thinking can also be applied in personal decision-making. For example, when considering a major life decision such as buying a house or changing careers, analytical thinking can help weigh the financial implications, such as the monthly mortgage payments or future earning potential. Critical thinking can help evaluate the potential impact on personal goals, values, and overall satisfaction.

In everyday life, analytical thinking can be useful when evaluating product options or making purchasing decisions. For example, comparing different phone models based on features, specifications, and customer reviews can help individuals make an informed choice. Critical thinking can be applied when assessing the potential consequences of a decision, such as considering the long-term environmental impact of a product or the ethical practices of a particular company.

Both analytical and critical thinking are valuable skills in problem-solving. They can help individuals identify the root causes of a problem, analyze potential solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. Whether it’s troubleshooting a technical issue, resolving a conflict, or devising strategies to improve personal or professional performance, these thinking styles can be instrumental in finding effective solutions. 

Analytical and Critical Thinking in Problem-Solving

Problem-solving requires a combination of both analytical and critical thinking. Analytical thinking helps break the problem into manageable parts, while critical thinking helps in evaluating potential solutions and considering their implications.

The Importance of Combining Both Thinking Styles

While both styles are powerful on their own, combining analytical and critical thinking skills can lead to more robust solutions. This combination allows for a thorough analysis of a problem while also considering the broader implications and potential consequences of a decision.

Mistakes to Avoid: Misconceptions about Analytical and Critical Thinking

Many assume that analytical thinking and critical thinking are one and the same, but this is a misconception. It’s important to recognize their distinct differences and strengths. Another common mistake is over-relying on one style and neglecting the other, leading to potential oversights in decision-making.

Key Takeaways: The Future of Analytical and Critical Thinking

In summary, here are the most important things to remember:

• Distinct yet Complementary : While analytical and critical thinking have distinct processes and outcomes, they are complementary and can be used together for more effective decision-making.
• Real-world Applications : Both styles are essential in various aspects of life, from business decisions to personal choices.
• Continuous Learning : As the world becomes more complex, honing both analytical and critical thinking skills will be crucial for success.

Embrace both styles of thinking and watch as your decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall understanding of complex situations improve dramatically.

Q: What is the difference between critical thinking and analytical thinking?

A: Critical thinking and analytical thinking are similar thinking skills, but there are some differences between the two. Critical thinking involves gathering information, evaluating and interpreting it, and then making a judgment or decision based on that information. Analytical thinking, on the other hand, focuses more on breaking down complex problems into smaller components, analyzing the relationships between these components, and coming up with solutions based on this analysis. So while both skills involve a logical and systematic approach to thinking, critical thinking is more focused on making judgments and decisions, whereas analytical thinking is more focused on problem-solving and analysis.

Q: How do I use critical thinking in everyday life?

A: Critical thinking is a valuable skill that can be applied in various aspects of everyday life. To use critical thinking, you need to approach situations and problems with an open and questioning mind. This involves challenging your own assumptions and beliefs, gathering and evaluating information from different sources, considering alternative perspectives, and making informed decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning. By using critical thinking, you can enhance your problem-solving skills, improve your decision-making abilities , and think more creatively and independently.

Q: How do I use analytical thinking in my professional life?

A: Analytical thinking is an important skill in many professional fields. To use analytical thinking, you need to be able to break down complex problems or tasks into smaller parts, analyze the relationships between these parts, and come up with logical and well-reasoned solutions. This involves gathering and evaluating relevant data, identifying patterns or trends, and using logical reasoning to draw conclusions. By using analytical thinking, you can improve your problem-solving and decision-making abilities, demonstrate a logical and organized approach to your work, and effectively communicate your analysis and solutions to others.

Q: Can critical thinking and analytical thinking be used together?

A: Yes, critical thinking and analytical thinking are complementary skills that can be used together. Both skills involve a systematic and logical approach to thinking, and they can reinforce each other in problem-solving and decision-making processes. Critical thinking provides the framework for evaluating and interpreting information, while analytical thinking provides the tools for breaking down complex problems and finding solutions. By using both skills together, you can enhance your ability to think critically and analytically, make more informed decisions, and solve problems more effectively.

Q: What are the differences between analytical reasoning and critical thinking?

A: Analytical reasoning and critical thinking are related skills that involve a logical and systematic approach to thinking. However, there are some differences between the two. Analytical reasoning is more focused on the process of breaking down complex problems or arguments, identifying logical relationships between different elements, and drawing conclusions based on this analysis. Critical thinking, on the other hand, is a broader skill that involves evaluating and interpreting information, questioning assumptions and biases, and making judgments or decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning. While analytical reasoning is an important part of critical thinking, critical thinking encompasses a wider range of cognitive processes and skills.

Q: How can I develop and improve my analytical thinking skills?

A: To develop and improve your analytical thinking skills, you can engage in activities that stimulate your logical and problem-solving abilities. This may involve practicing with puzzles and brainteasers, analyzing case studies or real-life scenarios, participating in debates or discussions, learning and applying different analytical frameworks or models, and seeking feedback on your analytical thinking from others. Additionally, you can also cultivate your analytical thinking skills by staying curious, asking thoughtful questions, and continuously seeking new knowledge and perspectives. With practice and perseverance, you can enhance your analytical thinking abilities and become a more effective problem solver and decision maker.

Q: How can I become a critical thinker?

A: Becoming a critical thinker requires a conscious effort to develop and refine your thinking skills. Here are some steps you can take to become a critical thinker : 1. Cultivate intellectual humility and open-mindedness: Be willing to consider alternative viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions and beliefs. 2. Develop strong analytical and reasoning skills: Learn to gather and evaluate evidence, identify logical fallacies, and draw logical and well-supported conclusions. 3. Practice active listening and effective communication: Listen attentively to others’ perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and communicate your own ideas clearly and persuasively. 4. Seek out diverse sources of information: Expose yourself to different perspectives and viewpoints to broaden your understanding and avoid bias. 5. Reflect and evaluate your own thinking: Regularly reflect on your own thinking processes, identify any biases or logical gaps, and work on improving your critical thinking skills.

Q: What role does critical thinking play in problem-solving?

A: Critical thinking is a fundamental skill in problem-solving. It helps you approach problems with a logical and systematic mindset, evaluate potential solutions, and make informed decisions. Critical thinking allows you to gather and analyze relevant information, identify patterns or trends, consider different perspectives or alternatives, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the most effective solution. By using critical thinking in problem-solving, you can enhance your ability to find creative and innovative solutions, overcome obstacles, and make well-informed decisions that are based on sound reasoning and evidence.

Q: Why is critical thinking important?

A: Critical thinking is important because it enables you to think independently, make informed decisions, solve problems effectively, and evaluate information and arguments critically. In a rapidly changing and complex world, critical thinking allows you to navigate through information overload, identify biases or misinformation, and make sense of a wide range of conflicting information. It also helps you develop a deep understanding of concepts and ideas, construct well-reasoned arguments, and communicate your thoughts effectively. In both personal and professional contexts, critical thinking is a valuable skill that empowers you to be a more effective and successful individual.

Q: How does analytical thinking contribute to problem-solving?

A: Analytical thinking is a key component of problem-solving. It involves breaking down complex problems into smaller components, analyzing the relationships between these components, and identifying patterns or trends. Analytical thinking helps you understand the underlying causes of problems, explore different possible solutions, and evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness. By using analytical thinking, you can approach problems in a structured and systematic way, make well-informed decisions, and find creative and innovative solutions. Analytical thinking provides a solid foundation for problem-solving, enabling you to effectively address challenges and find solutions in various domains.

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How to Show Analytical Skills

Last Updated: September 28, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Diane Martinez . Diane Martinez is a Certified Holistic Life Coach and Founder of Conscious Creating Life Coaching, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. Diane has over 10 years of coaching experience and works with clients in person and virtually on a variety of topics including career decisions, family relationships, anxiety, and setting boundaries. Diane earned her Coaching Certification from Alan Cohen's Holistic Life Coach Training Program. This article has been viewed 18,738 times.

If you're applying for a job that requires analytical thinking, there are several ways you can highlight your skills to make you look desirable to potential employers. When writing a cover letter, resume, or CV, think of times when you've demonstrated skills such as problem solving, researching, or critical thinking. The interview is the time to explain how you problem-solve in detail, showing that you have strong communication skills and an analytical mind.

Writing about Your Skills

• You might say that you analyzed a previous company's marketing strategies and improved them, leading the company to increase sales by 15%.

• Make sure you didn’t cause the issue — maybe another employee messed up and you solved the problem, or your boss wanted to make something better and you came up with a solution.
• An example of how to incorporate problem-solving skills into your cover letter might be, "I noticed that our product was being sent back within the first month in many cases. After reading the reviews from the specific people who returned the item, I found that our product was made of weak plastic. I set a plan in motion to change the plastic to a stronger material."

• An example might be, “Researched the best type of freezer truck to invest in and came up with a cheaper alternative to the one currently being used.”

• An example might be that you maintained and updated an Excel spreadsheet with all of the clients’ information on it, and it would be listed under your job description.
• Using exact numbers, percents, or figures on your resume, cover letter, or CV will show professionalism while also providing more detail.

• Maybe you thought of an out-of-the-box solution to a problem, or you came up with different methods of tackling a job.

• This is a skill you could list on your resume under job responsibilities, or you could mention a time when you communicated information to a group in your cover letter.

• For example, you might say that you planned a company-wide meeting, mentioning how many people attended and what was accomplished at the meeting.

• You could talk about how you used your analytical skills to increase the number of hits your company’s website got per day, or how you improved the production process while decreasing production time.
• Mentioning improvements you've made is something you can list on your CV under the specific job title. It's also a great topic to bring up in a cover letter to show how you stand out.

Showcasing Your Skills During an Interview

• For example, some typical questions from potential employers include, “How do you go about solving an issue when you’re not sure where to start?” or “Give an example of a time when you were given a problem to fix, and how you came up with a solution.”

• Avoid sharing stories where the problem was caused by you, even if you did solve it.
• Choose stories that are relevant to the job that you’re interviewing for.
• An example might be, "I noticed that the attendance had dropped at our most recent fundraisers, so I decided to poll the previous attendees to see how they'd describe their experience. I found that many people wanted to donate money but didn't have time to attend fundraisers, so I set up an online donating system."

• Instead of just saying that you planned a marketing event, you could say that you researched the targeted audience of the product and then created a marketing strategy that captured the attention of potential buyers, increasing sales by 30%.
• While you want to give details, you also want to make sure the details are relevant.

• If your job was to create password protection apps, you could start off by asking your interviewer if they use an app, journal, or other item to keep track of their passwords. Then you can give them a general summary of how you did your job, explaining the details as you would to someone who worked in a different job field.

Expert Q&A

• Always try to include exact numbers in your responses to questions, as well as when highlighting specific examples on a resume, CV, or cover letter. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://blog.mindvalley.com/analytical-skills/
• ↑ https://coverlettersandresume.com/resume/skills/list-of-analytical-skills-for-resume/
• ↑ https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/organizational-skills-resume-examples
• ↑ http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/top-10-business-analyst-job-interview-questions/
• ↑ https://content.wisestep.com/show-analytical-skills-cover-letter-cv-interview/
• ↑ https://biginterview.com/blog/2014/02/behavioral-interview-question-problem-solving.html

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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.

About the Author

Work Life is Atlassian’s flagship publication dedicated to unleashing the potential of every team through real-life advice, inspiring stories, and thoughtful perspectives from leaders around the world.

Contributing Writer

Work Futurist

Senior Quantitative Researcher, People Insights

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How to build critical thinking skills for better decision-making

It’s simple in theory, but tougher in practice – here are five tips to get you started.

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Have you heard the riddle about two coins that equal thirty cents, but one of them is not a nickel? What about the one where a surgeon says they can’t operate on their own son?

Those brain teasers tap into your critical thinking skills. But your ability to think critically isn’t just helpful for solving those random puzzles – it plays a big role in your career. 

An impressive 81% of employers say critical thinking carries a lot of weight when they’re evaluating job candidates. It ranks as the top competency companies consider when hiring recent graduates (even ahead of communication ). Plus, once you’re hired, several studies show that critical thinking skills are highly correlated with better job performance.

So what exactly are critical thinking skills? And even more importantly, how do you build and improve them? 

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate facts and information, remain objective, and make a sound decision about how to move forward.

Does that sound like how you approach every decision or problem? Not so fast. Critical thinking seems simple in theory but is much tougher in practice, which helps explain why 65% of employers say their organization has a need for more critical thinking. 

In reality, critical thinking doesn’t come naturally to a lot of us. In order to do it well, you need to:

• Remain open-minded and inquisitive, rather than relying on assumptions or jumping to conclusions
• Ask questions and dig deep, rather than accepting information at face value
• Keep your own biases and perceptions in check to stay as objective as possible
• Rely on your emotional intelligence to fill in the blanks and gain a more well-rounded understanding of a situation

So, critical thinking isn’t just being intelligent or analytical. In many ways, it requires you to step outside of yourself, let go of your own preconceived notions, and approach a problem or situation with curiosity and fairness.

It’s a challenge, but it’s well worth it. Critical thinking skills will help you connect ideas, make reasonable decisions, and solve complex problems.

7 critical thinking skills to help you dig deeper

Critical thinking is often labeled as a skill itself (you’ll see it bulleted as a desired trait in a variety of job descriptions). But it’s better to think of critical thinking less as a distinct skill and more as a collection or category of skills. 

To think critically, you’ll need to tap into a bunch of your other soft skills. Here are seven of the most important. 

Open-mindedness

It’s important to kick off the critical thinking process with the idea that anything is possible. The more you’re able to set aside your own suspicions, beliefs, and agenda, the better prepared you are to approach the situation with the level of inquisitiveness you need. 

That means not closing yourself off to any possibilities and allowing yourself the space to pull on every thread – yes, even the ones that seem totally implausible.

As Christopher Dwyer, Ph.D. writes in a piece for Psychology Today , “Even if an idea appears foolish, sometimes its consideration can lead to an intelligent, critically considered conclusion.” He goes on to compare the critical thinking process to brainstorming . Sometimes the “bad” ideas are what lay the foundation for the good ones. 

Open-mindedness is challenging because it requires more effort and mental bandwidth than sticking with your own perceptions. Approaching problems or situations with true impartiality often means:

• Practicing self-regulation : Giving yourself a pause between when you feel something and when you actually react or take action.
• Challenging your own biases: Acknowledging your biases and seeking feedback are two powerful ways to get a broader understanding. 

Critical thinking example

In a team meeting, your boss mentioned that your company newsletter signups have been decreasing and she wants to figure out why.

At first, you feel offended and defensive – it feels like she’s blaming you for the dip in subscribers. You recognize and rationalize that emotion before thinking about potential causes. You have a hunch about what’s happening, but you will explore all possibilities and contributions from your team members.

Observation

Observation is, of course, your ability to notice and process the details all around you (even the subtle or seemingly inconsequential ones). Critical thinking demands that you’re flexible and willing to go beyond surface-level information, and solid observation skills help you do that.

Your observations help you pick up on clues from a variety of sources and experiences, all of which help you draw a final conclusion. After all, sometimes it’s the most minuscule realization that leads you to the strongest conclusion.

Over the next week or so, you keep a close eye on your company’s website and newsletter analytics to see if numbers are in fact declining or if your boss’s concerns were just a fluke. 

Critical thinking hinges on objectivity. And, to be objective, you need to base your judgments on the facts – which you collect through research. You’ll lean on your research skills to gather as much information as possible that’s relevant to your problem or situation. 

Keep in mind that this isn’t just about the quantity of information – quality matters too. You want to find data and details from a variety of trusted sources to drill past the surface and build a deeper understanding of what’s happening. 

You dig into your email and website analytics to identify trends in bounce rates, time on page, conversions, and more. You also review recent newsletters and email promotions to understand what customers have received, look through current customer feedback, and connect with your customer support team to learn what they’re hearing in their conversations with customers.

The critical thinking process is sort of like a treasure hunt – you’ll find some nuggets that are fundamental for your final conclusion and some that might be interesting but aren’t pertinent to the problem at hand.

That’s why you need analytical skills. They’re what help you separate the wheat from the chaff, prioritize information, identify trends or themes, and draw conclusions based on the most relevant and influential facts. 

It’s easy to confuse analytical thinking with critical thinking itself, and it’s true there is a lot of overlap between the two. But analytical thinking is just a piece of critical thinking. It focuses strictly on the facts and data, while critical thinking incorporates other factors like emotions, opinions, and experiences. 

As you analyze your research, you notice that one specific webpage has contributed to a significant decline in newsletter signups. While all of the other sources have stayed fairly steady with regard to conversions, that one has sharply decreased.

You decide to move on from your other hypotheses about newsletter quality and dig deeper into the analytics. 

One of the traps of critical thinking is that it’s easy to feel like you’re never done. There’s always more information you could collect and more rabbit holes you could fall down.

But at some point, you need to accept that you’ve done your due diligence and make a decision about how to move forward. That’s where inference comes in. It’s your ability to look at the evidence and facts available to you and draw an informed conclusion based on those. 

When you’re so focused on staying objective and pursuing all possibilities, inference can feel like the antithesis of critical thinking. But ultimately, it’s your inference skills that allow you to move out of the thinking process and onto the action steps. 

You dig deeper into the analytics for the page that hasn’t been converting and notice that the sharp drop-off happened around the same time you switched email providers.

After looking more into the backend, you realize that the signup form on that page isn’t correctly connected to your newsletter platform. It seems like anybody who has signed up on that page hasn’t been fed to your email list. 

Communication

3 ways to improve your communication skills at work

If and when you identify a solution or answer, you can’t keep it close to the vest. You’ll need to use your communication skills to share your findings with the relevant stakeholders – like your boss, team members, or anybody who needs to be involved in the next steps.

Your analysis skills will come in handy here too, as they’ll help you determine what information other people need to know so you can avoid bogging them down with unnecessary details. 

In your next team meeting, you pull up the analytics and show your team the sharp drop-off as well as the missing connection between that page and your email platform. You ask the web team to reinstall and double-check that connection and you also ask a member of the marketing team to draft an apology email to the subscribers who were missed. 

Problem-solving

Critical thinking and problem-solving are two more terms that are frequently confused. After all, when you think critically, you’re often doing so with the objective of solving a problem.

The best way to understand how problem-solving and critical thinking differ is to think of problem-solving as much more narrow. You’re focused on finding a solution.

In contrast, you can use critical thinking for a variety of use cases beyond solving a problem – like answering questions or identifying opportunities for improvement. Even so, within the critical thinking process, you’ll flex your problem-solving skills when it comes time to take action. 

Once the fix is implemented, you monitor the analytics to see if subscribers continue to increase. If not (or if they increase at a slower rate than you anticipated), you’ll roll out some other tests like changing the CTA language or the placement of the subscribe form on the page.

5 ways to improve your critical thinking skills

Beyond the buzzwords: Why interpersonal skills matter at work

Think critically about critical thinking and you’ll quickly realize that it’s not as instinctive as you’d like it to be. Fortunately, your critical thinking skills are learned competencies and not inherent gifts – and that means you can improve them. Here’s how:

• Practice active listening: Active listening helps you process and understand what other people share. That’s crucial as you aim to be open-minded and inquisitive.
• Ask open-ended questions: If your critical thinking process involves collecting feedback and opinions from others, ask open-ended questions (meaning, questions that can’t be answered with “yes” or “no”). Doing so will give you more valuable information and also prevent your own biases from influencing people’s input.
• Scrutinize your sources: Figuring out what to trust and prioritize is crucial for critical thinking. Boosting your media literacy and asking more questions will help you be more discerning about what to factor in. It’s hard to strike a balance between skepticism and open-mindedness, but approaching information with questions (rather than unquestioning trust) will help you draw better conclusions. 
• Play a game: Remember those riddles we mentioned at the beginning? As trivial as they might seem, games and exercises like those can help you boost your critical thinking skills. There are plenty of critical thinking exercises you can do individually or as a team . 
• Give yourself time: Research shows that rushed decisions are often regrettable ones. That’s likely because critical thinking takes time – you can’t do it under the wire. So, for big decisions or hairy problems, give yourself enough time and breathing room to work through the process. It’s hard enough to think critically without a countdown ticking in your brain. 

Critical thinking really is critical

The ability to think critically is important, but it doesn’t come naturally to most of us. It’s just easier to stick with biases, assumptions, and surface-level information. 

But that route often leads you to rash judgments, shaky conclusions, and disappointing decisions. So here’s a conclusion we can draw without any more noodling: Even if it is more demanding on your mental resources, critical thinking is well worth the effort.

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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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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.

Test your critical thinking skills for free!

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Critical Thinking Training For Managers Simplified

6 steps to beat common critical thinking barriers at work, how to develop the 8 conceptual skills every manager needs, 7 ways to develop critical thinking skills as a manager.

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How to Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking Skills

• Nina A. Bowman

Don’t be shy about bringing your ideas to the table.

Developing your strategic thinking skills isn’t enough to get you promoted. In order to advance in your career, you need to demonstrate them. Leaders want to know what you think, and they view your worthiness for promotion through the lens of how ready you are to make bigger decisions. Ask yourself: “Do people know where I stand?” If not, what do you need to do to bring your perspective to the table? It’s also important to demonstrate that you can put new ideas into action. Take the initiative on new projects that show how your understanding extends beyond your current function.

We all know that developing strategic thinking skills is important , but many don’t realize how critical it is to your career advancement to show these skills to your boss and other senior leaders. Showing strategic thinking skills tells your bosses that you’re able to think for yourself and make decisions that position the organization for the future. It assures them that you aren’t making decisions in a vacuum but are considering how other departments might be affected or how the outside world will respond.

• NB Nina A. Bowman is a Managing Partner at Paravis Partners, an executive coaching and leadership development firm. Previously, she held various advisory and leadership roles in strategy. She is an executive coach and speaker on issues of strategic leadership, leadership presence, and interpersonal effectiveness. She is also a contributing author to the HBR Guide to Coaching Employees and HBR Guide to Thinking Strategically .

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How to demonstrate your analytical skills on a job application

Career and development

Introduction

You’re looking for a new job, and almost everywhere you look, it seems that 'analytical skills' are a requirement. What exactly does that mean? And how do you know if you have them? Here, we’ll discuss what analytical skills are and how to demonstrate them when applying for a job.

What are analytic skills?

Analytical ability means that you can analyse a situation, problem or issue well. It means you can approach a problem or issue in a solution-focused manner and through different angles. You can also quickly distinguish the main issue from the secondary issues. In short, you aim to understand an issue first and then devise appropriate action.

Analytical ability is very similar to critical thinking. Critical thinkers don’t just take everything for face value, but they ask questions to get to the deeper issue: “Is that true? What does that mean? Why? And how does that work?” These kinds of questions help you better understand the issue so you can give a better answer.

Why are analytical skills important?  

Especially if you often deal with more complex issues in your work environment, it is important not to get overwhelmed by all the information that comes your way. By categorizing and making connections, you can easily map out your tasks independently and perform them quickly. This is an important characteristic in technical and medical professions, for example.

Do I have analytical thinking?

Analytical thinking may be an abstract concept if you have never really studied it. The list below will help you determine if you have analytical thinking skills. Are these qualities familiar to you?

• You quickly see the core or essence of an issue
• You can distinguish between main and secondary issues
• You foresee the possible consequences of certain choices and can weigh them against one another
• You can quickly make connections
• You only take action after looking at the issue from multiple angles
• Questioning and listening is something you are good at
• Sometimes you think too much and keep contemplating before you come to a choice
• You first weigh all options and are therefore described by others as 'indecisive'

Develop your analytical skills

Are the above characteristics not immediately familiar to you? No problem. Like many skills, you can train your analytical skills. A good exercise is to not immediately take the first course of action that comes to mind when dealing with a problem or issue. First, write down in one sentence what the essence of the problem is. Below that, put all possible solutions and describe the advantages and disadvantages of the best three. By being goal-oriented, you develop your analytical skills until this kind of thinking comes naturally.

Demonstrate analytical thinking when applying for a job 

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Are analytical skills a requirement in an application ? Then you will probably be asked to demonstrate this during the interview. Practical examples of how you deal with a certain situation are your best course of action. Below are some examples:

■ Indicate that you never just choose a solution for a problem or issue, but weigh the options first.          Describe an example from practice that shows this.

■ Explain how you can view a problem or issue from different angles.

■ Explain how you involve the input of others in a particular problem or issue.

■ Explain how to map connections by looking for background information or by comparing practical         examples.

■ Give an example of how you distinguish between main and secondary issues.

Example: You apply for a vacancy as a journalist. When researching a story, you make an overview of main and secondary issues to quickly see through the common thread and not to drown in the amount of information.

Use your analytical skills!  

Do you have analytical thinking? You now know what it is and how you can demonstrate this soft skill during your job interview — a must for more and more data-driven functions. Check which of our vacancies  have this competence.

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13 Easy Steps To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

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With the sheer volume of information that we’re bombarded with on a daily basis – and with the pervasiveness of fake news and social media bubbles – the ability to look at evidence, evaluate the trustworthiness of a source, and think critically is becoming more important than ever. This is why, for me, critical thinking is one of the most vital skills to cultivate for future success.

Critical thinking isn’t about being constantly negative or critical of everything. It’s about objectivity and having an open, inquisitive mind. To think critically is to analyze issues based on hard evidence (as opposed to personal opinions, biases, etc.) in order to build a thorough understanding of what’s really going on. And from this place of thorough understanding, you can make better decisions and solve problems more effectively.

To put it another way, critical thinking means arriving at your own carefully considered conclusions instead of taking information at face value. Here are 13 ways you can cultivate this precious skill:

1. Always vet new information with a cautious eye. Whether it’s an article someone has shared online or data that’s related to your job, always vet the information you're presented with. Good questions to ask here include, "Is this information complete and up to date?” “What evidence is being presented to support the argument?” and “Whose voice is missing here?”

2. Look at where the information has come from. Is the source trustworthy? What is their motivation for presenting this information? For example, are they trying to sell you something or get you to take a certain action (like vote for them)?

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3. Consider more than one point of view. Everyone has their own opinions and motivations – even highly intelligent people making reasonable-sounding arguments have personal opinions and biases that shape their thinking. So, when someone presents you with information, consider whether there are other sides to the story.

4. Practice active listening. Listen carefully to what others are telling you, and try to build a clear picture of their perspective. Empathy is a really useful skill here since putting yourself in another person's shoes can help you understand where they're coming from and what they might want. Try to listen without judgment – remember, critical thinking is about keeping an open mind.

5. Gather additional information where needed. Whenever you identify gaps in the information or data, do your own research to fill those gaps. The next few steps will help you do this objectively…

6. Ask lots of open-ended questions. Curiosity is a key trait of critical thinkers, so channel your inner child and ask lots of "who," "what," and "why" questions.

7. Find your own reputable sources of information, such as established news sites, nonprofit organizations, and education institutes. Try to avoid anonymous sources or sources with an ax to grind or a product to sell. Also, be sure to check when the information was published. An older source may be unintentionally offering up wrong information just because events have moved on since it was published; corroborate the info with a more recent source.

8. Try not to get your news from social media. And if you do see something on social media that grabs your interest, check the accuracy of the story (via reputable sources of information, as above) before you share it.

9. Learn to spot fake news. It's not always easy to spot false or misleading content, but a good rule of thumb is to look at the language, emotion, and tone of the piece. Is it using emotionally charged language, for instance, and trying to get you to feel a certain way? Also, look at the sources of facts, figures, images, and quotes. A legit news story will clearly state its sources.

10. Learn to spot biased information. Like fake news, biased information may seek to appeal more to your emotions than logic and/or present a limited view of the topic. So ask yourself, “Is there more to this topic than what’s being presented here?” Do your own reading around the topic to establish the full picture.

11. Question your own biases, too. Everyone has biases, and there’s no point pretending otherwise. The trick is to think objectively about your likes and dislikes, preferences, and beliefs, and consider how these might affect your thinking.

12. Form your own opinions. Remember, critical thinking is about thinking independently. So once you’ve assessed all the information, form your own conclusions about it.

13. Continue to work on your critical thinking skills. I recommend looking at online learning platforms such as Udemy and Coursera for courses on general critical thinking skills, as well as courses on specific subjects like cognitive biases.

Read more about critical thinking and other essential skills in my new book, Future Skills: The 20 Skills & Competencies Everyone Needs To Succeed In A Digital World . Written for anyone who wants to surf the wave of digital transformation – rather than be drowned by it – the book explores why these vital future skills matter and how to develop them.

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How to Highlight Creative Thinking Skills on Your Resume

What is Creative Thinking?

Difference between creative thinking and critical thinking, list of creative thinking related skills, demonstrate your ability to solve problems creatively, feature your communication skills, when to mention creative thinking on your resume.

Hiring managers are always looking for candidates with a strong understanding of innovation and creativity. While you might think that creative thinking is only applicable to artistic disciplines, the truth is that this skill is important for almost every field. Highlighting your ability to identify innovative solutions and bring new ideas to the table is extremely valuable to prospective employers. Over the course of this guide, we’ll provide a variety of strategies to help you highlight your creative thinking skills.

The Australian Council for Education Research defines creative thinking as “the capacity to generate many different kinds of ideas, manipulate ideas in unusual ways, and make unconventional connections to outline novel possibilities that have the potential to elegantly meet a given purpose.” In simpler terms, this can be interpreted as one’s ability to solve problems creatively and generate innovative ideas. As you build your resume, you’ll want to showcase creativity and innovation using specific examples from your career.

Although creative and critical thinking is related, they have some differences between them. Critical thinking is more commonly understood as the ability to solve problems using objective reasoning and sound logic. In some ways, this is an oversimplification, as you can’t identify a creative solution if you can’t assess a problem critically. Both creative thinking and critical thinking skills are essential for success in almost any profession, and you should make a point to highlight each of them on your resume.

It’s acceptable to list creative thinking as a skill on your resume, but like critical thinking, the term is broad and can be interpreted in a multitude of different ways. This is why it’s more important to incorporate related skills that paint a clearer picture of your capacity to drive innovation and creativity. Below, you’ll find a list of skills you can use to emphasize creative thinking on your resume:

• Business Strategy
• Communication
• Content Strategy
• Continuous Improvement
• Change Management
• Creative Problem Solving
• Creative Solutions
• Creative Thinking
• Creative Writing
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Feature Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Process Improvement
• Solution Development
• Strategy Development

To grab the hiring manager’s attention, you’ll want to showcase specific examples of you developing novel solutions for problems. It isn’t enough to mention your capacity for creative thinking. You need to back it up with your career accomplishments. This will help prospective employers gain a better understanding of your unique background. Notice how the candidate highlights their creative thinking skills using key achievements from their experience within the education field:

• Spearheaded initiatives to develop innovative adult learning and education technology solutions to enhance student engagement by providing multiple learning pathways based on individual student strengths and weaknesses
• Coordinated with educators, teachers, and researchers to create novel learning solutions using differentiated instruction techniques and innovative learning strategies
• Partnered with special education teachers to develop and implement new education technology to provide additional support for students diagnosed with autism

Notice how the candidate doesn’t use the term “creative thinking” in these bullet points. And yet, as you read through the content, you’ll notice that each of these achievements highlights the job seeker’s ability to drive innovation and approach problems creatively. Using any term in a vacuum will only go so far, so it’s important to ground these types of skill sets using specific accomplishments from your career.

• Utilized a creative approach to product marketing and created dynamic social media marketing campaigns featuring pop culture, film, and video game references, which contributed to a 400% increase in Twitter followership
• Developed innovative marketing copy and brand messaging targeting consumer interests, including popular cultural references and internet memes
• Collaborated with the marketing team and graphic designers to develop creative assets for digital and print advertisements

In this example, the candidate highlights their creative thinking skills by illustrating their unique approach to digital marketing. Developing marketing copy that genuinely resonates with target audiences requires ample amounts of creativity. Notice how the candidate explains how they leveraged pop culture references and internet memes to drive social media campaigns. These details showcase the job seeker’s capacity for creative thinking and will help to differentiate them from the competition during their job search.

Communication skills are another way for you to highlight creative thinking on your resume. For example, it requires creativity to present your arguments persuasively to a wide variety of audiences. Interpersonal and conversational skills are important when collaborating in team-based environments and are relevant across almost every industry. Highlighting your expertise in various modes of communication will help showcase your capacity for creative thinking and draw the hiring manager’s attention.

Although it’s better to showcase your creative thinking skills using tangible examples from your career, there are situations where you’ll want to include the term directly on your resume. If you notice that a job posting mentions “creative thinking” multiple times, this is a strong indicator that the term is being tracked in the company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS). In this case, you’ll want to include the term somewhere in your skills section or professional summary.

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Explore effective strategies to enhance your analytical skills in critical thinking. Our guide covers essential techniques for improved analysis and decision-making.

• Aug 10, 2024

AceShowbiz - Critical thinking is an indispensable skill in today's fast-paced world, but it can fall short without robust analytical abilities. Analytical skills in critical thinking enable individuals to dissect information, identify patterns, and make informed decisions. This article delves into effective strategies to enhance these skills, offering valuable insights for personal and professional growth.

Understanding Analytical Skills in Critical Thinking

Analytical skills refer to the ability to break down complex information into smaller, manageable parts for better understanding. These skills are crucial in critical thinking, which involves evaluating information objectively to form a logical judgment. Together, analytical skills and critical thinking allow one to process information efficiently, solve problems effectively, and make reasoned decisions.

The Importance of Analytical Skills

In an era where information is abundant, the ability to analyze critically is more valuable than ever. Analytical skills enable you to:

• Identify and evaluate evidence
• Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information
• Understand and interpret data accurately
• Make unbiased and well-informed decisions

Key Techniques to Enhance Analytical Skills

Improving your analytical skills involves consistent practice and the application of specific techniques. Here are some methods to consider:

1. Break Down Information

One of the primary steps in analysis is deconstructing information. This involves taking a complex problem or dataset and breaking it into smaller components. Doing so helps in understanding each part in isolation and how it contributes to the whole. Use tools like mind maps, flowcharts, or outlines to assist in this process.

2. Question Assumptions

Challenging assumptions is a cornerstone of critical thinking. Question the validity of the information and the assumptions underpinning it. Ask questions such as “What is the source of this information?” and “What evidence supports this assumption?” This approach ensures that conclusions are based on solid evidence.

3. Practice Data Interpretation

Handling data effectively is an essential skill within analytical thinking. Practice interpreting data by examining graphs, charts, and reports. Learn to identify trends, outliers, and correlations. With time, your ability to draw meaningful insights from data will improve.

4. Employ Critical Reading Techniques

Critical reading involves analyzing and evaluating the content you consume. When reading articles, reports, or books, look for the author's main argument, evidence presented, and the conclusions drawn. Ask yourself whether the evidence supports the conclusions and consider alternative perspectives.

5. Engage in Regular Problem-Solving

Problem-solving exercises are excellent for honing your analytical skills. Engage in puzzles, simulations, or real-world problems that require logical reasoning. The more you practice problem-solving, the more adept you’ll become at breaking down complex issues and finding effective solutions.

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Applying Analytical Skills in Professional Settings

Analytical skills are particularly valuable in professional environments. Here’s how you can apply them effectively:

1. Decision-Making

High-stakes decisions require careful analysis. Use your analytical skills to gather relevant information, weigh pros and cons, and foresee potential outcomes. This methodical approach will enhance the quality of your decisions.

2. Project Management

In project management, analytical skills help in planning, resource allocation, risk assessment, and performance evaluation. Thorough analysis ensures projects are on track and objectives are met efficiently.

3. Business Strategy

Strategic planning involves analyzing market trends, competitor actions, and organizational performance. Deploying robust analytical skills ensures that your business strategies are well-informed and likely to succeed.

Continual Development of Analytical Skills

Analytical skills, like any other skill, require ongoing development. Here are some strategies for continual improvement:

1. Seek Feedback

Constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors can provide insights into how you can improve your analytical abilities. Embrace feedback and use it to guide your development.

2. Engage in Lifelong Learning

Attend workshops, seminars, or courses focused on critical thinking and analytical skills. Reading broadly and staying informed about advancements in your field will also contribute to your skill set.

3. Reflect on Your Thought Process

Regularly take time to reflect on your decision-making process and how you arrive at your conclusions. Identify areas for improvement and consciously apply analytical techniques to refine your thinking.

Conclusion: The Path to Mastery

Enhancing analytical skills in critical thinking is a journey that rewards persistence and practice. By applying the techniques outlined in this article, you can sharpen your ability to analyze complex information, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively. These skills not only boost personal and professional competencies but also pave the way for continuous learning and growth.

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Top 10 Analytical Skills for Aspiring Data Scientists

In this dynamic field of data science, it is indeed important to develop strong analytical skills in translating data for actionable insights that might drive decision-making processes. As an aspiring data scientist in this dynamic profession, a blend of technical and cognitive abilities will be called for to excel. This article focuses on those 10 analytical skills that a data scientist requires, explaining their importance and giving some insights on how each one is going to guarantee success when it comes to data analysis.

Top 10 Analytical Skills for Aspiring Data Scientists  

1. statistics' analysis.

Statistical analysis is central to data science and helps professionals in the field understand and interpret patterns and trends in the data. Critical to interpreting data is a good conceptual understanding of statistical methods like hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and ANOVA. The data scientist will use these statistical methods to draw inter-variable relationships, and predict, or quantify uncertainty using statistical methods. It is integral in the development of experiments, validation of models, and decision-making from data.

Application

In practice, it helps one estimate the efficiency of marketing campaigns, assess the risk in financial models, and interpret scientific experiments. Understanding statistical significance helps answer the question of whether findings are reliable and not just a product of chance. This is basic in making robust, actionable insights.

2. Data Visualization

Data visualization translates large intakes of data into a graphical format, which aids in the detection of patterns, trends, and outliers. Good visualization skills empower data scientists to communicate their findings clearly and persuasively to the stakeholders. The tools that strengthen data visualization are Tableau, Power BI, and Matplotlib in Python, for creating charts, graphs, and dashboards to interpret the data and make decisions. One should take data visualization courses to master Tableau and Power BI , two of the most important analytical skills to learn as an aspiring data scientist.

Data visualization allows one to share the result with a nontechnical person such as company executives or clients. The visual tools would be very supportive for a data scientist to highlight core insights and trends from data to make it more accessible. Besides, data visualization supports exploratory data analysis to reveal latent patterns and insights.

3. Programming

Programming is one of the core competencies of a data scientist that helps them manipulate, clean, and analyze data efficiently. In mastering these programming languages, including Python and R, a data scientist could implement some algorithms, run statistical analyses, and automate tasks needed in doing repetitive work. Further, it also requires knowledge of SQL to query databases for data extraction.

It teaches you how to analyze data, predictive models, and the ways to fuse data that come from various sources. It is possible to do all these using programming skills. For example, in Python, such a package could be Pandas. Scikit-learn would aid in data manipulation and model building. Then SQL would be used for managing and querying large datasets. So learning SQL , Python, and other programming languages will ease the workflow of analysis and increase productivity.

4. Machine Learning

Machine learning treats algorithms and methodologies that permit either a system or machine to learn from data and make decisions or predictions. Soundness in topics of machine learning, such as supervised and unsupervised learning, model evaluation, and applications in selections of algorithms, needs to be developed. This will help the development of predictive models from these complex data.

Machine learning is applied in data science in tasks such as customer segmentation, fraud detection, and recommendation systems. For example, through ML algorithms, customer churn can be predicted, and products can be recommended based on user behavior. Data scientists, highly competent in ML, build good models that provide the business with insights to be used in influencing strategic decisions. You can study machine learning without code , making it an analytical skill even aspiring data scientists from non-tech backgrounds can master.

5. Data Cleansing and Preparation

Data cleaning and preparation is one of the most critical processes in the analysis process. This skill pertains to the identification and subsequent correction of errors; handling of missing values; and transformation of data into an appropriate format for analysis. Therefore, clean and well-prepared data is integral in producing a correct and reliable result since poor data quality can lead to misleading conclusions. So, mastering data cleaning and preprocessing techniques is an essential analytical skill for your career as an aspiring data scientist.

Data cleaning activities involve removing duplicates, standardizing formats, dealing with inconsistencies, and, for any dataset, missing values that the data scientists must decide whether to impute or drop incomplete records. Proper preparation of data ensures that the analysis and models continue with good data, thus gaining accurate, credible insights upon which action can be undertaken.

6. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the exercise of analyzing information and evaluating it from multiple viewpoints to make informed decisions. It is also a very important trait for a data scientist to apply genuinely in verifying if a source used for data is credible, interpreting results correctly, and detecting a possible error or biases in an analysis.

A data scientist needs to support decisions by questioning assumptions, scrutinizing the implications of their findings, or considering alternative explanations. For instance, when interpreting the correlation between two variables, critical thinking will generally make a data scientist think that other underlying factors may have influenced the relationship. This analytical approach will ensure that the insights are solid and based on evidence.

7. Domain Knowledge

Domain knowledge is the understanding of a specific industry or field to which one applies data science. Being a domain expert allows data scientists to interpret data about challenges and opportunities that are specific to the industry, rendering the extracted insights relevant and useful.

Domain knowledge allows a data scientist to fine-tune the analysis process based on the appropriateness of the business and industry trends. For instance, a data scientist employed in the healthcare industry has to understand medical terminologies and patient data. This way he can come up with working predictive models for disease prognosis. Domain expertise ensures that the data-driven solutions match with industry requirements to achieve desired goals. 

8. Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills involve the identification, analysis, and effective correction of issues. For data scientists, this relates to solving challenges such as data quality problems, model performance issues, and complex analytical tasks. Being strong at problem-solving enables data scientists to innovate new ways and push past analysis obstacles in the search for solutions to new problems.

Applications

This builds up your problem-solving skills. And problem-solving skills are required to understand how to proceed when data analysis takes a different turn. For example, in the event of underperformance of machine learning models, data scientists ought to be in a position to diagnose the problem. Problems like feature selection, over-fitting, and the like and applying the right measures. Good problem-solving skills ensure data scientists can maneuver through complexities to provide the present insights required.

9. Presentation Skills

Effective communication enables data scientists to clearly and persuasively present findings across a broad range of stakeholders. This means the capability to make clear findings from data by explaining technical information and communicating messages adapted to specific audiences. Communication ensures that the meaning is understood and the recommended courses of action are followed through.

Data scientists apply communication skills in preparing reports, presentations and dashboards visually outlining the most important insights and recommendations. For instance, to explain the output of a predictive model to non-technical stakeholders, the data scientist needs to focus on the results the stakeholders can act on and avoid going into great technical detail. Effective communication skills facilitate the ability to work with others. In so doing, this guarantees that insights drive informed decision-making.

10. Project Management

Project management skills involve planning, executing, and overseeing the accomplishment of data science projects to get them done promptly and within scope. This will also be key in managing the workflow, coordinating with the team members, and realizing the project goals.

Project management skills offer effective ways to outline project objectives, make work estimates, and handle resources for the proper management of data science projects. For instance, in the process of developing a new data model, the data scientist must plan the various stages of the project, make planned work distribution, and track the task in progress. Project management ensures that projects related to data science are properly carried out and their respective objectives are met.

The aspiration to become a future data scientist involves developing a strong set of analytical skills in an extremely competitive and dynamic environment. From statistical analysis and machine learning to effective communication and project management, each skill contributes to the ability to transform data into meaningful insights and drive strategic decisions. You can gain these analytical skills from various free data science courses available on websites like Coursera and Udemy etc.

Grooming these skills will help the data scientist empower themselves in the face of the most complex challenges to make their little contribution to the huge world of organizations and industries and hence bring impactful change in the right direction. Now, whether you're just starting in data science or initiating its development, growing your skill set within these top analytical skills will build a good foundation for this dynamic profession.

Related Stories

• Open access
• Published: 06 August 2024

Assessing the interplay of presentation and competency in online video examinations: a focus on health system science education

• Phoomjai Sornsenee 1 ,
• Pawita Limsomwong 1 ,
• Polathep Vichitkunakorn 1 ,
• Supakorn Sripaew 1 ,
• Supinya Sono 1 ,
• Kanisorn Sungkaro 2 ,
• Theepat Wongkittithaworn 3 ,
• Thadakorn Tantisarasart 4 ,
• Pongphon Chuchuen 5 ,
• Katti Sathaporn 6 &
• Kwanchanok Chantaramanee 7  

BMC Medical Education volume  24 , Article number:  842 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Metrics details

The integration of Health System Science (HSS) in medical education emphasizes mastery of competencies beyond mere knowledge acquisition. With the shift to online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased emphasis on Technology Enhanced Assessment (TEA) methods, such as video assessments, to evaluate these competencies. This study investigates the efficacy of online video assessments in evaluating medical students’ competency in HSS.

A comprehensive assessment was conducted on first-year medical students ( n  = 10) enrolled in a newly developed curriculum integrating Health System Science (HSS) into the Bachelor of Medicine program in 2021. Students undertook three exams focusing on HSS competency. Their video responses were evaluated by a panel of seven expert assessors using a detailed rubric. Spearman rank correlation and the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were utilized to determine correlations and reliability among assessor scores, while a mixed-effects model was employed to assess the relationship between foundational HSS competencies (C) and presentation skills (P).

Positive correlations were observed in inter-rater reliability, with ICC values suggesting a range of reliability from poor to moderate. A positive correlation between C and P scores was identified in the mixed-effects model. The study also highlighted variations in reliability and correlation, which might be attributed to differences in content, grading criteria, and the nature of individual exams.

Our findings indicate that effective presentation enhances the perceived competency of medical students, emphasizing the need for standardized assessment criteria and consistent assessor training in online environments. This study highlights the critical roles of comprehensive competency assessments and refined presentation skills in online medical education, ensuring accurate and reliable evaluations.

Peer Review reports

In medical education, assessment extends beyond mere knowledge acquisition. It emphasizes the mastery of essential skills and the medical profession. [ 1 ] Among various approaches, competency-based assessment stands out, [ 2 ] as it encompasses the full range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. [ 3 ] This approach focuses extensively on Health System Science (HSS), which is globally recognized as the third pillar of medical education. [ 4 ] HSS integrates systems thinking and the complexities of healthcare systems, equipping medical professionals to adeptly navigate and manage the socio-economic, political, and interpersonal factors influencing healthcare. [ 5 ] Furthermore, the cognitive domain is an integral facet of HSS, emphasizing Higher-Order Thinking (HOT) skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. [ 6 , 7 ] These skills are crucial to effectively engaging with the broader constructs of HSS.

The challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped traditional teaching and prompted a re-evaluation of existing assessment methods. [ 8 , 9 , 10 ] Global institutions, faced with the limitations of in-person interactions, have found it essential to transition to digital platforms. [ 10 ] This shift has highlighted the need for adopting Technology Enhanced Assessment (TEA) methods, which align well with the emerging online teaching environment. [ 11 , 12 ] In this new paradigm, it is crucial that TEA methods, especially online video assessments, effectively evaluate competencies for the digital age. However, their efficacy in specific areas like HSS remains under exploration.

Oral presentations, especially in online video formats, may offer unique insights into a student’s HOT capabilities, which are essential for HSS assessments. These evaluations could potentially elucidate core areas within HSS, such as systems thinking, health policy, and the social sciences. Previous studies hint at the efficacy of oral assessments in areas like social sciences [ 13 ] and professionalism. [ 14 ] However, the robustness and reliability of video-based oral presentations as an assessment tool warrant further investigation. Another consideration is the potential bias resulting from varying presentation skills. [ 15 , 16 ] Students with exemplary presentation skills may overshadow essential content gaps, while those less adept at presenting might not be duly acknowledged for their depth of HSS knowledge. To ensure fair and effective assessment, it is critical to carefully differentiate true competency from mere presentation prowess.

In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of online video assessments in capturing medical students’ competency in the HSS curriculum, focusing on topics like systems thinking, health policy, medical ethics, and social health determinants. Our research primarily aims to gauge score consistency across assessors. We employ the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) to measure inter-rater reliability and use Spearman’s Rho—a statistical method—to determine correlations among assessors. Alongside, we explore the relationship between foundational HSS competenies (C) and presentation skills (P) through mixed-effects modeling. Elucidating the interplay between C and P offers a nuanced perspective for HSS assessments.

Study design, setting, and participants

The study involved a comprehensive assessment of all first-year medical students ( n  = 10) enrolled in a newly developed curriculum integrating Health System Science (HSS) into the Bachelor of Medicine program in 2021. The curriculum aims primarily at two objectives. First, it seeks to provide comprehensive medical education enriched with HSS concepts. Second, it intends to attract students from rural areas, nurturing them with the hope they will return and serve their home communities, equipped with a deep understanding of the public health system.

Examination process

First-year medical students undertook three distinct exams, each designed to assess various dimensions and complexities of Higher-Order Thinking (HOT) skills within the Health System Science (HSS) curriculum. For a detailed breakdown of exam formats, materials, and timing, refer to Table  1 .

Exam 1 on Social Health Determinants (SDHs) : This exam assesses foundational HOT skills such as understanding, recall, and application, in addition to critical thinking and problem-solving. It integrates theoretical and practical elements to evaluate how students apply systems thinking to real-world health challenges.

Exam 2 on Health Care Policy : This exam focuses on deeper analytical and synthetic HOT skills, evaluating students’ abilities to critically engage with and construct reasoned arguments regarding health policy issues.

Exam 3 on Medical Ethics : Similarly, this exam tests the students’ ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ethical dilemmas in medical practice, enhancing their understanding of the ethical frameworks essential to health system science.

Each exam incorporates elements of systems thinking, foundational to mastering HSS. The assessments were developed by an impartial educator and are conducted over a standardized 40-minute session, utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) developed by the faculty of medicine.

Assessment technique and evaluation

After the three exams, students’ response videos were assessed by a panel of seven expert assessors specializing in medical education. The assessment process utilized a detailed rubric, designed to capture the depth and nuance of HOT as intended in each exam. This rubric, informed by the principles of HOT and HSS, combined a numerical scale (ranging from 1 to 10) with explicit descriptors for each score, providing clarity on performance expectations. This ensured evaluations were consistent and adequately represented the depth of student understanding in relation to the complexities integrated into the three exams. The training of our panel of assessors focused on the foundational principles of Health System Science (HSS) and the effective application of the assessment rubric. The initial session introduced the assessors to the rubric, highlighting its alignment with key HSS competencies such as systems thinking and value based care. This included a detailed explanation of the scoring system and performance standards.

The students were assessed based on two primary criteria. First , their competency skills were evaluated using the rubric formulated by the educational research team to capture the nuances of HOT. Second , their presentation skills were assessed, focusing on accuracy, clarity, and the effectiveness of their communication, drawing from criteria established in previous research. [ 16 ]

Statistical analysis and reliability assessment

Assessor Score Correlation : We utilized the Spearman rank correlation method to understand the interrelationships among assessor scores. Data for each of the three exams (Exams 1–3) are presented in tables, which display the Spearman’s rho coefficients for competency (C) scores and presentation (P) scores. A rho value near 1 signifies a strong correlation; a value between 0.5 and 0.75 indicates a moderate correlation; a value between 0.3 and 0.5 suggests a weak correlation; and a value close to 0 implies negligible correlation.

Reliability Estimation : The level of agreement among assessors was quantified using the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Each ICC value was complemented with its respective 95% confidence interval. It is essential to note the interpretative context of the ICC values: those below 0.5 signify poor reliability; values ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 denote moderate reliability; values between 0.75 and 0.9 are indicative of good reliability; and values exceeding 0.9 are demonstrative of excellent reliability.

Relationship between Presentation and Competency : A jitter plot depicted individual student performances, with colors differentiating each assessor. A mixed-effects model was implemented to consider potential variability due to individual assessors. The model’s coefficient indicated the anticipated shift in competency relative to presentation skills.

Software and Packages : All analytical processes, from data visualization to heat map creation, were executed using R software, version 4.3.1 with packages. [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]

Our evaluation offers insights into both the correlation and reliability of assessments. The 10 participants, scores across the three exams were evaluated by seven expert assessors. Spearman’s Rho values, as illustrated in Tables  2 and 3 , indicate correlations for competency scores (C) and presentation scores (P). All correlations emerged as positive; however, there were discernible variations in strength from weak to strong for both competency and presentation scores across different assessors and exams. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values for C scores across exams were 0.42 (95% CI = 0.18–0.74) for Exam 1, 0.27 (95% CI = 0.09–0.61) for Exam 2, and 0.35 (95% CI = 0.12–0.68) for Exam 3. P scores for these exams were 0.44 (95% CI = 0.20–0.75) for Exam 1, 0.32 (95% CI = 0.12–0.66) for Exam 2, and 0.48 (95% CI = 0.24–0.78) for Exam 3. When considering the 95% confidence intervals for both competency and presentation scores, these ICC values suggest a range of reliability from poor to moderate.

Further exploration of the correlation between C and P scores across the three exams is depicted in Figs.  1 and 2 , and 3 , respectively. Each figure presents a jitter plot that highlights individual data points; different colors represent individual assessors. The overall mixed-effects model prediction is captured by a red dotted line, flanked by the 95% confidence interval (CI). For Exam 1, the model indicates a positive correlation between C and P scores with a coefficient of 0.16, but this is not statistically significant ( p  = 0.073). In contrast, both Exams 2 and 3 consistently showed statistically significant positive correlations between C and P scores, with all assessors reflecting this trend.

Jitter plot of exam 1 with individual assessor lines and mixed-effects model correlating competency and presentation scores

Jitter plot of exam 2 with individual assessor lines and mixed-effects model correlating competency and presentation scores

Jitter plot of exam 3 with individual assessor lines and mixed-effects model correlating competency and presentation scores

Medical education, especially in areas like HSS, has significantly evolved due to global trends. As digital platforms have surged in popularity, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis on online assessments has grown. Our study, deeply rooted in HSS, sheds light on the broader challenges of online evaluations. Specifically, it underscores the balance required between content mastery and effective presentation in an environment where both are paramount.

One key finding from our study is the role of assessor calibration. Using statistical measures like ICC and Spearman’s rho, we observed a positive correlation in inter-rater reliability, accompanied by variations. It is imperative to recognize that our research’s primary objective was not solely to evaluate the efficiency of our rubric scores but to scrutinize the efficacy of our video assessment design for HSS. Prior studies support our conclusions, suggesting that rubric-based grading can have varying reliability. [ 21 , 22 , 23 ] Such deviations can arise due to factors including the content under examination, the adopted grading criteria, statistical evaluation methods, the nature of the test, and the number of involved assessors or participants. [ 21 , 24 ]

In addressing the challenges of evaluating complex topics such as healthcare politics and policies, our assessor training was tailored to enhance the use of a comprehensive rubric and objective assessment skills. The training included detailed reviews of HSS case studies and scenario-based exercises, emphasizing strategies to mitigate personal biases and maintain consistency across varied content. This approach helped ensure that all assessors were equipped to objectively assess responses, even in subjects prone to subjective interpretation. Upon deeper observation, we found that Exam 2 showed a lower correlation among scorers compared to Exams 1 and 3. This could be attributed to the content of Exam 2, which focused on healthcare politics and policies. Such policy-oriented topics can lead to varied interpretations among assessors, making it challenging to determine a universally acceptable answer. [ 25 ]

Our research underscores the crucial balance between competency and presentation skills. With the rise of digital platforms, the ability to articulate and communicate effectively has become indispensable for professional competency. [ 26 ] A related study, utilizing platforms like Zoom for assessments, aligns with our findings. [ 27 ] It emphasizes that when evaluating online, it is essential to distinguish domains like metacognition and creativity. Many evaluation methodologies prioritize oral presentation capabilities, relegating content knowledge to a secondary role. [ 14 , 15 , 28 ] In disciplines demanding HOT skills, such as HSS, merging these domains could potentially obscure the importance of specific competencies. Therefore, to ensure fair and effective assessments, it is vital to carefully differentiate between true competency and the enhancement effect of presentation prowess. This vigilance is crucial because exemplary presentation skills can sometimes overshadow gaps in content knowledge, while less polished presentation skills might lead to underestimation of a student’s understanding and competence. In response to this challenge, educational institutions should incorporate robust communication and presentation training modules into their curricula. [ 28 ] This would ensure that graduates are not only well-versed in their fields but also adept at articulating their knowledge.

Reflecting on our video assessment approach in HSS, the novel method we employed to understand the nexus between competency and presentation skills emerges as a strength. With the prevailing trend of transitioning to digital platforms in medical education, our insights stress the essence of both thorough content comprehension and proficient communication.

In our study, we employed a numeric scoring scale to quantify student performances, which provides precision and facilitates straightforward comparison. This method offers the advantage of detailed quantification, allowing for fine distinctions between levels of competency. However, it may introduce inconsistencies, especially when assessing complex competencies that require nuanced judgment. Alternatively, ordinal rating systems, which categorize performances into descriptive levels such as excellent, good, fair, or poor, can simplify assessments and potentially enhance consistency by more clearly delineating broad performance categories. Each system has its merits, with numeric scales offering granularity and ordinal scales providing clearer benchmarks. [ 29 ] This distinction underscores a key aspect of our current methodology and presents a valuable area for future research to explore the optimal balance between detailed quantification and categorical assessment in evaluating both competency and presentation skills in medical education.

In this study, we intentionally employed a diverse panel of seven expert assessors rather than the conventional use of two raters. This decision was guided by the aim to enhance the reliability and depth of our evaluations, particularly given the complex competencies involved in HSS. A larger panel allows for a more comprehensive range of perspectives on student performances, which is critical in a field where subjective judgment can significantly influence scoring. However, this approach can also introduce variability in scoring due to differences in each rater’s interpretation and emphasis, which might not be as pronounced with a smaller, more uniform panel. By using seven raters, we aimed to capture a broader spectrum of interpretations, which, while enriching the assessment, could also lead to increased score dispersion and affect the overall consistency of the results. This aspect of our methodology could have influenced the outcomes by either mitigating or exaggerating individual biases, thus impacting the inter-rater reliability as reported. To address these challenges, integrating AI technology could provide a valuable tool. Artificial intelligence can assist in standardizing evaluations by consistently applying predefined criteria, potentially reducing the variability introduced by multiple human assessors. [ 30 , 31 ] This hybrid approach, blending human insight with AI precision, represents a promising direction for future research, aiming to balance depth and reliability in complex competency assessments.

Considering the observed shift towards online assessments in medical education, this study sought to evaluate the efficacy of video assessments in measuring both competency and presentation skills within the Health System Science (HSS) framework. Our findings reveal positive correlations between these skills, indicating that effective presentation can enhance the perception of competency. However, variations in inter-rater reliability highlight the necessity for standardized assessment criteria and consistent assessor training. By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can ensure greater accuracy and reliability, which is crucial for accurately assessing student competencies in a digital learning environment. Thus, our study substantiates the importance of both thorough competency assessment and the enhancement of presentation skills in online medical education.

Data availability

The dataset analysed in the current study is available upon request from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the Department of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine at Prince of Songkla University for supporting our research endeavors. Our gratitude is also extended to Assistant Professor Kanyika Chamniprasas, Vice Dean for Education, and Assistant Professor Supaporn Dissaneevate for their roles in creating and backing the health system reform curriculum for medical students, which contributed to this study.

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All authors made a significant contribution to the reported work. P.S., P.L. S.So., T.T., P.C, K.S., K.C. designed the study and obtained research ethics approval; P.S., P.V., S.Sr., K.S., and T.W., analysed and visualized the data; all authors interpreted the results, drafted, and revised the manuscript, and read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, on March 12, 2022. (Approval Number: REC REC.65-114-9-1). HREC is official institute responsible for the ethical review and supervision of human research. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants and/or their legal guardian(s) provided electronic informed consent before participating in the study, in accordance with established procedures. All questionnaires were fully computerised by the researchers and anonymised to ensure confidentially.

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Sornsenee, P., Limsomwong, P., Vichitkunakorn, P. et al. Assessing the interplay of presentation and competency in online video examinations: a focus on health system science education. BMC Med Educ 24 , 842 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05808-1

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Received : 21 August 2023

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05808-1

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