Here's how you can showcase problem-solving skills on your entry-level resume.

1 Tailor It

To effectively showcase your problem-solving skills, you need to tailor your resume to the job description . Carefully read the requirements and responsibilities listed by the employer and think back on your experiences. Have you faced similar challenges or tasks? Detail how you've successfully navigated these situations, using action verbs to describe your approach . For example, if the job involves customer service, you might highlight a time when you resolved a customer's issue by identifying the root problem and implementing a creative solution. This strategy demonstrates that you not only have the skills but also understand how they apply to the role you're seeking.

2 Specific Examples

Using specific examples is key to demonstrating your problem-solving skills. Instead of stating that you're a problem-solver, describe a particular challenge you faced, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome. For instance, if you worked on a group project and encountered a major obstacle, explain how you identified alternative strategies, collaborated with your team, and ultimately succeeded. Quantifying the impact of your actions, such as increasing efficiency by a certain percentage, can also help employers understand the magnitude of your contributions.

3 Skills Section

In the skills section of your resume, list problem-solving as one of your competencies . But don't stop there; support it with subsets that show the breadth of your problem-solving toolkit. For example, you might include critical thinking, analytical abilities, creativity, and decision-making. These sub-skills paint a fuller picture of your capabilities and suggest practical ways in which you can address the challenges you'll face in the workplace. Remember to keep this section concise and focused, as it serves as a quick reference for employers scanning your resume.

4 Academic Projects

Your academic projects can be a goldmine for showcasing problem-solving skills, especially if you're new to the workforce. Describe any relevant coursework or projects where you had to overcome obstacles or think critically to achieve your goals. For example, if you engineered a solution as part of a class assignment, outline the problem, your innovative approach, and the successful resolution. This not only shows your ability to solve problems but also demonstrates your initiative and willingness to take on challenges.

5 Extracurricular Involvement

Don't overlook extracurricular activities as a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Leadership roles in clubs, volunteer work, or participation in sports can all involve significant problem-solving. Maybe you organized a fundraising event that required logistical planning and creative outreach strategies, or perhaps you helped mediate a conflict within a team. These experiences are valuable and can show employers that your problem-solving skills extend beyond academic or professional settings.

6 Soft Skills Narrative

While hard skills are important, your soft skills often tell the story of your problem-solving abilities. Use your resume to weave a narrative that includes instances of teamwork, communication, and adaptability . Perhaps you played a key role in a group project that required constant communication and flexibility to meet shifting deadlines. By illustrating these scenarios, you give potential employers insight into how you approach problems and work with others to find solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?