Listing analytical skills on your resume

Analytical skills and their relevance to resumes

Analytical skills are those that allow you to identify a problem, gather information about it from multiple sources and angles, and use that information to formulate a solution. These skills are important to problem-solving and decision-making in the workplace at every level. 

For example, if a project manager is having trouble getting deliverables in on time, they may identify a problem with employee productivity and discover through surveys that employees are working beyond their skill sets. 

They can then use that information (along with their management skills) to create an upskilling program to help employees gain the knowledge they need to work effectively.

To highlight your analytical skills on your resume or cover letter, you need to be able to showcase your ability to engage in robust research analysis and interpret the data you discover. You also need to show employers that you can use the information to tackle problems, adapt to changes, and keep projects — and the business — moving forward.

Incorporating analytical skills in resumes

The first step to successfully incorporating analytical skills into your resume is reading through the job description and identifying relevant analytical skills listed by the hiring manager. 

Rarely will the job description mention the term “analytical skills” outright. Instead, the employer will usually list specific types of analytical abilities, such as data analysis, research skills, or creative problem-solving. 

Once you identify these skills in the job description, you should consider using them as keywords throughout your resume. 

Depending on the resume template and format you’re using, you can do this in the professional summary or a dedicated skills or projects section. These are the places most hiring managers will expect to see this information.

Additionally, you can use the bullet points under each job in your work history section to demonstrate your ability to think critically and approach problems analytically. 

For example, a graphic designer may highlight the fact that they were able to reduce team project timelines by 15% by switching to AI-enabled software. This shows they were able to identify that projects were taking too long, use research and software skills to analyze data about how AI technology saves time, and execute a solution to that end. 

If you have similar accomplishments, you can include them by stating the accomplishment and then telling the reader how you achieved that outcome.

When incorporating analytical skills, resumes should always highlight specific examples of how you used these skills in your current or previous role. This paints a picture of your accomplishments for the hiring manager and helps them see how you have created value with your skill set.

Key components of an analytical skills resume

The term “analytical skills” actually refers to a broad set of competencies that can be used across many different industries. Consider incorporating these highly transferable skills in your resume to help your application stand out to hiring managers.

Data analysis

Data analysis is simply the act of collecting and interpreting data. This skill set helps you figure out how to derive meaning and insights from the data you gather. Then, you can use those insights to create a solution to a problem or make a more informed decision based on concrete facts instead of feelings or intuition.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information in order to make a sound judgment about something. Every employee needs critical thinking skills, whether you’re figuring out how to help a frustrated customer or allocating the budget as the CFO of a company. 

These skills help you formulate and connect logical ideas, which often leads to creative solutions to your challenges.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving is the ability to achieve a goal by overcoming an obstacle. Employers value this skill because it requires creativity and initiative. 

Employees who are problem-solvers are able to examine a difficult situation and quickly identify a solution, which helps keep the ball rolling on critical projects and ensures the team can meet deadlines despite unexpected challenges.

Quantitative analysis

Quantitative analysis is the ability to take a computational approach to problem-solving using mathematical and statistical modeling. You can use this skill to make sound decisions and predict trends based on measurable data. 

According to major research and consulting firm McKinsey and Company, computational and algorithmic thinking is one of the foundational skills employees will need most to thrive in the workplace of the future. (1)

Research skills

Research skills are essential for making informed decisions and solving problems. They allow you to gather the details you need to come up with a logical solution. These skills can also inspire creativity, helping you formulate new and innovative ideas for increasing productivity and performance.

How to list analytical skills on your resume

Effectively listing analytical skills for resumes you’ll be submitting to hiring managers requires that you structure your documents to emphasize your abilities. One way to do this is to include your analytical skills in a dedicated skills section. 

While many analytical skills (such as critical thinking and problem-solving) will fall under the soft skills category, be aware that some (like quantitative analysis) are actually technical skills.

You’ll also want to make sure your analytical skills are highlighted in your job descriptions, as this will show the hiring manager how you used them to accomplish goals and positively impact business outcomes. 

Ensure the information you include in these descriptions is relevant to the role and industry and tailored to match the requirements listed in the job description.

Additionally, you’ll want to ensure the specific achievements you choose are those that showcase your creative and critical thinking abilities. These cognitive skills show employers that you have mental flexibility and seek relevant information to make logical decisions.

Finally, make sure to customize your resume and cover letter templates to incorporate action verbs and quantifiable results. When it comes to your analytical skills, resumes that include data and actionable language come across as stronger and position you as a high performer who is motivated to get results.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

When including analytical skills on resumes, you need to ensure you come across as professional as possible. Here are a few practical tips to help hiring managers see that you’re the right candidate for the job:

• Avoid being too vague about your analytical skills by incorporating specific examples of the skills you possess
• Quantify your achievements so that hiring managers can see the positive impact you have made on your team and the business
• List only those skills that are relevant to the job by sticking close to what’s already included in the job description
• Use resume examples that help you properly incorporate your skills into multiple sections, such as the summary, job descriptions, and a dedicated skill section

When you follow these tips and best practices for demonstrating your analytical skills, resumes you submit are much more likely to leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. 

"The term 'analytical skills' actually refers to a broad set of competencies that can be used across many different industries."

Your analytical skills show your readiness for what the future holds

Whether you start with resume and cover letter examples or craft your job application from scratch, it’s important to know how to put analytical skills on resumes you submit to hiring managers. 

As more businesses join the digital revolution and compete for market share in crowded industries, having employees with the ability to research, analyze, and use data to make informed decisions will only increase in importance. 

For that reason, it’s important for you to leverage these abilities to enhance your job applications. When you do, you’ll show potential employers that you’re prepared for the wave of the future and have what it takes to push your team and the company to the next level.

Sources:

(1) McKinsey & Company: Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work