Please check out this fantastic article by Columbia University with our president, Matt Warzel, as a contributor – πΆππΊπ π ππΎ π’πππππΌπΊπ
π³πππππππ π²πππ
π
π?
πI was fortunate enough to be featured in a Columbia University article about πΆππΊπ π ππΎ π’πππππΌπΊπ π³πππππππ π²πππ π π?
In the workplace, weβre constantly bombarded with new information to sort through and find solutions. Employers want to hire people who are good at analyzing these facts and coming to rational conclusions β otherwise known as critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills are a type ofΒ soft skillΒ that describes how you process information andΒ problem-solve.
In this guide, weβll cover critical thinking examples, how to improve your critical thinking skills, and how to include them in a job application.
ππΊ π΅π’π¬π¦?
Critical Thinking Skills Defined
βBy questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and exploring alternative perspectives, individuals with strong critical thinking skills can make well-informed decisions and devise creative solutions to complex issues,β says Matthew Warzel, certified professional resume writer and former Fortune 500Β recruiter. βThis leads to improved problem-solving andΒ decision-makingΒ processes, fostering organizational efficiency and productivity. Critical thinking skills also empower individuals to identify and mitigate potential risks and pitfalls, minimizing errors and enhancing overall quality in the workplace.β
How to Improve Critical Thinking Skills
If critical thinking skills are crucial to being an effective (and hireable!) employee, how can you improve yours?
Practice Active Reading
βBy reading diverse and challenging material, such as books, articles, or academic papers, students can expose themselves to different perspectives and complex ideas,β Warzel says. βFollowing this, students can engage in reflective writing, where they articulate their thoughts and opinions on the material, while incorporatingΒ logical reasoningΒ and evidence to support their claims. This process helps develop clarity of thought, logical reasoning, and the ability to analyze and synthesize information effectively.β
How to Demonstrate Critical Thinking Skills in a Job Application
We know employers value critical thinking skills, but you donβt just want to add βcritical thinkingβ in the skills section of your resume. Instead, your goal should be toΒ showΒ employers that you have these skills.
On Your Resume
On yourΒ resume, highlight experiences where you used critical thinking skills.
βInclude relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your ability to analyze information, solve problems, or make informed decisions,β Warzel says. βFor example, you can highlight academic coursework that involved research, critical analysis, or complex problem-solving. Additionally, you can mention extracurricular activities or volunteer work where you had to think critically or exercise your problem-solving abilities.β
In the Interview
In theΒ interview, elaborate on your experiences using the STAR method to frame your answers. TheΒ STAR methodΒ helps you clearly and concisely describe the situation, what you did, and what results you found.
βEmphasize your ability to think logically, consider multiple perspectives, and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoning,β Warzel says.
Check out the article link below! πππ
https://careerdesignlab.sps.columbia.edu/blog/2023/07/18/what-are-critical-thinking-skills/
Join the conversation here as well, leave some thoughts!
π°PS β I want you to know that referrals from satisfied clients are the lifeblood of my business, so I greatly appreciate anyone you send my way. As a bonus, for any referrals you send that purchase services from me, I will send you $25 for each! Thanks again for your continued support!
π° PPS β Also please subscribe to our monthly Jobstickers newsletter (https://mjwcareers.com/newsletter-signup), Spotify Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/4BdzyZsOtgbEtNRTRgbTLi) and Facebook Live group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/455474262138280) to stay up to date on job hunting industry trends, resume and social media profile and networking techniques, recruiter insights, promotions, discounts, and freebies.
β PPPS β follow the hashtags #Jobstickers, #ThePragmaticResume & #UnUnEmployed on LinkedIn for other daily insights that can help you in your career or job search!
π» PPPPS β Thank you for reading! Please visit www.jobstickers.com to keep up with all of MJW Careersβ content, and visit www.mjwcareers.com or email warz65@gmail.com (or call 855-YES-EMPLOYEES) to learn more about our resume writing, interview training, career coaching, or outplacement services and solutions.
Comments are closed.