Critical thinking is believed to be one of the most sought-after skills in almost every industry. It refers to the capability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment.
Why Interviewers Value Critical Thinking Skills
Critical thinking includes the evaluation of sources such as data, facts, observable phenomenon, and research findings. Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information and discriminate between beneficial and less useful details to solve a problem or make a decision.
Employers need job candidates who can evaluate a situation using logical thought and come up with the best solution. Someone with critical thinking skills can be trusted to make decisions on his or her own and does not need constant handholding.
The circumstances demanding critical thinking vary from industry to industry. Some examples include:
- A triage nurse observes the cases at hand and decides the order by which the patients should be treated.
- A plumber evaluates the materials that best would suit a particular job.
- An attorney reviews evidence and devises a strategy to win a case or to decide whether to settle out of court.
How to Use Skills Lists
If critical thinking is a key phrase in the job listings you are applying for, be definite to emphasize your critical thinking skills throughout your job search.
Initially, you can use critical thinking keywords (analytical, problem solving, creativity, etc.) in your resume.
In the description of your work history, you can include any of the below skills that accurately describe you. You can also include them in your resume summary, if you have one.
Secondly, you can include these critical thinking skills in your cover letter. In the body of your letter, you can highlight one or two of these skills, and give a particular example of a time when you indicated those skills at work. Think about times when you had to analyze or evaluate materials to solve a problem.
Finally, you can use these skill words in an interview. Discuss a time when you were confronted with a particular problem or challenge at work and explain how you applied critical thinking to solve it. Try to use some of the keywords listed below to answer the interviewer’s questions appropriately.
Some employers will even give you a hypothetical scenario or issue, and inquire you to use critical thinking skills to solve it. In this case, explain your thought process thoroughly to the employer. He or she is typically more focused on how you arrive at your solution instead of the solution itself. The interviewer wants to see you use analysis and evaluation (key parts of critical thinking).
Of course, each job will need different skills and experiences, so make definite you read the job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer.
Top Five Critical Thinking Skills
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Analytical
Part of thinking critical is the ability to carefully analyze something, whether it is an issue, a set of data, or a text. People with analytical skills can examine information, and then understand what it means, and what it represents.
- Asking Thoughtful Questions
- Data analysis
- Information Seeking
- Interpretation
- Judgment
- Questioning Evidence
- Recognizing Differences and Similarities
- Skepticism
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Communication
Often, you will require sharing your conclusions with your employers or with a group of colleagues. You need to be capable to communicate with others to share your ideas effectively. You might also need to engage in critical thinking with a group. In this case, you will need to work with others and communicate effectively to figure out solutions to complex problems.
- Asking important questions
- Assessment
- Collaboration/Teamwork
- Explanation
- Expressing opinions and ideas
- Interpersonal
- Presentation
- Verbal Communication
- Written Communication
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Creativity
Critical thinking often includes some level of creativity. You might require spotting patterns in the information you are searching at or come up with a solution that no one else has thought of before. All of this involves a creative eye.
- Cognitive Flexibility
- Conceptualization
- Curiosity
- Imaginative
- Predicting
- Foresight Making Abstract Connections
- Making Inferences
- Synthesizing
- Visionary
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Open-Minded
To think critically, you require being able to put aside any assumptions or judgments and merely analyze the information you receive. You need to be objective, evaluating ideas without bias.
- Embracing Different Cultural Perspectives
- Humble
- Inclusive
- Objectivity
- Observation
- Reflection
- Fair
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Problem Solving
Problem-solving is another crucial critical-thinking skill that includes analyzing an issue, generating a solution, and implementing followed by assessing that plan. After all, employers don’t simply want employees who can think about information critically. They also need to be able to come up with practical solutions.
- Applying Standards
- Attention to detail
- Clarification
- Collaborative
- Decision Making
- Evaluation
- Grounded
- Identifying Patterns
- Innovative
- Logical Reasoning