One of the most important competencies employers seek for a new hire is critical thinking/problem solving. According to a NACE job outlook survey, employers found their new hires were actually more proficient in competencies other than critical thinking in jobs that require problem solving.
Survey respondents rated the importance of critical thinking/problem solving as 4.62 on a scale of 5, with teamwork and professionalism ranking second and third at 4.556 and 4.46 respectively.
As a percentage, 99.2% of employers surveyed considered critical thinking as an essential skill, but rated just over half (55.8%) of their employees as proficient.
To become more proficient in critical thinking, here’s some advice on Indeed.com and other resources:
- Only accept new information after evaluating it thoroughly. Focus on primary sources and look for objective, quantifiable truth.
- In considering the source and any underlying agendas and biases/motivation that may be at the foundation.
- Ask the right questions, and know what kind of answers you are looking for.
- Learn the art of active listening with eye contact and appropriate body language.
- Save your follow-up questions for when the speaker is finished, and say thanks for the speaker’s time and attention.
Read More:
- The Ultimate Guide To Critical Thinking
- Is Critical Thinking A Soft Skill Or Hard Skill?
- 5 Creative and Critical Thinking Examples In Workplace
- 10 Best Books On Critical Thinking And Problem Solving
- 12 Common Barriers To Critical Thinking (And How To Overcome Them)
Applying for jobs that require critical and creative thinking
So, when applying for jobs that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, your résumé and cover letter should highlight the following:
- Your observation skills—Observation skills are important to critical thinking, because observation is the way you receive and objectively process information.
- How well you can evaluate and analyze—That includes your skill to review information and draw educated inferences through technical review.
- How well you communicate—When you can clearly communicate your strategies and ideas, you can perform better at your job and strengthen your team.
- Your problem-solving skills—When you can objectively identify a problem or issue, you can arrive at solutions and outcomes.
So, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you will be in high demand in the post-pandemic economic recovery. There are thousands of jobs out there, and most require critical thinkers, who are ready to embark on a fulfilling career with great pay and opportunities for growth and advancement.
Read More: How To List Skills That I Taught Myself On Resume
A sampling of 25 jobs that require critical thinking and problem solving
The following is a sampling of jobs that require critical thinking listed in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook:
In-Demand Jobs that require critical thinking that have undergone “much faster than average” growth rate (The average rate of growth for all occupations is 8%):
Nurse practitioners
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 393,300/45%
Entry-level education required: Master’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $123,780
Critical thinking skill for nurse practitioners: Working in a variety of healthcare settings, nurse practitioners provide a full range of health care in settings from hospital wards to local clinics. This is one of those high-stress jobs that require critical thinking.
Home health and personal care aides
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 4,600,600/33%
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent
2021 Median pay: $29,430
Critical thinking skill for home health and personal care aides: Monitor the health condition of people with chronic illness or disabilities and assist them with their daily activities.
Statisticians
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 59,800/33%
Entry-level education required: Master’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $95,280
Critical thinking skill for statisticians: Analyze data and use computational techniques to solve problems. This is another one of the low-stress jobs for problem solvers.
Logisticians
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 247,400/30%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $77,030
Critical thinking skill for logisticians: Analyze, coordinate, and suggest improvements in an organization’s supply chain. This is an example of a group of low-stress jobs for problem solvers.
Tour and travel guides
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 56,800/29%
Entry-level education required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
2021 Median pay: $29,780
Critical thinking skill for tour and travel guides: Plan, organize, and arrange tailored vacation plans and sightseeing tours for clients.
Coaches and scouts
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 313,800/26%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $38,970
Critical thinking skill for coaches and scouts: Evaluate and teach amateur or pro athletes the skills they need to succeed and improve on past team performance.
Actuaries
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 34,500/24%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median Pay: $105,900
Critical thinking skill for actuaries: Use math and statistics to analyze risks and economic costs. Put this job in the category of best jobs for over-thinkers.
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 402,600/23%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $48,520
Critical thinking skill for substance abuse counselors: Diagnose substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health problems and counsel patients accordingly.
Athletic trainers
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 37,000/23%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $498,420
Critical thinking skill for athletic trainers: Prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 2,257,400/22%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $110,140
Critical thinking skill for software developers, etc.: Identify problems with software applications and report/correct defects.
Phlebotomists
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 158,400/22%
Entry-level education required: Postsecondary nondegree
2021 Median pay: $37,800
Critical thinking skill for phlebotomists: Draw blood from patients with attention to detail and empathy towards patients who may be uncomfortable.
Broadcast technicians
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 168,300/21%
Entry-level education required: Associates Degree
2021 Median pay: $49,050
Critical thinking skill for broadcast technicians: Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment for media programs.
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 904,500/22%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $63,920
Critical thinking skill for market research analysts: Study market conditions and examine potential sales and service opportunities and upgrades.
Preschool teachers, except special education
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 556,000/18%
Entry-level education required: Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees
2021 Median pay: $30,210
Critical thinking skill for preschool teachers: Attend to the needs of younger children prior to their entering kindergarten.
Social and human service assistants
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 487,100/17%
Entry-level education required: High School Diploma or equivalent
2021 Median pay: $37,610
Critical thinking skill for social and human service assistants: Provide clients with tailored services to assist people in therapy or rehabilitation settings.
Financial managers
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 799,900/17%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $131,710
Critical thinking skill for financial managers: Create detailed financial reports and plan for the organization’s long-term financial goals.
Audiologists
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 15,800/16%
Entry-level education required: Doctoral or professional Degree
Number of jobs projected through 2030
2021 Median pay: $78,950
Critical thinking skill for audiologists: Diagnose, manage, and treat patients experiencing hearing and balance problems.
In-Demand Jobs with a “faster than average” growth rate and jobs that require creativity and problem solving
Veterinarians
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 101,300/17%
Entry-level education required: Doctoral or professional degree
2021 Median pay: $100,370
Critical thinking skills for veterinarians: diagnose, treat, and provide care for animals.
The foregoing is but a sample of high-demand jobs that require critical thinking. In fact, most jobs that require critical thinking and problem solving are in high demand.
Management analysts
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 1,032,000/14%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
2021 Median pay: $93,000
Critical thinking skill for management analysts: Recommend ways for an organization to improve its operation and efficiency.
Education administrators, all other
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 56,900/13%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $90,560
Critical thinking skill for education administrators: Manage, administer, and prepare budgets and education syllabi in a variety of educational settings.
Postsecondary Teachers
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 1,433,600/12%
Entry-level education required: Master’s Degree or Ph.D.
2021 Median pay: $79,640
Critical thinking skill for postsecondary teachers: Prepare class syllabi and lesson plans with assessment methods to test student learning.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 168,700/11%
Entry-level education required: On-the-job training and FAA approved technician training programs.
2021 Median pay: $65,550
Critical thinking skill for aircraft mechanics: Troubleshoot, repair, and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft engines and supporting equipment.
Computer and information systems managers
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 534,700/11%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $159,010
Critical thinking skill for computer systems manager: Plan, coordinate, and oversee IT related activities in a variety of organizations.
Construction managers
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 499,400/11%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $98,890
Critical thinking skill for construction managers: Coordinate, plan, budget, and oversee construction projects from inception to completion.
Dietitians and nutritionists
Number of jobs projected through 2030/percent growth from 2020: 73,000/11%
Entry-level education required: Bachelor’s Degree
2021 Median pay: $61,650
Critical thinking skill for dietitians: Plan and implement food service and nutritional programs in a variety of settings.
Read More:
- How To Promote Critical Thinking In The Workplace
- Critical Thinking vs Problem Solving: What’s the Difference?
- What Is The Role Of Communication In Critical Thinking?
- Brainstorming: Techniques Used To Boost Critical Thinking and Creativity
- 11 Principles Of Critical Thinking
- 21 High-paying Jobs Nobody Wants
- The Truth About Working in Finance (And the Common Misconceptions)
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