I've noticed a trend over the last months: hiring managers are seeking "creative thinking" or "creative problem solving" as the top abstract skill among job candidates. Of course, hiring managers still need technical talent who are adept communicators, but - beyond that - creative problem solving is the skill for which everyone is searching.

We can all agree that creative problems solving skills sound important, but, on deeper examination, many candidates are unsure of how to actually define the term. So, what exactly is “creative problem solving?”

Creative problem solving is also known as lateral thinking, creative thinking, out-of-the-box thinking, imaginative thinking or a dozen other synonymous names.

Bottom line: it is the ability to understand that a solution does not always come from a "logical" lock-step advance from point A to point B. Creative problem solving recognizes that the solution might require an entire shift in thinking or process or materials before the outcome will be achieved. Creative problem solvers do not see dead ends as a failure, but view them as a need to adjust their course and keep utilizing a  "…but, what if we…" attitude until a solution is discovered.

This skill is key to the innovative thinking that will solve the technical challenges of the future. It is the foundation of imagineering and "blue sky" thinking that will drive innovations that keep our company relevant in 5, 10 and 20 years. OK, now that we have a sense of what creative problem solving is, how do you showcase your creative problem solving skills in a resume?

Few recruiters are going to use "creative problem solver" as key words when searching through resumes since most candidates don't think to list it. We are limited to reading between the lines and using our gut instinct to tell us who might have this skill set. For example, if I read a resume that mentions the person sailed the Pacific for two years and worked as a freelance programmer while abroad, I will guess that he might have this skill. Or if a program manager mentions organizing events for a charity gala, I will assume she has this skill. If a person has been given an innovation award or holds patents it will also pique my interest.

Why? Because, in all cases, the person is giving me clues that they can deal with ambiguity and some degree of chaos, and that is the strongest indicator of being able to creatively problem solve.

I have a call-to-action for all job seekers: take a look at your resume and think about how to document the abstract skills you possess as a result of school, work or volunteer activities. Create a resume that shows recruiters and hiring managers the relevant experiences you've had that got you those skills. I can't guarantee that you'll get the job, but a resume that shows both your technical and your abstract skills will never be a liability to your job search. 

-Marie