What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze

information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. It involves the evaluation
of sources, such as data, facts, observable phenomena, and research findings.​1​

Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information,
and discriminate between useful and less useful details to solve problems or
make decisions.

Why Do Employers Value Critical Thinking Skills?

Employers want job candidates who can evaluate a situation using ​logical thought
and offer the best solution.

Someone with critical thinking skills can be trusted to make decisions

independently, and will not need constant handholding.

Critical thinking abilities are among the ​most sought-after skills​ in almost every
industry and workplace.​2​ You can demonstrate critical thinking by using related
keywords in your ​resume​ and ​cover letter​, and during your ​interview​.

Examples of Critical Thinking

The circumstances that demand critical thinking vary from industry to industry.
Some examples include:

A triage nurse analyzes the cases at hand and decides the order by which
the patients should be treated.
A plumber evaluates the materials that would best 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.
A manager analyzes customer feedback forms and uses this information to
develop a customer service training session for employees.

Promote Your Skills in Your Job Search

If critical thinking is a ​key phrase​ in the job listings you are applying for, be sure
to emphasize your critical thinking skills throughout your job search.
Add Keywords to Your Resume

You can use critical thinking keywords (analytical, problem solving, creativity,
etc.) in your ​resume​. When describing your work history, include any of the skills
listed below that accurately describe you. You can also include them in your
resume summary​, if you have one.

For example, your summary might read, “Marketing Associate with five years of
experience in project management. Skilled in conducting thorough market
research and competitor analysis to assess market trends and client needs, and to
develop appropriate acquisition tactics.”

Mention Skills in Your Cover Letter

Include these critical thinking skills in your ​cover letter​. In the body of your letter,
mention one or two of these skills, and give specific examples of times when you
have demonstrated those skills at work. Think about times when you had to
analyze or evaluate materials to solve a problem.

Show the Interviewer Your Skills

You can use these skill words in an ​interview​. Discuss a time when you were faced
with a particular problem or challenge at work and explain how you applied
critical thinking to solve it.

Some interviewers will give you a ​hypothetical scenario or problem​, and ask you
to use critical thinking skills to solve it. In this case, explain your thought process
thoroughly to the interviewer. He or she is typically more focused on how you
arrive at your solution rather than the solution itself. The interviewer wants to see
you use analysis and evaluation (key parts of critical thinking) approach to the
given scenario or problem.

Of course, each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you
read the ​job description​ carefully and ​focus on the skills listed by the employer​.

Top Critical Thinking Skills

Analysis
Part of critical thinking is the ability to carefully examine something, whether it is
a problem, a set of data, or a text. People with ​analytical skills​ can examine
information, understand what it means, and properly explain to others the
implications of that information.

Asking Thoughtful Questions

Data Analysis
Research
Interpretation
Judgment
Questioning Evidence
Recognizing Patterns
Skepticism

Communication
Often, you will need to share your conclusions with your employers or with a
group of colleagues. You need to be able to ​communicate​ with others to share
your ideas effectively. You might also need to engage critical thinking in a group.
In this case, you will need to work with others and communicate effectively to
figure out solutions to complex problems.

Active Listening
Assessment
Collaboration
Explanation
Interpersonal
Presentation
Teamwork
Verbal Communication
Written Communication

Creativity
Critical thinking often involves ​creativity​ and innovation. You might need to spot
patterns in the information you are looking at or come up with a solution that no
one else has thought of before. All of this involves a creative eye that can take a
different approach from all other approaches.

Flexibility
Conceptualization
Curiosity
Imagination
Drawing Connections
Inferring
Predicting
Synthesizing
Vision

Open-Mindedness
To think critically, you need to be able to put aside any assumptions or judgments
and merely analyze the information you receive. You need to be objective,
evaluating ideas without bias.

Diversity
Fairness
Humility
Inclusive
Objectivity
Observation
Reflection

Problem Solving
Problem solving​ is another critical thinking skill that involves analyzing a
problem, generating and implementing a solution, and assessing the success of
the plan. Employers don’t simply want employees who can think about
information critically. They also need to be able to come up with practical
solutions.
Attention to Detail Clarification ​Decision Making​ Evaluation Groundedness Identifying
Patterns Innovation
More Critical Thinking Skills

Inductive Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning
Compliance
Noticing Outliers
Adaptability
Emotional Intelligence
Brainstorming
Optimization
Restructuring
Integration
Strategic Planning
Project Management
Ongoing Improvement
Causal Relationships
Case Analysis
Diagnostics
SWOT Analysis
Business Intelligence
Quantitative Data Management
Qualitative Data Management
Metrics
Accuracy
Risk Management
Statistics
Scientific Method
Consumer Behavior