Analytical skills to boost your career

[Badshah Mamun]

Analytical skills to boost your career

Rather than just focusing on first-class results and valuable experiences, organisations are now testing candidates on their analytical skills. They want candidates who are capable of solving their problems effectively and efficiently.

So what exactly are analytical skills? These are skills that are typically developed over-time or as components of your personality. People with strong analytical skills possess the innate ability to gather, visualise, and analyse information with precise attention. They possess the ability to come up with practical solutions to problems faster than others. It also means that they focus on logical methods of analysing problems and developing new ideas.

CRITICAL THINKING

Those who are critical thinkers can identify multiple facets of a problem and figure out the origins of a certain problem. They spend considerable time coming up with a workable solution.

RESEARCH

We know research as this intensive process of collecting hordes of data and making sense out of them, but in reality, it could also be as simple as asking a colleague or friend about their thoughts and ideas. It also includes thorough reading of papers and articles in offline and online channels. Analytical tendencies include researching the problem and the solution simultaneously.

COMMUNICATION

Clear and precise communication is key to getting the job done. Your analytical prowess involves seamless communication of the problem and solution.

STRATEGIC THINKING

If you can conjure up unique plans and design seamless pathways for your business to move towards a goal, you're a strategic thinker. You will also tend to cut your losses and know your bets better in depth.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Technical skills refer to a specific skill-set obtained or learned in order to do a certain job. They are the opposite of soft skills, which are general traits individuals possess and use. ICT, project management, database or even graphics skills constitute as technical skills, given their specific nature.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS?

On the job, analytical skills are invaluable and could set you apart from your counterparts. Showcasing your analytical skills on your CV/resume gives you that extra edge to catch the interviewer's attention and hopefully land that job.

To improve your analytical skills, the following habits could come in handy:

TAKE ON CHALLENGING LEADerSHIP ROLES

Changing and challenging the way you think and see the world is a good start to improving your analytical skills. Expanding your horizons and world-view enables you to evaluate information better and analyse solutions differently. Hence, challenge yourself to do more than you think you are capable of. Step outside your socioeconomic bubble and think about how you can grow out of it. Challenge yourself about the minute details and you will see a change in how you operate. Test yourself and challenge yourself to do bigger and more daunting things; otherwise, your brain will be for naught.

INCORPORATE ANALYTICAL SKILLS IN YOUR CURRICULUM

Remember to become a knowledge bank for yourself. The more you learn, the more you know about the workings of your field. Learn about the tools you need to improve and study up on it. Stock up on the information you will need when it comes to understanding and solving problems. Consider reading extensively and attending courses for better learning. Better yet, go back to university and enrol into educational classes.

FOCUS ON IMPROVING JOB PERFORMANCE

Conduct personal research in order to develop and strengthen your skills by regularly practicing them to maintain the flow of thoughts. Incorporate the usage of analytical tools into your daily to-do list. If you're lacking in any area of your work, just perform a quick Google search, or seek help from mentors, to learn multiple ways to fill that gap.

ENHANCE YOUR SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE

After completing your HSC/A Levels or undergraduate education, most become lazy and passive when it comes to sitting down with the objective of learning new things. We get comfortable in our skills and knowledge for our careers, and develop inertia regarding things we are good at. We take a sabbatical from learning more. It's a natural instinct, but it doesn't have to be that way; we don't have to stop gaining more knowledge. To fight that mental block, try learning something new every day; and keep testing yourself. Make it a habit to revisit your passion every other day. Go online and research a topic that has always interested you. Talk to a professional in a field that has your interest.

Not only will your prowess in solving problems make you an indispensable team member, but it will also provide you a distinct advantage to move forward in your career. Needless to mention, it's an added bonus you can use for yourself in your daily life.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/next-step/news/analytical-skills-boost-your-career-1827094