Do You Solve Problems for Employers, or Create Them

Do You Solve Problems for Employers, or Create ThemDo You Solve Problems for Employers, or Create Them1Knowing how to solve problems is a transferable skill- an ability that can be applied to a variety of different jobs. In the ever-changing 21st-century workplace, such a talent is a valuable commodity, and presenting yourself as a problem solver can be an edge that attracts attention. When you are job searching, how do you show you can solve problems for employers?Most jobs are not as simple as push this button and repeat, says career coach Lavie Margolin, author of Winning Answers to 500 Interview Questions. Many jobs have an outline of responsibilities, but when you are on the job, you have to be adept at solving or managing the problems as they occur. Perhaps a deadline was missed, a contract had the wrong language, or a shipment got lost. What do you do then? The boss isnt always available to work you through all of the problems. The company often wants the employee to manage th e situation as best as possible.So how can you come across as the problem-solving, rather than problem-making, candidate?Here are a few strategies to show hiring managers that you solve problems for employers, rather than create themPresent examples.In your cover letter and during your interview, talk about real-life situations in which your ability to think on your feet or come up with a clever solution to a difficult dilemma resolved a problem or improved company performance. Margolin suggests particularly thinking about the types of problems that could occur in the job for which you are applying. Remember, youre trying to get the hirer to envision you in that position.Leave old baggage at the door.Maybe its true that your old manager offered zero support or that former coworkers were slackers. Unfortunately, the potential new employer doesnt really care. Youre the one likely to come off as whiny, finger-pointing, and trouble-making by bringing up these grievances. Focus instead o n being the positive person who can handle whatever is thrown your way and can get along with everyone.Become a life-long learner.Workers who are stuck in their ways and resistant to change can be problematic for employers. Make it clear that youre willing to adapt to changing circumstances by emphasizing the desire to learn and grow. Seeing that youll go the extra mile to take a class, talk to relevant people, or do independent research in order to overcome a problem can peg you as a can-do candidate.Show youre up to a challenge.Lastly, consider directly marketing yourself as a problem solver. Look for clues in the job ad about areas in which the company might want to improve, and offer some ideas about how you might go about tackling them. Maybe they are yearning to boost public relations and youre a whiz at social media, or perhaps they are trying to become more efficient and you just read a great book on time management. Demonstrating that youre a great fit for the company today and for its future development will give the employer one less problem- figuring out who is the right person to hireReaders, is the ability to solve problems for employers on your list of transferable skills? How do you show it on your resume? Share with us below