Definition and Examples of Conceptual Skills
What are Conceptual Skills?
Conceptual skills help employees avoid falling into the trap of “not seeing the forest for the trees,” as the saying goes. If you have conceptual skills, you can visualize problems and think of solutions. Having these skills likely means you are the creative type and can work with abstract concepts and ideas.
Note: Employers value conceptual skills, and in some roles, having them is essential. Discover more about the different types of conceptual skills and why they are important.
Types of Conceptual Skills
Let’s take a look at this list of the key conceptual skills that most employers are seeking. It also includes sublists of related skills that employers tend to look for in job applications.
Note: Develop and affirm these capabilities in your job applications, résumé, cover letters, and interviews. You can use these skills lists throughout the job search process. Incorporate the soft skills you’ve developed in your résumé when detailing your work history, and highlight your conceptual abilities during interviews.
Analysis
One very important conceptual skill is the ability to analyze and evaluate whether the company is meeting its goals and adhering to its business plan. Managers need to consider how all departments work together and identify specific problems and then determine the steps to take.
Analytical abilities
Analyzing and diagnosing complex situations
Perceptual abilities
Identifying strategies to achieve goals
Diagnosing problems within the company
Forecasting business management or departmental management
Questioning the relationship between new initiatives and the strategic plan
Recognizing improvement opportunities
Seeing key elements in any situation
Selecting important information from large data sets
Understanding interdepartmental relationships
Understanding the connections between ideas, concepts, and patterns
Understanding the organization’s business model
Communication
Without strong communication skills, an employee cannot share their solutions with the right people. Someone with conceptual skills can explain a problem and provide solutions. They can effectively communicate with people at all levels of the organization, from senior management to employees in a specific department.
Effective listening
Contextual communication of issues
Implementing thinking
Between people
Within relationships
Presentation
Verbal communication
Creative Thinking
People with conceptual skills must have strong creative abilities. They should be able to develop creative solutions to abstract problems, which involves thinking outside the box. They must consider how all departments within the organization work together and how they can collaborate to solve a specific problem.
Pattern thinking
Creative thinking
Examining complex issues
Formulating ideas
Formulating processes
Innovation
Intuitive thinking
Organization
Leadership
A person with conceptual skills also possesses strong leadership abilities. They need to persuade employees and stakeholders to follow their vision for the company. They must inspire others to trust and follow them, which requires strong leadership.
Commitment to achieving company goals
Delegation
Leadership
Management
Motivation
Persuasion
Stability
Strategic planning
Mission directing
Mission execution
Team building
Vision
Envisioning the company as a whole
Problem Solving
Once an employee analyzes a situation and identifies the problem, they then need to decide how to solve that problem. Individuals who possess strong conceptual skills in problem-solving and making strong, quick decisions will lead to results.
The ability to ignore extraneous information
Broad thinking
Critical thinking
Breaking projects into manageable parts
Decision making
Implementing solutions
Formulating effective work cycles
Logical thinking
The ability to multitask
Prioritizing
Solving industry problems
Takeaway: Conceptual skills allow you to anticipate problems, think of solutions, and understand the strategic big picture behind daily company operations. Possessing conceptual skills is particularly important for those in managerial positions, but they are beneficial if you are in any role. Include relevant types of conceptual skills in your résumé and cover letter. Additionally, use skill keywords during your job interviews. Be prepared to provide examples of how you have used each one.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/conceptual-skills-list-and-examples-4142004
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