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26 Good Examples of Problem Solving (Interview Answers)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 15, 2023

Employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure. A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers will be more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical in your approach.

But how do they measure this?

They’re going to ask you interview questions about these problem solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem solving on your resume and cover letter. So coming up, I’m going to share a list of examples of problem solving, whether you’re an experienced job seeker or recent graduate.

Then I’ll share sample interview answers to, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?”

Problem-Solving Defined

It is the ability to identify the problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving also involves critical thinking, communication, listening, creativity, research, data gathering, risk assessment, continuous learning, decision-making, and other soft and technical skills.

Solving problems not only prevent losses or damages but also boosts self-confidence and reputation when you successfully execute it. The spotlight shines on you when people see you handle issues with ease and savvy despite the challenges. Your ability and potential to be a future leader that can take on more significant roles and tackle bigger setbacks shine through. Problem-solving is a skill you can master by learning from others and acquiring wisdom from their and your own experiences. 

It takes a village to come up with solutions, but a good problem solver can steer the team towards the best choice and implement it to achieve the desired result.

Watch: 26 Good Examples of Problem Solving

Examples of problem solving scenarios in the workplace.

  • Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
  • Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
  • Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
  • Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
  • Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
  • Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
  • Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
  • Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
  • Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
  • Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
  • Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
  • Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
  • Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
  • Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
  • Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
  • Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
  • Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
  • Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry Level Job Seekers

  • Coordinating work between team members in a class project
  • Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
  • Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
  • Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
  • Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
  • Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
  • Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
  • Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

You can share all of the examples above when you’re asked questions about problem solving in your interview. As you can see, even if you have no professional work experience, it’s possible to think back to problems and unexpected challenges that you faced in your studies and discuss how you solved them.

Interview Answers to “Give an Example of an Occasion When You Used Logic to Solve a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” since you’re likely to hear this interview question in all sorts of industries.

Example Answer 1:

At my current job, I recently solved a problem where a client was upset about our software pricing. They had misunderstood the sales representative who explained pricing originally, and when their package renewed for its second month, they called to complain about the invoice. I apologized for the confusion and then spoke to our billing team to see what type of solution we could come up with. We decided that the best course of action was to offer a long-term pricing package that would provide a discount. This not only solved the problem but got the customer to agree to a longer-term contract, which means we’ll keep their business for at least one year now, and they’re happy with the pricing. I feel I got the best possible outcome and the way I chose to solve the problem was effective.

Example Answer 2:

In my last job, I had to do quite a bit of problem solving related to our shift scheduling. We had four people quit within a week and the department was severely understaffed. I coordinated a ramp-up of our hiring efforts, I got approval from the department head to offer bonuses for overtime work, and then I found eight employees who were willing to do overtime this month. I think the key problem solving skills here were taking initiative, communicating clearly, and reacting quickly to solve this problem before it became an even bigger issue.

Example Answer 3:

In my current marketing role, my manager asked me to come up with a solution to our declining social media engagement. I assessed our current strategy and recent results, analyzed what some of our top competitors were doing, and then came up with an exact blueprint we could follow this year to emulate our best competitors but also stand out and develop a unique voice as a brand. I feel this is a good example of using logic to solve a problem because it was based on analysis and observation of competitors, rather than guessing or quickly reacting to the situation without reliable data. I always use logic and data to solve problems when possible. The project turned out to be a success and we increased our social media engagement by an average of 82% by the end of the year.

Answering Questions About Problem Solving with the STAR Method

When you answer interview questions about problem solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mention problem solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method to tell your story.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. So before jumping in and talking about the problem that needed solving, make sure to describe the general situation. What job/company were you working at? When was this? Then, you can describe the task at hand and the problem that needed solving. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact.

Finally, describe a positive result you got.

Whether you’re answering interview questions about problem solving or writing a cover letter, you should only choose examples where you got a positive result and successfully solved the issue.

Example answer:

Situation : We had an irate client who was a social media influencer and had impossible delivery time demands we could not meet. She spoke negatively about us in her vlog and asked her followers to boycott our products. (Task : To develop an official statement to explain our company’s side, clarify the issue, and prevent it from getting out of hand). Action : I drafted a statement that balanced empathy, understanding, and utmost customer service with facts, logic, and fairness. It was direct, simple, succinct, and phrased to highlight our brand values while addressing the issue in a logical yet sensitive way.   We also tapped our influencer partners to subtly and indirectly share their positive experiences with our brand so we could counter the negative content being shared online.  Result : We got the results we worked for through proper communication and a positive and strategic campaign. The irate client agreed to have a dialogue with us. She apologized to us, and we reaffirmed our commitment to delivering quality service to all. We assured her that she can reach out to us anytime regarding her purchases and that we’d gladly accommodate her requests whenever possible. She also retracted her negative statements in her vlog and urged her followers to keep supporting our brand.

What Are Good Outcomes of Problem Solving?

Whenever you answer interview questions about problem solving or share examples of problem solving in a cover letter, you want to be sure you’re sharing a positive outcome.

Below are good outcomes of problem solving:

  • Saving the company time or money
  • Making the company money
  • Pleasing/keeping a customer
  • Obtaining new customers
  • Solving a safety issue
  • Solving a staffing/scheduling issue
  • Solving a logistical issue
  • Solving a company hiring issue
  • Solving a technical/software issue
  • Making a process more efficient and faster for the company
  • Creating a new business process to make the company more profitable
  • Improving the company’s brand/image/reputation
  • Getting the company positive reviews from customers/clients

Every employer wants to make more money, save money, and save time. If you can assess your problem solving experience and think about how you’ve helped past employers in those three areas, then that’s a great start. That’s where I recommend you begin looking for stories of times you had to solve problems.

Tips to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills

Throughout your career, you’re going to get hired for better jobs and earn more money if you can show employers that you’re a problem solver. So to improve your problem solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting. When discussing problem solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Next, to get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t. Think about how you can get better at researching and analyzing a situation, but also how you can get better at communicating, deciding the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem solving ability.

If you practice the tips above, you’ll be ready to share detailed, impressive stories and problem solving examples that will make hiring managers want to offer you the job. Every employer appreciates a problem solver, whether solving problems is a requirement listed on the job description or not. And you never know which hiring manager or interviewer will ask you about a time you solved a problem, so you should always be ready to discuss this when applying for a job.

Related interview questions & answers:

  • How do you handle stress?
  • How do you handle conflict?
  • Tell me about a time when you failed

Biron Clark

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10 Common Retail Problems (And How to Solve Them)

In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s harder than ever for small business retailers to stay up on the latest trends and work to outpace eCommerce stores. With these constant-changing factors, it’s no surprise research shows that half of all retail businesses close in their first two years.

In this cutthroat environment, it can seem as if one mistake can cause a small business to close up shop. Luckily, we’re here to help. Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay. We just want to ensure that none of your mistakes affect your small business. Whether you’re experiencing problems in your business or not, here are the 10 most common retail problems and how you can solve them as an entrepreneur.

Problem #1: Neglecting Store Operations

One of the biggest mistakes many retailers make is neglecting their store operations, which in-turn causes them to neglect their customers. The worst thing about this problem is that many entrepreneurs don’t even realize they do this.

Too many retailers have their minds in the wrong place, and instead of focusing on the success and growth of their business, they worry too much about personal accomplishments with the company. They start off with a strong work ethic, but when they see small successes, their motivation lessens, and they begin to coast.

The best businesses strive for upward growth and don’t stop, even when they receive praise and admiration. So if you feel like you’re starting to coast as a business owner, it’s time to get back on track.

The Solution

To improve store operations, entrepreneurs can work to take a more hands-on approach to their management. They should be present at the storefront and work to engage customers and employees. Retailers should strive to be aware of their business in all aspects and work on progressing, even if it seems as if they’ve hit their peak. When business owners are actively involved with business operations, they can create a positive culture for their employers and consumers.

Problem #2: Declining Quality Customer Service

The sad truth of the 21 st Century is that if customers don’t have a positive experience at a storefront, they can just purchase the product they want online. This is why poor customer service is such a serious retail problem. It’s important that businesses make an effort to accommodate their customers’ needs because if customers don’t feel appreciated, they will stop visiting physical stores.

You can improve your company’s customer service by showing customers that you respect and value them. Be aware of their wants and needs and show them that you pay attention to detail. You can offer personalized services, unique offerings, or even just a smile and conversation. A little will go a long way. Just think about how you would want to be treated as a customer and what would positively stand out to you during your shopping experience.

Problem #3: Forgetting About the Data

Numbers can sometimes be confusing or unappealing, but to a business owner, you have to be aware of what numbers your business is driving and what they mean. You can’t just sit back and hope that you’re generating a positive cash flow. You must be hands-on and know where your money is coming from and where it goes.

It’s good to be passionate about your business and start a company because you care about it, but you also need to take the next step to help it succeed by being data driven. Many entrepreneurs make decisions only based off emotion, but you also need to take trends and statistics into account.

If you know about data but aren’t applying your knowledge, work to make your decisions more number driven. If you aren’t comfortable with numbers or finances, educate yourself by reading, taking a course, or asking someone for help.

When you gain knowledge and insight, work to make decisions based on a mix of logical and emotional reasoning. Don’t rely solely about how you feel about your business but use your passion to learn about the data you’ve collected and make strategic, smart decisions with both elements together.

Problem #4: Failing to Adapt

You’ve probably had to adapt a lot within the past few years as new technology and trends have emerged. But businesses have been adapting since the start of time, and positive change is a good thing so don’t push it away.

Being outdated can be the demise of a small business, so make sure to stay current with the latest trends. Small businesses are already a big trend, so you’re already partly there!

To continue adapting, ask yourself and the people around you questions, and take time to think about the answers. Ask “what if” and “why” more often and be open to input. If your company is very outdated, it might be time to reevaluate your business. It can also be beneficial to see what other small businesses are doing to adapt. For example, you might want to update your company’s website or create a social media presence. Whatever you decide to do, just be ready for what’s next!

Problem #5: Underestimating Commitment to the Store

Some small business owners forget that opening a retail store comes with many consuming tasks such as a nonstop cycle of buying, marketing, displaying, and selling products. This process can sometimes be very overwhelming and demanding for some entrepreneurs. It also means that business owners endure long days or nights, nonstop ordering, and bill paying. Even though this can be tiresome, the minute you put it on the back burner, your small business can start to fail.

Of course, you can hire more employees, but it’s not always that easy.

You need to make your storefront a priority, because if you’re not looking after it, no one will. Take the time to get organized and create a schedule for taking inventory, ordering stock, and selling products. It’s going to be a lot of work, so hire team members if you need extra hands on deck. But remember the importance of being committed to your store, and know that if you are committed, so will your employees and customers.

Problem #6: Trying to Do It Alone

With a lot of responsibilities as a small business owner, there does come a time when you need to delegate tasks and onboard more team members. Your business won’t be able to grow and develop if you spend all your time bogged down by stressful tasks and don’t leave any room in your schedule to brainstorm or reflect. The time will come when you finally need to take a step back and ask for help.

When you’re finally ready to ask for help, hire and train a carefully selected staff who want your business to succeed just as much as you do. Delegate responsibilities to your new team and have them help with selling, organizing, marketing, inventory, accounting, or any other tasks you need. While they are working, take time to focus on bettering your business and put your effort into doing what you love.

Problem #7: Having an Undeveloped Brand

Sometimes I’ll walk into a store that clearly has an undeveloped brand. Maybe they’re selling too many items and I’m not sure why there are so many random things, or it could be too niched, and I’ll be turned off that I don’t fit the store’s targeted audience.

It’s important that small businesses find a happy medium between these two poles. Don’t have too large of an inventory and overwhelm customers, but also don’t turn customers away by being too niched.

A good rule of thumb is that each item in your store should make sense and contribute to your store’s overall vibe.

To develop your store’s brand, you should first decide on your store’s look and feel. Think about what your store’s personality would be like: how does it talk, what does it wear, what music does it listen to? Ask yourself all those questions and more to establish your branding. Next, curate your merchandise to reflect that brand. Your products should tell a story about your company, and that story should be understood by your customers from the minute they walk in.

Problem #8: Being a Bad Employer

Being a business owner is a tremendous responsibility, but sometimes the recognition and power of owning a business can get to the head of many entrepreneurs. This can create a negative power dynamic and create tension among leaders and employees. The jobs of business owners are to help manage and train people to be better. Thus, everyone should be working collectively for the betterment of the company. If you’re experiencing problems with your team, it might be time for you to take a reality check and see if it’s time to improve your employer-employee relations.

You’ve done amazing things in your life and have reached great successes, but sometimes it comes time for you to humble yourself and reassess your leadership strategies. Don’t be the boss. Be a leader. If you don’t invest in people, then they won’t invest in you or your company. Similarly, if you have a negative work culture, you need to change it. It is your responsibility to set a great example, listen to, and be supportive of your employees. Set an example by being kind and caring about people, but also make sure to separate your work and home lives. Get off your phone and work hard, and your employees will follow suit. Ultimately, you are responsible for your company culture, so work hard to be a good leader and your team will follow.

Problem #9: Ignoring the Market

Many business owners can sometimes turn a blind eye to the market, which can ultimately damage their company and decrease their revenue. Business owners make this mistake by selling items they want to sell rather than selling items their consumers desire. However, it is important to keep updated with new and developing trends and be aware of which items sell and which don’t.

First off, you should take an inventory analysis. An inventory analysis is a way for you to determine which products are worth keeping and what needs to be removed from the shelf. This can help you figure out what items are most popular so you can know what items you need the most of. Sometimes it can be hard to put your feelings aside and remove an item you like, but ultimately you need to focus on the consumers’ demands because their purchases determine the revenue for your business.

Problem #10: Overlooking Business Basics

Time to go back to business 101. As a business owner, it is imperative that you know the business basics and how they apply to your company. It might be hard to believe that this is a common mistake, but trust me, it is. Many business owners try to take short cuts because they think they can, but short cuts don’t get the job done. Proper planning and strategizing are crucial for any successful business and they can’t be avoided.

It’s okay to take time to refresh your basic business skills, but don’t forget or try to bypass the necessities. You need to know how to write a business plan, prepare for hiccups along the way, and handle your money and investments.

Many small business owners make these mistakes, and that’s okay! We want you to learn from your mistakes and continue to grow your business to be the best it can be.

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10 major retail problems and solutions [with real-world examples]

By: Jul Domingo

problem solving retail examples

Retail companies are vulnerable to two issues: economic woes and inefficient internal processes. These stumbling blocks have made business ownership harder for 72% of entrepreneurs .

But unlike economic issues, you can do something to rectify internal inefficiency. Your process is something you can control. To ensure your retail store survives hard times, run health checks on a regular basis and implement new strategies to counter problems as they emerge.

Retailing is never easy, but the right practices can help you face future risks. Coupled with the right tools, it’s possible to transform your business and make it leaner.

Take the time to educate yourself and your team about the current retail problems and solutions. We’ve outlined a few below.

10 most common retail problems and solutions

Retail businesses—both start-ups and growing companies—need to take proactive measures to remain competitive. But you need to be smart about it since your resources are limited.

Learn how to avoid business failure with these suggested solutions (even if you haven’t encountered some of these issues yet).

1. The absence of efficient data collection and analysis

Running a retail business means focusing on customer service, demand fulfillment, sales promotions, and inventory management. Mapping out plans in these areas needs solid, reliable data.

Biased, gut-driven decisions are common when a company has no single source of truth. It’s easier and common ( over 58% of survey respondents ) to “trust your instincts” because, well, you don’t have other things to rely on. But this has repercussions.

For instance, without knowing how much profit your brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms make, it’s possible to believe that you’re making money even when one of your channels is underperforming. This lack of data can further influence ill-informed initiatives, such as continuously stocking up on underperforming products.

Solution: Invest in data and analytics tool

Define your short and long-term goals and find the right tools for capturing, storing, and interpreting relevant data. Data you can use to create better, more effective strategies.

If you’re looking to optimize your website, simple and free tools, like Google Analytics, exist, so you can monitor visitor behavior and find out where you need to improve.

Advanced data and analytics tools, on the other hand, can detect patterns to assess past performance and understand future events.

For instance, Inventoro’s sales forecasting tool uses mathematical equations and deep machine learning to maximize your investment across all of your warehouses and sales channels. It all depends on your strategy.

Kulina, a decade-old store, doesn’t take any chances. The company uses quarterly goals to drive its sales forecasts. Keeping ahead of the game allows them to develop favorable relationships with their suppliers through strategic bulk buying.

problem solving retail examples

With our tool’s Golden Brick feature, the brand can also see how much money they lose by not selling certain items. Seeing their potential, they can find out which products are worth investing in. Read more about our case study here .

The bottom line? Data-based insights and forecasts allow businesses to optimize their performance by addressing gaps before they turn into nightmare scenarios. Rather than making wild guesses from thin air, data enables your business to make informed, reliable decisions.

2. Inability to meet market needs

Some retail businesses put their eggs in multiple baskets without optimizing their selling channels and product portfolio .

Approximately 63% of customers expect businesses to know their unique needs (e.g., product availability, price fairness, convenience, and timely fulfillment). Otherwise, the unmet expectations may leave them feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.

As an example: Dressbarn, a women’s clothing retailer, incurred losses when it closed all 650 retail outlets in 2019. Due to online shopping’s popularity, it was unable to attract foot traffic. It’s a waste of resources if you stocked too many products at each of your retail outlets when your customers mostly shop online.

In the same vein, if you continue to invest in the wrong products, you may find yourself–even facing a double trouble situation. Your shop will constantly run out of popular items, which might cause 70% of your customers to switch to your competitors.

You’ll also pile up your warehouse with permanent occupants. And the more dead stock there is, the higher the holding costs. This ceramic business case study proved that the product cost to a company is more than production costs alone. The accumulated warehouse, maintenance, and disposal expenses play a huge part.

Over time, your stocks will skyrocket without meeting demand, creating a fertile ground for retail failures.

Solution: Understand consumer demand and behavior

Conduct research about your products and channels through reviews, surveys, and direct interviews. To do so, reassess the customer journey from the initial touchpoint to the point of purchase, then decide when to bring your chosen medium in.

If you decide to go for a survey, you can sneakily add a pop-up feedback form or a separate contact page like this one from Supernatural , a retailer of plant-based food products.

problem solving retail examples

Source: Supernatural

Customer feedback can help improve key areas where customer satisfaction falls short. It could be the quality, the price, the product availability, or the payment method.

You can also gain an in-depth understanding of demand with a product portfolio tool like Inventoro. It lets you stock up on in-demand items while removing those with the lowest turnover rate.

About 21% of retailers are reducing their portfolio and focusing only on a few products for the same reason. It allows them to nurture their top-selling products while preventing lost sales opportunities.

Understanding these market-related retail problems and solutions can sustain your business, especially during an economic downturn.

3. Inability to meet market needs

You’ll also pile up your warehouse with permanent occupants. And the more dead stock there is, the higher the holding costs. This case study of a ceramic company shows that the product cost to a company is more than production costs alone. The accumulated warehouse, maintenance, and disposal expenses play a huge part.

Over time, your stocks will skyrocket without satisfying the demand—this makes for a fertile ground for retail failures.

problem solving retail examples

4. Ineffective retail inventory management

Most retail problems and solutions revolve around inventory, as it is a retailer’s most significant investment.

Poor inventory practices can suck up your capital, cause store inefficiencies, and make you lose your competitive edge. Moreover, not replenishing on time or selling as fast as you forecasted can also lead to significant financial losses.

McKinsey reported that 32% of businesses blamed their supply chain woes on inventory inefficiencies, such as poor forecasting and demand variability. In a separate study, ineffective replenishment methods are reported to account for 70% to 90% of out-of-stock situations . Your retail business is likely to suffer without strategic management to resolve these issues.

Solution: Diagnose your inventory health

Address the root of inventory problems by observing irregularities in the process flow. Do you often struggle with overstocking or stockouts ? Is your inventory costing you too much and turning over too slowly? Perhaps, your Excel forecast calculations don’t bring accurate results.

If that’s the case, conduct an inventory audit on a separate record to correct any incorrect balances. Don’t forget to double-check the count of your recent purchase orders as you reset your stock balances. For better results, you can invest in sales forecasting and intelligent replenishment tools to reduce human intervention and errors in the long run. It’ll also save you up to 20 hours a week on mundane admin tasks.

Retailers need to rethink the way they manage their stocks. About 77% of business owners already responded to that call by using technology to upgrade their inventory management.

All things considered, manual inventory management is no longer the most efficient way to keep track of all the inventory going in and out of your business. While paper based methods are used by many small businesses, in order to scale up you will need to implement more universal inventory management systems that allow you to oversee inventory throughout large warehouses or across multiple locations.

Don’t let bad stock management ruin your business. Check your inventory’s health today with Inventoro.

5. ignoring cash flow problems.

Some short-term cash flow problems can cause long-term insufficiency in your operating capital. After all, it wouldn’t be possible for your business to function without cash. 82% of failed small businesses point to poor cash flow management as the reason for their demise.

The temporary lack of cash on hand can also accumulate unpaid bills and invoices inflated by interests and penalties. Worse, this breach of contract can also prompt legal action, causing irreversible damage to your business.

Solution: Improve cash-flow management

How do you avoid business failure caused by negligent cash flow management? It’s a simple money rule: don’t let your outflows exceed your inflows .

However, that’s not always feasible as sales fluctuate, and some customers settle their invoices late.

So, it’s pivotal to identify the factors affecting your poor cash flow and implement strategies to alleviate the problem.

Slow receivable collections? Try offering early payment incentives. Low sales or poor inventory turnover? You can devise new marketing efforts and increase your cash flow by bundling your products or holding flash sales.

problem solving retail examples

Source: Milled

Take a cue from Vitauthority , an online supplement provider. Pair your slow-moving products with your bestsellers. This strategy is two-fold. First, it reduces your inventory holding costs lowering your outflow. Second, sold bundles boost your inflow.

problem solving retail examples

Source: Vitauthorithy.com

Another strategy you can borrow from the online brand is holding flash sales. But make sure you do this in moderation to avoid reducing the value of your brand and your products.

Read about cash-flow-related retail problems and solutions in this article .

6. Not prioritizing customer satisfaction

Retailers who don’t collect feedback or act on one are likely to develop toxic customer relationships.

Customers are the sole reason your business exists. Poor customer service and under-delivered promises can drive potential customers away and hurt your brand reputation. This is likely due to the staggering 62% of past shoppers who admitted sharing negative experiences with others (who might be your prospects).

Most of these customers will take to social media to vent their frustrations. And when it hits the socials, who knows how far it will go. TikTok videos with #badcustomerservice have garnered about 73 million views.

Meanwhile, on Twitter, it’s common to call out companies and tag their accounts. Which is exactly what this unhappy Crocs shopper did:

problem solving retail examples

Source: Twitter

Solution: Observe proactive customer service

Listen and respond to customer requests promptly and be transparent with them. You can involve in-store customers by displaying suggestion boxes in your outlets and training staff members on how to cater to your shop visitors better.

Online, you can include a FAQs help center and a request form on your website, like this one from Welly , a first aid kit retailer. You don’t have shop attendants that can help your customer navigate through your online store, so it’s a good idea to anticipate what they’ll need and hand it to them before they ask.

problem solving retail examples

Source: Welly

Last but not least, make a difference in customer experience–both online and offline–by satisfying your customers with a broader product range . They won’t have to ditch you for competitors like the 61% of buyers who would switch to a new brand after a poor shopping experience. Use the right tool to achieve it with minimal inventory investments.

Excellent customer service leads to three times higher returns and faster financial recovery for retail businesses. You’ll do well to hone your business in this area. Pro Tip : By automating repetitive business tasks, you can devote more time to customer service.

7. Sole reliance on PPC advertising

PPC advertising is a retail game-changer. About 19% of people click on paid ads because of a compelling title, description, or image—imagine the traffic and engagement you could garner. However, focusing on fleeting pay-per-click ads alone can only build awareness and not long-term customer loyalty.

General retail and online retail businesses experience 24% and 22% customer churn rate , respectively. Your advertisements may be effective at attracting prospects. But your business can’t grow unless you encourage existing customers to return.

Solution: Lay the foundation for marketing efforts

Let’s recall the first talking point on this list of retail problems and solutions: back up your digital marketing efforts with customer data and analytics.

With richer and more accurate insights, you can tailor your brand promotions to their preferences and behaviors.

Show off your unique brand voice and story with visual content your customers would really want to see. Look at how Dannijo markets itself as a sisterhood, and not just a jewelry brand.

The #DANNIJOGIRLS hashtag used by the community is also a clever way to improve searchability, impressions, and engagements.

problem solving retail examples

Source: Instagram – Dannijo

Other strategies include introducing loyalty programs, rewards, and discount vouchers for their next purchases. You can also throw gifts into every order exceeding a certain amount. This is a clever way to dispose of dead stock in your warehouse while demonstrating generosity to your shoppers. Find out how to get rid of dead stocks here .

The goal is to nurture each lead through the following stages: reach, acquisition, conversion, retention , and loyalty . If you do this right, you can attract 80% of customers who believe that being loyal to a brand involves frequently purchasing their products.

8. Inadequate business growth plans

Growing your business has two major goals: remain competitive and remain relevant.

Complacency can lead to retail failures. If an emerging retailer with breakeven sales is no longer willing to take on additional risks to enter new markets, there’s little choice but to scale back to survive.

It’s even happened to large enterprises. We’ve seen Fortune 500 companies go under this way (Blockbuster, General Motors, Kodak, and Toys R Us), proving that a progressive approach is essential to success.

But even if you sell innovative products and keep up with the trends, it’s not enough. You need to encourage customers to come back.

Unfortunately, this was revealed late to the DTC mattress brand Casper . What was once a fast-growing company found itself in a bind after realizing that it didn’t offer any significant benefits to its existing customers.

Solution: Upgrade processes and strengthen relationships

Of this list of retail problems and solutions, this one offers varying solutions. It all depends on your plan.

Remaining competitive requires a straightforward approach: Adapt to trends–whichever way it looks for your competitors.

Understand demand and economic fluctuations, and assess how you can modify your offers to gain a competitive edge. Then, use these insights to outperform your competitors and boost customer trust.

Next is to research your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the industry.

problem solving retail examples

Dressbarn now operates as an online retailer. Source: Dressbarn.com

After the demise of Dressbarn, a new parent company brought it back to life by converting it into an online retail store and capitalizing on the surge in e-commerce sales . Good news: the fashion retailer continues to thrive today.

Being competitive is part of remaining relevant. But a large chunk of it is cultivating strong business relationships as a foundation for growth. Engage and build trust with both your suppliers and customers.

For suppliers, long-term partnerships are key. This study proves that your suppliers would want a lasting relationship with you. They win by having lower selling, general, and administrative expenses.

You win by negotiating a better, long-term deal. We’ve seen this happen to our customers. Our “merge orders” function can help them gauge how much they’ll need from their suppliers. They leverage this information by getting a sweeter but more lasting contract.

As for building trust with customers, serving them better often works. The tips in items #2, #3, #5, and #6 provide some helpful advice.

9. Scaling up the business too early

If scaling up for growth is essential, so is proper timing. Premature scaling practices aren’t only expensive and can end your retail business for good. According to this IBFR study , a lack of business plan is a major culprit for startup and scaling business failures.

Such as the case with Wise Acre Frozen Treats when it landed a contract with a national distributor without enough resources.

CEO Jim Picariello applied for several loans to fund the massive increase in demand. Yet despite ongoing efforts to scout bankers and investors, they’re still unable to raise the money necessary to pay the bills and continue the operation. In the end, this poor timing resulted in thousands of unfulfilled orders and a bankruptcy filing.

Solution: Outline the parameters during the transition

Expansion is any business owner’s point of no return. It’s not for the fickle-minded. So, before signing any contract and applying for bank loans, ask yourself these questions first:

  • Is the business expansion necessary right now?
  • Do you have enough budget to pay for new facilities, equipment, software, and employees?
  • Are you capable of fulfilling the sudden shift in demand?
  • Do you have other income streams to help you recover from severe losses if things don’t go as planned?

Once you’re confident, document the new business processes and take the time to onboard your staff. Then, you have all the time to equip yourself and your team to review these retail problems and solutions.

10. Lack of task delegation

Retailers, particularly small business owners, tend to avoid hiring more workers to reduce costs. It’s not discouraged, but the problem arises when a lack of task delegation begins to burn you and your existing team. Stress and burnout remained high for managers, and it could only get worse without proper task delegation.

Work-related burnout reduces professional efficacy and compromises the quality of work, which can be just as costly as outsourcing. Taking on even the smallest routine tasks as an entrepreneur is no different.

Solution: Consider outsourcing

You can delegate tasks through third-party outsourcing if you can’t afford to hire full-time retail employees. Look for freelancers and agencies who can assist you fulfill time-consuming tasks, such as social media and content marketing, repetitive administrative tasks, warehousing, and order fulfillment.

For instance, outsourcing logistic services from 3PL providers can save you the hassle of paperwork and frequent audits. Even better, they can help reduce shipping errors, delayed shipments, and stockout situations–especially if you’re making the move to micro-fulfillment, a growing trend in retail.

Using this distribution method, the fulfillment facility is localized near the customer base, thus shortening delivery lead times.

To help you determine which businesses are likely to benefit from this, Nick Malinowski, co-owner of 3PL company OTW Shipping LLC , explained: “Micro-fulfillment is going to be crucial for large retailers to offer an improved delivery experience for impatient customers. It also opens up the option for grocery delivery.”

Your staff will have a lot to do if you decide this model is right for your business and customers. You’ll also have to shell out resources (time and money) to get it done. Outsourcing takes away the hurdle and makes it easy to dive in and try things out without taking a huge financial hit.

The right tools can help you overcome the fear of retail failure

No business has ever succeeded without first facing risks and challenges. Confront them confidently by relying on data, fulfilling demand, optimizing processes, boosting capital, and staying one step ahead of the competition.

With Inventoro’s smart inventory features, you can achieve all of the above on your most valuable asset: inventory. Use it to optimize your product portfolio, generate accurate sales forecasts, and receive daily replenishments to maintain your stocks at optimal levels.

Start your 14-day free trial today.

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How to List Retail Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

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Why employers want to see retail skills on a resume

How to list retail skills on a resume, best retail skills to add to a resume, how to improve retail skills.

Creating a great resume for a retail position involves listing great customer service and problem-solving skills. You should also add skills that show your ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments. Knowing where and how to put retail skills on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates. This article shows you the best retail skills to put on your resume, how to add them and how to improve them.

Retail positions are high-pressure, multipurpose jobs. They require dynamic, adaptable employees who have a diverse set of skills, including retail-specific skills like customer service and teamwork abilities. 

These skills are necessary for various retail jobs, including buyer, store manager, retail sales merchandiser, retail manager, retail buyer, retail associate, cashier and more. Listing retail resume skills not only shows an employer that you have these skills but also provides specific examples of how you use them in real-life situations. 

Use these steps as a guideline for listing your retail skills on your resume: 

1. First, keep your skills relevant to the required skills listed in the job posting

Customize each part of your resume for the particular position you are applying for. Carefully read the job description to determine which skills are relevant to the position. For example, if the job description lists attention to detail as a skill needed, try to add it to your resume. 

2. Second, list your strongest skills first

Take time to think and list the skills you have gained over time. Compare your list with the skills necessary for the retail position you are applying for and identify your strongest skills that align with the role. 

3. Third, divide your retail skills into a subsection

Select three or four skills, or create a ‘Retail Skills’ category to act as a subheading. This makes your skills section look visually appealing and organized. 

4. Fourth, show examples of your skills

In your work history section, you can give specific examples of how you use your retail skills. For example, if you want to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, a work history detail could be, ‘Suggested new storage method that reduced time spent finding goods, increasing customer satisfaction.’

5. Fifth, organize your bullet points

If you have a ‘Skills’ section longer than two or three bullet points, make sure they’re in a logical order. Add your best skills at the top, or you could list the skills that most closely align with those in the job description. 

To stand out among other candidates, you want a resume that is easy to read and clearly identifies your skills. You can list your skills and provide specific examples to showcase how you can apply them to an open position.

You can include these retail resume skills:

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are traits and behaviors you rely on when building relationships and communicating with others. They can help you during the interview process, and assist you as you advance in your career. Sometimes referred to as  ‘people skills,’ these skills often combine how you handle personal interactions in social situations and your innate personality traits. 

In the workplace, strong interpersonal skills can help you navigate day-to-day tasks, complexity and change. Examples of interpersonal skills include teamwork, dependability, motivation, patience, active listening, flexibility and empathy. 

Communication skills

Communication skills allow you to give and receive various types of information, including feelings, ideas and events happening around you. There are several ways to communicate, including phone conversations, social media, email and in-person interactions. Other communication skills include empathizing, speaking, listening and observing. 

Customer service skills

Customer service skills are behaviors you use when interacting with consumers. This can include greeting customers as they enter the store, assisting them in locating items and answering any questions they may have. Customer service skills can also include following up with customers about their shopping experience and troubleshooting any problems they may have encountered during their visit. 

Leadership skills

Leadership skills are one of many soft skills employers value. These skills are important throughout your career and usually incorporate various communication abilities and personality traits. Leadership skills help you motivate others on your team to complete tasks, stay on schedule and achieve goals. 

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills help you handle unexpected or stressful situations. Employers look for individuals who can consider these situations and identify solutions while remaining calm. Problem-solving skills include team-building, dependability, creativity, analysis, decision-making, research and active listening.  

Computer skills

Almost every job requires some level of computer skills, with many employers looking for candidates with intermediate to advanced level abilities. You should be able to use computer applications and programs like specific POS systems and Microsoft Office. Typical computer skills can include email, social media, spreadsheets and analytics. 

Many of these skills are closely related, meaning you may be able to group the skills you have so they’re logical on your resume. 

Here are some ways you can improve your retail skills:

1. First, ask a coworker or manager for constructive feedback

It can be challenging to evaluate your own retail skills, so ask someone you trust for their honest opinion. Knowing areas you need to improve on can help you identify skills to focus on.  

2. Next, establish SMART goals

Many retail skills are ones that develop over time, and you can improve them with practice. This can include greeting each customer as they enter the store, asking questions to assist them better or learning how to develop social media campaigns. Goals can help you create a plan for improving skills and know when you have achieved it. 

3. Finally, attend relevant classes or workshops

There are various in-person and online classes, seminars and workshops that can assist you with improving many skills. These workshops may include open discussion, written assignments and practicing real-life scenarios.

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6 monumental retail problems your people can solve

Retailers face tough challenges in today’s world of changingconsumer habits, onmi-channel pressure and tight margins.

But some in the retail sector might be under-estimating a keyasset that can help them tackle these challenges - their own employees.

Store associates deal with customers every day, and they probablyunderstand the business challenges better than anyone does.

If they get the right training and support, they can be a powerfulweapon in the fight to stay competitive and profitable.

Here are just some of the ways your people hold the key to solvingretail’s biggest problems:

1. Profit loss and shrinkage

The problem: In 2015, the Global Retail Theft Barometer reported that retail shrinkage was running at almost 1.5% globally, amounting to $120 billion. In the UK, the cost to business in 2016 was £660 million, according to the Retail Crime Survey conducted by the British Retail Consortium. The top cause, at 66% (£438 million), is customer theft. Employee theft is second. Another factor in the UK is the slowing down in sales in some retail sectors.

How staff are key: Employees are the number one tool in preventing loss but they need help in knowing the tell-tale signs and in how to respond if they suspect someone is stealing.  

How employers can support them: Ongoing training can provide a culture of loss prevention and lead to behaviour change within an organisation. Use short snippets of daily reinforcement learning to keep the issue top of mind for your staff every day. Developing a positive staff attitude is also important.

2. Disjointed customer experience

The problem: Three out of four customers list a bad customer experience as the main reason they are turned off a brand, according to leading CRM company, Salesforce. An inconsistent, disjointed offering across the brand channels, from online and mobile apps to high street stores, is a key factor behind the dissatisfaction and lack of conversion.

How staff are key: Knowledgeable staff with answers to hand and a wider understanding of how all the channels connect to form ‘a whole journey’ is essential for a seamless customer journey. 

How employers can support them: Provide staff with the knowledge they need ‘on demand’. Continuous learning reinforcement, with answers available via devices will become the norm as retailers see how employee knowledge is vital in keeping customers. 

3. Underperformance in omni-channel

The problem: A 2017 survey of 40 leading UK retailers in four sectors and a thousand of their customers found there is a growing chasm between what customers want and what retailers are offering. Less than 50% of retail customers are happy with their online, email and social media experience, while 58% of retailers provide different answers to the same question across multiple channels.

How staff are key: The survey concluded that “fast, high quality communications” and a trained-up staff were needed. Retail staff with this level of quality communications can improve the omni-channel approach. 

How employers can support them: Again, it comes down to empowering staff with knowledge to provide prompt, correct answers and in understanding all channels, not just their own immediate work space. 

4. Decaying customer loyalty

The problem: In this ‘Age of the Customer’, knowledgeable consumers know what they want and they’ll shop around to find it. It’s not just down to products and pricing; experience is often the top factor.

How staff are key: The Harvard Business Review says companies should ‘empower’ their employees to deliver a quality customer service and has produced a 5-step process.  

How employers can support them: Staff require customer engagement skills and ‘Customer First’ values. Consider an interactive video tour of a customer journey, backed up with personalised, adaptable, relevant on-demand knowledge.  

5. Data loss and cyber breaches

The problem: The British Retail Consortium’s 2016 Retail Crime Survey shows cyber-crime is increasing, accounting for 5% of shrinkage (£36 million). In addition, an estimated £100 million of losses through reported fraud is cyber-enabled. Meanwhile, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office said in August 2017 that the number of retail firms reporting data breaches has doubled in just one year.

How staff are key: According to PwC, some retailers are now instilling a culture where employees “are key in minimising the risk”. 

How employers can support them: The PwC report says that as part of the culture, “organisations are investing in effective training and awareness programs”. Compliance and cyber security training can come in many forms including scenarios and games & gamification.

6. Reduction in spending per transaction

The problem: People are being more cautious about how and where they spend their cash.

How staff are key:   Research tells us that customers spend more money when they receive assistance from engaged staff – sometimes as much as 40% more.  And, if millennials are your target consumers, store associates are even more important.  A new study suggests 66% of millennials find associates “extremely important” to their shopping experience. 

How employers can support them: Provide a bespoke customer engagement skills program as part of a ‘customer first’ culture. 

The bottom line is that for retailers to overcome these challenges, they’ll need a workforce that’s knowledgeable and engaged. Investing in people has never been so important for retail.

Get in touch to find out more about tackling any of these six monumental challenges.  

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How to Effectively Apply Accountability and Problem-Solving Methods in Retail Store Management

In the fast-paced world of retail, success depends on many factors, but none are more important than accountability and problem-solving. These two pillars form the foundation of effective retail store management, allowing businesses to navigate challenges, drive success, and achieve their goals. Like the gears of a well-oiled machine, accountability and problem-solving work together to ensure smooth operations, satisfied customers, and a thriving business.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Accountability in Retail Store Management

Accountability is like a compass that guides the actions and behaviors of everyone in the retail store. It ensures that employees take ownership of their responsibilities, strive for excellence, and deliver outstanding customer service. Without accountability, chaos ensues, and achieving success becomes a distant dream.

Famous management guru Peter Drucker once said, “What gets measured gets improved.” This rings true in the realm of retail, where accountability sets the stage for continuous improvement. When employees are held accountable for their performance, they are more likely to take initiative, meet targets, and exceed expectations.

Think of accountability as the fuel that powers a retail store’s engine. It ignites motivation, promotes teamwork, and fosters a sense of responsibility among employees. When everyone is accountable, the store operates like a well-choreographed dance, with each member playing their part to perfection.

But what exactly does accountability look like in the context of retail store management? Let’s delve deeper into the role of accountability and its impact on store success.

Understanding the Role of Accountability in Retail Store Success

Accountability goes beyond simply assigning tasks and expecting them to be completed. It involves setting clear expectations, providing resources and support, and measuring progress along the way. Without these elements, accountability remains an empty word, devoid of meaning.

Accountability breeds a sense of purpose and commitment among employees. It aligns individual goals with organizational objectives, ensuring that everyone is working towards a common vision. This cohesion creates a strong foundation for success and empowers employees to make decisions that benefit the store as a whole.

When accountability is ingrained in the store’s culture, trust flourishes. Employees trust their managers to support them, and managers trust their team to deliver results. This trust forms the bedrock of a high-performing retail store where confidence and collaboration reign supreme.

Key Benefits of Implementing Accountability Measures in Retail Store Management

Implementing accountability measures in retail store management yields a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it promotes a sense of ownership among employees, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. When employees take ownership of their tasks, they strive to excel and deliver exceptional results.

Accountability also enhances employee engagement. When employees know that their contributions matter and that their work is valued, they become invested in the overall success of the store. This engagement translates into higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and an enthusiastic workforce that goes the extra mile for customers.

Moreover, accountability drives innovation and problem-solving. When employees feel accountable for their actions, they are more likely to identify and address issues proactively. Each team member becomes a problem-solver, constantly looking for ways to improve processes, enhance customer experiences, and boost overall performance.

Common Challenges in Holding Employees Accountable in Retail Store Management

While accountability is vital for retail store success, it is not without its challenges. One common obstacle is a lack of clarity and understanding regarding expectations. Employees may struggle to comprehend what is expected of them, leading to confusion and underperformance.

To overcome this challenge, managers must communicate expectations clearly, provide regular feedback, and offer training and development opportunities to enhance employees’ skill set. By investing in their team’s growth, managers equip them to meet and surpass expectations.

Another challenge lies in fostering a culture of accountability. It is not enough to simply mandate accountability; it must be cultivated. Managers can nurture this culture by leading by example, recognizing and celebrating accountability in action, and providing support and resources to facilitate success.

Accountability is the cornerstone of effective retail store management. It empowers employees, drives success, and creates a thriving work environment. By embracing accountability, retail stores can unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable results.

Problem-Solving Methods for Retail Store Management

Accountability may set the stage for success, but problem-solving provides the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. In the dynamic world of retail, problems are bound to arise, but it’s how they are approached and resolved that sets exceptional stores apart from the rest.

Identifying and analyzing problems is the first step towards effective problem-solving. Like Sherlock Holmes, retail managers must become detectives, examining data, observing customer behavior, and seeking insights into the root causes of issues. By understanding the problem at its core, managers can develop strategies to solve it.

Several renowned psychologists, such as Albert Bandura and Lev Vygotsky, emphasize the importance of self-efficacy and the social environment in problem-solving. Applying their teachings, retail managers can empower their employees, provide the necessary tools and resources, and create a positive, supportive environment that encourages innovative thinking.

Effective Strategies for Problem-Solving in Retail Store Management

When faced with a problem, it is crucial to approach it systematically. One effective strategy is utilizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, popularized by management guru W. Edwards Deming. This four-step method involves planning a solution, implementing it, evaluating the results, and making adjustments based on the outcomes.

To ensure successful problem-solving, managers must engage their team in the process. Collaborative brainstorming sessions, where ideas flow freely, can lead to breakthrough solutions. Encouraging employees to voice their opinions and perspectives fosters a culture of innovation and creativity, generating ideas that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Another valuable strategy is the use of visual aids, such as flowcharts and diagrams, which help employees visualize processes and identify areas for improvement. This visual approach, championed by entrepreneurship expert Alex Osterwalder, simplifies complex problems, making them more manageable and solvable.

Implementing Solutions and Measuring Success in Retail Store Management

Implementing solutions requires a coordinated effort and effective communication. Managers must clearly communicate the solution to the team, outline the steps required for implementation, and ensure that everyone understands their role in executing the plan.

Measuring success is essential to determine the effectiveness of the implemented solution. This can be done through key performance indicators (KPIs) and ongoing monitoring of results. By tracking progress, managers can identify areas of improvement , celebrate successes, and make informed decisions to drive performance.

Integrating Accountability and Problem-Solving in Retail Store Management

While accountability and problem-solving are powerful tools on their own, integrating them creates a synergistic effect that propels retail stores towards greatness. By combining a culture of accountability with effective problem-solving methods, managers can create an environment where success becomes not just a possibility but a reality.

Creating a culture of accountability and problem-solving starts with strong leadership. Just as a conductor leads an orchestra, managers must set the tone, exemplify accountability, and foster an environment where problem-solving is encouraged and celebrated.

An essential aspect of integration is training and development. Retail managers can provide workshops and seminars on accountability and problem-solving, equipping employees with the skills they need to excel. By investing in their team’s growth, managers demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ success and overall store performance.

Monitoring and adjusting accountability and problem-solving methods regularly is another vital step towards integration. As retail stores evolve, so do the challenges they face. Managers must stay vigilant, continuously assessing whether their methods are effective and making adjustments as needed.

Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Accountability and Problem-Solving Methods in Retail Store Management

The best way to understand the impact of accountability and problem-solving methods in retail store management is through real-world examples. Let’s explore three case studies that highlight the transformative power of these approaches.

Case Study 1: Retail Store A – How Accountability and Problem-Solving Transformed Performance

Retail Store A was struggling with sales, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. The management team implemented a comprehensive accountability system, setting clear expectations and providing ongoing feedback. They also encouraged employees to contribute their ideas for problem-solving.

As a result, the store witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Sales increased by 20%, employee morale improved, and customer satisfaction soared to new heights. By empowering employees and fostering a culture of accountability and problem-solving, Retail Store A proved that success is attainable for those who dare to take ownership.

Case Study 2: Retail Store B – Overcoming Challenges through Accountability and Problem-Solving

Retail Store B faced a unique challenge: an inefficient inventory management system that led to frequent stockouts and frustrated customers. The management team implemented an accountability framework that involved tracking inventory levels, analyzing data, and developing strategies to optimize stock levels.

With this system in place, Retail Store B overcame its inventory woes. Stockouts became a rare occurrence, and customers praised the store for its ability to meet their needs promptly. By leveraging accountability and problem-solving, the store turned a challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Case Study 3: Retail Store C – Lessons Learned from Implementing Accountability and Problem-Solving Methods

Retail Store C was struggling with employee turnover and lackluster performance. The management team recognized the need for a culture of accountability and problem-solving and embarked on a journey of transformation.

By providing training and development opportunities, empowering employees to make decisions, and fostering open communication, Retail Store C experienced a significant shift. Employee turnover decreased by 50%, and the store’s performance skyrocketed. This case study serves as a testament to the far-reaching impact of accountability and problem-solving in retail store management.

Accountability and problem-solving are not mere buzzwords in retail store management; they are the key ingredients for success. By harnessing the power of accountability , managers can foster a culture of ownership and commitment, driving productivity and innovation. Similarly, problem-solving equips retail stores to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and thrive in a dynamic marketplace.

Whether it’s implementing accountability measures, honing problem-solving skills, or integrating the two, taking a proactive approach to accountability and problem-solving is crucial for retail store management. As management guru Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” and by effectively applying accountability and problem-solving methods, the future of retail store management will be nothing short of extraordinary.

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Module 4: Identifying and Understanding Customer Behavior

Increasing sales with limited problem solving, learning objectives.

  • Describe how a retailer can increase sales from customers engaged in limited problem solving

By contrast, consumers with a limited problem solving mindset put in little consideration before arriving at a decision. Because of the minimal time and energy committed to the search, this mindset is most common with the selection and purchase of low-consideration or low-value items. These may also be purchases that have little to no emotional significance. Simply, the consumer is unwilling to over-invest time or effort in a decision that has little importance or where a “bad” decision has no lingering negative effects.

These shoppers don’t need a high level of engagement. Instead, they need to be cued to make a purchase. Thus, advertising, promotion and in-store merchandising can be especially helpful in influencing the decision. Think again about your local grocery store, imagining that you’re walking down the dental care aisle. Each item on-shelf, through its packaging—the images and words, the colors and fonts—is trying to communicate to you a reason to buy. The displays, floor or shelf graphics and special tags are doing the same. And, given the low relative price-point of the items and the low risk of making a mistake in buying the “wrong” product,” shoppers can make purchase decisions with a limited problem solving mindset.

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  • Increasing Sales with Limited Problem Solving. Authored by : Patrick Williams. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

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5 Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios + ROLE PLAY SCRIPTS

Problem-solving is an essential skill in our daily lives. It enables us to analyze situations, identify challenges, and find suitable solutions. In this article, we’ll explore five real-life problem-solving scenarios from various areas, including business, education, and personal growth. By understanding these examples, you can develop your problem-solving abilities and effectively tackle challenges in your life.

Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios

Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios

Improving Customer Service Scenario:

A retail store is experiencing a decline in customer satisfaction, with clients complaining about slow service and unhelpful staff.

Solution : The store manager assembles a team to analyze customer feedback, identify key issues, and propose solutions. They implement a new training program focused on customer service skills, streamline the checkout process, and introduce an incentive system to motivate employees. As a result, customer satisfaction improves, and the store’s reputation is restored.

Enhancing Learning Outcomes Scenario:

A high school teacher notices that her students struggle with understanding complex concepts in her science class, leading to poor performance on tests.

Solution : The teacher reevaluates her teaching methods and incorporates active learning strategies, such as group discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, to make the material more engaging and relatable. She also offers additional support sessions and resources for students who need extra help. Consequently, students’ understanding improves, and test scores increase.

Overcoming Procrastination Scenario:

An individual consistently procrastinates, leading to increased stress and reduced productivity.

Solution : The person identifies the root cause of their procrastination, such as fear of failure or lack of motivation. They establish clear goals and deadlines, break tasks into manageable steps, and use time management tools, like the Pomodoro Technique , to stay focused. By consistently applying these strategies, they successfully overcome procrastination and enhance their productivity.

Reducing Patient Wait Times Scenario:

A medical clinic has long wait times, leading to patient dissatisfaction and overworked staff.

Solution : The clinic’s management team conducts a thorough analysis of the appointment scheduling process and identifies bottlenecks. They implement a new appointment system, hire additional staff, and optimize the workflow to reduce wait times. As a result, patient satisfaction increases, and staff stress levels decrease.

Reducing Plastic Waste Scenario:

A local community is struggling with an excessive amount of plastic waste, causing environmental pollution and health concerns.

Solution : Community leaders organize a task force to address the issue. They implement a recycling program, educate residents about the environmental impact of plastic waste, and collaborate with local businesses to promote the use of eco-friendly packaging alternatives. These actions lead to a significant reduction in plastic waste and a cleaner, healthier community.

Conclusion : These five examples of problem-solving scenarios demonstrate how effective problem-solving strategies can lead to successful outcomes in various aspects of life. By learning from these scenarios, you can develop your problem-solving skills and become better equipped to face challenges in your personal and professional life. Remember to analyze situations carefully, identify the root causes, and implement solutions that address these issues for optimal results.

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  • See also: 3 Workplace Scenarios for Role Play

Role Play: Improving Customer Service in a Retail Store

Objective : To practice effective problem-solving and communication skills in a retail setting by addressing customer service issues and finding solutions to improve customer satisfaction.

Scenario : A retail store is experiencing a decline in customer satisfaction, with clients complaining about slow service and unhelpful staff.

Characters :

  • Store Manager
  • Sales Associate
  • Assistant Manager

Role Play Script:

Scene 1 : Store Manager’s Office Store Manager: (Addressing the Assistant Manager and Sales Associate) I’ve noticed that our customer satisfaction has been declining lately. We’ve received several complaints about slow service and unhelpful staff. We need to address these issues immediately. Any suggestions?

Sales Associate : I’ve observed that the checkout process can be quite slow, especially during peak hours. Maybe we can improve our system to make it more efficient?

Assistant Manager : I agree. We could also implement a new training program for our staff, focusing on customer service skills and techniques.

Scene 2 : Staff Training Session Store Manager: (Addressing the entire staff) We’re implementing a new training program to improve our customer service. This program will cover effective communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. We’ll also introduce an incentive system to reward those who provide exceptional service.

Scene 3 : Retail Floor Customer: (Approaching the Sales Associate) Excuse me, I can’t find the product I’m looking for. Can you help me?

Sales Associate : (Smiling) Of course! I’d be happy to help. What product are you looking for?

Customer : I need a specific brand of shampoo, but I can’t find it on the shelves.

Sales Associate : Let me check our inventory system to see if we have it in stock. (Checks inventory) I’m sorry, but it seems we’re currently out of stock. However, we’re expecting a new shipment within two days. I can take your contact information and let you know as soon as it arrives.

Customer : That would be great! Thank you for your help.

Scene 4 : Store Manager’s Office Assistant Manager: (Reporting to the Store Manager) Since we implemented the new training program and made changes to the checkout process, we’ve seen a significant improvement in customer satisfaction.

Store Manager : That’s excellent news! Let’s continue to monitor our progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure we maintain this positive trend.

More Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios on the next page…

  • Resume and Cover Letter
  • 11 Best Administrative Skills...

11 Best Administrative Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on February 15, 2024

Ronda Suder

Discover the top administrative skills to make your resume stand out

Having strong administrative skills means you're able to plan events and projects, manage time, and keep things organized and running like a well-oiled machine. It also means you come to the table with the ability to communicate and engage with the customers, clients, and stakeholders of a company. 

Though administrative skills are necessary for jobs like Administrative Assistants, Receptionists, and Office Managers, they also add value to virtually any position across the various industries you might find yourself employed in. Since they're highly valued by employers, it benefits you to ensure you highlight sought-after administrative skills on your resume. 

In this post, we cover:

What administrative skills are

Why administrative skills on resumes are important

Some of the most in-demand administrative skills for resumes

How to highlight administrative skills on resumes

Where to include administrative skills on resumes

Administrative skills defined

Administrative skills are a series of qualities that, when combined, allow you to help manage a business or department or run an office. They include both hard skills, like knowing how to use a specific software application, and soft skills, like communication and problem solving. Examples of essential administrative tasks might include communicating with employees, filing, running reports, calendar management, and answering client questions. 

Why administrative skills are important to employers

People with strong administrative skills tend to be reliable self-starters with the ability to organize and manage time well. With a diverse skill set, they're valued by employers because they help organizations to maintain productivity and keep things running smoothly - they're a cornerstone of a company's success.  Any successful business will not only have administrative staff with strong administrative skills on their resume, but will also have other employees throughout the organization that apply these types of skills in their various jobs.

Administrative skills are also some of the most transferable skills between industries and job types. Administrative skills required for a role in the marketing sector would be applicable and transferable to the energy sector, for example. 

What are some of the most in-demand administrative skills for resumes?

When it comes to administrative skills on resumes, there are many that can make you stand out to hiring teams. Here are 11 of the top administrative skills to consider for your resume, and why they're important. 

1. Communication

Communication - both verbal and written - is a daily requirement for virtually any position. Those in administrative positions often need to communicate in different forms with a variety of people, both internal and external to the business, from employees and executives to clients and contractors. 

2. Microsoft 365

We're all familiar with certain Microsoft 365 applications, like Microsoft Word and Outlook. However, those with solid technical administrative skills on their resume tend to be knowledgeable in how to use all applications in the suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive. 

3. Organization

With the many plates employees often have spinning all at once, it's vital they hone in on the administrative skill of organization. In fact, it's one of the most important administrative skills to ensure things run smoothly within a team, department, or business. When you're organized, you tend to have good time management and planning skills as well, which are also sought-after administrative skills on resumes. 

4. Problem solving

We're constantly solving problems every day, including at work. A good problem solver identifies the problem, proposes solutions, chooses the best solution, and implements the it. Strong problem solvers support business continuity, innovation, and inspiration, making it a highly valuable administrative skill on resumes.  

5. Scheduling

Though essentially all employees have to maintain their schedules, administrative positions, in particular, often have the daunting task of keeping up with several schedules at once. In addition to calendar management, Administrators often have to coordinate and schedule meetings, travel arrangements, and events for the teams or individuals they support, making scheduling a vital technical skill to have.  

6. Flexibility

Change is the only constant, as they say, which requires flexibility. Employees need to be flexible to successfully adapt to changing priorities, demands, and requests. Without flexibility, work can be more stressful and productivity can take a hit.  

7. Working well under stress

Tight deadlines, quick turnaround times, multiple requests, several projects all at once, and day-to-day tasks can feel like a lot for any employee. Being able to work well under stress is necessary to stay on top of things without becoming overwhelmed, which can slow things down. When you work well under stress, you also tend to be good at multitasking, another valuable administrative skill. 

8. Customer service

For positions that are customer and client facing, strong interpersonal and customer service skills are necessary administrative skills. This is especially true for service and support-oriented positions. 

9. Teamwork

Though administrative professionals tend to be on point to keep things operating as needed, they do so as part of a team. The same goes for individual contributors who, while being responsible for their own tasks and activities, contribute to the department and generally work as part of a team to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives. 

10. Detail orientation

When you're managing calendars, sharing business information, planning events, or drafting presentations, you must pay attention to the details to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Mistakes in these areas can be costly - if not in terms of dollars, in terms of added stress and lost time. As such, employers want to know they can trust you to adequately cross all the t's and dot all the i's when they hire you to do a job, making attention to detail an in-demand administrative skill.    

11. Event coordination

Administrative professionals, in particular, are often responsible for planning events of varying sizes. Coordinating company events, holiday parties, staff meetings, and more can all fall under the administrative umbrella. What's great about highlighting event coordination skills is that you're showing several other administrative skills at the same time, including organization, communication, multitasking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Additional administrative skills for resumes 

The above list is just a launching point to help you get started with your own list of administrative skills to include on your resume. Below are some additional hard and soft skills often found on administrative resumes to provide even more inspiration.

Administrative hard skills for resumes

Office equipment use

Database management

Videoconferencing

Expense reporting

Google Docs

File management

Administrative soft skills for resumes

Decision-making

Interpersonal skills

Prioritization

Active listening

Critical thinking

Open-mindedness

How to highlight administrative skills on your resume

Make a list of your administrative-related skills and accomplishments. Using this post as inspiration, sit down and thoughtfully list all of the administrative skills you possess. From there, make a list of all of the administrative duties and responsibilities you've held, as well as any work accomplishments related to administrative skills you've applied or positions you've held. 

Refer to the job description. Review the job description you're interested in and highlight any administrative skills and experience required. Then, compare that to the list you created based on your work history. Be sure your resume includes the administrative skills and experience you have that align with the job description. This is a great way to incorporate keywords into your resume to pass an employer's applicant tracking system , or ATS, and grab the attention of hiring managers.

Showcase soft and hard (technical) skills throughout your resume. For maximum benefit, highlight both hard and soft administrative skills throughout your resume. Hard skills are measurable and learned skills, whereas soft skills are intangible and difficult to measure, though vital for job success. We discuss where and how to include hard and soft skills in the next section. 

Highlight soft skills through on-the-job accomplishments and achievements. Unlike with technical skills, you don't want to merely list soft skills on your resume. Instead, you want to show off your soft skills through the achievements you choose to highlight. For example, consider the following:

Oversaw and coordinated a 5-hour corporate event for 1,000 employees, showcasing the executive team and highlighting employee achievements and milestones for 2023

This achievement highlights organization, time management, attention to detail, critical thinking, and creativity administrative soft skills, to name a few. 

Where to highlight administrative skills on your resume

Now that you know how to come up with administrative skills to include on a resume, where can you incorporate them? Any of the following are excellent options:

Resume Summary

Skills or core competencies section.

Experience section

Certifications section

Additional sections.

Your resume summary , that sits just below your contact information, is where you can pack a punch to entice resume readers to keep reading. Here are a couple of examples of how to include administrative skills in your resume summary:

Administrative professional example

Administrator with over 5 years of experience working with C-suite executives to navigate organizational challenges and provide solutions to maintain business continuity and operations. Managed up to 15 calendars at one time using effective scheduling, time management, and organizational skills. 

What are some of the administrative skills this summary speaks to? How about:

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Time management

Stress management

Multitasking

Non-administrative individual contributor example

Focused engineering professional with 10 years of experience in the oil & gas sector. Leverages solid problem-solving skills to address concerns in high-stakes environments, with the flexibility required to adjust priorities and maintain productivity. Organized and led a $2M pipeline construction project to upgrade pipeline requirements, meeting current industry standards. 

Some of the administrative skills that this summary highlights include:

Prioritizing

Flexibility

Attention to detail

It can be beneficial to include a Core Competencies section just below your resume summary to showcase your technical skills, as well pertinent soft skills. For example:

Core Competencies

Customer Service | Microsoft 365 | Quickbooks | Research | Scheduling   |   Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) | Oracle Applicant Tracking System | Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) | Event Coordination

Alternatively, the hard skills listed could all also go under a Technical Skills section near the end of your resume:

Technical Skills

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)   |   Microsoft 365   |   Quickbooks   |   Research   |   ATS Proficiency   |   Event Coordination   |   Scheduling

Avoid being repetitive and listing the same skills in both a Core Competencies and Skills section - only choose one of the two if you don't have different skills to include in each list.

Work Experience section

Another section to highlight your stellar administrative skills is in the Work Experience section. Here's an example that showcases focus, stress management, communication, filing, organization, switchboard management, time management, and more, all in just three bullet points!

Receptionist

ABC Company, Houston, TX

July 2021 - Present

Managed switchboard for three office buildings housing over 750 employees

Answered client questions regarding products and services, handling a high call volume of 40 to 50 calls per day

Spearheaded development of a new filing system for improved organization of client cases related to issues and concerns

If you hold any administrative-related certifications, you can choose to include them in a Certifications section on your resume. Relevant certifications not only showcase acquired administrative skills and knowledge, but also indicate your dedication to professional development. 

Examples of in-demand administrative certifications are:

Microsoft 365

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Administrative Assistant Certification (CAA)

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE)

Finally, some might choose to highlight administrative skills on their resume by including additional sections, such as:

Volunteer Work

Hobbies & Interests

Extracurricular Activities

Special Projects

Including additional sections on a resume can benefit those who have gaps in administrative work experience, skills, or education.

Top tip: why not check out our Office Administrative Assistant resume example ?

Administrative skills = valuable assets for any resume

Whether you're applying for an administrative position or any other type of position, administrative skills on resumes add value and tend to stand out to hiring managers. Now, you're equipped with some of the most in-demand administrative skills to include on your resume, as well as advice on how and where to incorporate them. With these tips, you'll be landing those interviews in no time! 

Are you representing administrative skills on your resume appropriately? Why not submit it for a free resume review to find out?

Recommended reading:

How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly for Free

How to Show Promotions on a Resume (with Examples)

Related Articles:

How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example)

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

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