Reading the following passage carefully. Each passage is followed by five question. For each of them there four choices marked A), B),C) and D). Decide on the best choice for each question. What are Analytical Skills and How to Improve Them? How would one define analytical skills? What are analytical skills and why are they so important? Analytical skills are the ability to visualize, gather information, articulate, analyze, solve complex problems, and make decisions. Analytical skills are essential in the workplace to ensure necessary problem solving occurs to keep productivity and other areas of the workforce functioning smoothly. Testing Analytical Skills If you were to test for analytical skills you might be asked to take a series of events and put them in proper sequence, look for advertisement inconsistencies, or read an essay with a critical eye. There are generally standardized tests used as a guideline. In all instances analytical skills require you to dissect a problem and then find a solution for that problem. There are many skills required within a company and its workforce, but analytical skills are essential in every organization. Examples of Good Analytical Skills Let’s have a look at some way examples of analytical skills and how they might apply in a work environment. There are many examples of analytical skills. A few examples include: · Analyzing abilities: The ability to take a large volumes of data and then analyze trends and produce a result · Dealing with problems: Give examples of problem solving at work · Programming: Write a systems program with accurate results output · Reporting: A written report on the effectiveness of a particular event such as a political campaign · Handling assignments effectively: Discovering a more efficient and productive way to complete a particular job task. · Process: Creating a set of steps to implement a process that could have a yes or no outcome. · Problem handler: Identifying a problem and then creating a repair to avoid it becoming a major problem. · Collect information, analyze the data from the information collected, and come up with a solution to a problem. Interview Questions to Determine Your Analytical Skills The following are some job interview questions to probe these skills of a candidate. What would be the steps you would follow to study a problem and then make a final judgment on? Talk to me about a time when you discovered a more efficient method to carry out a particular work related task. Can you give me an example of a smaller problem that you identified and fixed before it could turn into a major problem? Describe a task that you undertook that tested your analytical abilities. Do you recall a problem you analyzed that required a quick and easy solution? Can you recall a situation where your analytical outcome was incorrect and if you could do it again what would you handle differently? What is the most complex analytical assignment you have undertaken to date? Having Strong Analytical Skills – Improving Analytical Skills If you want to improve and develop your analytical skills you simply have to practice, after all practice makes perfect. Take time to do a variety of different analytical questions. Where can you develop your skills? · Online practice: There are plenty of sites online that offer free challenges and of course you can also invest in a number of books that improve analytical skills. · Professional development at workplaces: Many workplaces also offer seminars and other training to help improve analytical skills. Be sure to sign up. This is a skill that will benefit you throughout your career.