
When you're job hunting, employers are going to want to know about your computer skills. That's because no matter what the position is, computers will almost certainly be involved. Just think about how ever-present computers are, from smartphones to cash registers to the ordering systems at restaurants.
Many traditional jobs are going away in favor of new, technologically-driven jobs. Some of those jobs require highly specialized skills, such as computer programming. Others merely help an office run better, such as email management.
The name itself may seem obvious, but the truth is that most people are too overwhelmed by the vastness of technology to know what an employer might mean when the job description simply says “computer skills.”
For most jobs, employers will expect applicants to have at least some basic computer skills. You'll need more advanced skills and certifications for many tech positions. Highlight your most relevant skills when you're applying for jobs, regardless of the role.
Typically, employers want applicants who can use specific programs, such as Adobe Illustrator or WordPress. However, new technological developments can quickly change the preferences of potential employers.
Often, that means that employers are interested in candidates who are quick to pick up on how to use new programs and technology, as well as candidates who are familiar with current programs.
This list of computer skills is organized by category to help you know what employers might be looking for. Read job descriptions carefully looking for as many specific computer skills as possible, and then highlight those skills during your application process.
Any office professional must know how to master some of the basics of productivity software. If you are reading this article right now, you obviously know most of the computer basics. For more computer skills popular among administrative or clerical jobs, here is a list.
Microsoft Office
Any business that wants to grow needs more customers. More and more customers are searching online for solutions to their problems. Today, the most effective and measurable marketing efforts occur through digital marketing.
Digital marketing includes everything from website development to social media management to paid digital advertising.
The increasing capabilities of computers to collect and sort data give marketers more tools to target their ideal customers.
Computer programming involves creating, launching, maintaining, and testing computer software and applications. There are a number of different jobs that involve software development, including software developer, programmer, software architect, software analyst, and more.
To be able to develop, implement, or test software, you have to have a number of highly technical computer skills, often known more specifically as coding skills.
You must be able to analyze users’ needs and create applications that will be useful to them. You generally need to be familiar with various coding languages and web technologies as well.
With the domination of mobile devices, computer programming now includes software development for phones and tablets (generally referred to as “apps"). Skills related to either software or hardware development (or both) include:
Creating visually-attractive content for documents, posters, and slide presentations is a highly desirable skill. The world of graphic design includes creating signs to video editing and more.
A single project might well pass through multiple computer programs, and a skilled professional needs to know how all relevant programs work and which ones are appropriate at each stage of the project. Graphic design skills that are growing in demand include:
A good spreadsheet or database not only stores information but also makes it easy to reorganize the information quickly to answer new questions, or even conduct certain kinds of data analysis and processing. A spreadsheet can handle anything from payroll accounts to lists of all the characters (and all their characteristics) for a novel.
As we noted above, professional-level skill means more than simply knowing how to use a spreadsheet or database; you also must know which spreadsheet or database program to use and how to structure it for any given project.
Skills useful for spreadsheet and database management include:
Using computers is one thing. Being able to fix them is another. Basic IT skills begin with knowing how and when to do routine maintenance and how to cope with frozen programs or damaged USB ports. Thorough familiarity with the software and hardware of many different types of computer systems, including all lesser-known features, is key. IT troubleshooting skills include:
In this all-encompassing digital age, power grids and military equipment and more are all managed by computers. Computer hackers have the ability to disrupt major infrastructural functions if companies and governments do not take their cyber security seriously. Among the most important cybersecurity skills are:
Global Information Technology offer IT Training courses that update or build your computer skills so you are ready for today's work force. Call us today for a FREE Career Assessment and to speak with a Career Specialist today at (248) 557-2480 or visit our website at: www.gogitgo.com.