Best Computer Skills To Put On Your Resume
Nowadays, corporate offices are littered with streaming devices, computers, laptops, tablets, and a slew of other electronic devices.
The rise of technology and its permeation into our daily lives has forced nearly every job to require at least a basic understanding of computers and electronics.
But with so many different electronic and technological platforms, it can be difficult to assess which ones you should put on your resume.
Generally, the best computer skills to put on your resume are the ones which are most often used and are more popular at the time of writing your resume.
Back in 2006, if you mentioned your skillfulness and understanding of the Blackberry operating system and application development, that would have been a useful skill.
However, with Blackberry virtually out of the picture, you wouldn’t want to include it on your resume and take up valuable space.
What Are Computer Skills?
Computer skills can be broken out into two main categories.
The first is hardware, which includes the physical device, its peripherals, and any ports or physical network connections.
The second is software, which are generally considered to be the programs and applications used on the device.
Specific industries and job titles will require different hardware and software skills.
Understanding and mastering certain hardware skills won’t make you an expert in the software and vice-versa.
Depending on the role and position being applied for, you will need to ensure that you have the correct level of either hardware or software skills.
Why Are Computer Skills So Important?
We live in a digital age and one connected digitally.
Our communication, correspondence, and processes reside virtually.
With the rise of technology and its powering of the modern, global economy, employers are looking for employees who have a good understanding and grasp of its capabilities.
While a basic understanding of these computer skills is admirable, it is definitely preferred to gain real-world and in-depth experience on computer systems and skills.
These skills will only grow in use and will become more-and-more prevalent.
In addition, these computer skills are useful in making your own life easier and more efficient.
They can help to keep you organized, to keep in touch with family and friends, and to plan your day more efficiently and calmly.
Common Computer Skills
Common computer skills are ones that are used, and are more popular, amongst most companies and industries.
These computer skills are generally similar from device to device and mastery of the skill can be easily transferred.
Understanding and mastering one of these skills will also be helpful in your search for a job as these are the most common computer skills being sought after.
- Operating Systems
- Office Suite
- Presentation Software
- Communication Tools
- Spreadsheets
- Digital Marketing
- Computer Programming
- Graphic Design
- Business Analytics
- Social Media
Operating Systems
Operating systems are the software that runs and manages the functions of an electronic device.
Each device, or platform, has its own operating system.
The two most common computer operating systems are Windows or MacOS.
It is useful to have at-least a basic understanding of both systems, but you should aim to be fluent in at least one.
Office Suite
Generally, Office Suite is used to describe Microsoft’s Office Suite of products.
This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Each Office Suite program has its own function, capabilities, and offerings.
Office Suite is one of the most popular corporate programs and is used at all major companies.
Most employers assume that candidates have at-least a basic understanding of Office Suite programs and functions.
Presentation Software
Presentation software skills is the ability to create, design, and showcase a deck.
The most commonly used application is PowerPoint, which falls under Microsoft’s Office Suite of products.
Having an understanding of how to create and design beautiful presentations will help you with conveying information in an easily digestible format.
Communication Tools
Interoffice communication has evolved in recent years.
Understanding basic communication tools such as Slack or Skype are beneficial in communicating with colleagues, coworkers, and your manager.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are one of the most important computer skills you can have.
It includes Microsoft’s Excel and Google’s Spreadsheets application.
Spreadsheets are used to organize and understand large datasets and for data analysis.
With more technical and advanced positions, understanding how to parse large datasets and information are requirements of the job.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing differs from social media in that it is about maintaining and understanding the impact of certain marketing channels.
This can include website analytics, email marketing, and search engine optimization.
Computer Programming
Computer programming is the epitome of computer software.
It is the ability to create, develop, maintain, test, and launch new computer software and applications.
Dependent on what is being created, computer programming will require the understanding of different programming languages.
This can include C, C++, JavaScript, HTML, to name a few.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is the ability to create visually attractive and aesthetically pleasing content for documents, posters, presentations, and marketing materials.
This can be used for both static images, as well as video.
Understanding Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are two common computer skills.
Business Analytics
Understanding how to parse and understand data beyond spreadsheets are the skills needed for business analytics.
Utilizing software such as Looker, Tableau, and SAS are highly desirable skills.
Social Media
Social media allows businesses to connect directly with their customers.
Understanding how to use these tools effectively can help market yourself in the job market.
While social media skills include the big social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, it also includes social media management platforms.
