by Emma Saldanha
Reboot your CV with these sought after computer skills…
Almost every job – whether they seem particularly tech-based on the surface or not – involves using some type of computer or tech equipment. Which is why computer skills are a valuable hard skill to list on your CV.
What’s more, as computer skills are a transferable skill, it doesn’t matter if you’ve developed them in a previous job, whilst volunteering, studying or through a hobby (for example coding or gaming), they can still be relevant to the job you’re going for.
To help you land an interview for your perfect job (whether it’s in tech or not), here are five computer skills to add to your CV.
What are computer skills?
Computer skills are the skills, knowledge and expertise needed to use computers and the software and technology associated with computers. Computer skills can be simple, like word processing skills or more advanced, like understanding how to code or how to test IT applications.
How to: Gain essential IT skills (for free)
Why are computer skills important?
Computer skills are essential if you work in certain roles as you’ll need to know how to send or respond to emails, log tasks, update online files, etc. However, as the use of technology in the workplace increases, people who can demonstrate their computer skills on their CV will be valued by employers in all sectors.
Examples of computer skills
Computer skills will vary according to the type of work you do, but some examples of common computer skills include:
- Typing
- Email communications
- Creating and managing spreadsheets
- Using databases
- Working with word processing documents
- Online research
- Image editing
- Programming
Five transferable skills to help you land a career in tech
Examples of computer skills jobs
There are many roles for which excellent computer skills are absolutely essential – whether they’re tech-based, within the clerical or admin sector, in marketing and communications, or within a number of other different disciplines.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but some examples of jobs for people with good computer skills include:
- Accountant
- Medical Receptionist
- Social Media Manager
- Graphic Designer
- Store Manager
- Architect
- Engineer
- Software Developer
How to: Get a job in tech (without any experience)
Examples of computer skills to add to your CV
Whether you’re looking for your first job or are wanting to move up in your career, here are five computer skills that will get your CV noticed:
Collaboration tools
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on how companies hire and train staff, with many choosing to carry out interviews online. Plus, the pandemic has hastened the move to working from home, so with many companies favouring hybrid working, it’s beneficial to be familiar with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype or Slack. These tools are important for collaborating and communicating on projects, maintaining productivity and building and maintaining relationships with colleagues.
Email communication is the chosen messaging medium for many companies as it’s fast, cheap and accessible, so be sure to list it as a computer skill on your CV. Email etiquette is just as important as understanding how to send and receive email messages, as how you construct your messages and the language you use can create an impression on the receiver. When writing emails (particularly to potential employers), make sure you check your spelling, grammar and opening and closing phrases before you hit the send button.
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Editing documents
Written communication is a central part of many jobs, which makes being able to use word processing programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs a necessity. Most employers will expect you to have a basic understanding of how to perform simple tasks, such as creating and saving a document, as well as being able to work on documents collaboratively when called upon.
Office software
For office-based jobs like clerical, admin or secretarial roles, being familiar with task software such as Microsoft Office or Google G Suite is essential. Word processors, spreadsheets and databases are some of the most commonly used programs in the workplace, and employers will be looking out for this on your CV. So, be sure to make them visible by bullet listing these under the ‘Skills’ section of your CV.
Spreadsheets
Most companies use programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to store, organise and analyse data, so a basic understanding of these tasks will help you stand out to employers. For jobs like bookkeeper, data analyst or project manager, advanced knowledge is essential as you will likely be using these programs to perform equations and modeling. If you feel your lack of knowledge and experience of using spreadsheets is holding you back, Google Sheets is free, and there are many courses and guides out there to help you practice carrying out tasks as and when you have free time (more on this below!)
How can I improve my computer skills?
The great news is that whatever your level of computer literacy is, basic or advanced, there are numerous ways to improve your computer skills:
Taking a course
Enrolling in a course is a great way to enhance your existing computer skills or to develop new ones. With the vast range of courses available, you’ll definitely find something that’s suitable for you. Choose a refresher computer skills course or dive deeper into a specific area like word processing.
Search all computer skills courses
Practicing at home
Practicing your computer skills at home or in your spare time means you can do it at a pace that suits you. For instance, say you want to get better with Excel, you could create a spreadsheet for your personal budget and advance to using formulas to update it week-on week.
Volunteering
Not only does volunteering make your CV stand out, but it’s also a great way to expand your computer skills while giving back. Look for volunteering roles where you’ll be given the chance to use computer equipment or programs you aren’t familiar with, such as social media or image editing.
Still looking for your perfect job? View all available IT jobs now.
