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.
What Are Computer Skills?
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.” 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.
Types of Computer Skills
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.
Productivity Software
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 OfficeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointG Suite for BusinessEmail ManagementInformation ManagementData EntryDigital Calendars (Google, Outlook, etc.)File Sharing Programs (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) Workplace Chat (Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc. ) Video ConferencingCloud Backup Software (Dropbox Pro, Carbonite, etc.)Social Media ManagementProject Management Software (Asana, Jira, etc.)
Digital Marketing
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. The increasing capabilities of computers to collect and sort data give marketers more tools to target their ideal customers.
Content Management Systems (CMS) Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Automated Marketing Software Digital Media Email Marketing Website Analytics Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Web Page Design Social Media Management KPI Software
Computer Programming
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. 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:
Automation SoftwareSoftware ProgrammingCC++CISC and RISC ArchitectureEmbedded Processor Hardware DesignHardware Description Language (HDL)Hardware Verification Tools and TechniquesHTMLIntegrated Development EnvironmentsJavaLabVIEWOperating SystemsMemory ManagementOpen-source Software (OSS)PythonPHPUI/UXUnixXML
Graphic Design
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:
Adobe Creative Cloud Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAdobe DreamweaverArt DesignCanvaCorelDRAWCorel WordPerfectDesignDesktop PublishingInDesignIntegrating Interactive Elements with WebsitesVideo Creation Software
Databases and Queries
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:
Data AnalyticsMicrosoft ExcelFileMaker ProFortranHiveHQLMATLABNumeracyObject Oriented Database Management Systems (OODBMS)Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)SASSparkSPSSStatisticsSQLNoSQLXML Database Management Systems
IT Troubleshooting
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:
Backup ManagementClient Server ManagementClient SupportConfigurationDiagnosticsEnd User SupportHelp DeskImplementationInstallationIssue Tracking Systems (ITS)Modem Hardware TroubleshootingRouter TroubleshootingSystems AdministrationTech SupportSoftware TroubleshootingRemote Access Software
Cybersecurity
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:
Intrusion DetectionVirus Protection SoftwareMalware AnalysisMalware ReversalSoftware ProgrammingRisk ManagementOperating SystemsInformation ManagementData Encryption
More Computer Skills
Field-programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Development ToolsClient Relationship Management (CRM) SoftwarePCB Layout ReviewWindows ShellAPIsAutoCADMayaAccounting SoftwareCustomer ServiceIP ConfigurationYoastJournalismVirtual AdvertisingBusiness Continuity PlanningAcrobatArtificial IntelligenceAutomated Billing SystemsPoint of Sale SystemsWAN/LANMachine LearningCodingRuby on RailsSoftware InstallationCiscoDNSDHCP
You can also weave in your skills when you are writing your job descriptions in your resume. For instance, instead of saying “Edited content on website,” you could write, “Edited content within Content Management System using basic HTML for formatting.” HIGHLIGHT SKILLS IN YOUR COVER LETTER: The letter needs to be clear and engaging — not a skills list. However, you can bring up certain specific skills mentioned in the job description. For example, “Your job description calls for web design experience, and in my two years at ABC Company, I have gone from wireframes to full designs for several re-launches.” USE SKILL WORDS IN YOUR JOB INTERVIEW: Before the interview, look back at the job listing and make a list of some of the key skills required for the position. Be prepared to give examples of times you have demonstrated each of these skills. It will help you sell your credentials to the interviewer.
