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What are computer skills and why are they important?
Being computer literate is critical to being hired for nearly any job. After all, even roles that aren’t thought of as being high-tech like librarians, farmers or tradesmen use computer skills to get their jobs done. Computer skills are so important, in fact, that including the right ones on your resume often makes the difference between whether you land a job interview or not.
While every job will require a different skill set, there are some basic skills that are highly sought after by employers. Here, we will outline the top computer skills to put on a resume and show you how to list those skills on your resume. Read on to learn more about:
30 computer skills to put on your resume + examples
Every industry has a different set of skills that are required to get the job done, and every job seeker has their own unique skill set to offer. Below, we have compiled a list of computer skills examples, plus we show you how to list these computer skills on a resume. Study these for inspiration as you learn how to write a resume that gets the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. For more inspiration on how to list skills on your resume, check out our library of resume examples. They will show you how to add skills to resumes and how to format your resume to best showcase your skills.
Basic computer skills
- Typing
- Online research
- Spreadsheets
- Adaptability
- Presentations
How to add basic computer skills to your resume:
“Administrative assistant with a typing speed of 85 words per minute and a high level of accuracy.”
MS Office
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Word
- Outlook
- Power BI
How to add MS Office skills to your resume:
High proficiency using MS Office, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.
Google Workspace
- Google Sheets
- Docs
- Gmail
- Drive
- Google Analytics
How to add Google skills to your resume:
Strong data analysis training, including the completion of certification in Google Analytics for Beginners and Advanced Google Analytics courses.
Database management
- Curata
- Salesforce
- datapine
- Wix
- RazorSQL
How to add database management skills to your resume:
Experienced in the use of a variety of content management systems including Curata, WordPress and Wix.
Accounting software
- Quickbooks
- Xero
- Sage
- Zoho
- Freshbooks
How to add accounting software skills to your resume:
Twelve years of success in converting businesses to Quickbooks, including expert-level knowledge of the steps and workflows that are essential for successful migration.
Social media
- TikTok
How to add social media skills to your resume:
Social media manager with strong reporting and data analysis skills on the efficacy of Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest posts.
Coding/programming
- R
- HTML
- JavaScript
- Python
- C++
How to add coding/programming skills to your resume:
Led three-day workshop for new hires on the basics of reading and writing HTML.
Graphic design and word processing
- Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- AutoCAD
- Wordpad
- OpenOffice Writer
How to add graphic design and word processing skills to your resume:
Conceive of and generate complex technical drawings for clients using AutoCAD.
Marketing
- WordPress
- MailChimp
- SEMRush
- Ahrefs
- Searchmetrics
How to add marketing skills to your resume:
Manage high-traffic company blog using WordPress, adding up to five posts per day.
5 tips for adding computer skills on a resume
1. Study the job ad and include skills relevant to the role
When deciding which computer skills to put on a resume, start by studying the skills listed in the job ad. A well-written job description will include all of the skills that are critical for success in the role. Start by listing the skills mentioned that you possess and then add any additional relevant computer skills you have.
2. Include your level of proficiency
Be sure to state your level of proficiency with the critical skills outlined in the job ad by using descriptive words, such as basic, intermediate or expert.
3. Provide examples in your work experience section
Whenever possible, provide examples of the impact your skills have had. For example, if youve used your HTML skills to improve your companys web traffic, include those numbers in your resume. Data and metrics are powerful tools for getting a recruiters attention.
4. Use action words
Forgo boring descriptions of how you use your computer skills and opt instead for writing your resume using strong action words. For example, dont write that you were responsible for setting up your companys new email marketing campaign. Instead, write that you Researched and implemented new email marketing software, which improved user engagement by 12%..
5. Utilize your entire resume
Skills arent just for the skills section of your resume! Also be sure to add them into your professional summary or resume objective section and the work experience section for the most impact.
How to add your proficiency in computer skills on a resume
Even if you consider yourself highly computer literate, you should indicate your level of experience with each computer skill you list on your resume. Here are the four main levels of proficiency to consider as you write:
Beginner
You have a common knowledge or an understanding of the basics but have limited experience using the tool. Beginners will require more experience to become well-versed in a skill.
Intermediate
You have the skills required to successfully complete tasks in the competency. At this level, you work independently for the most part but you may require assistance from an expert to execute very complicated tasks.
Advanced
You know the skill inside and out and rarely require assistance in performing even complicated tasks. Often, you are seen in your organization as the go-to problem solver when difficult questions arise regarding this skill.
Expert
You are known by your peers as an expert in this area who is able to provide guidance to others who are learning the skill. Experts can troubleshoot problems related to the skill at hand and are often called upon to answer questions related to the competency.
How to improve your computer skills
Whether you identify as a true beginner or advanced in your computer skills, there are many resources available for improving the computer skills on your resume. Here are some suggestions:
1. Take free online courses.
Organizations such as Udemy, Coursera and even the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offer free learning online for a variety of computer skills.
2. Watch YouTube and other tutorial videos.
YouTube offers a plethora of free online training for everything from learning to write HTML to how to use specific computer programs. Just type in the skill you are looking for and youll be offered a variety of videos to watch and learn from. Also, companies like Google offer free tutorials for their tools, such as Google Analytics.
3. Consider in-person classes.
Consider an in-person class at your local community college, which will offer a low-cost, hands-on option for learning a variety of computer classes.
4. Practice your computer skills.
As the adage goes, you have to use it or lose it. Practicing your computer skills through hands-on work is one of the best ways to improve your proficiency with a skill.
FAQ
A job interview is an amazing opportunity to expand on the information on your resume and explain in detail how your skill set makes you the right candidate for the job. Before you go into a job interview, study the computer skills that are listed as required in the job ad and make a list. Then, jot down some examples of projects and scenarios that required you to utilize these skills. Having anecdotes to share with a hiring manager that are highly relevant to the role can help them visualize what youll bring to the table if hired.
Basic office computer skills will vary both in terms of the type of role you are performing and the industry in which you work. However, some of the most basic office computer skills that most employees are expected to have include the ability to use email and basic online calendars. Other basic computer skills for a resume are typing, making online presentations, doing online research and maintaining spreadsheets. Post pandemic, many office workers are using programs like Slack and Zoom on a day-to-day basis to stay connected as well.
When you are learning how to write a cover letter, learning how to list your computer skills is critical to getting noticed. Your cover letter is a great way to expand upon points youve touched on in your resume. Specifically, when it comes to skills, youll want to offer the potential employer examples of how youve used some of the computer skills on your resume to perform your job and produce a positive outcome.
Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.