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.

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. 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

Productivity Software
Any office professional must know how to master some of the basics of
productivity software.

• Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, G Suite for

Business, Email Management, Digital Calendars (Google, Outlook,
etc.), File Sharing Programs (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.), Video
Conferencing

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. It 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.

• Content Management Systems (CMS), Automated Marketing

Software, Digital Media, Email Marketing, Website Analytics, and
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

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.

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:

• Automation Software, Software Programming, C, C++, HTML,

Java, Operating Systems, and Python

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, 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 InDesign, Adobe

Photoshop, Canva, Video 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

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 Analytics, Microsoft Excel, and FileMaker Pro

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. IT troubleshooting skills include:

• Backup Management, Client Support, Issue Tracking Systems

(ITS), Router Troubleshooting, Software Troubleshooting

Cybersecurity
In this surrounding 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 Detection, Virus Protection Software, Risk Management,

Information Management