Computer Skills: What They Are and How to Improve Them

In this digital technology and media era, knowing specific computer skills is more important than ever. You can apply these skills to nearly any industry. From navigating Microsoft Office to coding and computer programming, you can benefit from learning various skills depending on the job you have or want to enter. Discover different types of computer skills, why you might want to develop them, and how to get started.

What are computer skills, and why are they important? 

Computer skills refer to abilities related to or involving computers. The term, therefore, encompasses various skills and disciplines, some of which are industry-specific and others more basic.

Companies use different software, produce various media types, and ultimately use technology differently daily. Additionally, technology continues evolving, meaning you might need to learn a new computer skill for your next job or upskill in your current position. A basic understanding of computers is an excellent place to start before you can learn increasingly complex or job-specific skills like email management, data entry, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office—more complex skills can include graphic design, data visualisation, and automation.

5 types of computer skills you can learn

Regardless of your industry—food service, education, IT, marketing, finance, and so on—your employers will use certain technologies and interfaces to streamline tasks and communicate with employees. A few key technologies, however, are standard in many job positions. Consider learning or improving your computer skills in the following areas.

1. Data analytics

Data analytics may require a firm understanding of statistical software and spreadsheets. When working with data, you’ll gather, quantify, and analyse it for a specific goal, such as increasing traffic to your website. You may also estimate trends or give reports on current lead data using data software. Data skills are essential in digital marketing, project management, or data science—three examples of higher-paying data analysis jobs.

3. Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Office Suite is a client software collection that includes applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel. Employers may expect you to be proficient in Word for creating documents, PowerPoint for making presentations, Excel for organising and analysing data, and Outlook for emailing.

If your employer doesn’t use Microsoft applications, they could probably use similar ones with different interfaces, such as Google Sheets (instead of Microsoft Excel), for more collaborative work. Regardless of your employer's interface, being proficient in word processors and spreadsheets can give you an advantage in your workplace or job hunt.

4. Social media

Companies' need for social media following is ever-increasing as the world continues evolving into this digital era. Organisations use various social media platforms to build and promote their brands as they attempt to make their clientele. To work with social media, you may need to be familiar with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and skills like marketing, data analysis, and copywriting.

5. Programming

Programming is the process of giving computer instructions using a coding language. As a more job-specific skill, a basic understanding of coding or computer programming may be helpful in multiple fields, such as web development, computer programming, or systems analysis. 

If you want to learn to code, you can start with some common languages: JavaScript, Python, and C++. Knowledge of computer programming may very well set you apart from other applicants in various job fields that don’t require IT work.

How to improve your computer skills

From learning the basics to mastering a coding language, many resources can help you expand or begin developing your computer skills. Below, you’ll find several ideas to accomplish this.

Take classes.

When applying for a job with industry-specific computer qualifications, an employer may require you to complete specialised courses or certifications. But regardless of your job industry, there is always more to learn with computer technology. Universities worldwide offer courses in computer science or related disciplines, which may help you in your endeavours to build a more extensive computer skillset.

You can also find a comprehensive selection of online courses that may better suit your needs. For example, on Coursera, you can find various courses to improve your computer skills, such as Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software. These courses can help you develop your skills and bolster your resume.

Practice what you learn.

An essential part of maintaining your computer skill proficiency is practising. Apply what you learn in different areas of your life. For example, to improve your understanding of other word processors, try a new application instead of the one you regularly use to write your school work. You can use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to manage your budget. Knowing these skills can help you become a more marketable job applicant, and the more you employ them, the easier it will be for you to learn additional skills.

Be patient.

Acquiring new skills is essential when applying for jobs and rewarding on a personal level. Different skills will require different difficulty levels; however, this shouldn’t discourage you. Remember, the time and energy you invest into learning a new skill will eventually pay off.

How to list computer skills on your resume

Adding computer skills to your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Doing so can give you a better chance of catching the attention of hiring managers. They can also help your resume get properly scanned by applicant tracking software (ATS), which many companies use to ensure relevance to each position. Follow these tips to update your resume with the right skills.

List industry-specific skills.

When applying for a new position, including industry-specific skills on your resume is best. For example, if you’re applying for an IT position, you might want to include information about your proficiency in programming or coding instead of your work with word processing software.

On the other hand, if you’re applying for a teaching job, you’ll want to include relevant work experience with Microsoft Word and other word-processing platforms. If you’re unsure which skills you should include in your application, read the job description of the position you're applying for. It should help you discern which skills the company considers the most valuable.

Provide relevant examples.

While listing all the computer software and hardware you’re familiar with may be easier, reference specific and relevant experiences from your previous jobs. This way, you’ll convey to a potential employer that you are familiar with this useful technology and know how to use it properly.

Provide only the most relevant information you have—this will streamline your resume and make it easier for potential employers to read through. As you demonstrate your skill level with a specific technology, be concise. For example, instead of writing, “Have experience with leading word processors,” try “Expert in Microsoft Word.” 

Using simple language on a resume will make it easier for a hiring manager to read your work history and for you to expand on specific skills or experiences during a job interview.

Improve your computer skills today.

A strong computer skill set is essential for your personal and professional life. Cultivating these skills is vital to succeed in today’s workplace, providing everything from improved efficiency and productivity to enhanced communication and problem-solving. To continue learning about in-demand computer skills used in today's workforce, consider the Key Technologies for Business Specialisation on Coursera to understand the technologies that drive modern businesses in cloud, data, and artificial intelligence (AI).

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