Computer Skills: Definitions and Examples

Computer Skills: Definitions and Examples

By Indeed Editorial Team December 8, 2021 Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Copy to Clipboard

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Related video: Top Resume Skills

Today, nearly every job requires a basic understanding of computers, and many jobs involve intermediate to advanced computer skills. This can include knowledge of specific software, applications or devices. Below, you’ll discover more information about the type of computer skills employers commonly look for in job applicants.

If you aren't sure how to show your computer skills on your resume, you can get professional help with our resume feedback questionnaire.

Related: Best Skills to Include on a Resume

What are computer skills?

Computer skills fit into two categories: hardware and software.

Hardware skills allow you to physically operate a computer. Hardware skills can be as simple as knowing how to turn devices on and off. They might also involve more complex tasks like connecting machines to networks, changing parts or fixing broken devices. For these complex tasks, many employers hire trained technicians with advanced computer skills.

Software skills help you to efficiently use computer programs and applications. There are some software skills that employers may consider as prerequisites to employment. Employers may not include some software skills on job posts under the assumption they are universally understood. For example, many employers may believe all applicants have a basic knowledge of word processing programs, like Microsoft Word.

Some common computer skills include:

Analytics

Social media

Graphic design

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Email communication

Marketing automation

Data visualization

Certain software skills are more commonly desired in different fields. If you’re a computer programmer, you may be required to know various coding languages like Python, C++, Java or HTML, among others. Those who are applying for positions in administrative assistance will likely need be experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps and accounting software. To find out which skills employers in your industry might expect, spend some time researching the most common software skills for your career. Carefully read job descriptions and take note of the requirements listed there.

Related: Technical Skills: Definitions and Examples

Why are computer skills important?

Most jobs now require the use of computers, mobile devices or software applications in some capacity. Some employers will require prior knowledge or experience with specific applications, while others will offer on-the-job training. If you have a working knowledge of commonly used software, you may be able to more easily learn how to use new programs.

Whether you’re employed in customer service, manufacturing, food service or tech, employers use computer applications to automate certain tasks, streamline communication and more.

Job applicants with computer skills are highly sought-after due to the increase of technology in the workplace. You can showcase your computer skills by identifying computer-related requirements on job postings and explaining on your resume how you meet or exceed those requirements with past experience.

Computer skills examples

The types of computer skills employers expect will vary depending on your career or industry. For example, if you’re applying for a job as an office manager, you will likely be required to have a basic knowledge of word processing programs, spreadsheets, email platforms and other communication tools.

There are many other computer skills, however, that are commonly used across all industries that are important for most job applicants to know.

Some of the most important computer skills to learn include the following:

1 . Operating systems (Windows and MacOS)

An operating system is the software that supports and manages a computer’s basic functions. Although there are many different operating systems, most employers use either Windows or MacOS. If you have more experience in one or the other, it may be helpful to spend some time learning the basics of the other operating system. You can often find both systems on computers at your local library, although you may also be able to learn on the job as well.

2 . Office suites (Microsoft Office, G Suite)

Basic knowledge of productivity software suites can add value to your resume. Office software suites are composed of various collaboration and productivity tools, like Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. Knowing how to use these applications can help you perform tasks on the job.

Word processors, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, are among the most commonly used productivity tools. They are writing programs used to help produce digital documents. Employers often assume that most applicants know how to use word processing programs. As a result, these programs may not be listed on a job posting. If you find you are unfamiliar with how to use word processors, it may be helpful to spend time researching the basic skills required to use these programs. You may also want to practice navigating the most common features of these applications. Google Docs is a free word processor that you can access online for practice.

3 . Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote)

Presentation skills are both valuable soft and computer skills. Presentation software is important to have a basic knowledge of in many careers both for organizing and presenting ideas in a company, internally and externally. There are several programs you can use to create presentations, including PowerPoint, which is the most widely used software across industries.

4 . Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Spreadsheets, etc.)

Spreadsheets are applications used to organize data and other information into tables and quickly calculate numbers. Spreadsheets can also be used for advanced data analysis. Some employers may expect you to possess a basic working knowledge of spreadsheet software. If you’re applying for more technical jobs, you may need to know how to use advanced spreadsheet features.

Refer to the job posting to understand whether the employer is looking for these skills, and if so, to what level they require you to manipulate data in spreadsheets. If it seems your skills are not advanced enough, spend some time practicing. There are many online and in-person classes you can consider taking.

5 . Communication and collaboration tools (Slack, Skype, etc.)

Many businesses use communication and collaboration tools to help with productivity. If relevant to the positions you’re applying to, you might consider listing relevant tools you’re experienced with on your resume. Carefully review the job description to understand whether you should include this information. Tools such as Slack and Skype are popular among businesses where workers often telecommute.

6 . Accounting software (QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xero, etc.)

Accounting software skills are important if you are applying for positions in the finance or business sectors. If you’re applying to work for a small business, accounting software skills may be useful if you are required to assume multiple roles in the business. That may include helping manage accounts, payments or other financial data.

7 . Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

Social media skills are now highly desired as companies look to increase and manage their online presence. These skills are more commonly desired for positions in public relations, marketing and advertising. Knowledge of specific social media software like Hootsuite is often required for many of these positions. If you’re looking for a career in social media, you might be able to take on small projects at your current company to add these skills to your resume.

8 . Data visualization

Alongside basic knowledge of spreadsheets, having data visualization skills might also be helpful in a data-heavy role. Many data visualization tools are built into the spreadsheet programs like Excel, while some others, such as Tableau or Datawrapper, allow you to take data from spreadsheets for more advanced visualization and analysis. Data visualization is growing in popularity as data analysis becomes more important for businesses, making this a good computer skill to learn.

How to list computer skills on your resume

There are multiple locations on your resume you can list your computer skills. You can include your computer skills in your resume summary, skills section, and employment history.

In your resume summary, you can highlight one of your key skills:

“Team-focused editor with 5 years of experience using content management and collaboration software including Slack and Trello.”

In your skills section, you can list computer skills you have that employers commonly list in job postings:

Technical skills include: Tableau • Trello • Slack • Grammarly • G Suite

For your employment history, you can add key skills in the description for each past employer:

Craft Editing Services | Miami, FL (August 2017 – August 2018)

A small editing start-up utilizing new tools to add efficiency to editing contracts for clients.

Associate Editor

• Worked with clients to provide precise editing on-demand

• Organized content calendar using Trello to help ensure on-time delivery

• Coordinated with colleagues using Slack to help coordinate quickly with telecommuting workers

As you create or update your resume, pay close attention to job postings to understand what computer skills employers are looking for. Add the relevant skills you possess to your resume and cover letter. If you find that employers require skills you don’t feel confident in, consider taking classes or completing a self-driven study to increase your expertise.