Even if you’re not applying for a position in IT or web development, there are a few technical skills and software proficiencies that will help you gain points with almost any employer. A few of the most popular skills are listed below. Although hiring managers will be looking for specific computer skills, in some cases, they may not even realise how much they want additional skills until they see them listed on a candidate’s CV.
Table of contents
How to include computer skills on a CV?
You know you have the right computer skills for the job that you are applying for but you must effectively showcase those computer skills on a CV so the hiring agent clearly and easily identifies them.
Here are a few steps you to including computer skills on your CV:
1. Make your computer skills relevant to the job listingLook at the job listing. What computer skills are required for the role? Make those skills up front so they are seen and not blended in with non-necessary skills. By creating a job-specific CV for each position you apply for, forces you to include the appropriate computer skills on your CV. That way, the hiring manager zooms in on the exact skills that are required for the position being filled. Cramming your CV with unimportant computer skills for that particular job has no benefit.
2. Be specific about each skill, including proficiency levelMost often, when a job applicant lists computer skills on a CV, it is also advantageous to list specific software and a proficiency level. The type of job and the job level will dictate the necessary computer skills, software and programs required for the specific position. It is strongly advised that you make sure these specific computer skills are showcased in the skills section on your CV. Hiring managers will appreciate the clarity of your computer skills section and move your application to the next stage in the hiring process should you meet the required computer experience.
3. Provide examples rather than just list themLet’s state the obvious. Any job applicant can state that they know any computer skill even if they don’t. You want to take the time to clearly display your computer skills so the hiring manager is convinced that you really do know what you are claiming to know. To do so, explain your exact experience with each computer skill. Did you use a computer skill to achieve a goal or solve a problem for a previous or current employer? Provide specific examples to show your proficiency.
4. Use action verbs to clearly define your computer skillsDefining your computer skills on a CV can be easily accomplished. You simply need to begin each computer skills sentence with an action verb. Action verbs explain your experience so a hiring manager recognises your ability by reading how you have used each skill in the past. Rather than simply describing your computer skill, the action verbs paint a memorable picture of your skills expertise.
Where to place computer skills on a CV?
When it comes to displaying your computer skills on a CV, there are placement options. The most obvious place is to include your computer skills in the skills section. The other option is to incorporate your computer skills into the work experience section of your CV.
What is the difference between the two CV sections? The skills section of your CV simply shows a summary of your computer skills. When including your computer skills in the experience section, you include brief descriptions of what tasks were handled using those specific skills. Either way, be sure to add your computer skills to a prominent place on your CV where the hiring manager will easily see it.
Examples of computer skills for CV
As you list the computer programs, it is suggested to include your ability level, too. Here are some common examples of computer skills listed by proficiency level that you should consider including on your CV:
What are beginner computer skills?
A beginner computer skill is described as one that would require a basic knowledge of computer systems. This would include writing and editing content using a word processing application, email and formatting simple spreadsheets.
What are intermediate computer skills?
An intermediate computer skill takes the beginner skills a step further, requiring a deeper understanding of the more complex software being used today. This would include the managing of files, creating presentations, knowledge of the Internet and social media.
What are advanced computer skills?
An advanced computer skill takes the beginner and intermediate computer skills to a higher level, involving the utilisation of the internet, databases, website design, SEO techniques and HTML coding.
Popular computer skills non-tech employers like to see on a CV
Just about every company requires a seasoned employee that can handle these skills. Don’t forget to include these and other tech skills in your CV. You want your CV to make you stand out from the crowd and be advanced to the next stage of the hiring process.
MS Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerpointMS Office may seem like basic office applications but a job candidate that is fluent with Powerpoint is attractive to most companies. Powerpoint is ideal for creating presentations on a regular basis. If you can offer this kind of support, employers will recognise they can count on you to be a team player with important meeting presentations. The same is true for creating documents in Word, spreadsheets in Excel and keeping up with emails in Outlook.
Advanced PhotoshopAdvanced Photoshop is a skill that many employers are actively looking for these days. Photoshop is a type of necessary application that allows a company to upload, enhance and resize photos to be web-ready and incorporated into professional layouts. A thorough understanding of Photoshop features will be beneficial to just any company handling creative endeavors.
WordPressBlogging and basic website maintenance are critical skills for most business owners as they work to establish an online foothold. Often this task is shifted to social media marketing companies and outside consultants. So if you can help your future employers accomplish this task in-house, you’ll see dollar signs in their eyes.
Web Applications – HTML, CSS, Javascript, WordPress, and Content Management Systems (CMS)Adding content to a website including SEO content and blogs are important with today’s industries. However, if you are trained to actually create code or build a website from the ground up, you can multiply your value to your potential employers. Hiring managers will no doubt be impressed with these advanced computer skills.
Social Media – Facebook, Instagram and TwitterHiring managers in need of someone to handle their company’s social media pages, are looking for an experienced candidate with real social media work experience. They are not looking to hear about your personal social media experience where you keep in touch with family and friends. They will be looking for targeted social media skills, the experience you acquired by handling a company’s social media calendar and creating awesome social media posts on a daily basis.
