As we quickly move towards a paperless universe, employers expect employees to know computers and have the skills necessary to tackle the tasks ahead. This is because no matter what position you’re getting hired for, computers will most certainly be involved.
Of course, you aren’t expected to be an expert unless you’re in the software engineering and IT departments, but there are some basic skills you can’t live without professionally.
And the good news is that having basic computer skills to accomplish your tasks isn’t rocket science. By making some effort into getting accustomed to the applications, you’ll start becoming more productive at work.
With that, here are some of the few computer skills you’ll need to be acquainted with, in the workplace:
It might seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is that most individuals become too overwhelmed by the vastness of technology to realize what a firm means when the job description says ‘computer skills required.’
For most jobs, companies will require applicants to have a grasp of basic computer skills. These include powering on the computer, typing documents, emailing, and shutting down the PC when done. You’ll require advanced skills and certifications when the position demands you to.
For instance, if you’re a digital marketer, the employer will require you to grasp tools like Automated Marketing Software, SEO, and Website Analytics. For a graphic designer, tools like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and InDesign will give you an edge over other applicants.
Not having to spend money training staff from scratch on a software application is a delight to most firms and will naturally earn you some extra points in the hiring process.
Every workplace today handles emails, thus making this one of the essential skills to have. And no, this doesn’t mean that you only need to know how to send and compose emails (though you will), but you’ll have to get into the habit of checking your emails regularly throughout the day.
Emails are the primary mode that most firms disseminate information to their employees, clients, managers, or any combination of the three. Therefore, if you’re inexperienced with the emailing process, get your PC now and create an account on a site like Gmail (it’s the most used email platform).
You can also create one with Mail (if you use Windows), Apple Mail (Mac), Mailbird, eM Client, and many others.
Most email providers offer new users an on-screen tutorial and virtual tours to get them acquainted with the platform. While you might end up using a specific work email service, you’ll be glad to know.
The future of your current job and virtually every other employment opportunity is your ability to get work done from the palm of your hands. Even if your boss still doesn’t understand how technology can swiftly streamline their business, you need to take the necessary steps to master the appropriate productivity software programs.
If you don’t have a grip of essential processing software like Microsoft Word, you might find it a tad bit tedious and long-winded to get simple documents created. So, take the time and learn how to create simple documents, spellcheck, form tables, add headers and footers, and insert symbols.
It might literally be the difference between you getting your dream job and spending months in the job-hunting process.
It would be best if you also considered learning about other productivity software tools like Dropbox, Google Drive, Asana, Jira, and Clickup. They’re not necessary, but they might give you a leg up when applying for a job.
What would the world be today without Google? It’s the 21st Century ‘tell-all’ book, and most of us can’t go a day without googling even the most basic questions like ‘why is my computer not working?’
However, what do you do when time is of the essence, and you have to find information without furiously trawling through millions of search results? In this case, you’ll have to learn the secrets to make your search more clear-cut and time-efficient.
Many search engines come with filters that enable you to fine-tune your search time, location, relevance, and other factors. Moreover, using a Boolean search string allows you to scroll through the internet for the most explicit keywords concerning your question.
You can’t survive in the job market today without having a grasp of basic social media skills. Most firms today peruse your social media platforms when considering your job application.
These are platforms where a significant number of leads are attained, networks are fashioned, and hiring takes place. Therefore, you need to consider brushing up your LinkedIn profile and posting job-appropriate posts on your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Trust us – this will enhance your chances of landing your dream job!
No firm in the current age operates without a spreadsheet application. An excellent spreadsheet or database not only helps store information but also makes it effortless to reorganize information quickly to answer any burning questions, conduct various forms of data analysis and processing.
Luckily, it’s not critical to know how to form an advanced spreadsheet unless it’s been specified in your job description. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know the basics, and it won’t take you long to learn the ropes.
The most common spreadsheet applications come with an inbuilt help function so you can figure out all the tricks they have to offer. Moreover, you’ll find valuable information online if you need to learn about formulas and other functions.
Some of the most popular spreadsheet and database management tools include:
If your job entails taking raw information and making it presentable to an audience like colleagues, clients, or shareholders, it would be an excellent idea for you to learn how to make a great presentation. This computer skill is often used together with basic database skills (like the ones mentioned above), but it can also stand on its own.
Most of the time, however, you’ll have to know how to use simple slide presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint or on Mac, Apple Keynote. Every program features its own set of templates, but you always have the option of purchasing more. Slide presentations are ideal for public speaking or webinars.
Other more technical presentation software includes Canva, InDesign, Video Creation Software, among others. There are also infographics which are visuals that combine helpful illustrations with text. They’ve been growing in popularity and can allow you to drive online traffic to your firm’s website.
As the wise say, learning is a lifelong process. And in the 21st Century, tech-oriented learning is a vital step for everyone looking to advance in their careers. The more updated your skills, the higher your chances of landing your dream job, so be sure to keep learning and adapting to the tech currents.
