3 Great Computer Skills to Put on Your Resume

In 2021, computer skills are no longer desired — they are required.

Although tech skills are so important in every industry, it can be tricky to figure out how to include them on a resume. There are so many different programs and operating systems to choose from. It can be extremely difficult to understand what a hiring manager or recruiter may prioritize when reviewing candidates.

Many people will include irrelevant skills that waste extremely valuable resume space, and could completely eliminate their chances for getting an initial interview.

Avoid that mistake by adding these 3 great computer skills to your resume!

1. Microsoft Suite Proficiency

Our first great computer skill may seem like an easy one to glance over. The Microsoft Suite is such an important part of any professional’s toolbox. Large and small companies are now utilizing Microsoft programs to stay connected as the world becomes more and more digital.

“In April of 2020, Microsoft 365 logged over 258 million active users.”

“With regards to professional use, over 70% of Fortune 500 companies have purchased Microsoft licenses in the past year.”

-The XYZ (Microsoft Office Statistics)

In the professional world, Microsoft Suite proficiency is now extremely important. Many people may gloss over Microsoft programs as simply something employers expect to be on a resume. While this is understandable, make sure to highlight specific skills in the programs that you list.

Listing Microsoft Word under a resume section is no longer enough to impress hiring managers. There are a variety of ways to showcase your knowledge of the Suite, but here is a list to help out.

How to Show Your Microsoft Knowledge

• Excel- List the functions that you used in Excel. Do you have experience with macros, vlookup, or pivot tables? Employers find this experience extremely valuable. Talk about how you specifically used these functions in your last position.

• PowerPoint- What was the last presentation that you designed? Was it showcased at a major company event? Consider providing a link so that prospective employers can browse your work.

• Word- Everyone will list Word on their resume. How can you stand out? Highlight some specific functions in Word such as the Advanced Grammar setting. Talk about how you used the program to improve coordination and increase sales.

• Access- Creating and monitoring databases is always a valuable skill. Talk about how you utilized Access to create a database at your last position.

• Teams- Although Teams is a newcomer to the Suite, it is rapidly becoming one of the most utilized Microsoft programs. Have you worked remotely during the pandemic? Make sure to talk about how Teams improved your remote digital workflow.

• Outlook- Emailing and organization is incredible important in any professional environment. How many emails did you write each day? Include information like this to help your Outlook experience stand out.

Remember, Microsoft programs are extremely valuable to list on your resume, but only if you know how to showcase them. Listing the program is no longer enough. Make sure to take time and explain exactly how you utilized the programs in your past work experience.

Not only will this showcase your tech skills, it will also boost the work experience section of your resume as well.

2. Typing Skills

For many industries, typing speed and words per minute (WPM) can make or break a candidate’s application. If you are in any industry where typing is important, make sure to do some tests and calculate your overall WPM speed. Including your WPM can be extremely simple on your resume. Be sure to back up this skill by explaining how your speed increased productivity and made you more effective at work.

“41 WPM is average typing speed. Most professional typists achieve around 65-75 WPM.”

-eLearning Industry (Why Average Typing Speed Matters)

Many times, typing speed can be overlooked due to the fact that we are all typing to some extent on a daily basis. However, many industries will require a specific WPM in order to be considered for a position. In fact, many companies will require a WPM test for some roles.

Websites to Help Increase Your WPM-

• Ratatype.com- This site will give you a certificate of achievement and allow you to improve your WPM with various typing tests.

• TypingTest.com- Typing Test has a variety of different tests that can help you gain an advantage in your specific field. Choose from various passages that will allow you to practice vocabulary for different industries.

While trying to increase your WPM, remember that typing is a skill. It will take time to build up your typing speed, and that’s okay! Use digital typing tests every day and remember that practice makes perfect.

3. Social Media Knowledge

On the PSI Career Blog, we often talk about social media and how it greatly impacts your job search. When it comes to computer skills, social media can be a great asset. Even if you are not applying to a social media position, these skills can impact multiple industries and careers. One great example of the transferable power of social media is found in administration.

If you are an experienced administrative assistant, did you know that learning some social media skills can help you get a higher paying position at a larger company?

Many employers are looking for administrative candidates that have knowledge of social media. Although the administrative industry does not specifically require this knowledge, it can help you gain a valuable advantage over other candidates. Some other industries that you can apply social media skills to include analytical research positions, clerical jobs, and even leadership roles!

“Over 3.78 billion people use social media on a daily basis.”

-Oberlo (10 Social Media Statistics)

Given that so many people are on social media every day, gaining some understanding of how certain platforms work can help any resume in 2021. Here is a list of platforms and related skills that explain why they are relevant to many careers.

Important Social Platforms and Notable Skills

• LinkedIn- Knowledge of LinkedIn is highly sought after by many employers. A strong personal brand on this platform can help to greatly improve a growing corporate brand. On top of this, employers are looking for professionals that have intimate knowledge of digital networking. Explain on your resume how you have used the platform to network professionally and grow your own brand or business.

• Facebook- In terms of overall popularity, Facebook is still an extremely important social media platform. If you have knowledge of advertising or posting on Facebook, list it as a skill on your resume!

• Google Reviews- Although Google Reviews is not technically a typical social media, it is at the forefront of any digital business. Having knowledge of how to respond to and highlight reviews, as well as helping any upset customers is highly sought after by employers.

Like the Microsoft Suite and your typing abilities, it can be easy to brush off social media as a skill that may not belong on your resume. Remember that employers are looking for these tech skills. Including these properly in your resume will not only make you more employable, it will bolster your networking efforts as well.

Want to put your new computer skills to good use? Apply to any of our open jobs now by clicking the link below!