Important Computer Skills for Workplace Success

Many traditional jobs are going away in favor of new, technologically-driven jobs. Some of those jobs require highly specialized skills, such as computer programming. Others merely help an office run better, such as email management.

What Are Computer Skills?

The name itself may seem obvious, but the truth is that most people are too overwhelmed by the vastness of technology to know what an employer might mean when the job description simply says “computer skills.”

Typically, employers want applicants who can use specific programs, such as Adobe Illustrator or WordPress. However, new technological developments can quickly change the preferences of potential employers. Often, that means that employers are interested in candidates who are quick to pick up on how to use new programs and technology, as well as candidates who are familiar with current programs.

Types of Computer Skills

This list of computer skills is organized by category to help you know what employers might be looking for. Read job descriptions carefully looking for as many specific computer skills as possible, and then highlight those skills during your application process.

Productivity Software

Any office professional must know how to master some of the basics of productivity software. If you are reading this article right now, you obviously know most of the computer basics. For more computer skills popular among administrative or clerical jobs, here is a list.

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• G Suite for Business
• Email Management
• Information Management
• Data Entry
• Digital Calendars (Google, Outlook, etc.)
• File Sharing Programs (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) 
• Workplace Chat (Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc. ) 
• Video Conferencing
• Cloud Backup Software (Dropbox Pro, Carbonite, etc.)
• Social Media Management
• Project Management Software (Asana, Jira, etc.) 

Digital Marketing

Any business that wants to grow needs more customers. More and more customers are searching online for solutions to their problems. Today, the most effective and measurable marketing efforts occur through digital marketing.
The increasing capabilities of computers to collect and sort data give marketers more tools to target their ideal customers.

• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
• Automated Marketing Software
• Digital Media
• Email Marketing
• Website Analytics
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Social Media Management
• KPI Software

Computer Programming

Computer programming involves creating, launching, maintaining, and testing computer software and applications. There are a number of different jobs that involve software development, including software developer, programmer, software architect, software analyst, and more.

You must be able to analyze users’ needs and create applications that will be useful to them. You generally need to be familiar with various coding languages and web technologies as well. With the domination of mobile devices, computer programming now includes software development for phones and tablets (generally referred to as “apps"). Skills related to either software or hardware development (or both) include:

• Automation Software
• Software Programming
• C
• C++
• CISC and RISC Architecture
• Embedded Processor Hardware Design
• Hardware Description Language (HDL)
• Hardware Verification Tools and Techniques
• HTML
• Integrated Development Environments
• Java
• LabVIEW
• Operating Systems
• Memory Management
• Open-source Software (OSS)
• Python
• PHP
• UI/UX
• Unix
• XML

Graphic Design

Creating visually-attractive content for documents, posters, and slide presentations is a highly desirable skill. The world of graphic design includes creating signs to video editing and more. A single project might well pass through multiple computer programs, and a skilled professional needs to know how all relevant programs work and which ones are appropriate at each stage of the project. Graphic design skills that are growing in demand include:

• Adobe Creative Cloud 
• Adobe Illustrator 
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Art Design
• Canva
• CorelDRAW
• Corel WordPerfect
• Design
• Desktop Publishing
• InDesign
• Integrating Interactive Elements with Websites
• Video Creation Software

Databases and Queries

A good spreadsheet or database not only stores information but also makes it easy to reorganize the information quickly to answer new questions, or even conduct certain kinds of data analysis and processing. A spreadsheet can handle anything from payroll accounts to lists of all the characters (and all their characteristics) for a novel. As we noted above, professional-level skill means more than simply knowing how to use a spreadsheet or database; you also must know which spreadsheet or database program to use and how to structure it for any given project. Skills useful for spreadsheet and database management include:

• Data Analytics
• Microsoft Excel
• FileMaker Pro
• Fortran
• Hive
• HQL
• MATLAB
• Numeracy
• Object Oriented Database Management Systems (OODBMS)
• Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)
• SAS
• Spark
• SPSS
• Statistics
• SQL
• NoSQL
• XML Database Management Systems

IT Troubleshooting

Using computers is one thing. Being able to fix them is another. Basic IT skills begin with knowing how and when to do routine maintenance and how to cope with frozen programs or damaged USB ports. Thorough familiarity with the software and hardware of many different types of computer systems, including all lesser-known features, is key. IT troubleshooting skills include:

• Backup Management
• Client Server Management
• Client Support
• Configuration
• Diagnostics
• End User Support
• Implementation
• Installation
• Issue Tracking Systems (ITS)
• Modem Hardware Troubleshooting
• Router Troubleshooting
• Systems Administration
• Tech Support
• Software Troubleshooting
• Remote Access Software

Cybersecurity

In this all-encompassing digital age, power grids and military equipment and more are all managed by computers. Computer hackers have the ability to disrupt major infrastructural functions if companies and governments do not take their cyber security seriously. Among the most important cybersecurity skills are:

• Intrusion Detection
• Virus Protection Software
• Malware Analysis
• Malware Reversal
• Software Programming
• Risk Management
• Operating Systems
• Information Management
• Data Encryption

Beyond all these there are a lot of skills that directly or indirectly influence you work, always be on the lookout for latest technology updates and news !.