How to Learn Basic Office Skills

Students learning basic office skills should take notes, review and practice.

In the technological age, office skills are a mandatory experience requirement for most employment positions. Some employers are willing to train, but applicants are typically only hired if they have basic computer and Internet skills as well as working knowledge of multi-line phone systems, printers and fax machines. Some employers require applicants to have expertise in computer operating systems such as Windows or programs such as Quickbooks and Powerpoint. Job seekers who do not have basic office skills should research training classes available at community colleges, technical colleges, vocational schools and community centers.

Things You'll Need

• Office skills course
• Notebook
• Pen
• Home computer with Internet access
• Library access

Instructions

1. Take a class. Instruction in basic office skills is available at various learning centers. The curriculum may include basic accounting, keyboarding skills, business English and proofreading, filing and alphabetizing, 10-key adding machines skills, basic computer and Internet skills and beginner's knowledge of Windows. Introductory office skills classes may also provide valuable information on common computer programs such as Excel, Access and Outlook as well as cursory training on social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace or Twitter.

2. Take notes. Learning new office skills requires retaining a lot of technical information that may be difficult to remember. Students should bring a notebook and pen to class so they can take detailed notes with step-by-step information. Notes should be organized by date and subject matter for easy access. Students who rush through note-taking or write in shorthand should take time to re-copy and expand their notes after class while the lesson is fresh in their minds.

3. Review. The full benefit of note-taking cannot be enjoyed without daily review. Students should re-read their notes once a day to keep the material current. Reviewing old quizzes and tests is also helpful for knowing which subject areas require improvement. Students may want to copy information and helpful tips on sticky notes and post them on high visibility areas, such as the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror or the car visor. With the information so easily accessible, committing important facts to memory is inevitable.

4. Practice. The benefits of note-taking and memorization will fade if they are not accompanied with steady skills practice. Individuals with home computers and Internet access can practice using basic programs such as making documents and spreadsheets, emailing and using search engines and basic accounting software. If students get confused at any point, most computer programs include step-by-step tutorials that walk users through software and their functions. Students without home computers can try using public resources; most libraries have computers with Internet access for patrons to use.

References

• Blue Ridge Community College: Basic Office Skills
• Office Skills: Basic Office Skills
• Goodwill Spa: Administrative Office Skills Training