What Are Basic Computer Skills Required for Most Jobs?

There are some basic computer skills required by most employers.

The job market may be tough, but honing some basic computer skills is a great way to have a leg up when applying for most types of employment. With technology consistently growing leaps and bounds, keeping your computer and software skills up to date is a great way to obtain and retain employment. There are several basic skills you should attain proficiency in before applying for most jobs.

Typing: The Most Basic Skill

Typing or keyboarding in the most basic of computer skills, and one that is necessary for any facet of computer work. Knowing the keyboard proficiently is your first step in attaining adequate computer skills. Practice to gain speed and accuracy. You will need keyboarding skills to create documents in word-processing programs, charts and graphs, and to communicate well using the computer and Internet.

Communications

The ability to communicate using a computer is another key facet in the computer skills repertoire. Employers now use many forms of technological communication from email to messaging, texting and social networking. It is important to understand how to use the various forms of communicating both on the Internet and within a business network.

Other Basic Skills

The ability to research via the Internet is another basic skill most employers require. It is important to become familiar with search engines and understand how to gather the information required by an employer. Creating documents, charts, graphs, fliers and advertising copy are some other skills that help polish your resume. You may want to list particular software you have worked with and are proficient in using. Computer basics such as how to reboot a computer, use the mouse, scroll buttons and ancillary buttons on a keyboard are important skills to understand.

Where to Get Help

Many community colleges, adult education and employment training programs offer free and low-cost classes to individuals who need to brush up on basic computer skills. You may wish to ask a friend or relative for some help learning the basics as well. The computer is an important employment tool that can be mastered with instruction, practice and patience.

References

• Marc Parry: In Downturn, More Return to College Without Basic Computer Skills
• Alex Johnson: Lack of Computer Skills Foils Many Job Seekers
• telecentre.org: What Are the Minimal Computer Skills Needed for Employability in Any Field?
• Basic Computer Skills: Technology Requirements for Quick Jobs Training