100+ Essential Technical Skills for Your Resume & Tips to Showcase Them
Computer Skills for Your Resume (and How to List Them)
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Having computer skills in the current job market is a given. In fact, 92% of jobs require digital skills; they’re essential to any work environment.
However, it’s not just about adding them to your resume— but which ones you decide to include, their proficiency level and how you showcase them to draw the recruiter’s attention.
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What Are Computer Skills?
Computer skills refer to the abilities and knowledge required to efficiently use computers and related technology. These skills range from basic tasks like typing and emailing to more advanced programming or data analysis capabilities.
Computer skills are essential in almost every field today and can be categorized into software and hardware skills.
Software skills
Software skills involve using specific computer programs or applications to perform tasks. These skills are increasingly important in almost every profession, enabling efficiency and productivity in workplace tasks.
Examples of software skills include:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Photoshop
- MySQL
- GitHub
- Salesforce
Hardware skills
Hardware skills focus on the knowledge and ability to work with physical components of computers, electronic devices, and related technology. Hardware skills are critical in IT, engineering, and technical roles.
These technical skills typically involve assembling, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing hardware, as well as understanding how the different components of a system interact.
Here are a few examples:
- Installing and configuring hardware components.
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues for peripherals.
- Using tools like multimeters, diagnostic software, or bootable tools (e.g., MemTest86).
- Rack mounting and cabling in data centers
- Working with machinery like CNC machines or PLCs (Programmable Logic Controller).
Computer Skills Examples
By highlighting your computer skills on your resume, you demonstrate your ability to leverage technology to work efficiently, be productive, adapt to new tools, solve problems and make data-driven decisions.
The following is a broad list of the highly sought-after computer skills for today's competitive job market.
Jump to the following section:
Basic computer skills
Basic computer skills are essential for any job, but especially for administrative roles such as secretary, administrative assistant, and receptionist.
If your future job requires more complex computer skills, opt to leave these out, as the hiring manager will know you are proficient in them.
Basic computer skills include:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Skype
- Google Workspace
- Digital calendars
Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial to any administrative position. See our soft skills guide to learn how to highlight them effectively in your resume.
Database management skills
Database management tools simplify the control and utilization of databases, making it easier for users to interact with and extract valuable information from their data.
Database management skills include:
- SQL: Standard language for managing and manipulating relational databases.
- Oracle: A popular relational database management system (RDBMS) used for enterprise-level applications.
- MySQL: Open-source RDBMS widely used for web applications and small to medium-sized databases.
Data analysis and visualization skills
Data analysis and visualization tools are software applications that display large amounts of data in a visual format like a graph, making them easier to work with.
Here are a few data analysis computer skills to put on a resume:
- Excel: Used for data manipulation, analysis and visualization of charts and graphs.
- Tableau: Data visualization tool that helps create interactive and visually appealing dashboards.
- Power BI: Business intelligence tool for data analysis, visualization and insights sharing.
Development and programming skills
Programming languages
Programmers and developers use programming languages to develop and maintain applications.
Examples of programming languages include:
- Python: Versatile programming language used for web development, data analysis and automation.
- Java: Widely used programming language for building enterprise-level applications and Android apps.
- C++: Powerful language commonly used for system programming, game development and performance-critical applications.
- JavaScript: Programming language primarily used for web development to create interactive and dynamic web pages.
Web development
Web development technologies help simplify the process of website creation and development.
Examples of web technologies include:
- HTML: Markup language used for structuring and presenting content on the web.
- CSS: Styling language used to enhance the appearance of HTML elements.
- JavaScript: Enables interactivity and dynamic behavior on web pages.
- PHP: Server-side scripting language used for web development and database interaction.
Need more skills ideas? Check out our web development resume examples created by professional resume analysts.
Mobile app development (iOS, Android)
If you create applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, these are excellent computer skills to list on a resume.
Examples of mobile applications include:
- iOS
- Android
Project and process management skills
Project management software
Project management software refers to computer programs used to plan, organize and track projects.
Examples of project management skills include:
- Microsoft Project: Project management software designed to assist with planning, tracking and analyzing projects.
- JIRA: Software developed for issue and tracking and agile project management.
Methodologies
These skills include project management approaches emphasizing flexibility, collaboration and iterative development.
Examples of these computer skills include:
- Scrum: Focuses on delivering value to the customer in short iterations called sprints. It emphasizes collaboration, self-organization, and cross-functional teams.
- Kanban: Aims to optimize the flow of work and improve efficiency by focusing on continuous delivery and reducing bottlenecks.
- Lean: Focuses on eliminating waste, improving efficiency, and delivering value to the customer. It emphasizes continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Data entry and management
These hard skills involve entering, organizing and maintaining data in digital formats.
Examples of computer skills for data entry and management include:
- Optical character recognition (OCR) tools like Adobe Acrobat, ABBYY FineReader, or Textract
- Database management systems such as Microsoft Access, MySQL, or Oracle.
- Spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
Design and multimedia skills
Graphic design
Graphic design involves creating visual content using software to design and manipulate images, illustrations and layout documents for various purposes such as marketing materials, branding and publication.
Examples of graphic design software include:
- Adobe Photoshop: Image editing software used by professionals in creative fields to manipulate and edit images.
- Illustrator: A professional vector-graphics editor designed to create and edit scalable vector-based artwork.
- InDesign: Desktop publishing software developed for creating and designing print and digital publications layouts.
User experience (UX) design
Add these computer skill to your resume if you have experience understanding user needs, researching and designing intuitive interfaces to optimize the overall user experience.
Here are some key user experience design to consider:
- User research, including methods such as interviews, surveys and usability testing.
- Information architecture, including creating user flows, sitemaps and wireframes. Mention any experience with card sorting or tree testing techniques.
- Visual design, such as typography, color theory and layout. Mention any experience with design tools like Sketch, Adobe XD or Figma.
Video editing and production
These involve manipulating and combining video footage, audio and visual effects to create professional-quality videos.
Examples of video editing and production tools include:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Widely used video editing software offering a comprehensive tools and features for editing, organizing and manipulating video footage.
- Final Cut Pro: Video editing software specifically designed for macOS. It provides a powerful and intuitive interface for editing, organizing and delivering high-quality videos.
Digital marketing and content management skills
Digital marketing
Digital marketing encompasses strategies and techniques used to promote products or services online.
Digital marketing skills include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve website visibility.
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM) for paid advertising and tools like Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
- Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior.
Social media management
Social media management includes creating, scheduling and analyzing content on social media platforms to engage with an audience and achieve marketing goals.
Social media management skills include:
- Social media platforms: like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or YouTube.
- Creating and implementing social media strategies: Increase brand awareness, engagement and drive traffic.
- Social media analytics tools: Track and analyze performance metrics.
Our career advice experts created professional social media manager resume examples to help you create a job-winning resume.
Content management systems
These systems provide tools for creating and organizing web pages, blog posts and other types of content without requiring extensive coding knowledge.
Examples of skills for content management systems include:
- Content management systems: WordPress, Drupal or Joomla.
- Understanding of content organization, taxonomy and metadata management.
- Experience in managing user permissions, workflows and version control within a CMS.
Cloud and IT infrastructure skills
Cloud computing
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet. This technology allows businesses to scale their infrastructure and access resources remotely.
Cloud computing platforms include:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Cloud services and solutions that enable businesses to build and deploy various applications.
- Microsoft Azure: Cloud computing platform and service that offers services such as virtual machines, storage and analytics.
IT troubleshooting and support
These skills involve diagnosing and resolving computer hardware, software and network issues.
Examples of these computer skills include:
- Diagnosing and resolving issues related to operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), applications and peripherals.
- Remote support tools and techniques for assisting users remotely.
- Document troubleshooting steps and resolutions for future reference.
Cybersecurity and network management
Cybersecurity and network administration involve protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches and other security threats.
Some computer skills to put on a resume for a cybersecurity job might include:
- Antivirus programs (Norton or McAfee, or firewalls, like Windows firewall or ZoneAlarm): Implementing security measures.
- Wireshark or Nagios: Monitoring network activity.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) or Active Directory: Managing user access to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.
Emerging technology skills
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
Machine learning and AI are used in various applications such as image recognition, natural language processing and predictive analytics.
Include the following machine learning and AI skills on your resume:
- Programming languages: Python, R, or Java.
- Machine learning libraries and frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn or Keras.
- Data manipulation and analysis: Showcase your skills in pandas, NumPy, SQL, Matplotlib or Tableau.
Virtual collaboration tools
These tools provide instant messaging, file sharing, video conferencing and project management capabilities.
Examples of these computer skills include:
- Slack: A cloud-based collaboration platform designed to facilitate communication and teamwork within organizations.
- Microsoft Teams: A collaboration platform developed by Microsoft. It is designed to facilitate communication and teamwork within organizations.
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How to List Computer Skills on Your Resume
When writing a resume, you must tailor it to the target job. Read the job description closely and highlight the computer skills that match your proficiencies.
You can mention computer skills throughout your resume. How you showcase them depends on where you list them.
Including computer skills in your professional summary
When mentioning computer skills in a resume summary or objective statement, provide a concise and impactful overview of your technical expertise. Follow these steps:
- Be specific: Instead of simply stating "computer skills," mention the exact skills relevant to the job you are applying for. Include keywords from the job description to help your resume get past ATS software and into the hands of a hiring manager.
- Highlight proficiency: If you have advanced proficiency in certain computer skills, mention it in your summary.
- Include certifications or training: If you have obtained relevant or completed training programs in specific computer skills, mention them in your resume. Certifications can give you credibility and help you stand out.
- Keep it concise: Remember that a resume summary should be brief and to the point. Focus on the most relevant computer skills for a resume in your field and avoid listing skills that may not be directly related to the job you are applying for.
Here’s an example:
Detail-oriented web developer with over 10 of experience designing, developing, and maintaining responsive websites and web applications. Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, PHP, Python, and backend technologies like Node.js and Django. Adept at utilizing version control systems (Git, GitHub) and deploying scalable solutions on platforms like AWS and Azure. Collaborative team player with experience working in Agile environments and a proven ability to deliver high-quality projects within deadlines.
Creating a list of computer skills
No matter which resume format you choose, every resume template includes a dedicated section for displaying skills.
Here are five tips for highlighting your computer skills in your resume skills section effectively.
- Pay attention to formatting: Organize your resume computer skills clearly and concisely so they are easy to read. Use bullet points to highlight each skill.
- Categorize your computer skills on your resume: Group your computer skills into categories such as programming languages, software applications, operating systems or technical skills. This helps employers quickly identify your areas of technical expertise.
- Specify proficiency levels: Indicate your level of proficiency for each computer skill on our resume. You can use terms like "proficient," "advanced," or "basic," to describe your skill level.
- Highlight specific software and tools: Instead of stating "proficient in Microsoft Office," specify the applications within the suite you are proficient in, such as Excel, PowerPoint or Access.
Pro-tip:
A great way to make your computer skills stand out is to create a separate category for them within your resume skills section. Our Resume Builder makes it easy to customize your resume skills section.
Adding computer skills to your work history
The work history section of a resume is an opportunity to showcase your computer skills in action.
See how you can effectively spotlight your computer skills in your career history:
- Highlight relevant projects or achievements: If you have completed any projects or achieved notable results using your computer skills, mention them in your work experience section.
- Use numbers to show your impact: Numbers and percentages measure your achievements, making your mastery of computer skills even more remarkable.
- Write short, punchy statements: Using action verbs in your bullet points conveys a sense of proactiveness to your experience and reduces wordiness.
Use Our Computer Skills Generator
AI Resume Skills Generator
STEP 1
Computer Skills by Industry
No matter what job you’re going for, displaying computer skills on your resume can give you a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Computer skills are highly valued in the workplace because they:
- Enhance efficiency
- Increase productivity
- Enable adaptability
- Facilitate communication and collaboration
- Enhance learning
- Foster problem-solving abilities
Don’t just add any computer skills to your resume.
Tailor your resume to the position by only adding your most job-relevant computer skills. Your resume computer skills will depend on the job title, industry and level of expertise needed for the job.
The following are key computer skills resume examples for top industries and job titles:
Navigate to these sections:
Information technology (IT):
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
- Database management (e.g., SQL, Oracle)
- Network administration and security
- IT infrastructure management
- Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure)
See IT resume examples.
AutoCAD drafter
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or other computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Knowledge of drafting standards and technical drawing
- Familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks or Revit)
See AutoCAD drafter resume examples.
Backend developer
- Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, or C#)
- Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., MySQL or MongoDB)
- Experience with web development frameworks (e.g., Node.js or Django)
See backend developer resume examples.
Finance and accounting:
- Spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
- Financial analysis and modeling tools (e.g. Quantrix, Scenario)
- Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Risk management software( e.g. Vanta)
See finance and accounting resume examples.
Accountant
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, or Xero)
- Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets)
- Experience with financial analysis and reporting tools
See accountant resume examples.
Healthcare support:
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems
- Medical billing and coding software
- Health information systems
- Telemedicine platforms
- Medical imaging software (e.g., PACS)
- Data analysis and research tools in healthcare
See healthcare resume examples.
Medical doctor
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems proficiency
- Knowledge of medical billing and coding software
- Ability to use medical research databases and resources
See medical doctor resume examples.
Media and communications:
- Content management systems (WordPress, Drupal)
- Video production and editing software
- Social media platforms and analytics tools
- Search engine optimization (SEO) techniques
- Data analysis and reporting tools
See media and communications resume examples.
Video editor
- Proficiency in video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro)
- Knowledge of visual effects and motion graphics software
- Familiarity with audio editing tools (e.g., Adobe Audition or Audacity)
See video editor resume examples.
Administrative:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Database management systems
- Document management software
- Calendar and scheduling tools
- Virtual meeting and communication platforms
See administrative resume examples.
Data entry clerk
- Typing speed and accuracy
- Proficiency in data entry software or systems
- Knowledge of spreadsheet software for data organization (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
See data entry clerk resume examples.
Technical project manager
- Project management software proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Project or Jira)
- Knowledge of Agile or Scrum methodologies
- Familiarity with collaboration tools (e.g., Slack or Trello)
See technical project manager resume examples.
Business operations general manager
- Proficiency in business management software (e.g., Salesforce or Oracle)
- Knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau or Power BI)
- Experience with process improvement and workflow automation tools
See business operations general manager resume examples.
Human resources:
- Human resources information systems
- Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- Data analysis and reporting (e.g. BI, Python).
- Collaboration tools (RingCentral, Basecamp)
See HR resume examples.
Customer service representative
- Proficiency in customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Strong communication skills for email and chat support
- Ability to navigate and use ticketing systems
See customer service representative resume examples.
Production:
- Manufacturing software (e.g. Fishbowl, Prodsmart)
- Data analysis and reporting (e.g. Factbird, Segment)
- Inventory management (e.g. Katana, Cova)
- Quality control software (e.g.Greenlight Guru, KAWAK)
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
See production resume examples.
Supply chain manager
- Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., SAP or Oracle SCM)
- Knowledge of inventory management systems
- Experience with data analysis and forecasting tools
See supply chain manager resume examples.
Tips to Improve Your Computer Skills
Improving your computer skills enhances your productivity, employability, and overall proficiency in using technology.
Here are some practical tips to help you boost your computer skills:
- Identify your goals: Determine which skills are most relevant to your career or personal interests (e.g., coding, graphic design, data analysis).
- Take online courses: To learn specific skills, use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or edX .
- Practice regularly: Experiment with personal projects to reinforce your learning (e.g., creating a simple website, analyzing datasets, or editing photos).
- Use free tools and resources: Explore free software like Canva or GIMP to practice with tools used in your industry or free courses like Khan Academy, Codecademy, or YouTube tutorials for foundational skills.
- Stay updated with technology: Follow tech blogs, websites, and forums (e.g., TechCrunch, Stack Overflow, Reddit tech communities) to learn about new tools and updates.
- Work on real projects: Join open-source projects or hackathons to gain practical experience.
- Join online communities: Participate in forums and groups (e.g., GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Discord servers) where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from others.
- Experiment with coding: Start with beginner-friendly platforms like Scratch, freeCodeCamp, or W3Schools to learn programming basics.
- Pursue certification: Earn specific software or skills certifications to validate your expertise.
Key Takeaways
Now that you know the best computer skills for your resume, you’re probably eager to build your resume.
Before you do, don’t forget the following essential points.
- The computer skills on your resume must be relevant to the job you’re applying to.
- Distributing your computer skills throughout your resume can help you stand out.
- Display hard and soft skills along with your computer skills on your resume.
- An excellent way to highlight specific computer skills on your resume is to group them into categories.
- Use numbers in your professional summary and work history section to emphasize the impact you have made with your computer skills.
- Stay up to date on the latest technological trends in your industry.
- Be consistent in your efforts to hone your skills continuously.
FAQ
What are the five basic computer skills?
The five basic computer skills are foundational abilities that enable individuals to interact with and use a computer effectively for everyday tasks.
These skills are essential for most jobs, academic activities, and personal use in today’s digital world:
- Typing
- Using an operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Internet and email usage
- Basic office software proficiency (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc)
- Computer security and safety
Should I include basic computer skills on my resume?
Yes, basic computer skills are important for a resume if they are relevant to the job. Basic computer skills like email, word processing or internet research can demonstrate your overall computer literacy.
Should I mention certifications or training related to computer skills in my resume?
Absolutely! Including certifications or specialized training related to computer skills on a resume can add credibility to your resume. Mention any relevant certifications or training programs you have completed.
How do I describe my computer skills in an interview?
Describing your computer skills effectively in an interview can help demonstrate your qualifications and confidence in handling technology.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Use specific examples: Mention practical situations where you used your computer skills to achieve results.
- Specify your expertise: Describe your skill level (basic, intermediate, advanced) and provide examples.
- Highlight versatility: Showcase your ability to learn and adapt to new tools.
- Discuss certifications or training: If you’ve completed or specialized training, mention them to validate your skills.
- Emphasize problem-solving: Talk about how your computer skills have helped you solve problems or improve processes.
- Show enthusiasm for learning: Employers value candidates open to learning new technologies.
How important is staying updated with the latest technology trends?
Staying up to date with the latest technology trends is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Employers value candidates who are willing to learn and adapt to new technologies.
Do I need a cover letter if I showcase my computer skills in my resume?
Yes! Always write a cover letter as a complement to your resume. Cover letters tell hiring managers you’re serious about the job because you’re willing to go the extra mile.
How to describe resume computer skills in a cover letter?
When writing a cover letter, it is important to highlight your proficiency and relevant experience with various software, tools and technologies.
To describe your computer skills in a cover letter:
- Be specific: Mention the job-relevant computer skills and tools you possess that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Provide examples: Back up your claims by providing specific examples of how you have used your computer skills in previous roles or projects and what the result was. Don’t hold back! Highlight any achievements or outcomes demonstrating your proficiency and the value you can bring to the position, but don’t regurgitate your resume.
- Add value: Align your computer skills with the company’s goals to underscore how you can contribute to the team.
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Computer Skills for Your Resume (and How to List Them)
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Natalia is a Content Writer based in Puerto Rico and a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. She is dedicated to leveraging her writing expertise to help job seekers reach their career goals.
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