Whatever industry you work in or your professional level of experience you have, computers are a part of everyday work life. While you might not need advanced skills, most jobs do require at least some level of proficiency in both hardware and software skills. So what\u2019s the difference?<\/p>\r\n
Hardware skills involve understanding how to operate a computer. At higher levels and in more technical fields, it might involve troubleshooting issues or changing or fixing broken parts. However, even at the most basic position, it includes knowing how to turn a computer or other device on and off and use it properly.<\/p>\r\n
Software skills, on the other hand, are those skills that revolve around actual applications and programs. If you don\u2019t know what a particular employer uses, they will generally train you on their different software systems. This is part of the onboarding process. If, though, you\u2019re able to demonstrate experience and proficiency in a software system they already use, this can help set you apart from other candidates.<\/p>\r\n
Bottom line? Whether you work in IT, or in manufacturing, law, medicine, food service, hospitality, customer service, or a different industry, you need computer skills on your resume<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n Which are the most sought-after computer skills employers look for? Here\u2019s a look at the top 5.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n #1: MS Office or G Suite <\/strong><\/p>\r\n Most companies use Microsoft Office or G Suite in some capacity, so being proficient in one or both of these will help you get up and running faster on the job. This includes applications like Google Docs, or Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.<\/p>\r\n If you\u2019re applying for positions in administration or as an office manager, for instance, then these programs will be even more important to highlight on your resume or in your cover letter. Likewise, if you\u2019ll be working in sales or another position in which making presentations or reporting data are important, then proficiency in programs, like Excel and PowerPoint, or Google Spreadsheets, will be key.<\/p>\r\n #2: Communication Tools<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Whether a company uses Slack, Skype, Meetup or Zoom, experience with these programs will help position you as a strong candidate. If the position is telecommute, hybrid or remote, then highlighting your knowledge in these areas is especially important. Likewise, if the job description lists one of these, such as Slack, then including your experience with this application will help increase your chance of getting a call for an interview.<\/p>\r\n #3: Accounting Programs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Other programs that are important to know for certain finance-related positions include FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Sage50, Zoho Books, or Xero. Whether you\u2019re an accountant, office manager, or accounts payable assistant, knowing one or more of these will be helpful in your future role.<\/p>\r\n #4: Social Media<\/strong><\/p>\r\n From Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and more, knowing your way around these and other social media<\/a> sites is crucial for certain positions. Think marketing, public relations, and communications. However, if you\u2019re working in an administrative role for a small business or a start-up, for instance, you might also be charged with managing these channels.<\/p>\r\n In addition to knowing how to navigate your way through these sites, it\u2019s also important to be able to analyze the results, such as from software like Google Analytics or Hootsuite. These are social media management platforms that enable you to monitor the effectiveness of your social media strategy and make changes when needed.<\/p>\r\n #5: Computer Programming<\/strong><\/p>\r\n If you\u2019re applying for a position in IT, then you\u2019ll need to showcase your technical skills. However, other positions, like those in marketing, can benefit from computer programming skills, too.<\/p>\r\n So, if you\u2019ve get them, flaunt them on your resume and in your cover letter. For more technical positions, like the role of computer programmer or web designer, it\u2019s important to demonstrate proficiency in areas like HTML, Java and UI \/ UX.<\/p>\r\n How to List Computer Skills On Your Resume<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Now that you know the top skills<\/a> to showcase on your resume, the next step is writing about them in the best way. For instance, rather than just listing your social media skills on your resume<\/a> and the sites you\u2019re familiar with, write in your cover letter about a certain project you spearheaded and the results you achieved. This will not only communicate that you have the right-fit skills, but also the proven track record to add value to a future employer.<\/p>\r\n Another way to showcase your computer skills is to create a \u201cComputer Skills\u201d section for them on your resume. Use a subhead and create a summary of your skills with bullet points<\/a> for the relevant programs you know. You can also include them in your \u201cWork History\u201d section if a particular program was important for your current or a previous role.<\/p>\r\n For instance, you can state something such as:<\/p>\r\n \u201cUsed QuickBooks to manage business finances, process invoices and payments, and supervise all aspects of bookkeeping.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n Get Professional Resume Writing Help. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n If you\u2019d like help from the pros, turn to ResumeSpice. We\u2019re experts in resume writing<\/a> and know what employers want to see. We can evaluate your current resume and edit and polish it, or write one from scratch. You\u2019ll put your best foot forward with help from our team. Simply call 832.930.7378<\/strong><\/a> or contact us<\/strong><\/a> online to get started.<\/p>\r[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whatever industry you work in or your professional level of experience you have, computers are a part of everyday work life. While you might not need advanced skills, most jobs do require at least some level of proficiency in both hardware and software skills. So what\u2019s the difference?…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2217,"featured_media":51421,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Whatever industry you work in or your professional level of experience you have, computers are a part of everyday work life. While you might not need advanced skills, most jobs do require at least some level of proficiency in both hardware and software skills. So what\u2019s the difference?<\/p>\r\n Hardware skills involve understanding how to operate a computer. At higher levels and in more technical fields, it might involve troubleshooting issues or changing or fixing broken parts. However, even at the most basic position, it includes knowing how to turn a computer or other device on and off and use it properly.<\/p>\r\n Software skills, on the other hand, are those skills that revolve around actual applications and programs. If you don\u2019t know what a particular employer uses, they will generally train you on their different software systems. This is part of the onboarding process. If, though, you\u2019re able to demonstrate experience and proficiency in a software system they already use, this can help set you apart from other candidates.<\/p>\r\n Bottom line? Whether you work in IT, or in manufacturing, law, medicine, food service, hospitality, customer service, or a different industry, you need computer skills on your resume<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n Which are the most sought-after computer skills employers look for? Here\u2019s a look at the top 5.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n #1: MS Office or G Suite <\/strong><\/p>\r\n Most companies use Microsoft Office or G Suite in some capacity, so being proficient in one or both of these will help you get up and running faster on the job. This includes applications like Google Docs, or Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.<\/p>\r\n If you\u2019re applying for positions in administration or as an office manager, for instance, then these programs will be even more important to highlight on your resume or in your cover letter. Likewise, if you\u2019ll be working in sales or another position in which making presentations or reporting data are important, then proficiency in programs, like Excel and PowerPoint, or Google Spreadsheets, will be key.<\/p>\r\n #2: Communication Tools<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Whether a company uses Slack, Skype, Meetup or Zoom, experience with these programs will help position you as a strong candidate. If the position is telecommute, hybrid or remote, then highlighting your knowledge in these areas is especially important. Likewise, if the job description lists one of these, such as Slack, then including your experience with this application will help increase your chance of getting a call for an interview.<\/p>\r\n #3: Accounting Programs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Other programs that are important to know for certain finance-related positions include FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Sage50, Zoho Books, or Xero. Whether you\u2019re an accountant, office manager, or accounts payable assistant, knowing one or more of these will be helpful in your future role.<\/p>\r\n #4: Social Media<\/strong><\/p>\r\n From Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and more, knowing your way around these and other social media<\/a> sites is crucial for certain positions. Think marketing, public relations, and communications. However, if you\u2019re working in an administrative role for a small business or a start-up, for instance, you might also be charged with managing these channels.<\/p>\r\n In addition to knowing how to navigate your way through these sites, it\u2019s also important to be able to analyze the results, such as from software like Google Analytics or Hootsuite. These are social media management platforms that enable you to monitor the effectiveness of your social media strategy and make changes when needed.<\/p>\r\n #5: Computer Programming<\/strong><\/p>\r\n If you\u2019re applying for a position in IT, then you\u2019ll need to showcase your technical skills. However, other positions, like those in marketing, can benefit from computer programming skills, too.<\/p>\r\n So, if you\u2019ve get them, flaunt them on your resume and in your cover letter. For more technical positions, like the role of computer programmer or web designer, it\u2019s important to demonstrate proficiency in areas like HTML, Java and UI \/ UX.<\/p>\r\n How to List Computer Skills On Your Resume<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Now that you know the top skills<\/a> to showcase on your resume, the next step is writing about them in the best way. For instance, rather than just listing your social media skills on your resume and the sites you\u2019re familiar with, write in your cover letter about a certain project you spearheaded and the results you achieved. This will not only communicate that you have the right-fit skills, but also the proven track record to add value to a future employer.<\/p>\r\n Another way to showcase your computer skills is to create a \u201cComputer Skills\u201d section for them on your resume. Use a subhead and create a summary of your skills with bullet points for the relevant programs you know. You can also include them in your \u201cWork History\u201d section if a particular program was important for your current or a previous role.<\/p>\r\n For instance, you can state something such as:<\/p>\r\n \u201cUsed QuickBooks to manage business finances, process invoices and payments, and supervise all aspects of bookkeeping.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n Get Professional Resume Writing Help. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n If you\u2019d like help from the pros, turn to ResumeSpice. We\u2019re experts in resume writing<\/a> and know what employers want to see. We can evaluate your current resume and edit and polish it, or write one from scratch. You\u2019ll put your best foot forward with help from our team. Simply call 832.930.7378<\/strong><\/a> or contact us<\/strong><\/a> online to get started.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[794,795,166],"class_list":["post-48274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resume-writing","tag-computer-skills","tag-resume-computer-skills","tag-resume-writers"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t