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Table of contents

What are computer skills?
50+ computer skills to put on your resume + examples
Tips for adding computer skills to your resume
How to improve your computer skills
More skills resources
Key Takeaways

Being computer literate is critical to being hired for nearly any job. After all, even roles that aren’t thought of as being “high-tech” like librarians, farmers or tradesmen use computers to get their jobs done. Computer skills are just one of those critical 21st-century skills that a well-rounded and reliable worker should have, regardless of industry.

While every job will require a different skill set, there are some basic technological skills that are highly sought after by employers. Here, we will outline the top computer skills to put on a resume and show you how to list those skills on your resume. Read on to learn more about:

What computer skills actually are.
A list of 50+ computer skills to put on your resume.
Tips for adding computer skills to a resume.
How to improve your computer skills.

Need to build a resume fast? Try our Resume Builder. This tool offers tailored content suggestions for most jobs and formatting tips to help you create a resume that showcases your most impressive skills and abilities.

What are computer skills?

You probably already know how to use a computer. If you’re reading this, then accessing the internet is not a problem for you. But there’s a bit more to being tech-savvy than just opening a web page. So what are computer skills and why do they matter for your resume?

Computer skills refer to your proficiency in using the technological tools necessary to do your job well. Learning how to use new software, navigate file systems and problem-solve on the fly are critical skills that will help you navigate the programs and systems that your future company may require.

Let’s look at an example of what happens if you don’t have computer skills. Imagine you’re a cashier. On the first day of your new job, you show up and begin training. The manager shows you the cash register and the point-of-sale (POS) system you’ll be using. Do you think you could quickly learn how to navigate the sales process? Without computer skills, you’d be learning this all from scratch.

Computer skills give you the knowledge and confidence to apply all your past experiences with computer software to each new system you face. So whether you’re a cashier using a new POS system or a recruiter learning to make the most of your company’s HR software, your computer skills enable you to pick up new proficiencies smoothly and easily.

50+ computer skills to put on your resume + examples

This list of computer skills will help you get started making a resume that shows off your technical abilities and general knowledge.

Basic computer skills

It never hurts to start with the basics! Basic computer skills are the abilities that you learn just by using a computer every day. A recent high school graduate would probably have these skills just through the course of their education, but don’t worry if you don’t! These are easy to learn and there are plenty of resources available to you.

Basic computer skills for your resume:

Typing
Emails
Online research
Spreadsheets
Presentations
File management

MS Office

Microsoft is one of the largest technology companies in the world. If you use computers every day, you’re probably familiar with Microsoft’s software suite. Learning to master the standard MS Office skills goes a long way in many fields and roles.

MS Office skills for your resume:

Excel
PowerPoint
Word
Outlook
Power BI

Google Workspace

Just like Microsoft, Google is a major technology company whose tools you should be familiar with. Whether you’re only familiar with Gmail and Docs or whether you’re a Google Analytics power user, showcase your proficiency with the Google suite on your resume.

Google Workspace skills for your resume:

Gmail
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Google Docs
Google Drive
Google Forms
Google Keep
Google Meet
Google Calendar
Google Analytics

Database management

Now we’re entering the realm of specific computer skills for specific fields. A tutoring resume probably won’t need to showcase database management skills, but a data scientist resume certainly should!

Database management skills for your resume:

datapine
Hadoop
Oracle
MySQL
MongoDB
DBeaver
Azure SQL Database

Accounting software

An accounting resume must highlight proficiency with accounting software. Whether you’re a CPA or an accounting assistant, experience with the following programs is bound to come in handy.

Accounting software skills for your resume:

Quickbooks
Xero
Sage
Zoho
Freshbooks

Social media

Whether you’re a copywriter or a PR guru, a marketing resume ought to showcase some level of social media savvy. Social media isn’t just a potential marketing channel, it’s a networking hub that allows you to connect with audiences and peers around the world.

Social media skills for your resume:

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Pinterest
TikTok
X (formerly Twitter)
Scheduling software, like Later
Canva

Coding and programming

If your resume includes coding skills, then you’ve probably already got this whole “computer skills” thing locked down. Even so, here are some programming skills to consider for your resume.

Coding and programming skills for your resume:

R
HTML
JavaScript
Python
C++
PHP
CSS

Graphic design and word processing

The world of creative software is vast! Show employers that you know your way around by listing the graphic design and word processing skills that you’re comfortable using.

Graphic design and word processing skills for your resume:

Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
AutoCAD
Wordpad
OpenOffice Writer

Marketing

Marketing comes in many shapes and forms, but almost all of them rely on a toolbelt of software tools. Whether you’re an SEO expert or a mailing list champion, these computer skills are the perfect fit for a marketing resume:

Marketing skills for your resume:

WordPress
MailChimp
SEMRush
Ahrefs
Searchmetrics

Tips for adding computer skills to your resume

Armed with a list of computer skills that you can use on your resume, you’re ready to learn how to make the most of them on your own resume. Follow these simple steps to build a resume that helps you make a strong impression.

Step 1

Begin by analyzing the job description

Start your resume-writing journey by taking a closer look at the job listing. The keywords that employers use to describe the role’s responsibilities and the ideal candidate can be a significant asset. Incorporating keywords makes your resume more likely to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) with ease.

For example, consider this job listing:

Our ideal candidate for the role of office manager has the following qualifications:

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficient in Google Workspace tools including Google Meet, Google Calendar and Google Sheets.
Experience mentoring a small team of professionals and fostering professional growth.
Comfortable composing informative presentations using both Google Slides and MS PowerPoint.

The bolded keywords are the computer skills that a savvy candidate might consider highlighting on their resume.

Pro Tip

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter for qualified candidates based on keywords. You shouldn’t list skills you don’t have, but it’s a good idea to use the exact phrasing from the listing for the skills you do have to ensure you pass through.

Step 2

Highlight computer skills in your skills section

The skills section of your resume is a great place to highlight some of your most useful computer skills. List the software you use most often in this section.

Step 3

Incorporate personal skills throughout your resume

Showing off your computer skills doesn’t end in your skills section! Your work history section gives you a great opportunity to show employers that you not only have the skills they’re looking for but you also know how to put them to work.

Consider this example:

Office Manager
XYZ Company, City, State
June 2019 – Aug. 2024

Successfully coordinated and managed daily office operations, ensuring a smooth workflow and maintaining a high level of organization.
Expertly utilized Google Workspace tools, including Google Meet, Google Calendar and Google Sheets, to facilitate efficient communication and scheduling.
Led a team of five administrative professionals, providing mentorship and fostering professional growth.
Created informative and visually engaging presentations using Google Slides and MS PowerPoint for company meetings and client presentations.

Your resume profile gives you another chance to list your computer skills. The beginning of your resume is a good place to catch the employer’s attention with the skills you most want to highlight.

Pro Tip

For an entry-level resume, especially your very first, the functional resume format allows you to demonstrate your skills without lingering on your lacking experience.

Step 4

Don’t forget to mention computer skills in your cover letter

Your cover letter gives you yet another chance to show employers your robust computer skills. Don’t forget to build a cover letter that matches your resume so that you make a strong and cohesive impression.

Wondering how to get started? Try checking out some cover letter examples to get an idea of how professionals in your industry write their letters. Our Cover Letter Builder is a great way to get past the blank-page stage. It offers formatting help, stylish cover letter templates and professional content suggestions to help you build a cover letter that puts your best foot forward.

How to improve your computer skills

Whether you identify as a true beginner or advanced in your computer skills, there are many resources available for improving the computer skills on your resume. Here are some suggestions:

Take free online courses

Organizations such as Udemy, Coursera and even the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offer free learning online for a variety of computer skills.

Watch YouTube and other tutorial videos

YouTube offers a plethora of free online training for everything from learning to write HTML to using specific computer programs. Just type in the skill you’re looking for, and you’ll be offered a variety of videos to watch and learn from. Companies like Google also offer free tutorials for their tools, such as Google Analytics.

Consider in-person classes

Consider an in-person class at your local community college, which will offer a low-cost, hands-on option for learning a variety of computer classes.

Practice your computer skills

As the adage goes, you have to use it or lose it. Practicing your computer skills through hands-on work is one of the best ways to improve your proficiency with a skill.

More skills resources

For more inspiration on how to list skills on your resume, check out our library of resume examples. They will show you how to add skills to resumes and how to format your resume to best showcase your skills.

Looking for help understanding, improving or listing a different career skill? Check out our other guides for help making the most out of your resume skills.

Now, let’s explore some key takeaways to help you remember what’s important!

Key Takeaways

Start with the basics

Your most basic computer skills, like typing, emailing or file management, can be unexpected assets. If you’re not sure where to begin, make a list of the simple computer skills that you use daily.
Focus on your industry

Different fields use different kinds of software. If your industry has a few specific programs that workers are expected to learn, this is a good place to focus. Hone your skills with industry-specific tools and then reap the benefits by highlighting these tools on your resume.
Use your whole resume

Your skills section is a great place to start, but your work experience and resume profile also offer opportunities to show off your computer skills. The skills that you want to highlight the most should be peppered throughout your resume.
Improve your skills

Feeling a little lost? Don’t worry! Improving your computer skills will help your resume stand out and help you build your confidence with computer software. Make the most of the online resources at your disposal and watch your skills grow!

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.