How to Include Computer Skills on Your Resume

Updated June 17, 20221k

Computer skills and digital literacy skills are crucial in the modern job market. Knowing which computer skills to list on your resume could help you land a new job.

Computer Skills for Resume

The world of work is becoming more and more reliant on technology and computer programs. As such, having at least a basic level of technological and digital literacy is crucial to finding a great job. You don’t need to work at Microsoft to benefit from computer skills -- this article will tell you:

How computer skills can benefit your resume
Which computer skills are in high demand
How to list computer skills on your resume

Why Should I Put Computer Skills on My Resume?

Computer skills are no longer specialist skills held by a minority of job seekers; they are as common and fundamental as reading and writing. Whether it’s making spreadsheets for an office job or using PowerPoint to prepare for a public speaking engagement, IT skills are key. If you want to work in an office or even a retail position, then basic computer skills will be absolutely necessary. Some of the most commonly used software in workplaces today include:

Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word)
Slack
Skype
Google Docs
QuickBooks
InDesign
Adobe Photoshop

There is also a range of content management systems and customer relations management (CRM) systems that are useful in marketing or sales positions. If you can show hiring managers that you are able to use these programs, or better yet, that you are proficient in them, then you will make a great first impression.

Key Computer Skills To List On Your Resume

If you are looking to level up your resume with the right computer skills, you should start by reading the job description that you want to apply for. Try to identify the computer skills that will be useful in this job title on a day-to-day basis and feature them. Here is a list of advanced computer skills to consider including in your resume:

HTML/CSS
Python
Java/JavaScript
WordPress
SQL
Advanced Microsoft Excel/spreadsheets (e.g., pivot tables)
Data analysis
PHP
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Troubleshooting and debugging

Three Top Tips for Listing Computer Skills on a Resume

If you list hard skills and computer skills that fit the job posting you want to apply for, then you will seriously increase the likelihood that you will have a successful job search. How you list relevant skills is almost as important as which skills you list, however. If you are a recent graduate or you have limited experience in resume writing, then it can be helpful to read relevant resume examples. These three resume writing tips can also help you to list your computer skills well:

Include key skills in your resume summary.

The resume summary is one part of most resumes that is not valued the way it should be. This small section is far more important than its size might indicate. Firstly, the resume summary is one of the first sections that a hiring manager is likely to notice. Furthermore, it is also the easiest to scan, so it might be the only section a recruiter reads; if they don’t like your summary, they may simply discard the application.

If computer skills are likely to be important to the role or you have advanced computer skills, then adding them to your resume summary could be beneficial. For example, proficiency with multiple operating systems could make you more attractive to recruiters hiring for an administrative role.
Curate your skills section.

One of the most important tips for listing computer skills on a resume is to curate your skills section to suit the job posting you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to be a programmer, then programming languages of any kind will be more important than MS Office skills. Likewise, if you are applying to be a digital marketer, then your social media skills will outweigh the need for troubleshooting or debugging skills.
Use your work experience section to give examples.

A resume work experience section is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal during a job search. You can include up to ten years of work experience. If you want to showcase your computer skills, then you should include examples of projects or successes in your professional life that involve their use.

You can also use a resume builder tool such as the one offered by ResumeNerd to create a basic resume that is compliant with all U.S. formatting guidelines.

FAQ: Computer Skills for a Resume

Can I list computer skills I learned on my own?

You do not need to take online courses to get computer skills, and you can list relevant skills on your resume if they were self-taught. These skills will carry more weight if you take the time to get some pretests or get some kind of certification to validate your competencies. For example, LinkedIn offers skill assessments for some of the most common computer skills.

Should I list basic computer skills?

Potential employers will expect a certain level of digital literacy from most job seekers these days, so you do not need to list very basic computer skills. The ability to use Microsoft Office or other word processing software is expected, for example, as is the ability to use the basic features of social media and email. More specialized programs like Excel are less commonly used, however, so having advanced excel knowledge is worth listing. Any software skills that the average person can’t or won’t use frequently can be listed on a resume (if they are relevant).

Should I discuss computer skills in my cover letter?

You should only discuss your computer skills in a cover letter if they are directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Your cover letter should provide additional information about major skills and achievements mention in your resume. Unless you’re applying for a web developer role or something similar, you should save your computer and technical skills for your resume skills section.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.