How To Learn Basic Computer Skills

Have you ever felt that your technical skills are not up to scratch in the last few years of video conferencing and working online? Today, basic computer literacy is essential for all career paths. 

It seems to be a given in the job market that everyone has basic computer skills. However, not everyone is confident in their skill level.

If you want to improve your skills, read our article about getting the right skills for a resume and cover letters. We’ll share the best adult education courses for absolute beginners and those who want to get their computer skills workplace ready. 

What are basic computer skills?

Basic computer skills might seem a vague and broad term. Unless you’re seeking a job as a web designer, you don’t need strong computer programming or graphic design skills. Most job postings require that you know how to make a computer run and possess knowledge of computer security. 

In this digital age, office productivity relies on employees knowing their way around a computer system. You should get to grips with several software types if you want to learn computer skills to improve your resume. 

1. Productivity software

Productivity software includes basic Microsoft systems, such as word processing software and Microsoft Office. Anything used to document information counts as productivity software, such as documents, graphs, presentations, and worksheets. They make the workplace run more smoothly. Also, the ability to use search engines is valuable.

Microsoft Word is one of the most crucial tools for most jobs. Beyond simply opening a document and starting to write, many features of Word are helpful to know. It would help if you also got to grips with file management. Different companies use different systems for their files and folders, like Google Drive, SharePoint, or Microsoft OneDrive.

Not all workplaces use MS Office, but the majority do. Learning basic computer programs like Microsoft Word will enable you to work your way around most other systems. It is typically considered an essential requirement to have a certain competency level with productivity software. 

2. Operating systems

Most workplaces will use Microsoft Windows as it is the most universal. Some companies, however, might use Apple systems, which are particularly adept for graphic design, video editing, and music. Operating system examples include:

• Microsoft Windows.

• Apple iOS.

• Apple macOS.

• Google’s Android OS.

• Linux Operating System.

Essential skills include learning computer operating systems features. If you purchase a new computer or laptop, make sure you know what operating system it runs on as each runs slightly differently. You should also know basic troubleshooting skills to solve errors when things run smoothly. All of these skills, be sure to add to your professional resume.

Understand how to perform basic tasks like process management, memory management, input and output, and handling external devices, such as disk drives and printers. Highlight on a resume how you can use your knowledge of different operating systems to assist your work.

3. Presentation software

General knowledge of presentation software is vital for most job roles. Many employers look for presentation software skills in Microsoft Powerpoint or Google Slides.

Presentation software is any program that allows you to create a slideshow made up of audio, text, video, and images. In many job roles, the professionality of your presentation can improve the quality of your pitch. If you want to improve your resume, work on your presentation computer skills. 

You can enhance your tech skills by practicing making presentations on your computer. Or you can learn the different functions and features of presentation software by taking an online training course.

4. Digital marketing

Digital marketing involves sending emails to potential customers and managing a social media platform. Even if you are not seeking a career in digital marketing, learning the computer basics of web and social skills is fundamental for many roles. 

LinkedIn Learning offers short training videos on fundamental social media skills. Or, you can take a more in-depth course to get to grips with emailing, social media, and marketing. Comprehensive training courses look impressive on a resume and prove to potential employers your competency level.

5. Communication tools

Successful businesses rely on communication skills and systems to thrive. Communication is essential for the efficiency, productivity, and prosperity of the company. You should develop your writing skills and digital communication abilities. 

Communication tools include email systems, instant messaging, and video conferencing programs. Most business communications use Microsoft Outlook to email. It would help if you learned how to draft and send emails to multiple people, mail merges, send calendar invites, and use the instant messaging system. 

There are several different video conferencing systems; each workplace has its preference. Take the time to familiarize yourself with various programs and highlight your experience on your resume and cover letter. 

6. Database management

Database management includes everything from accounting software and content management systems to spreadsheets. Businesses rely on database management skills and systems to pay employees, conduct data analysis, and do an advanced search. 

Depending on your desired role, you may spend a large proportion of your time with data management systems and spreadsheets. Spreadsheet programs, such as Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, are crucial skills. It would be best if you learned how to format charts and graphs and the basics of data input. 

How to highlight computer skills for a job?

First, you need to assess your skill levels. List each computer skill and write next to it whether you have introductory to advanced abilities. Employers want to know your level of competency and level of expertise. 

If you don’t highlight your level of knowledge, hiring managers might assume you’re a beginner. In your resume and cover letters, don’t just write the skills listed. Expand on how you have used each skill advantageously in a previous role. 

Explain in your cover letter how your experience will benefit the company. You can look at CV templates for ideas. It would also help to highlight your digital literacy in the job interview and back up your office skills with examples. 

If you’re a job seeker who wants to land that dream job, the best career advice is to improve your computer skills. Competent computer skills assist your job search, and they will help career development as you will be better able to complete tasks more effectively. Plus, don’t forget to also work on improving your soft skills too.

How can you improve your computer skills?

Improve your computer skills by taking online courses to get one step closer to landing your dream job. 

At Courses for Success, we offer a Computer Skills for the Workplace Online Certificate Course. This training program teaches you job-specific skills, such as online searching and product management, to aid your professional development. 

The course is available 24/7 for you to learn basic computer skills over eight weeks. Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate to prove your Word, Excel, and Office skills to future employers. 

Why Courses for Success? 

Courses for Success offers over 10,000 online courses, all of which aim to help you in your personal development and career progression. Not only that, but you can also study them anywhere and at any time, and take them at your own pace, too.

You don’t need career diplomas or specific experience to get started. From our coding courses and trading courses to design courses and developer courses, every course we offer will help boost your prospects, no matter who you are.

Beyond just the education itself, students will be issued a certificate online after completing each of the learning courses they do. Our online computer skills for the workplace courses are no exception and are recognized by industry leaders. You could make a name for yourself by signing up for a Courses for Success short course today.