Charlotte Grainger 
Stand out by showcasing essential, in-demand computer skills on your CV
Looking for a way to take your application to the next level? Including relevant computer skills on your CV is the answer. In a technologically advancing world, these competencies have never been more valuable. But where should you start and which skills should you include?
In the following guide, we'll cover what computer skills are, the IT skills gap that you can fill in, and the best computer skills to include on your CV.
What are computer skills?
Computer skills are the competencies you need to effectively use a computer. Whatever your job happens to be, there's a fair chance that computer skills will come into play. While the exact level of computer proficiency that's expected of you will depend largely on the sector and role you're in, it's becoming increasingly important for most workers to have a decent grasp of modern-day computer technology – both hardware and software.
Computer hardware skills
Computer hardware skills relate to your proficiency in handling physical equipment such as a laptop, tablet, or desktop.
For the most part, employers will expect you to have basic computer hardware skills. That means being able to use a computer from the get-go. Of course, having additional hardware skills, such as checking cables, connecting up devices, and troubleshooting – especially if they're desirable in the role – is a real bonus too and worth noting on your CV.
Computer software skills
Computer software skills, on the other hand, relate to the programs, apps, and software that you use. These can be job-specific computer skills that highlight what you can actually achieve with a computer beyond just operating it.
Chances are, you already possess some basic computer software skills for your CV. However, it will be helpful to look at nicher and more in-demand software skills that will wow employers, some of which are listed below.
Why computer skills matter to employers
But first, just how important are computer skills, really? The truth of the matter is, computer technology now touches almost every field, from marketing to customer services and administration.
In fact, according to a 2023 report by Forbes Advisor, British businesses recognise that technology advancements are moving so fast, the workforce is struggling to keep up with new developments. Of the surveyed employers, 93% reported an IT skills gap within the local job market, and more than a third of the businesses have now invested in internal programmes to tackle this gap – a strategy that obviously comes at a major cost to these companies.
So, if you're searching for a new job, it literally pays to level up. The more computer skills on your CV, the more valuable you are to a prospective employer. That's because they won't have to invest as much in your training as they might with a less-skilled worker. With that in mind, if you want to get ahead of the competition, it's worth taking the time to upskill in this area.
11 computer skills for CV examples
Now that you better understand the computer skills gap faced by businesses, let's talk about how you can fill it. Ensuring that you list sought-after computer skills on your CV may help elevate your application and land you your next interview.
To help you along the way, we've compiled 11 examples of computer skills for your CV. See how many you already have under your belt and which else you can add to your application, keeping in mind the role you're going for:
1. ChatGPT (and AI skills)
It's no surprise that AI skills take the top spot. Since the public release of ChatGPT in 2022, the world as we know it has changed. According to a Udemy Business report, the programme was the leading technology skill of 2023, growing at a rate of over 4400% in global topic consumption.
If you understand how to use ChatGPT or another AI tool, it may be worth listing this skill on your CV. Now, there are two angles that you can consider. First up, you might be proficient in programming AI technology using a specific language. This is a high-level computer skill that you'll most likely want to showcase when applying for roles in the technological sector.
You can also be adept at using ChatGPT in everyday work, particularly when it comes to writing specific prompts that give you the answers and solutions that you need. If you understand how you can best use the programme to support your tasks during the workday, you might want to highlight these AI skills on your CV too.
2. Office suites
Most professional jobs require you to have a working knowledge of an office suite. The main ones you need to be aware of are iWork, G Suite, and Microsoft Office. Chances are, you've used one of these applications before. Should that be the case, it would be good to include these computer skills on your CV and even add your proficiency level with each.
You can also namecheck a specific piece of software that you regularly use within the suite. For example, if you're using Word most of the time, you can specify that instead of just listing down “Microsoft Office.” The more specific you are about the tools that you typically use here, the better.
3. Communication and collaboration tools
As of 2023, more than 40% of the UK workforce are remote for at least some of the time. It's no wonder then that today's hiring managers value communication and collaboration tools. These pieces of software allow you to do your job and work alongside a team, no matter where you are. Here are some of the most common programmes:
Communication tools: Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, Slack, and Skype.
Collaboration tools: Monday, Asana, Trello, Basecamp, Google Drive, and ClickUp.
The above list is by no means exhaustive. It's worth noting that new communication and collaboration software are launching all of the time. However, it may be worth listing the tools that you have previously used. Doing so shows that you have the aptitude to pick up these systems.
4. Presentation software
When you're considering the best computer skills for your CV, don't miss out on the obvious. Both Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote are essential pieces of software in the modern workplace. You may use these for delivering presentations, offering training, or sharing resources with your group. Should you have experience using these, it's worth highlighting them on your application.
5. Cybersecurity
50% of UK businesses have a “basic skills gap” when it comes to cybersecurity. With that in mind, if you have any cybersecurity skills, make sure that you talk about them on your CV. Whatever sector your role happens to be in, this highly sought-after skill adds another feather to your cap. For example, you may be trained in cloud security or data security. Be specific about where your skill set lies here.
6. Social media skills
Social media marketing is one of the major computer skills that hiring managers are looking for. When you're applying for a role in marketing, or even in comms, having these skills gives you a significant edge. Social media skills are more than simply understanding how Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok work. You also need to have a working knowledge of how to reach audiences on each platform.
Should you have undertaken any training in the above, now is the time to mention it. Rather than merely focusing on the computer skills on your CV, include names of awards or certificates that you've received too. Doing so will give you additional credibility once you begin applying for relevant positions.
7. Spreadsheet know-how
Are you a whiz when it comes to formatting a document and using different formulas? If you know your way around Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel, let the hiring manager know about it on your CV. In many jobs, you'll need to organise data and analyse it using one of these programmes. If you have prior experience with this, you should add it somewhere on your CV.
Of course, there are some professionals who understand spreadsheets on a deeper level. For example, if you work in Data Analytics, you could be using the software as part of your everyday job. In that case, it could be worth explaining how you apply these tools and what you're able to do with them. Avoid being too general and zoom in on your competency.
8. SEO and digital marketing
SEO and digital marketing are two prime computer skills for your CV. If you're working in the marketing sector, having these in your arsenal is a surefire way to get ahead. Keep in mind that the world of SEO is forever changing. It's not likely a skill that you learn once and rely upon. Instead, you'll have to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and roll-outs as they happen. Here's a quick list of some of the SEO and digital marketing skills you may have:
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SEO knowledge
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Working knowledge of Google Analytics
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Email marketing skills
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Website design and development
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Ad management and SEM
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Social media marketing (see above!)
Possessing these skills is highly valuable. However, you need to be able to put your money where your mouth is. If you plan to list these hard skills on your CV, you need to make sure that you have the expertise (and, in some cases, certifications) to back up your claims.
9. Accounting software
Whether you work in finance or payroll, having a knowledge of accounting software can be invaluable. Some of the most commonly used programmes include QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero. If you plan to include these computer skills on your CV, be specific about which you use. That way, the hiring manager will instantly know what skills and expertise you have.
10. Programming
Having a knowledge of programming languages is a quick way to get ahead. Some of the most popular languages include Java, JavaScript, C, C++, Python, and PHP. Once again, you should state which languages you use and also highlight when and how you've used them on your CV. For example, if you've undertaken a crash course and designed an app, detail the project here.
11. Graphic design
Graphic design is a highly sought-after skill. Despite the fact that AI can now generate original artwork, many businesses still favour human-created imagery. Should you have a working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other Adobe graphic design tools, you should list it. Equally, if you're able to create graphics and images using Canva, you can talk about it on your CV too.
How to improve your computer skills
Don't have the job-specific computer skills for your CV? There are plenty of ways in which you can acquire new competencies. One of the easiest routes is to look at online courses and undertake them in your own time. Many of these courses are flexible and can be accessed at your own leisure. You may also want to look for a professional mentor or research training opportunities at your existing workplace. Consider which of the skills we've covered will be most valuable to your career going forward, and take things from there.
Make your computer skills work for you
You need to have computer skills for your CV. But not just that – you need to have a basic grasp of modern-day IT, regardless of what sector you're in. In today's IT-driven job market, upskilling whilst updating your CVwith essential computer skills will certainly improve your chance of landing your next interview.
In this guide, we've looked at some of the best skills that you can feature on your CV and why each of them matter. Remember to be selective about the competencies that you list, ensuring to highlight the skills needed in that role you're applying for.
Want to instantly boost your chances of getting noticed? Check out our free CV review and receive useful insights on how to better showcase your computer skills on your CV and get hired faster than ever.