Computer Skills for Resumes: Qualifications and Examples

Computer skills for resume writing are key in today’s job market. Employers want to see that you have the necessary computer skills and technological understanding to be an effective employee. The more you include your computer skills on your resume, the more likely hiring managers will review your resume more closely.

In almost every industry — whether in the trades or a C-suite role — computer skills are important to include on your resume. These skills will vary from position to position, but the value of including computer skills cannot be understated.

As technology changes and adapts, the reliance on these tools increases. From the first printing press in 1440 to the advancements in AI today, workers have been learning new computer skills. Consider what computer skills for resume writing will help elevate your marketability to employers.

Types of Computer Skills To Include on a Resume

Computer skills are typically divided into three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. What computer skills to put on your resume will vary based on what type of position you are applying for. Also consider what computer literacy skills you will include, as technical literacy is a key element of many higher-level positions.

Basic Computer Skills

Resume writers include basic computer skills that support a general understanding of computer literacy skills. Some computer skills resume examples include the following:

• Basic troubleshooting, to include resetting a Wi-Fi router
• Common operating systems, such as Windows or MacOS
• Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
• Setting up external hardware like an extra monitor or wireless mouse

Intermediate Computer Skills:

Intermediate computer skills to put on a resume will include the basics but a deeper understanding of software or hardware. These intermediate computer literacy skills resume examples could consist of the following:

• Creating pivot tables in Excel
• Entering data in a database, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud
• Project management software similar to Trello or Microsoft Project
• Setting up Wi-Fi IP addresses

Advanced Computer Skills:

The advanced computer skills to put on a resume are considered skills specific to an industry or abilities that can keep the technology running. Advanced computer literacy skills are built upon the basics as well as some specific intermediate skills and may include some of the following:

• Coding languages, such as Python or JavaScript
• Customer relationship management (CRM) tools, similar to Salesforce or Oracle
• Data visualization tools like Tableau
• Setting up secure access points for an organization

How To List Computer Skills on Your Resume

You may ask yourself, “How do I list computer skills on a resume?” This is another critical consideration. Do you list them in your skills section? Do you sprinkle them throughout your work experience? Or do you put them in a specific technical skills section? Determining how to list computer skills is another element of resume development.

Categorizing Your Skills:

Consider including your computer skills under a dedicated skills section. This skills section could be titled “Trade Tools” if you include specific tools related to your industry. Some examples of “Trade Tools” could be:

• iCIMS
• Kenexa Brassring
• Oracle Taleo

Another option would be to include “Technical Skills” as a section. This type of section allows a broader inclusion of how to list computer skills on a resume. Technical skills could include:

• Coding
• CRMs
• Microsoft Office Suite

If you want to avoid listing your computer skills in their specific section, you can include them throughout your experience section. This is done by connecting your computer skills to your achievements. Some examples of how to list computer skills on a resume could include the following:

• Create a tracking system within Google Workspace to update in real-time
• Manage SQL databases, leading to over 15% increase in efficiency
• Oversee the development of a cybersecurity protection system utilizing AWS

Tailoring Skills to the Job Description:

When you adjust your skills to the job description, you must consider how to list computer skills on your resume. This will support your overall application. As you read a job announcement and the necessary qualifications for a position, you must select keywords and vital, actionable items to enhance your resume.

Include bullet expertise if a job announcement requires experience creating databases. An example could look like:

• Created and maintained multiple client databases within Salesforce, leading to more accurate prospecting and targeted email campaigns

Applicant Tracking Systems Optimization:

The ATS is a tool companies use to help streamline their hiring practices. One of the most important things to consider is how the system will parse your resume and what keywords it may be searching for. Tailoring your resume with keywords adds to your chances of your application being successfully reviewed by a hiring manager. Additionally, the ATS may not read your resume correctly if there are graphics or non-standard fonts or the file path is not in a .docx, .pdf, or .txt file.

Computer Skills for Different Job Roles

Each position requires different computer skills. How to list computer skills on a resume will require some consideration of what that role values. Below is a non-exhaustive list of skills you may find valuable in that role.

Administrative Roles:

• • Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
  • RingCentral or other phone system
  • Timetree or Calendly
  • Zoom, Slack, WhatsApp, or other communication tool

Tech Positions:

• • C++
  • Cloud Architect
  • Scrum Master
  • SQL

Marketing Roles:

• • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Canva
  • Google Analytics or other SEO tools
  • Social media marketing

Health Care:

• • Cerner
  • Electronic health record (EHR) systems
  • EPIC
  • Oracle Health

Computer Skills Resume Examples

Seeing computer skills resume examples will help you as you develop and create your resume. Computer skills on your resume will elevate your document, regardless of position.

Essential Soft Skills Related to Computer Literacy

You possess both hard and soft skills, but only focusing on hard skills on your resume limits your overall profile. Soft skills are also a key aspect of your knowledge base. The soft skills listed below can add extra emphasis to your computer literacy by demonstrating how you work within the parameters laid out by your computer skills.

Solution seeking:

• Ability to troubleshoot computer-related issues and adapt to new technology

Adaptability:

• Learning and mastering new software or digital tools quickly

Attention to detail:

• Ensuring accuracy when using spreadsheets, databases, and other digital platforms

Common Mistakes When Listing Computer Skills on a Resume

When you list your computer skills on your resume, be aware of some common mistakes below.

Overloading with irrelevant skills:

• Only list assumed basic skills (e.g., typing or internet use) if the job requires specialized expertise.

Lack of specificity:

• Be specific when mentioning skills (e.g., “Advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUP, pivot tables” instead of just “Excel”).

Not backing skills with experience:

• Ensure skills are demonstrated within the context of previous roles rather than just listed.

FAQs About Computer Skills for Resumes

Carolyn Kleiman

Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.