Basic Tech Skills Every Employee Should Have
There are certain technical skills that every employee regardless of their positions should know, to use technology efficiently…
Recruiters and hiring managers look for candidates who can jump right in on the first day of work and start helping the company achieve its goals. That means, recruiters will have to find people with the right technical skills to get the job done. Many technical skills require training and experience to master while some are basic.
They are a type of hard skill. Hard skills are those that can be taught and can be defined, evaluated, and measured (as opposed to soft skills, which are personal or behavioral attributes that help you succeed at work).
Here are 14 basic technology skills that every employee should have:
- Word Processing Skills
- Spreadsheets Skills
- Database Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Web Navigation Skills
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Touch-typing skills
- Website Design Skills
- E-Mail Management Skills
- Computer Network Knowledge
- Video Conferencing skills
- Computer Security Knowledge
- Social Media
- CAD Skills (if in Mechanical Industry)
1. Word Processing Skills
This may be the most basic skill. But, learning how to type properly is very basic and important as you’ll find that most work is done digitally now. Make sure you know to utilize basic formatting and editing such as bold, italics, and underlining effectively.
2. Spreadsheets Skills
On to the more boring stuff, having the ability to use spreadsheets or MS Excel effectively is a trait that companies look for. Whatever sector you are in, you will need to store vital company data whatever it may be, from contact information to research calculations. It is a type of data analytics skill.
3. Database Skills
Employees should be able to use some type of database program to create tables, store and retrieve data, and query data. Having a basic knowledge of database skills like SQL will keep you in an advantageous position.
4. Presentation Skills
Most employers will assume you know how to create presentations (PPTs) either for clients or internal use. It doesn’t matter if you work in a B2B or B2C company, the ability to create visually compelling work is integral to the modern workplace.
5. Web Navigation Skills
Employees should be able to navigate the World Wide Web and search effectively for data on the Internet. This is as basic as it can get, knowing how to Google your doubt without having to ask anybody is a skill.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts
Learning all the basic keyboard shortcuts of the system you use, either for Apple or Microsoft PCs, can save you a lot of time. Keyboard shortcuts such as copying, pasting, printing, window switching, bookmarking and more can make you a much productive worker.
To get to know what shortcuts are available, check out these shortcuts listed by Windows and Apple.
7. Touch-typing skills
Employers do not appreciate a candidate that isn’t a natural with the keyboard, as computers have become a necessity in the workplace. Having the ability to touch type means you aren’t wasting time looking at your keyboard. If need be, use free online programs like Ratatype or Keyhero to improve your touch typing ability.
8. Website Design Skills
Employees especially in the IT department should be able to design, create, and maintain a company web page/site. Having a basic knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript will be beneficial.
9. E-Mail Management Skills
Knowing how to email professionally is everything. The email is the contact point for almost all workplaces, and it is the main way for you to contact clients, customers, and co-workers.
It is recommended that you get to know all the basics of sending out an email, such as how to compose or format an email, or even creating an email signature for yourself. An article called the 12 Professional Email Etiquette Guidelines might help you do just that.
10. Computer Security Knowledge
Computer security skills or cybersecurity knowledge is the protection of computer systems and networks from the theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, also from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. Some companies provide training to employees who might need to handle sensitive data.
11. Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is a technology that allows users at various locations to hold face-to-face meetings without having to move to a single location together. This skill is particularly convenient for business users in different cities or even different countries because it saves time, expenses, and hassles associated with business travel.
12. Computer Networks Knowledge
Networking skills are an important asset to have if you want to make it in the various information technology (IT) fields. IT careers that require networking know-how often need individuals who ensure people and companies can access information and data across networks, servers, databases, and the Internet in general.
13. Social Media
Social media skills are those that help professionals/employees devise and implement ideas for marketing campaigns to drive business. To succeed in social media, one must have a creative flair and an understanding of what makes content shareable, and you should be demonstrating these qualities with your social media skills list.
14. CAD Skills (if in Design Industry)
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is used by architects, engineers, artists, and others to create precision drawings or technical illustrations. CAD software can be used to create either two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three-dimensional (3-D) models.
Last but not least, this isn’t an actual skill but you must keep an open mind when it comes to technology. Just because you are used to doing something one way, does not mean you can’t do it better another way, always strive to be better and make technology a part of the process. Employers, recruiters, companies and organizations all around the world have a high demand for these basic tech skills.
Furthermore, there is no longer an excuse for not being tech-savvy, these tech skills should be second nature to you. Without them, you are limiting yourself as a professional, and limiting the business you work for.
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