Computer Skills on Your CV: A Guide with Tips

What are computer skills?

IT and computer skills cover a broad range of knowledge and abilities. At their most basic level, computer skills refer to the ability to operate a computer. But there is so much more to it than that. Computer skills encompass a wide variety of activities, from basic operation of computers and other technology, to technical skills that require specialist qualifications. Here are some of the different types of computer skills:

• Operating systems: computer skills can involve the operation of various operating systems and hardware. While Microsoft and Apple dominate the landscape, you may also need to operate Android devices for your job. These could be traditional desktops or laptops, or mobile and tablet devices.
• Programming: understanding programme languages and writing code also come under the umbrella of ‘computer skills’. These specialist IT skills can help you to build websites and applications.
• Administrative and productivity tools: as part of your computer skills, employers may expect you to know how to use certain administrative and productivity apps. These include Microsoft applications such as Office, Outlook and Teams. They could also include Gsuite, Slack and other project management tools. 
• Digital marketing tools: if you work in marketing, your computer skills may include the use of CMS for managing website content. You may also use SEO tools and analytics for measuring website performance, or social media tools for managing social channels.
• Design tools: working in creative roles and industries may require you to use design tools. These include Adobe tools such as Illustrator and Photoshop, or other applications such as Figma.
• Data processing and management: if you work with figures, statistics and data, computer skills can include the use of certain software to manage datasets and process financial information. These include Excel, accounting software and statistical analysis packages, such as SPSS.
• IT support: computer skills can also include the ability to identify, troubleshoot and fix computer hardware and software in IT support roles. This could mean installing software, updating operating systems and administering firewalls and other security features.

Where to Add Computer Skills in Your CV

The most obvious place to add your computer skills in your CV is the skills section. However, there are various other places you can mention these skills on your CV. The amount of space you give over to computer skills for a CV will probably depend on the prominence of computer-related activities in the job description. For a position that relies on extensive technical knowledge, with computer use fundamental to the role, you may wish to mention it more than for roles where computers form a part of the job, but aren’t fundamental.

Here are some places you can mention computer skills in your CV:

CV summary: if computer skills are a key aspect of the job, you could mention them in your CV summary. This could be useful for secretarial or administrative roles, or technical positions such as programming jobs.

Education: if you hold a qualification in IT, computer science or another computer-based discipline, it’s a great idea to mention it on your CV. This is especially relevant if it’s a key requirement for the role.

Work experience: your work experience section can be the ideal place to mention your IT skills, if you’ve used them in previous roles. Always make sure you mention how you used your computer skills to contribute to positive outcomes and achievements.

Skills section: you can add computer skills to a general list of your skills, including both hard skills and personal skills. Alternatively, add them to a separate hard skills list, or in a separate section for your computer skills. How you add computer skills to this section depends on their importance to the role and their prominence in the job description.

Training and certifications: you can add any certifications in computer-related skills in this section. This could include training on specialist software applications or certifications in technical disciplines such as programming, statistical analysis or graphic design applications.

Hobbies and interests: if you’ve developed computer skills for your own interest and enjoyment, this can be powerful to mention on your CV. It shows self-motivation and the desire to build useful professional skills.

How Much of Your CV Should Reference Computer Skills?

The prominence of computer skills in your CV will depend on various factors. These include your knowledge levels and experience, as well as the demands of the job and its level of seniority. If you have a high degree of technical skill, you might wish to reference your computer skills in several sections of your CV. Entry-level and junior roles often need candidates with a certain level of computer literacy. This is also a sign to make your computer skills prominent in your CV.

There are, however, times when your computer skills might take a back seat. For more senior positions, you might find that computer skills don’t feature so prominently in the job description. This could be because the role requires management skills over technical skills. These could include leadership, organisation and interpersonal skills. It could also be that employers assume a certain level of computer skills when you reach a senior professional level. As such, it’s not necessary to cover your skills in depth on your CV.

As with any skill or work experience, it’s best to refer to the job description for an understanding of how important computer skills are to the role. This will give you an idea of how prominent these skills should be in your CV.

The prominence of computer skills in your CV will depend on various factors. These include your knowledge levels and experience, as well as the demands of the job and its level of seniority.

Is it Important to Keep Updating My Computer Skills?

As with any skill, and particularly hard or technical skills, it’s essential to keep updating your CV as you learn new computer skills and become more confident with the skills you already possess. When you’re writing your CV, don’t stick with the same old list of skills, but reflect on your learning and career progression and consider whether you can update any of the information.

IT moves fast, with new hardware and software emerging all the time. As such, it’s critical to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and make sure your skills are still relevant. It’s also useful to keep an eye on developing trends and to consider adding new computer skills to your repertoire. This might mean training on a new piece of software, or taking your current skills and pushing them to the next level with a formal qualification. Any of these things can show employers you’re staying relevant and competitive in the job market, and enhance your chances of success.

Key Takeaways for Adding Computer Skills to Your CV

Computer skills form a key part of most modern CVs. The prominence of computer skills in your CV will depend on the role, and your levels of skill and experience. If you’re not sure how prominently to feature your IT skills, first consult the job description. CVwizard’s CV templates can provide a clear, easy-to-follow structure for your CV, so your skills and experience can shine through. You can also learn plenty more about writing a professional CV with our library of articles. Sign up with CVwizard today to start building a perfect computer skills CV.