People who work in today’s world need to know how to improve computer literacy. For some people, learning essential IT skills can be overwhelming. Once you’ve committed to learning, you might find that mastering the basics is easier than you thought it would be.
Having basic computer skills makes it easier to do everyday tasks and boosts productivity. This guide will help you figure out what work skills you need to be computer literate and how to show them off to future employers.
What is computer literacy?
Computer literacy is how well you know how to use computers and other technology. There are a lot of different levels of skill, from knowing how to use a computer to do things like running common software systems, platforms, and computer programs to having some idea of how to write computer code. The term changes all the time because of new computer technology.
Why is computer literacy important?
- There are a few reasons why it is necessary to have a working knowledge of computers:
Computers are everywhere
Most businesses use computers to do at least some of their daily tasks.
Foundational value
When a company wants you to learn more advanced computer concepts and programs, you need to understand how they work. People who work for a company will spend less time learning how to use the company’s software and platforms.
Efficiency and productivity
Computer literacy can help improve efficiency, workflow, and the overall experience in the workplace. Employees can make more in less time, which frees up resources to do more.
Streamlined communication
It may also be easier to work with customers or clients if you know how to use a computer because it speeds up communication. Email is a great way for employees to connect with clients and share documents and important resources.
Examples of computer literacy skills
Based on where you work and what kind of job you have, preferred computer literacy skills can change. Some companies may want you to use a computer all day, while others may want you to use less computer time. You might need to know how to do these things at work:
Basic computer skills
If this is your first job in an office and you haven’t previously dealt with technology, begin with basic computer abilities. This may entail typing, turning on and off a computer, learning keyboard instructions, and connecting and disconnecting your computer. Educating oneself on these fundamental computer skills will help you prepare for workplace computer needs.
Social media and search engines
They use social media to tell people about their businesses, services, and those who use them. To help your company get more people to know it, you might be asked to like and share its social media campaigns. People who know how to use social media are important. Social media can also help you connect with experts and leaders in your field to build a professional network, which is important for your job.
Even more important to your value at work is your ability to search for information online. How do you quickly get answers to your questions at work? You’ll usually find that you can search for them on a search engine. Learning to search for specific topics can help you learn more about everything. It can also keep you updated on what’s going on in your field and what’s important to you.
Microsoft Office or GSuite
Based on what you do for a living, your boss and other team members might ask you to write memos, build reports, track data, or give presentations. These tasks can be done with Microsoft Office or Google Apps. You can use these programs at work:
- Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides
If you have to talk about ideas or strategies in your job, you’ll probably have to show them on a slideshow. A computer-literate person will know how to add images and text to slides, make graphs or charts, and move each slide from one to the next.
- Microsoft Word or Google Docs
In a simple job in the office, you’re likely to have to write memos or project plans. You can do this with Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You’ll need to know how to type to use this program. People who use this platform also often save, attach, and send files.
- Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
If your job is to keep track of or analyze data, you must use spreadsheets. When using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, you can do simple things like putting in numbers or writing complicated formulas. If you practice and look up different formulas in Excel, it can be easier to keep track of your data there, too.
Email and other communication programs
Communication is an essential part of most jobs. In most workplaces today, employees share information in person and through email and online messaging apps. A computer-literate person should know how to use popular email platforms like Gmail and Outlook and how to use online messaging systems like Skype (Slack).
Payroll systems
In many places, payroll is done electronically. There is a way to keep track of employee hours and pay documents. The HR manager can help you learn how to get documents, clock in and out of shifts, and set up direct deposit payments.
Networking diagnosis and troubleshooting
Your computer can have problems that don’t always need to be fixed by IT in an office. With some basic computer skills, you can figure out and fix simple computer problems independently. If your computer is having problems with network or connection issues, you might need to find your IP address, make sure you’re connected to the network, and then try to connect again.
How to improve computer literacy
Hiring managers often prefer to recruit individuals who have a high level of computer literacy. The following steps can help you build and improve your computer abilities, making you a more desirable employee and job candidate:
Search for answers online
If you can’t figure out how to use a computer program, look up the answer online. You do not seem to be the only person who has had this happen. Many times, there are step-by-step articles on the internet that will help you solve the problem quickly.
Practice what you know
The best way to improve your computer skills is to practice them often. People who do the same thing over and over get better at them. Learning new computer skills will be easier and less scary when you’re more comfortable with your current skills, so don’t be afraid to try new things.
Enrol in educational courses
If you want to learn about specific software systems or skills but can’t find information about them online, sign up for educational courses. You can take them in person or as part of an online class. There are a lot of computer skills and software that you will learn in this class. You will also likely be able to use these skills and software in the future.
Reach out to leadership
Talk to the people in charge in your office when you want to learn a computer skill or program but don’t have the money. Their job may be to help you learn more. They might be able to point you in the right direction for things like workshops and conferences. Also, other people in the office may be interested in the same thing. Ask other people. Leaders might be more willing to spend money on these things if they know there is a general need for them.
Improving your computer literacy can:
- Help with finding vacancies and applying for jobs
- Increase your chances of getting hired
- Give you an advantage over other candidates
- Boost your confidence
- Increase productivity at work
- Assist with communication
- Improve your prospects for promotion
- Help you to upskill in other areas
How to highlight computer literacy skills
Searching for jobs, you’ll notice that some skills are mentioned in the job description. Make a list of the skills you need to have and put them on your resume if they apply. It’s important to write about them both in your experience and in the summary or goal that you write about. By listing your computer skills in prominent places on your resume, you show that your computer skills aren’t just a part of your experience; they also show how you used them to get the job done.
Conclusion
If you want to get a job in a competitive field, you need to know how to use computers. With increased automation and technology usage in the workplace, today’s employees must be confident in their ability to utilize a computer.
With a little confidence and practice, you can quickly improve your digital skills, learn the basics, and even go beyond these if you want to. People who grew up before the digital age may find it difficult to use computers.
It doesn’t matter if you have intermediate or even expert computer skills. There will always be new things to learn about technology because it changes quickly all around us.
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