The Most Important Technology Skills (With Examples)

It’s all but impossible to find a job that doesn’t use any technology, so no matter what industry you work in, hiring managers will want to see technology skills on your resume.

In this article, you’ll find out what some of the most in-demand technology skills are, how to grow your skills, and how to highlight them on your resume.

Key Takeaways

• Technology skills — also called technical skills — are your ability to use computer-based technology to complete different tasks.

• Some of the most important technology skills to have are computer literacy, database management, website development, digital marketing, project management, and cybersecurity skills.

• You can improve your technology skills by reading applicable books and magazines, practicing your skills, and taking classes and workshops.

What Are Technology Skills?

Technology skills refer to your ability to interact and complete tasks using computer-based technologies and other associated technologies. These tasks can either be digital or physical.

Sometimes, these skills may be referred to as technical skills. They usually fall under the category of hard skills. That means they are usually learned in a classroom setting or through alternative training.

Tech skills tend to be measurable. And your proficiency will be determined by how well you can accomplish your tasks using the technology medium you claim to be familiar with.

Mathematical, mechanical, scientific, and information technology industries tend to require technical skills.

That’s not to say that the arts sectors require none of these skills. To be a competent candidate in almost any field, you should at least have some basic computer skills.

The Most Important Technology Skills

There is a wide variety of technology in use today. And that means the types of technology skills employers need continue to increase with time.

But there are basic technical skills you should try to acquire if you want to be employable. Some of them are listed below:

1. Computer literacy skills. At the very least, you should have some basic computer technology skills to get by in a digital world even if you graduated with an arts degree.

   You should know how to switch on and off the computer, how to troubleshoot simple issues such as internet connection problems, and how to install work software.

   Some of the tasks you should be able to complete using computers include working with:

   • Word processing systems like Microsoft Office. Be able to work with MS-Word and other common word processing software applications to create content, spreadsheets to perform basic calculations, etc.

   • Email. You should be able to create, send individual and multiple emails, and organize emails among other things.

   • Presentation software. You should be able to create presentations and organize slideshows using MS PowerPoint, Google Drive Slides, etc.

   • Social media. Create social media posts and images; engage with your audience, etc.

   • Search engines. Be able to perform basic tasks such as researching, finding specific websites, downloading digital files like images and videos, etc.

   • Basic computer hardware. You should be able to reboot your computer, adjust the battery position, connect and disconnect the electricity, copy files to a CD, flash disk, or external hard drive, etc.

   You could attend classes to learn the basics. But you can also learn these skills from computer-savvy people around you.

2. Database management skills. The management and storage of data is an important aspect of technology. People need to be able to refer to stored data and information if the need arises. If you have these kinds of skills, you can become a database developer or administrator.

   Some database skills are dependent on the platforms that are used in the creation of the databases. Others are dependent on the platforms that are in use. Such platforms include MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle.

   If you have skills and experience related to any of the database platforms, you should show that on your resume and cover letter especially if the job description specifically mentions it.

3. Website development skills. Any skills that are necessary for the development of websites for the internet or intranet should be included in your web development job skills. These include:

   • Knowledge of computer programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.

   • Analytical skills

   • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

   • De-bugging skills

   Even if you don’t have all the necessary skills required for website development, don’t let that stop you. Summarize how you contributed toward the development of websites using your existing knowledge and skills.

4. Digital marketing skills. Digital marketing is internet-based marketing. It is a technical skill that requires you to master how to communicate with your target audience across multiple technological devices and online platforms.

   These include mobile apps and computers as well as social media and websites. Some of the skills that fall under digital marketing skills include:

   • Video production

   • SEO

   • Writing skills

   • Data analysis

   • Communication skills

   • Graphic design

   • Content management

   While digital marketing may be considered a technical skill, some of the tasks within this category can be done by someone who does not have any technical knowledge.

   For example, content creation can be done by a writer. And if you can frame yourself as a good writer, and state that you can handle content management systems, you may get the job you desire.

5. Project management skills. Project management is the application of tools and strategies to ensure that teams achieve project goals on time. Project management jobs tend to require both technical and soft skills.

   Some of the project management tasks you will need to do include:

   • Financial modeling

   • Performance tracking

   • Project scheduling

   • The use of agile software as an approach to find efficient solutions

   • The ability to collaborate with others regardless of where they are

   • Team management – you must be a team player and a good leader

   • Effective time management

6. Cybersecurity skills. Cybersecurity is sometimes known as information technology security. It involves the safeguarding of computer systems and networks from all manner of threats. These threats include theft, damage, disruption, and information disclosure among others.

   Cybersecurity skills are much-needed technical skills in today’s world where hackers can do so much damage. Some of the skills that employers are looking for in this regard include:

   • Computer-science and forensics skills

   • Software development skills

   • Hacking capabilities

   • Computer programming

   • Communication skills

   The above are just some of the requirements that you need if you decide to go into the information-security business.

   If you are a software engineer or have a computer science background, you are in a good position to apply for these jobs even if you did not specialize in cybersecurity.

How to Improve Your Technology Skills

The more tech skills you have, the more career opportunities you will be able to take advantage of. The good news is that there are plenty of ways through which you can improve these kinds of skills. You could do this by:

• Reading books, magazines, or websites on the technical subjects that interest you

• Asking to be included on technical projects so that you can gain hands-on experience

• Joining online courses and tutorials about the technology subjects you want to learn

• Enrolling in workshops and offline classes

• Practicing on your own refining your technical skills

• Taking advantages of any technical training and certification offered by your employer

How to Keep Your Technology Skills Current

The best way to keep your technical skills current is to keep on practicing what you already know. But also subscribe to magazines and websites that deal with the technological subjects you are interested in. And if there are new certifications on offer, invest in getting the training you need. Then you will have the latest information in your field.

How You Can Highlight Your Technology Skills

The phrase, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” applies to resumes and cover letters. You need to highlight your skills no matter how few they are. Here’s what to consider when highlighting these skills:

• What you are good at. Prioritize what you can do better than most people

• What the job description says. Think about how well your skills address the needs of the organization you are applying to work for

• What skills are relevant. Try to display your competencies as transferable skills if you don’t have the exact skill sets the employer is looking for

Once you have determined which technology skills your potential employer wants, include them in your resume and cover letter. Frame them in such a way that you stand out as the solution to the recruiter’s talent needs.

How to Include Technology Skills on Your Resume

Consider creating a dedicated section in your resume that shows all the technical work skills you have accumulated over time. You can do it in the form of a bulleted list so that it’s easy for the hiring manager to scan and read.

Be sure to customize your tech skills for every job ad if you want to stand out. Don’t submit a generic resume. Otherwise, you may not even make it to the second stage.

Let’s assume that an employer’s job description is about a programmer that is needed to build mobile apps. Your resume can state that in your previous job, you worked with a team to create websites and apps using JavaScript, C++, Python, or whichever programming language you are familiar with.

Right away, your employer knows you have the necessary experience that they need to create apps for their clients.

Technology Skills FAQs

1. What are five technology skills?

   Five technology skills are:

   • Computer literacy

   • Database management

   • Website development

   • Digital marketing

   • Project management

2. Which IT skill is most in demand?

   Cybersecurity is the IT skill that is most in demand. Companies want to make sure their data is secure, so they want their IT teams to be skilled in keeping it safe. If you’re in the IT industry, look for ways to hone your skills in this area to make yourself more valuable.

3. Which technology is booming now?

   Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning technology are booming. Even companies outside the tech industry are harnessing this technology to handle customer service, gather and analyze data, and create personalized user experiences.

   If you can develop even your basic skills in this area, you’ll make yourself a much more valuable employee and job candidate.

Final Thoughts

As time goes by, we will continue to see more advances in technology. And these advances will require people to have new skill sets to keep up.

For example, technical skills in the fields of big data and artificial intelligence are now in demand as we continue to see huge developments in these areas of technology. There may come a time when you won’t be able to get a job unless you have some knowledge in these subjects.

For this reason, it pays to ensure that you stay up-to-date concerning the technology skills that hiring managers are looking for. Try to master the set of skills that will make you more marketable than your competition in your line of work.

There is no doubt that it will cost you time and lots of effort. But think of it as an investment in your career. It will be well worth what you put into it in the end.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.