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Technology skills are expertise with technology, such as printers, programming, networks, and computer skills. As technology gets more advanced and becomes more and more a part of every job, the repertoire of technology skills will grow. As it stands, there are hardly any jobs that don’t require some level of technological skill.
There are also many jobs that work directly with technology, such as computers. If you’re looking to understand what exactly counts as a technology skill, or if you want to improve the skills you already have, then this article is a good place to start.
Key Takeaways
Technology 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.
In This Article
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- What are technology skills?
- The most important technology skills
- How to improve your technology skills
- How to include technology skills on your resume
- Technology skills FAQs
- Final thoughts
- References
- Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs
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What are technology skills?
Technology skills — sometimes called technological skills or shortened to tech skills — are the ability to work with technology, particularly computers. It isn’t all software-based, either, as hardware and networks also fall under technological skills, and that involves physically putting components together.
Technology skills can sometimes be conflated with technical skills, but they aren’t the same. Technical skills are hard skills, or expertise gained through education and training. So while technology skills are technical skills, not all technical skills are technology skills.
The most important technology skills
Some of the best-known technology skills include cybersecurity, digital marketing, and website development. Technology is a broad field, meaning that there are a lot of areas where you can gain expertise. Here are several different tech skills you can specialize in.
Computer literacy. Basic computer skills are a must for almost every job nowadays. You should know how to use a mouse and keyboard, turn the computer on and off, and connect to the internet. In addition, here are a few other computer literacy skills you should have familiarity with:
Word processing systems like Microsoft Word. Be able to work with MS Word and other common word processing software applications to create content.
Email. You should be able to create, send individual and multiple emails, and organize your emails. Familiarity with common email clients, like Outlook, is also recommended.
Presentation software. You should be able to create presentations and organize slideshows using MS PowerPoint, Google Drive Slides, etc.
Social media. Being able to navigate social media is a must. More and more companies use it as a platform to communicate with their customers, as well as a way to keep up with customer complaints and recommendations.
Search engines. Be able to perform basic tasks such as researching, finding specific websites, and downloading digital files like images and videos.
Basic computer hardware. You should be able to reboot your computer, plug in a keyboard or other accessory, and copy files to a CD, flash disk, or external hard drive.
Database management. 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 database administrator.
Database management is its own specialty. Database managers maintain, update, and alter the database as needed to keep it up-to-date and accessible. Required skills include:
Familiarity with MySQL, Microscope SQL Server, Oracle, and/or equivalent database platforms.
Knowledge of database search functions.
Attention to detail.
Data entry skills.
Website development. Every company has a website now; it’s just part of doing business. Developing websites is an important technological skill that will continue to be in demand. Generally, developers focus on the front end of the website (the user interface) or the back end (the part that communicates with the server).
Being an effective web developer requires:
Knowledge of computer programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
Analytical skills
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
De-bugging skills
Digital marketing. This is one of the less strictly technological careers on this list. However, each social media platform has its own functionality and culture, which you’ll need to know in order to use them effectively. While you won’t need to know any programming languages or network structure, you will need to be comfortable with using computers all day, every day.
The skills a digital marketer needs include:
SEO
Writing skills
Data analysis
Communication skills
Graphic design
Content management
Programming. Being able to code is a technology skill that will serve you well in your career. Different programming languages are better for different tasks, but knowing almost any language will be useful for your career.
Software engineers, programmers, and back-end developers spend a lot of time coding, as do data scientists and database managers. Here are some skills you need to be successful at programming:
Attention to detail
Knowledge of a particular language, be it C+, HTML, Python, Javascript, or a number of others.
Mathematical skills.
Troubleshooting.
Debugging.
Communication skills.
Audio and video editing. There are several different programs that allow you to edit both audio and video. The process is complex and varies depending on the effect you want and what you started out with. But being able to edit video and audio can put you in high demand, whether you’re making advertisem*nts, short films, or music.
The majority of editing these days is done digitally. That means that you’ll need to be comfortable with computers and software, as well as having an understanding of audio and video. Required skills include:
Familiarity with editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, or equivalent.
Aesthetic sense.
Attention to detail.
Communication skills.
Cybersecurity. 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
UX and UI. User experience and user interface design are both important technological skills. UX dictates how the user interacts with the product. This includes navigation, intuitiveness, and accessibility. UI is about how it looks — primarily — in terms of the color palate, layout, and aesthetic.
As technology is required to be used by a wider and wider section of people, its usability becomes paramount. Those who work in either UX or UI are going to continue to be in demand. Here are some required skills:
Attention to detail.
Aesthetic sense (for UI).
Knowledge of design.
Ability to consider the project from the user’s perspective.
Artificial intelligence. AI has created a splash across all manner of industries. People who are skilled in working with AI are getting to be highly in demand, and it’s unlikely to slow down anytime soon. AI has applications across all sorts of industries and has the potential to alter how things are done.
The AI engines are going to continue to improve and will require more expertise to work with. Here are some skills that working with AI requires:
Understanding of machine learning and deep learning.
Analytical skills.
Communication skills.
Knowledge of programming languages.
Strong knowledge of AI applications.
How to improve your technology skills
Almost every job requires at least basic technology skills, but if you’re looking to improve the skillset that you have, there are several different options to do so. The better your skills in technology, the more career opportunities will open up to you.
Here are some ways to improve your technology skills:
Self-study. Pick up books and magazines on the subject and read them. Webpages, discussion boards, and blogs can also have useful and cutting-edge information on technical advancements.
Hands-on experience. Ask to be included in any projects that require learning and using technological skills. Most people are pleased by a show of interest in learning new skills and will be willing to help you become proficient.
Take courses and tutorials. Sign up for courses at your local college, or look into online tutorials. In some cases, your employer will even pay for courses or certifications that make you a more valuable employee.
Practice on your own. If technological skills are something that interests you or you plan to make a career out of it, then it’s not a bad idea to do some practice on your own time. Learn to code, take a computer apart to learn its components, or install Unix on an old computer — they’re all valuable experiences.
Find out if your employer offers technical training. Not every employer will offer certifications or technical training, but a lot do. And if they don’t have a training department themselves, they may be willing to pay for you to take a certification or a training program elsewhere.
How to include technology skills on your resume
Resumes are a place where you’re meant to showcase your skills and sell yourself, which means that you shouldn’t be shy about promoting your accomplishments. Technology skills are a must for many jobs, meaning that highlighting those skills is going to be relevant in many jobs.
When choosing what skills to include in your resume, consider:
The job description. What skills are mentioned in the job description, and do you have them? Make sure to mention those in the skills section. If it was something that was a primary duty of yours in a previous job, then include it in the responsibilities of your previous job to show you have experience.
Relevant skills. Even if the skills aren’t specifically mentioned in the job description, it’s good to include ones that are relevant. Knowing more than you need to is never going to be disqualifying, and it’s possible that those skills are ones that their ideal candidate would have — they just put the minimum in the job description.
Your strengths. Adding references to what you excel at is never a bad thing. Make sure to highlight skills that are relevant, but other skills — particularly soft skills — are always a plus. It can also be a window into what kind of a worker you are, as it’ll show what you’ve put time and effort into.
Readability. Resumes are short and descriptive. It’s just an overview of your skills. So make sure to find pithy ways to describe your skills. Bullet point lists are a good idea, as it makes it easy to scan so that they can see what you have experience with and what you’re skilled at.
Technology skills FAQs
What are five technology skills?
Five technology skills are:
Computer literacy
Database management
Website development
Digital marketing
Project management
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.
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.
Do you need a degree in computer science to work in technology?
No, you don’t always need a degree in computer science to work in technology. There are a variety of education programs that teach technology skills without a full college degree.
While some employers may require a certain degree or level of education, there are also many jobs available in technology without a computer science degree.
Why is technological knowledge important?
Technological knowledge is important because technology is an aspect of almost every job. You don’t need to be a technological expert to be successful — unless your job is to be a technology expert — but you do need to possess enough skill to work a computer and navigate other tech-based requirements.
What are basic technology skills?
Basic technology skills involve being able to work with a computer. This includes familiarity with software like word processors, email clients, web browsers, and search engines. Understanding how to connect to the internet and make use of it is also important in the majority of jobs.
Slightly higher level technology skills would involve being able to set up a router, printer, and other network devices.
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 of 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 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.
References
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Author
Hope Stebbins
Hope Stebbins is an experienced writer and editor within the field of finance and contracts, sales, and business operations. She combines operational analysis with creativity to develop compelling written content. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Eastern University.
