A Beginner’s Guide to Computer Skills: What to Know for Your Career

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Last updated on October 15th, 2024 at 03:20 pm

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

With people working remotely growing by around forty-four percent over the last five years, brushing up on your computer skills is more critical than ever. Whether or not you work in the IT industry or a related field, working knowledge, and a few essential skills will help you go a long way in whatever career you choose. 

This article outlines exactly what you need to know to take your skillset to the next level!

Let’s get started.

1. Working With Microsoft Office

A working knowledge of Microsoft Office can help you accomplish many tasks, such as typing out a draft, organizing data, creating a presentation, or managing bills or invoices. 

Practice working with software like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, QuickBooks, and OneNote to get familiar with how they work and how you can make the most of their offer. Including these in your list of expertise will give your CV an edge over fellow applicants. 

2. Research and Navigation

Almost every job requires you to do web-based research using search engines like Google, Bing, and more. Knowing how to navigate the web to identify accurate information from reputable sources is getting increasingly difficult in a sea of seemingly endless content. 

Learn how to spot reliable sources, fact-check your information, and tell the difference between opinion-based and factual articles. This is a valuable skill not only for your career but also for your life in general.

3. The Basics of Digital Marketing

With the world gone digital, most businesses must, too. This involves setting up an online brand and pursuing digital marketing strategies. 

Knowing graphic design basics, social media marketing, content writing, and SEO practices will help you stand out. Various courses on sites like Coursera and Udemy allow you to take simple but effective certificate courses in marketing. Additionally, you can research these subjects by reading high-authority blogs and using reliable resources. 

4. Know Your Operating System

Knowing how to use some basic operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, will help you adapt quickly to your new work environment. 

Most computer skills you know will work a little differently depending on the kind of operating system your computer uses. Work with a few different systems to expand your knowledge across the board. 

Fine Tune Your Computer Skills Today

You can improve your computer skills by asking a friend to help you, practicing independently, or taking a simple online course dedicated to the skill you want to improve. 

Did you like this article? Master working with Microsoft Office and all of its software with the help of these helpful articles on all things Microsoft. We cover all the basics from PowerPoint to Excel!