Computer Skills You Need in Today's Job Market
By: Heather Hendrick, JobResourceCenter.com
In today's workplace there are some things every candidate is expected to bring to the table. Aside from the typical responsibilities of good communication skills, a neat personal appearance, and general professionalism, most positions now require at least some basic computer skills. While not every hiring manager is looking for a computer programmer, there are a few ways you can beef up your computer knowledge that will make you infinitely more marketable to employers.
1. Word Processors
Nearly every position requires some sort of word processing knowledge, and nearly everyone working today uses these programs on a regular basis, even if it's just to take notes or type up documents.
One of the oft overlooked functions of word processors is the Mail Merge, a simple application that makes creating labels and printing on envelopes and other odd-sized paper easy. You'll find Mail Merge under the "Mailings" section of your processor, and the automated help features can easily walk you through the simple interface.
Another function of word processors that is under-used is the Review application. This program allows a user to edit a document leaving notes and suggestions in the margins without ever changing the original. Review allows you to underline sections of text, suggest different word choices, or even just correct indentation, which can all be helpful in cases where an employee is asked to preview a document for someone else. This function can easily be perfected with a little practice, and is found under the "Review" tab on Microsoft Word.
2. Excel
Excel serves as a sort of dividing line for those who are minimally computer proficient, and those who are not. It's vital that you be able to complete simple functions like data entry on a spreadsheet, but there are a couple of basic skills that will set you apart from the pack when it comes to Excel.
Many people don't realize or are intimidated by the formula functions that come standard with Excel. These functions allow users to sum data, calculate percentages, or even automatically update data, all with the click of a mouse. You can easily find a list of the most common formula abbreviations online, or purchase an Excel help book, which are common at book stores.
Pivot tables are another common feature of Excel, used to compare different tables and columns of data at once. While this application is somewhat advanced, knowing how to execute a proper pivot table can go a long way in the workplace. This feature is best learned through personal instruction, so ask someone in IT to help teach you before work or at lunch.
3. Microsoft Outlook
Outlook has become the default webmail server for many of today's largest and smallest companies, so it's helpful to be familiar before you start. While it won't likely come up in an interview, knowing your way around Outlook will save you countless hours of struggle, so brush up on these advanced Outlook skills before you start.
Task Manager is an Outlook function some people don't realize exist, but can be very helpful when trying to keep a calendar at work. Additional features include capability to internally book conference rooms, blocking out entire sections of your calendar, and sending meeting requests to coworkers. The best way to learn Outlook is to obtain the latest version, then have someone more familiar, such as a friend or family member, show you the ropes.
5. Illustrator, Photoshop, or Microsoft Publisher
These applications are only truly necessary for those within the graphic design sphere, but go a long way in impressing a potential employer in your interview. If you can use some of the basic features of these programs, you'll quickly become the go-to for creative assignments at your company, which can lead to bigger projects.
Photoshop allows users to alter photos, which can come in handy when working on marketing materials or website content. Some of the more useful applications include cropping photos to size, extracting certain images from within a photo such as a person or product, and changing color schemes to fit you job's needs. Photoshop tutorials are easily found online, and Youtube has a virtual cache of videos designed to teach Photoshop skills.
Illustrator and Publisher work much the same way in that they are used to make more aesthetically pleasing versions of things that can be created in a word processor. Learn how to use these programs to alter words into "word art" as well as arrange objects on a page in a specific order. These applications are most helpful in instances like designing a logo or creating a brochure or mailer. Like Photoshop, these programs can be learned through online tutorials, or even through classes at a local community college or learning center.
While it's not necessary to know everything about computers to secure a job, confidence and experience with some common programs can go a long way in making you a more viable candidate. Once you're able to grasp the basics, you'll have no trouble learning new skills. In today's modern workplace, not being able to work a computer just won't cut it anymore, but being able to work one well will move mountains.
Copyright 2010, JobResourceCenter.com
Tags: career development, career tips
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