Finding a job is always a complicated process. But there’s a lot you can do to increase your chances of attracting potential employers, like revamping your curriculum. And because technology has become an intrinsic part of our lives, knowing about it is a must. Thus, these are the five tech skills to revamp your curriculum.
Writing
Writing is a skill that many people develop in different jobs, but they don’t realize is as valuable as it really is. But, besides being great with written communication, you can revamp your curriculum by adding this skill. You can start developing your skills by writing articles on a topic you are passionate about.
You can write about something related to your profession. For example, if you are a digital marketer, you can write about marketing strategies, SEO techniques, or how to build a personal brand.
You can then mention in your curriculum how you published articles and links to some of them to show you know what you are talking about. Employers will see that you have initiative and that you have what it takes to make teamwork and collaboration easier, especially now working from home.
Basic Computer Skills
Being tech-savvy has been a must for any profession in the last ten years. So being proficient with different operating systems and computer software should be included in your resume. You don’t have to know how to use every computer program in existence, but you should be familiar with the common ones.
For example, you should know how to use the Microsoft Office package, especially Word and Excel. And, in some cases, PowerPoint is also desired if you have to make presentations constantly. In reality, using this software requires other abilities like how to design a good presentation and how to properly set up a spreadsheet.
And if you know how to do that, then you will be able to use other software that has the same uses, such as Google Docs and Sheets. There are many different options, but if you know how to properly set up a spreadsheet, then learning the command on each program is a lot easier.
In terms of different operating systems, you should at least be familiar with Windows and Mac OS. These are the two most commonly used, and many companies have one or the other. Other options will only be necessary if you have a more technical profession.
Programming and Coding
Programming and coding knowledge is a skill that will surely make you stand out from other candidates. You don’t have to be a pro web or app developer. A basic level and understanding can be enough. You can learn things like the type of programming languages that there are and know at least one of them.
For example, HTML and CSS are coding languages for web development. If you aren’t a tech professional but will apply to a company that creates web applications and software, having this knowledge could land you the job. Another handy language is Java, which is an object-oriented programming language with many possible applications.
Besides the added value to your curriculum of having some of these skills, knowing a coding language will show you possibly have other skills like logical and analytical thinking or problem-solving.
Technical Support
Knowing how to give technical support means you know your way around any tech device or at least computers. Maybe you worked part-time as tech support while you were in college, and you think it isn’t worth mentioning. But even if you aren’t applying to a tech job, this skill will make your resume stand out.
It shows not only that you know your way with technology but that you are good at solving problems and can find solutions quickly. You can also probably learn a new program quicker than other people, which employers love because companies introduce new technologies all the time.
It also means you won’t lose time when you have an IT problem. Many workers sometimes lose one or several days waiting for IT support to fix an issue with their computer. Instead, you will fix the problem yourself unless it is something out of your knowledge. Troubleshooting is also a second nature for you, which can be applied to different job areas.
Project Management
Project management is something that will make you stand out no matter the profession. Being able to manage multiple tasks at a time, or a team with different disciplines, is something that many people don’t have. It requires a lot of organization skills, attention to detail, and leadership.
Even if you aren’t applying to a management position because you don’t have enough experience, having this skill will increase your chances. It shows that you have the knowledge or expertise to manage a team or create and deliver a product. Employers will see the potential of your profile right away.
How to Learn Them?
So, you may be wondering how you can learn these skills? Most of them can be learned on your own. For example, most millennials and younger generations know their way around tech since they were kids, so they probably know how to solve basic tech support issues. They also probably know all the essential software programs that are popular.
These programs are designed to make the interface intuitive for the user. But, if you have difficulty learning on your own, you can also take an online course or coding bootcamp to get the skills. There are thousands of options to learn something like excel and spreadsheets. And you can enroll in coding bootcamps to learn skills like project management and programming.
In Summary
Writing, computer skills, programming and coding, technical support, and project management are technical skills that will make your profile stand out from other candidates. But these are only a few, and depending on your career, it could be more useful to learn programs other than the ones I mentioned.