How to List Computer Skills on a Resume

In the digital age, computer know-how has become the most sought-after skillset in the job market at large. Suppose you are a graduate of any computer course. In that case, you’ll want to highlight your computer skills for your resume in the best way possible in order to stand out from the sea of applicants and persuade the recruiter to call you in for an interview.

If you thought computer skills were just a bonus, you were wrong. Even if your field has nothing to do with computer sciences, employers will expect you to be proficient in technology. Most jobs require basic tasks like word processing and email communication. Many also require advanced skills, such as programming and data analysis. These skills will make you a more versatile candidate, so it’s best to list them in your resume.

But how exactly do you do that? Many applicants struggle to present their computer skills effectively. They don’t know what skills to include, how to tailor them to specific roles, and where to place them for maximum impact.

The fact that employers use Applicant Tracking Systems is also confusing. What phrases do you use for these skills to make them count?

Don’t worry; we’ll tell you everything you need to know about listing computer skills on your resume! And if you can’t handle resume writing, you can always turn to our resume writing services!

Types of computer skills to list on your resume

Depending on the type of job you aim for, you can include different types of computer skills:

• Basic computer skills like typing, email, and Internet research. These are fundamental skills that are required in any job. They show your ability to perform essential tasks efficiently. If you’re working on academic CV writing, for example, these skills will prove you’re technically prepared to work on research projects. They are the foundation for most office-related tasks.

• Technical skills show your ability to use advanced computer systems and specialized technologies. They are crucial for roles in IT, software development, and engineering. Here are some examples: programming languages, software development, debugging, IT troubleshooting, and system administration. 

• Software proficiency is another category of skills important for administrative and creative roles. We’re talking about simple office tools that everyone should know how to use: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace. However, this category also includes design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Accounting software (QuickBooks and similar) also belongs in this category. 

• Specialized skills support specific business functions. For example, data analysis and visualization tools are specialized skills. So are project management platforms and CRM software. 

Three easy tips on how to list computer skills on a resume

Your skills section will be the best place to put your computer-related abilities. On that note, you should feature your skills section prominently on your resume, which means it should be placed directly below your summary statement. It can also help to mention important computer skills in the summary and work experience sections, especially if you have strong technical abilities. Here are three tips to remember as you craft your computer skills for your resume.

1. Create a list of your computer skills

As best you can, list all the computer skills in your arsenal, from basic to advanced. Basic computer skills for a resume include word processing, emailing, formatting spreadsheets, and social media. Examples of advanced computer skills for a resume include training, experience, or background in any computer language, software, or programming, as well as in-depth know-how in specific computer principles and concepts.

Start by breaking down your skills into categories by level of proficiency: basic, intermediate, and advanced. This strategy will help you determine what skills to highlight for the specific job. When listing skills, consider tools or platforms you’ve used so far. It doesn’t matter whether you use them in school, for work, or personal projects. For example, you can include the fact that you managed a blog, edited videos, or worked with databases. 

The list has to be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Once again, you’ll need to review the job description and see the required skills. If the role demands expertise in CRM software, you can mention your experience with Salesforce or HubSpot. If the job requires excellent graphic design skills, you can list your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva.

Some computer skills are transferable. Such is the ability to learn new software quickly and adapt to emerging technologies. If you can keep pace with technological advancements and support those claims with examples, you can include those skills in your resume. 

2. Include only those that the employer is looking for

Different computer jobs require different computer skills, so pay close attention to what the job posting is asking from applicants as you sift through your master list of computer skills for your resume. Remember: the point is for the employer to realize you’re the right fit for the role.

You don’t want to pepper your application with sophisticated computer words just to try and impress recruiters, because it can have the opposite effect and turn them off instead. Stick to the job posting and provide the best qualifications available. For example, if the role is for a data entry specialist, you’ll list the most relevant skills: spreadsheet proficiency, database management, or typing speed. You may be skilled in Python, but that won’t be relevant for this job. 

Additionally, you shouldn’t include any skills you don’t have just to meet the job’s basic requirements. Employers expect you to deliver on what you’ve written on your resume, and lying about your qualifications will not reflect well on your record. If the job requires expertise in Photoshop and Illustrator, but you’re not that familiar with those tools, what will you do if you get hired? It’s best to focus on the strengths you genuinely possess. 

To make sure you’re delivering what the employer is looking for, scan the job posting. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter relevant candidates. That’s why you need to include keywords from the job description. Search for terms like “proficiency in MS Excel” or “experience with project management tools.”

What do you do if you lack a specific skill that’s required but still want to apply for the job? If you’re willing and able to learn it, you can address that fact in the cover letter. You can mention your adaptability and eagerness to grow. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, you can still be a strong candidate by listing the right skills. 

3. Be specific

Avoid oversimplifying or generalizing your computer skills on your resume. For instance, instead of saying you are adept at social media, mention specific platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, etc. Instead of Microsoft Office Suites, indicate the specific programs you excel at, such as Word, 365, Outlook, PowerPoint, or others. You may even want to delve deeper into capabilities—such as saying you can use Google Spreadsheets to graph, calculate, analyze, and organize data—to truly catch the recruiter’s attention.

Specifics show that you understand the nuances of the tools. You can implement them into your work. Go a step further from other candidates. When listing Excel as a skill, you can mention your ability to create dynamic pivot tables. Such a critical detail shows you’re an advanced user. You can offer higher value than other candidates. 

Here are a few examples of being specific with your computer skills:

• Don’t write “Proficient in Google Sheets.” That’s a generalized statement. Honestly, it looks like it was copied from a resume template. Instead, write this: “Skilled in using Google Sheets for advanced data analysis, interactive dashboards, and automating processes with scripts.” Now, that sounds like a serious candidate.

• We often see statements like “Familiar with graphic design tools” in resumes. They don’t work! You have to get into specifics, so write exactly how skilled you are in using them. Like this: “Experienced in Adobe Photoshop for photo retouching, Illustrator for vector-based designs, and Canva for branded social media creation.”

When you get into details, recruiters can match your skills to their needs. They are more likely to shortlist candidates who can articulate how their technical expertise aligns with the job description. Plus, these specifics will make you stand out during the interview. You’ll have examples to share, so you’ll demonstrate your proficiency and confidence. 

How to Identify Your Computer Skills

When you’re trying to write a resume that’s tailored to the desired job, you have to identify your computer skills. Follow these approaches:

1. Evaluate your proficiency levels

What category do your computer skills fall into? Basic, intermediate, or advanced?

• Basic skills include typing, email management, and Internet research.

• Intermediate skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office, basic graphic design, or customer relationship management tools. 

• Advanced skills encompass programming languages, data analysis, machine learning, and database management.

When trying to categorize your skills, be honest. Identify the points where you excel and the areas where you need improvement. Self-assessment checklists and online skill tests can help with that.

2. Use the job description as your guide

If it’s hard to figure out what skills to include, look at the job requirements. Then, compare them with your own abilities. This strategy will help you find skills you already possess that are suitable for the job description. Then, you can use the language the employer used to describe your skills. That’s important for getting through the ATS. 

Here’s an example: if the job description mentions proficiency in data visualization and you have those skills, you should include them at the top of the Skills section. 

3. List certifications and courses

If you don’t have any work experience, you can draw skills from the certifications and courses you’ve completed. They indicate your computer skills in a great way. Here’s what you can list:

• Certifications that are recognized within the industry, such as Adobe Certified Expert or Google Analytics Certification. 

• Relevant courses you took at college or online. Don’t hold back on listing programming boot camps, online courses, or college modules in data science, web development, and software engineering.

Five of the most in-demand resume computer skills

As the world increasingly uses computers, the most in-demand computer skills for resumes are getting more complex with each passing day. Want to know what today’s employers are looking for? Check out this list of top computer skills on your resume in the modern job market.

• Data Visualization – refers to the ability to make a graphical representation of data, a data visualization expert counts charts, graphs, and maps as tools. Typical data visualization jobs include data scientist, data visualization specialist, and business intelligence analyst. With such a skill, you can communicate complex data findings in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll be helping businesses make informed decisions based on trends, patterns, and insights. Data visualization is performed with tools like Tableau, Power BI, Excel, and programming libraries like Matplotlib and D3.js. 

• Data Science and Analytics – data science combines many computer study fields, including programming, mathematics, processes, algorithms, and more. It bridges the gap between raw data and actionable steps. As a multidisciplinary field, data scientists are in charge of solving complex data problems. A data scientist can work as an applications architect, machine learning scientist, and data analyst, among other roles. They analyze structured and unstructured data, create models to identify patterns and generate insights that guide business decisions. Data analysts use tools like Python, SQL, Hadoop, and TensorFlow. The responsibilities include data collection and cleaning, model building, and storytelling with data.

• Data Engineering – a more advanced form of data analytics that delves into the creation of interfaces and mechanisms for company databases. Data engineers ensure that the flow and access of information within a company proceeds as efficiently as possible. They use tools like Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and Kafka for processing. They also rely on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. They are proficient in programming languages Python, Java, and Scala, among others. They have also mastered database management systems like MySQL and MongoDB. Those are all skills valuable to include in a resume. Examples of data engineering jobs include data warehouse engineer, data infrastructure engineer, data platform engineer, and data architect.

• Machine Learning – is the method of automating system improvements through the use of data. An essential component of the field of data science, it empowers machines and computers to make classifications or predictions using algorithms and statistics. Thanks to this technology, machines, and computers can learn from experience without being explicitly programmed. They use sophisticated algorithms and statistical models to make predictions. Examples of professionals who work in machine learning include software developers, software engineers, data scientists, computational linguists, and computer engineers. They are skilled in techniques that employers are thrilled to see in resumes: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and more. Professionals in this field use tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn for model development. They have also mastered programming languages like Python, R, and Julia. 

• Artificial Intelligence – the most advanced computer systems are able to perform some basics of human intelligence, including decision-making, speech recognition, visual perception, and language translation. These advanced systems are more popularly known as artificial intelligence or AI, and one can only imagine the depth of computer knowledge of the people who work in this field. Careers in AI include machine learning researchers, data miners, data analysts, data scientists, data engineers, machine learning engineers, and business intelligence developers. As for skills, AI development demands computer science, mathematics, and domain-specific knowledge. It’s a field that requires a high level of expertise, so you better be really skilled when applying for such a job.

Where to Include Computer Skills on Your Resume

What’s your plan about listing computer skills on your resume? Will you just mention them along the way? That won’t work. You need to place them strategically so you’ll make sure the employer notices them. Here’s what to do:

• Mention computer skills in the dedicated Skills section

This is the most suitable place for listing computer skills. This section allows recruiters to spot your technical proficiency right away. In this section, you can mention the software, tools, and programming languages you’ve mastered. This is the place to list Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, Python, or SQL.

The best way to do it is to organize your skills into categories. For example, you’ll have a programming category for all related skills. You can also have software proficiency and data analysis in the categories. This method will make your skills easy to remember.

The Skills section should be placed in the first part of the resume, right after your contact information and professional summary. 

If you’re not applying for a job related to computer science, these skills won’t be the first ones to mention. Start with the skills that are critical for the role. After that, you’ll list only the most relevant computer skills.

• Mention computer skills in the Work Experience section

In this section, you’re allowed to get into detail. You won’t just mention the software and tools you’ve used. You’ll also show how you achieved results with them. You can include specific examples of applying computer skills to completing tasks, solving problems, or delivering results. Here’s an example: “Developed detailed financial models using advanced pivot tables and VLOOKUP, which improved reporting efficiency by 30%.”

When possible, you should quantify your achievements. That’s the best way to show the impact of your computer skills.

• Mention your computer skills in the Professional Summary

This section is at the top of your resume. You can use it to tie your computer skills directly to your overall achievements. You should only mention key computer skills that are important for your career goals. In the summary section, you’ll show how they support your professional experience. This is how it’s supposed to look like: “Skilled data analyst with extensive experience using Python and R to deliver insights for business growth.”

The summary should be brief and very clear. It must reflect your technical expertise and relate it to the desired position.

• Mention computer skills in the Certifications and Education section

Do you have any formal education or certifications in technical fields? If that’s the case, make sure to list them. You can include certifications like Google Data Analyst Certificate or Certified Ethical Hacker. You can also list degrees and courses in computer science, IT, and data analytics, especially if they are relevant to the job.

If you’re listing formal certifications, you must also include the issuing organization and date of completion. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Computer Skills on a Resume

When you list computer skills on your resume, they can improve your chances of landing a job. But we’re talking about the right computer skills, listed the right way. Many applicants make mistakes that end up with silly-looking resumes. 

These are the main mistakes to avoid:

1. Listing irrelevant skills

You’ll be tempted to include every computer skill you’ve ever learned. If you don’t have much career experience, you’ll assume that filling up the Skills section is the right way to go. But listing irrelevant skills will only clutter your resume with unnecessary details. As a result, they will dilute its impact. 

Why is this a problem? Hiring managers want to see skills that are directly relevant to the job. Listing “basic email usage” and similar outdated skills will make them assume you’re not ready for modern roles. 

Take a look at the job description and only mention skills that are relevant. You can also list skills that are universally valuable in your field, but don’t go beyond that point. 

Does this mean you’ll have to customize the Skills section for each application? Of course it does! You should always customize your resume when competing for a new position. 

2. Going overboard with expertise claims

Overstating proficiency in computer skills if you don’t truly possess them is a big problem. Employers may test your abilities during interviews. Even if that doesn’t happen, you’ll be required to prove that expertise on the job. If you overstate any skill, it will lead to embarrassment. In the worst case, you’ll lose your job. 

Always be honest about everything you write in your resume! If a particular skill is basic, then write it as such. Instead of writing “expert in Excel,” you can specify the exact level in a particular skill: “proficient in creating pivot tables.”

3. Not providing context in the Experience section

This is a mistake that many entry-level applicants make: they merely list their skills. Don’t do that! You have to show how you’ve applied those skills. Employers aren’t interested in dry lists. They value the practical application of skills, so they are looking for context in the resume. 

To avoid this mistake, you should provide examples. For example, instead of saying “used Tableau,” you can go for a specific statement: “Developed interactive dashboards in Tableau to visualize sales data.”

4. Using jargon without explanation

Employers in technical fields will get your jargon. But it’s still important not to use it without explanation. The employees in the HR department might be confused. Plus, you may be competing for a job in a different industry, where technical skills are appreciated but not critical. 

Many hiring managers and ATS systems won’t fully grasp highly technical terms. If you have to use them, always explain by putting them in context. For example, a term like “CI/CD” means nothing if you don’t explain what you mean. Instead, you can write something like this: “Proficient in CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) processes for software development workflows.”

Examples: How to List Computer Skills on Your Resume

We’ll give you some industry-specific examples for listing computer skills so you’ll understand how to write your resume:

• Marketing

• SEO and SEM tools: Google Analytics, Ahrefs, SEMrush

• Social media management platforms: Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social

• Design software: Adobe Photoshop, Canva

• Email marketing tools: Mailchimp

• IT

• Programming languages: Python, Java, C++

• Database management: MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle

• Networking tools: Cisco Packet Tracer, Wireshark

• Operating systems: Linux, Windows Server

• Healthcare

• Electronic Health Records systems: Epic, Cerner

• Scheduling software: Medisoft, Kareo

• Telehealth platforms: Doxy.me, Amwell

• Data analysis tools: R, SAS

• Finance

• Financial modeling: Excel (macros, pivot tables)

• Accounting software: QuickBooks, Sage

• Data visualization: Tableau, Power BI 

• Risk management tools: SAS

Remember: you should only list the skills you truly possess. After listing them in the Skills section, you should give some context when writing about your experience. The cover letter also gives you space to explain how you implemented these skills in your practices. 

Need resume help?

Resumeble’s expert resume writers have helped many applicants become prime candidates. From how to list computer skills on a resume to ensure your document is free of any errors, let us develop your resume with you into an application that will earn the approval of recruiters and hiring managers. Our writers are skilled enough to know what computer skills the resume should list to be relevant for your desired job. 

Send us your resume today for a free, no-obligation evaluation.