Resume Computer Skills: Which Ones Should Be Included?

Many new applicants are confused about which resume computer skills should be included in these documents and which ones to leave out. It mainly depends on what type of position you’re applying for. There are times when you will need to mention even your most basic skills and times when only the more advanced skills should be listed.

For example, if you’re applying for a position with a company that list specific skills they’re searching for and your advanced skills match these, leave out the basic information. In this case, you would mention any skills you have with advanced software programs, programming languages or anything else you’re familiar with that is not mostly common knowledge but that pertains to the job. The employer probably already assumes that you possess the basic skills and that you have advanced beyond them.

On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job and not sure what the employer is searching for, then it would be wise to include the basics resume computer skills such as Microsoft Word and Spreadsheets. It’s also suggested that you include the newest operating system you’re familiar with such as Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.5.

Be sure and specify how skilled you are with the knowledge you do have. The employer will need to know if you’re a beginner or if you’re advanced in the resume computer skills you possess. One thing that you need to be careful of is exaggerating your skills. It can be easy to write that you’re proficient with HTML but if you’re just learning how it works, you’ve over-exaggerated your skills and this will cause serious problems later. Therefore, it’s vital that you choose your words carefully when listing your resume computer skills.