10 Skills To Become Technology Savvy (Plus Helpful Tips)

Becoming technology savvy can help individuals improve their job performance and enhance their quality of life. Many companies and organizations require employees to understand certain technical skills to accomplish their job responsibilities. By reviewing some key techniques and ways to learn them, you can better determine which options can help you succeed. In this article, we explain what it means to be technology savvy, list 10 important skills to study, describe some benefits of learning them and provide helpful tips.

What does it mean to be technology savvy?

If a person is technology savvy, it means they have the right skills and intuitive knowledge to operate modern devices effectively. It typically involves understanding technical concepts, then knowing how to apply them in different contexts. For example, you might use some general knowledge about software to figure out how to run a new computer or mobile application. Today, most tech-savvy individuals know how to operate basic hardware and software tools, such as an operating system and website browser.

Related: 71 Technical Terms Used in Technology

10 technology-savvy skills

Here are some key skills that can help you become knowledgeable about modern technology:

1. Word processors

Word processors are software programs that allow you to compose words in a digital document, then format each page according to their specifications. Many office jobs require job candidates to have proficiency in a word processor, as employees often use this type of software to write memos and complete projects. To learn this skill, consider finding a free word processor online so you can practice using its primary features. Be sure to learn some basic formatting properties, such as how to underline a word, change the script style or skip to the next line on a document.

Related: Resume Line Spacing: Why It's Important and How To Format

2. Sending emails

To become tech savvy, it's often important for individuals to learn how to use an emailing account, as most workplaces use emailing and other types of digital correspondence to exchange information and send files. You can also use an emailing service to connect with external stakeholders, such as a client or customer. Some critical emailing skills include knowing ways to structure a digital message and send it to intended recipients.

It may also be helpful to use an email platform that modern companies frequently use. Consider researching the professional email addresses of individuals working in your favorite business to learn about these options. You can also consult with a tech-savvy colleague or peer to learn their preferences.

Related: How To Address an Email

3. Spreadsheets

A spreadsheet is a digital document that allows you to input data in a grid format of rows and columns. Workplaces often use spreadsheets to calculate financial sums, analyze figures and store information. Learning how to use spreadsheet software can help you add value to a company or organization as you can organize information and conduct administrative tasks more efficiently. To develop your knowledge, you can find a free program online and learn some key features, terms and formulas.

4. Touch-typing expertise

Touch-typing involves is a technique that allows individuals to type while looking at the screen and using all their fingers, which helps them write more efficiently. Knowing how to type efficiently can be a helpful skill for technology-savvy individuals, as most devices require you to enter words or symbols to complete actions. Modern keyboards arrange letters in layouts that help you touch-type effectively, which you can study through specialized software programs. For example, companies in the United States commonly use a layout called QWERTY, which is optimized for English and similar language systems.

5. Digital presentations

It may be helpful to learn how to create a digital slideshow using a computer application, as many companies require staff members to provide visual content in certain contexts. Universities may also require scholars and academics to present their research using these programs. They allow you to combine images with text, link to external web pages and generate cinematic transitions between each section. Consider practicing how to make digital presentations by hosting a "slideshow party" with peers, which involves each individual preparing a slideshow about their favorite topic.

Related: How To Create an Outstanding PowerPoint Presentation

6. Search engine knowledge

Search engine expertise involves knowing the right keywords and phrases to find fast, accurate information. For instance, using the word and between two other terms only shows entries that contain both these items in the web pages. This skill can be valuable for technology-savvy individuals, as many job positions require employees to conduct research and compile information. You can learn this skill by practicing different search engine strategies and determining situations where you might require them.

Related: 24 Internet Search Tips

7. Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts describe one button or a series that allows you to perform different actions on a computer. For example, if you press the command and tab key in sequential order, you can switch between applications on most Windows and macOS devices. Using keyboard shortcuts can help you conduct work tasks more efficiently, which companies may appreciate. It's important to practice shortcuts every time you operate a computer program so you can learn how to use them on reflex.

8. HTML and CSS programming

Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) is the code you can use to write and structure web page content, while Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) allows you to create a layout. Many companies may use HTML and CSS for daily tasks, such as media enterprises that post articles. Consider learning some basic elements of these programming languages to find job opportunities and deepen your understanding of modern technology. You can also create a portfolio website, which may be especially helpful for self-employed individuals.

9. Virtual conferences

Many companies now allow individuals to work from home or another location, so teams often require virtual meetings to communicate effectively and conduct work tasks. As a result, hosting a virtual conference can often be an important skill for technology-savvy people. It's often useful to purchase digital conferencing software and familiarize yourself with its features. You can also learn how to operate some hardware that might help meetings run more smoothly, including a high-quality microphone and video camera.

10. Social media

Professionals in many industries now use a social media platform to correspond with each other and market services, so it may be helpful to learn some helpful online networking strategies. If you discover a preference for this communication form, you can find a career in social media management and learn how to run a company's official networking profile. Be sure to learn some basic social media tools and functions like tagging, which typically involves placing the @ symbol before an individual's name or company title in a post to link them directly.

Benefits of improving technology skills

Here are some key benefits to improving your technology skills:

• Improves workplace productivity: Using technology can help you multitask efficiently and increase the number of tasks you're able to accomplish overall. For example, you can use email to answer several inquiries at the same time.

• Provides helpful resources: Using internet-based technology can help you learn information quickly and store it in an accessible location. It can also help you learn new ways to problem-solve and analyze data.

• Increases available work opportunities: Many hiring managers value candidates who have technology skills, particularly if they can show expertise. Some companies also list certain capabilities in their hiring criteria.

• Saves more funds over time: Becoming tech savvy can help you resolve issues rather than hiring an outside service. For instance, if a household appliance stops working, you can research tutorials on how to fix it yourself.

Tips for improving technology skills

Consider the following tips for improving your technology skills:

Create a plan

Select a technology skill to focus on and learn each aspect in a step-by-step process. Depending on your preferences, you might establish a daily schedule or reserve sometime each week to practice techniques. To motivate yourself, you can set achievable goals with a self-reward. Having a consistent routine can also increase your memory recall and deepen your knowledge effectively.

Research hardware needs

Having your own computer and mobile device may give you more opportunities to become technology savvy. It's important to select systems that best align with your needs and preferences, as you may spend a lot of time using them per day. For example, some people feel more comfortable using a large, high-definition computer monitor, while others prefer more compact options. Consider testing different products in a store or consulting with an expert who can provide systems with optimal specifications.

Related: What Are the Main Differences Between Hardware and Software?

Read an informational book

If you learn best through reading, there are multiple books that instruct people on how to use modern technology. It may be helpful to research your options online through reviews and forums, then go to a local library or bookstore to see if they're available. You can also purchase books through an e-reader or listen to an audio book to add a new sensory element to your studying process.

Watch a tutorial video

Some technology experts now release tutorials and other informational videos on streaming websites, which may be especially helpful if you learn best through visual input and demonstration. If you search for tutorials on software programs, you can find step-by-step instructions on each feature. Some hardware and software companies also host videos on their website and offer specialized content when purchasing their products.

Take an online class

Online educational programs like Udemy and Coursera offer introductory level courses to help people become technology savvy. Instructors can offer specialized knowledge and determine your exact needs as a student while learning alongside classmates can encourage you to stay engaged. This strategy may be especially useful for learning a programming language, as coursework can provide a valuable structure to learn terminology and apply it in different contexts.

Join a technology community

Consider finding an online or in-person community to help you learn technology skills. For example, you might find a forum group where you can ask questions and study answers from other people. You can also join a group through a local community center or library that offers this type of resource. If you're a high school or university student, you may have the option to join an on-campus club that focuses on technology skills, like a film-editing organization.

Work on a project

To better motivate yourself to learn, consider working on a fun project that focuses on a technology skill. For instance, you might design a web page about a favorite movie to study HTML or schedule a virtual meet-up with friends to practice using virtual conference software and hardware. It may be helpful to work on a project that you can use in the future, like a spreadsheet to help you prepare for an upcoming event or activity.

Follow industry leaders on social media

Search for technology experts on a social media website to learn their day-to-day insight and advice. They might also share useful resources that can help you become more savvy and knowledgeable overall, like online tutorials or news articles. Depending on how they interact with follows, you can consider asking questions directly by leaving comments on their posts. This option also presents an opportunity to practice your social media capabilities.

Stay knowledgeable about new technology

It's often important to stay updated about recent technology and improvements to previously released products. Consider reading magazines and online articles that describe new hardware, software and equipment to see if any options can benefit your work practice or home life. Research new functions and features to see if you need to continue your learning process. You can also follow brands on social media, as a company's marketing team may release updates and guides to their online followers.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.