How To Say You're Good With Computers on Your Resume

Updated August 10, 2023

If you have an above-average level of expertise in technical computer skills, you likely want to highlight them on your resume. Some employers require candidates to have at least basic computer literacy skills to perform essential job functions, such as sending emails or composing documents on word-processing software. Understanding various ways to highlight your skills may help you differentiate yourself from other candidates with similar credentials.

In this article, we discuss what it means to be good with computers and how to highlight these skills on your resume.

What it means to be good with computers

Stating you're good with computers on your resume can suggest you know how to navigate the internet effectively, operate myriad software applications and efficiently use hardware. This could also be very specific to the employer, role or industry. Consider making a list of your specific computer abilities before including them in your resume to ensure you're providing accurate, relevant information about what you can do for a company.

How to highlight computer skills on a resume

Here are four steps to efficiently highlight computer skills on your resume:

1. Add skills relevant to the job posting

If a job posting identifies two or three required computer skills, emphasize your expertise with those skills rather than adding ones that aren't as relevant to the position. For example, if you're applying for a job only requesting experience using graphic design software and content management systems (CMS), you may omit listing technical programming languages or spreadsheet programs, unless they add value to your application. Adapt your resume to each job you apply for and include the only relevant skills.

2. Be specific

It's vital to mention the specific software you know how to operate and your proficiency level for each. Some jobs require extensive knowledge of various software or programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, if you're working in a role like marketing or graphic design. In these scenarios, list the specific computer skills in your resume skills section so hiring managers know exactly what you're capable of doing.

3. Add a portfolio

When listing computer skills on your resume, it's necessary to ensure hiring managers believe you have those skills by showcasing how you used them in the past. You can do this by providing specific examples in a portfolio of times you used your skills to complete tasks or accomplish goals. Your portfolio can include work you completed for past jobs, school or university courses, internship work, personal pieces or freelance work. Additionally, creating a digital portfolio with a link you can include on your resume allows employers access to your work easily.

4. Use action verbs

When you discuss your computer skills in the work experience section of your resume, start each sentence with an action verb. Action verbs give a clear understanding of your skills and responsibilities and how you've used computer skills in the past. For example, if you're skilled in spreadsheet applications, state you recorded data and built charts using Microsoft Excel in your last job.

Example computer skills

Here are some examples of computer skills you may include in your resume's work experience or skills sections:

Beginner

Beginner computer skills require a fundamental knowledge of computer systems and the operation of word processors, email software and spreadsheets:

Composed and sent over 150 emails a week using Microsoft Outlook
Created and formated office budget spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel
Wrote, edited and formatted documents on Microsoft Word

Intermediate

Intermediate computer skills involve understanding more complex computer software, such as operating systems, databases and file management:

Proficient in Adobe Photoshop with over five years of experience
Conducted over 200 presentations with voice-overs using advanced presentation software
Assigned, managed and approved 400 content projects per month through CMS

Advanced

Advanced computer skills may also require an intermediate knowledge of hardware skills or coding and designing websites:

Designed and maintained company website while tracking 1,500 monthly visitors
Fixed cybersecurity breaches for a network server with over 1,000 users
Created a filing system using OneDrive for the entire office to organize online documents, with advanced knowledge of SharePoint

Ways to improve your computer skills

Here are four ways you can improve your computer skills:

1. Identify computer skills to learn

Decide what computer skills you wish to learn for personal or career purposes. For example, you may decide to learn more about how to design graphics, use presentation software, create blogs, interpret social media analytics, edit in Photoshop or create spreadsheets. If you're interested in a job that requires computer skills that you don't have, use the job posting to identify the skills to develop.

It may also help to network with individuals who work in higher positions in your field. For instance, you can ask your colleagues what software or applications they use in their jobs. This may give you an idea of what computer skills to focus on.

2. Take free online courses

You can take beginner e-learning courses in various computer subjects, such as programming, coding, mobile devices, cybersecurity, cloud systems and analytics. Many video tutorials online or via streaming apps provide actionable steps to execute certain computer functions. Short videos are a quick and easy way to learn new skills that you can put to practice immediately.

3. Consider in-person classes

If you learn better by attending in-person classes, consider taking a class through your local community center, library or community college. In-person computer courses often provide a certificate of completion that you can add to your resume to show you have formally developed computer skills.

4. Keep practicing

Think about creative ways to apply your computer skills in your personal life. For example, if you recently learned how to operate an online calendar app, you can schedule your family's activities and appointments. Alternatively, if you learned how to use business video conferencing tools or chatting apps, create an account and use the app to practice video conference calls with friends or relatives.

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