How are your computer skills?

June 20, 8:00 PMLouisville Women's Careers ExaminerNancy Hinchliff

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Yes, Aunt Betty, we live in a cyber world now, and you had better be computer savvy if you want to snag a job in today's job market. Most people under the age of 40 or 50 can handle a computer, and may even be proficient on one. But, if you are over 50, and haven't spent much time on one, you better start learning or, at least, brushing up on your skills. Lots of people are losing their jobs today due to our present economy. And they may be surprised to find out, as they seek out new jobs, that they must be computer-wise and even be familiar with a variety of computer programs they have never used before.

Basic skills

It would be a rarity to find a job in today’s world that doesn’t require some level of computer competency. In fact, computers today are a major part of the office furniture, so much so that "traditional" jobs now require basic computer user skills to perform them more efficiently.

Everyone needs basic computer skills to function in today's job market. These basic skills include the ability to use common application programs such as word-processors, spreadsheets, database programs, and presentation software. Additionally, use of email and familiarity with the Internet are becoming basic requirements for most jobs. Beyond the basic computer skills, requirements necessary to pursue computer-based careers can vary significantly depending on the nature of the career.

Various job categories will require varying computer skills. Some jobs will require more proficiency than others. Most computer professionals will have a combination of the following: applications,  web tools, systems and data management, programming, software, and computer hardware. To find out the degree of computer skill you will need for the particular job you're applying for, you can call and talk to one of the employees and ask the interviewer.

Strategies for building computer Skills

You can tell by the wording of job ads that most employers take it for granted that applicants will have the required computer expertise. In other words, these skills are now part of the basic minimum requirements to apply. This means that,  if you lack the most rudimentary computer ability or experience, you are automatically eliminated from even being considered for most positions. There are ways in which you can prepare yourself for the kind of jobs you seek

• Take computer classes at a local college, university, community center, or on-line.
• Take other classes that integrate the use of computers into their curriculum.
• Attend computer workshops
• Buy a computer and use it.
• Become familiar with the general workings of your computer, including the hardware
• Do an internship that involves using a computer and various software programs
• Start building a repertoir of software programs related to your career of choice