In the current age of technology, it is reasonable for employers to expect a high level of digital skill from the people they employ. Technical skills in most industries are incredibly important and crucial to productive work. Competent technical and digital skills increase a candidate’s value and the likelihood of receiving higher pay and promotion opportunities.
With so many different tools, apps and programs available, it is essential to have one or more employees in an organisation who understand how technologies work. When a business hires a tech-savvy employee, they are investing in someone who can implement tools that will support and grow their company for the long-term.
Four technical and digital skills that employees look favourably upon are highlighted below.
1. Social media:
An employee who can utilise Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. can help to spread the company message to a wider audience. However, as many people use social media daily, it is no longer enough to say you understand it because you have it. Show your knowledge by building a folio of your work across platforms to stand out among the competition. If you want to make a real impression, additional media skills like blogging, networking, digital photography, SEO, or CMS knowledge will not go astray.
2. Digital advertising:
Whether it is through a company website, written copy, Google Ads, or somewhere else, understanding how to get advertising space on the internet is paramount. Most businesses rely on continuous exposure for sales leads, and digital advertising is a proven tool. Knowing how to use advertising space on the internet to target your market will demonstrate your ability to use digital skills to grow a business.
3. Coding and programming:
An understanding of how computers and software programs can be applied on a fundamental level is valued by any modern employer. Any knowledge of coding, debugging, design, development maintenance, applications, network security, servers, troubleshooting, software, and similar, will make you a valuable member of any team or business.
4. Data analysis:
Almost every industry relies on data about products, customers, and the market; all companies need data. Obtaining data can be a relatively simple process. However, having an employee who can retrieve, categorise and understand the incoming data can save a business time and money, making that person a huge asset. Data analysis skills include understanding algorithms, calculating, ability to compile statistics, modelling, database design and management, quantitative research and reports, as well as many others.
All of these digital and technical skills are necessary across many industries. Computer skills can be applied in different ways to maximise a business’s productivity, efficiency and overall success.
Below we profile three industries where technical skills are required for ongoing success.
Project Management
A successful project manager can efficiently and promptly deliver projects to clients. Project managers are relied on to ensure operations run smoothly. Having proficiency in project management software, programs, and technique’s that improve productivity is a great asset.
A reliable and qualified project manager can meet goals efficiently and cost-effectively. Implementing skills in the workplace can be done in many ways, including:
1. Content Management Systems (CMS) knowledge:
Understanding a content management system like WordPress can help project managers create, edit and publish content that will advertise and augment business. There are many CMS tools that make it easy to publish content online.
2. SEO Knowledge:
Developing skills that will optimise search engine results will help customers to find your online content and your products. Using a tool like SEOmoz will show you how to optimise the content you are creating, so the content you generate is found by search engines such as Google and Bing.
3. Task management:
Knowing how to delegate tasks to others and follow up effectively is another appreciated skill. A cloud-based project management tool like Trello will allow you to delegate responsibility for tasks to your team. You will be able to see when a task is completed, and when updates or more information is needed.
4. File Sharing Systems:
When you are working on a project of any size, there are often multiple parties that need a flow of communication. Companies often turn to file-sharing programs in this instance, that allow everyone to see the same document and make necessary changes. Understanding programs like Datto, Dropbox and Google Docs will demonstrate that you know how important file-sharing is to a business and for you as a project manager.
5. Reporting & Analytics:
All project managers need to be on top of project successes and shortcomings. It is also beneficial to have basic knowledge of data analysis and report writing. Communicating accurately with your team and stakeholders the highs and lows of a project is a crucial skill for any project manager.
Human Resources
Working in human resources requires you to be across a variety of skills. You will work with many people who will all need different things from you. Likewise, you will need information, support and feedback from other people to do your job well. Digital skills will make streamlining all human resources tasks easier and increase your value to the HR team.
Consider gaining skills in these technical and digital skill areas:
1. Social Media:
Social media knowledge is essential for modern business networking. The rise of social platforms has expanded the reach and impact of Human Resources professionals. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. are now valid ways of advertising position vacancies. When researching potential candidates, accessing their public social media posts will give you an idea of who they are and if they are a good fit for your company.
2. Talent Acquisition Software:
Understanding talent acquisition software, such as an Applicant Tracking System, will make you stand out as someone who will be time-effective and useful to a Human Resources team. A recruitment system allows you to post to job boards, careers sites, and social media through a single platform. It will screen candidates and resumes and allow you to schedule interviews. Having the skills to understanding this type of program will significantly reduce the administrative time you spend on tedious recruitment tasks, like filtering through resumes.
3. Cloud-based Technology:
Knowing how to operate a cloud-based system where important information is securely stored in one place will be highly valued. These systems create productivity and increased transparency in business. Employee information, performance metrics, payroll, and more can be stored on cloud servers and saves time on tedious back-and-forth email communications. If you can take ownership of cloud-based HR technology, you will fit into any business or department.
Building and Construction
With the building and construction industry constantly evolving, so too is the need for its employees to be tech-savvy. For design, marketing, data modelling, and plenty more, building and construction professionals need to be aware of the new skills and technology available in their field.
Skills to be mindful and aware of in a growing and changing a building and construction environment include:
1. Design programs:
Clients are looking for creative and innovative professionals to build their projects. Creating intricate and interactive models for clients to examine is very appealing. A digitally processed model or a 3D printed model, will stand out and impress your customers.
2. Social media:
A photo gallery of your work is a smart way to demonstrate to prospective clients what you are capable of producing. Utilising social media will give you a platform to spread your work further afield. Having a grasp on social media scheduling sites like Hootsuite and Later have the benefit that you don’t have to spend hours uploading your content because it can be set to be automatically done for you.
3. Online advertising/websites:
Your website needs to sell your business in the best possible light. Use your website to display product information, previous work, customer testimonials, pricing, and contact details. A professional website gives you an online location to advertise to potential clients. Once your site is established, you can use search engines like Google for paid advertising. Thinking outside the box and advertising on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook can also be beneficial for generating leads and sales.
Knowing the ins and outs of your industry, and having the necessary skills to show your understanding, is equally as important as your digital knowledge. Education is the best way to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are tech-savvy and have a deep knowledge set on the industry. Earning a diploma in your chosen field shows to prospective employers that you will be an excellent candidate to hire, and online diplomas can easily be completed while you are still working. Furthering your study shows existing employers that you are dedicated to improving your skills to benefit their business and can aid in your promotion aspirations.
Having a strong grasp on your chosen field, combined with an understanding of industry-based technology, will benefit your career for the long term. Regardless of the industry, you will be rewarded for building extra digital and technological skills to complement a solid educational foundation.