Technology changes quickly. Even discounting Moore’s Law, which states that processing power doubles in speed every two years, everything from the Internet’s impact on marketing to cybersecurity is constantly transforming. Most companies know this, and they also know that their current employees aren’t necessarily going to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology skills.
Technology Skills
If you’re new to the position you’re applying for or this is one of your first jobs out of college, emphasizing your familiarity with contemporary tools and updates is a great way to get noticed. But that doesn’t mean you can just rely on your knowledge of social media or being able to switch between operating systems without a problem (though these are definite advantages). Make sure you’re also on the cutting edge of:
Analytics and Spreadsheet Tools
Businesses rely more and more on data. They don’t just use the previous year’s metrics to predict future growth and budgetary changes. They need to be able to analyze customer behavior to make sure they’re keeping their hold on the market. But, at the same time, most people don’t know how to do that. Small businesses always need someone who is familiar with HubSpot’s analytics tools or Google’s AdWords interface.
Businesses of every size also need people who can use Excel to their full advantage. Most people know how to format cells and how to hide certain columns or rows. But their technology skills usually end there, even though almost every department relies on spreadsheets. Even experienced employees in Finance operate within a narrow spectrum. So take the time to learn basic formulas, how to make pivot tables, and even how to build templates and forms in Excel. That extra dedication means you can speak knowledgeably and more fully, which the hiring manager will pick up on. It’s also a free skill to pick up through YouTube and Microsoft tutorials. Even if a certain job doesn’t look like it needs spreadsheet mastery, employers will see that you took the time to learn a highly valuable skill that most people ignore. That looks great on any resume.
Data Protection
It’s not just the IT department that has to worry about security. Legal departments have to address customers’ data concerns, marketers have to make sure they can advertise user statistics without violating personal information regulations, and every department has to make sure no one can read anything off of their desk or computer. Most companies even have compliance departments specifically devoted to keeping customer data safe.
Being aware of how tightly data is being regulated makes you a safer bet as a potential employee. It’s also something most new graduates don’t even think about. So make sure you can handle a conversation with passing references to HIPAA and PII, and also make sure you can discuss key fobs and two-factor authentication without seemingly unfamiliar with the technology.
Typing Speed
A fast typing speed has been a requirement on job descriptions for decades. Most employers no longer test your typing speed directly because it’s become such a ubiquitous skill for recent hires. But that doesn’t mean you can afford to ignore it, too. Many interviews now include some form of working test, such as looking over a document to make edits or to repair a spreadsheet. Hiring managers might not be specifically looking at your typing style, but they’ll certainly notice if you’re hunting and pecking.
Typing slowly or frequently having to backspace to fix typos can also be a warning sign. Even worse, you’ll feel more pressure at the moment and not be able to do your best. In between submitting resumes, go to a type testing site and do a few timed tests. Not only will it get you back in the groove of typing, but you can also get rid of any errors or bad habits before you have an audience.
Learn More About Technology Skills in Today’s Workforce
You can’t prepare for every aspect of an interview. There are too many possibilities and too many different styles. But knowing your subject matter and polishing up your answers is a good start. Picking up extra knowledge and technology skills is even better. Go to Bishop & Company for more important skills that employers are looking for.
