Did you know 69% of the UK workforce is in IT? Therefore, you can understand how necessary is IT skills for CV. As a CV writing service provider, we have often come across job seekers requesting us to suggest the best ways to add IT skills for CV. This is so because a good CV must have equal IT and soft skills. This makes the CV ATS-friendly, increasing your chances of being hired by 2X. Thus, we have developed a blog to help you with all your IT-related queries. Without further ado, let’s jump into the basics!
What Are IT Skills?
IT skills for CVs refer to the technical and hard skills that effectively demonstrate one’s capability to use computers, phones, and other digital devices. Employers often search for these skills in the candidates while hiring to ensure that the candidate is worth hiring.
Since most candidates know about it, they skillfully add IT skills to their CVs. However, even candidates with 10+ years of experience confuse basic IT skills for CV with computer skills when writing their resumes or CVs. Which brings us to our next topic: How are these two different?
Are IT Skills And Computer Skills The Same?
Though they are often conflated, there is a thin line. Let’s learn about IT & computer skills:
| Aspect | Computer Skills | IT Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General proficiency in using computers and software applications | Specialised knowledge of technology systems and processes |
| Examples | Using word processors, spreadsheets, email | Example of IT skills for a CV includes Programming, network configuration, database management |
| Training Required | Often self-taught or learned through casual use | Usually requires formal education or certifications |
| Application | Applicable across various job roles | Primarily relevant in IT-specific roles |
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Why Is It Mandatory To Include IT Skills In Your CV?
When a hiring manager goes through your CV, they usually search for the key things that set you apart from the crowd. But that’s not the only purpose; there’s a lot more. Let’s learn in detail:
Show Relevance In A Tech-Driven World
In this tech-driven world, your chances of getting hired decrease 5X if you are not adept at essential computer skills. While having computer skills is a basic requirement, IT skills give you a competitive edge and set you apart from the crowd.
Improves Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Skills on your resume and CV show your adaptability and continuous learning process that impress the recruiter. Your adaptability and constant learning mentality improves your problem-solving skills, which is essential in the professional field.
Makes Your CV ATS-Friendly
Gone are the days when hiring managers used to go through your CV in person. If you fail the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), your CV or resume will be rejected before it reaches the recruiter. Therefore, add your IT skills correctly to reach the stage where you can impress the recruiter (the interview stage).
Increases Job Opportunities
Technical skills are crucial in segregating you from the rest of the candidates. Your proficiency in IT shows your worth, so they won’t have to invest a lot of time in training. This is an essential factor as it shows hiring you will enhance productivity.
Essential Skills Across Roles
While everyone knows that one must customise their CV according to the job they are applying for, very few know how to! This is where IT skills play an essential role. Your degree of computer literacy, coding, programming, and digital skills help you tailor your CV for specific job roles. Furthermore, they boost your professional credibility.
So, now you know why it is mandatory to include skills in your resume and CVs, let me help you learn how you can gain IT key skills for CV.
How To Gain IT Skill For An IT CV In The UK?
Gaining IT skills isn’t as difficult as it seems. You must have a structural approach to gain IT skills. Here is what you should do:
Obtain Certifications
You might claim advanced computer and IT skills, but certificates support your argument. Therefore, get certifications for all the computing skills. For instance, popular certifications include CompTIA A+, Cisco’s CCNA, and Azure certifications by Microsoft.
Set Clear Learning Goals
Learning or engaging in education while working is challenging. Therefore, set goals. You must first know what skills you need for the specific job role, and then you can plan how to work for it. For instance, if you wish to apply for the cybersecurity specialist position, you must go for Network Security and Ethical Hacking skills. Furthermore, you can get certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, within six months.
Online Learning Resources
Self-paced and virtual learning has smoothened the path of knowledge a lot. Therefore, you can join free courses available in Udemy, Coursera, and edX to gain relevant IT Skills and work simultaneously. For instance, you can check out the Python for Everybody courses on Coursera.
Gain Practical Work Experience
No amount of theoretical knowledge can surpass practical knowledge. Thus, you need to gain practical work experience. If you feel your level of computer literacy isn’t enough to get a good job, you can start by working freelance.
Networking And Community Engagement
Even after joining a firm, you must always cultivate your skills and knowledge to stay on top of all the trends. Join UK-based tech events like Hackathon or Tech Nation and keep your skills updated.
Industry-Specific Various Good IT skills For CV
Industry-specific IT skills can help you customise your CV, impress recruiters, and get a job faster. Let’s check out the various industry-specific IT skills examples for CV.
1. Software Development
2. Cybersecurity
3. Data Science & Analytics
4. Cloud Computing
5. Network Administration
6. IT Support & Helpdesk
7. Web Development
8. DevOps
9. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
10. Business & IT Management
List Of 10+ Key Examples Of IT Skills For CV In The UK
Here is a list of IT skills for CV.
1. Software Developer
Willing to apply for Software Engineering jobs? Read this blog to get Software Engineering CV examples and write perfect Software Engineering CVs.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst
3. Data Scientist
4. Cloud Solutions Architect
5. IT Support Engineer
Whether you need help with IT support skills for CV or to write IT administrator CVs, we have got you covered. Check out the IT administrator CV examples now.
6. Network Administrator
7. Web Developer
8. DevOps Engineer
9. AI & Machine Learning Engineer
10. IT Project Manager
Now, let’s check out the skills to include in the CV.
What Basic IT Skills You Can Include On Your CV?
Your work experience section must include both basic and advanced IT skills. Therefore, be selective when structuring your CV. General IT Skills for CV include:
Data Management Skills
Computer skills are absolutely essential; thus, add your skills like the ability to create and manage Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, and you must have proficient knowledge of basic formulas and data organisation. The popular database management skills involve PostgreSQL, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle Database.
Email Communication
You must be proficient in using Outlook and Gmail. These two are the most used email services; you must know all about them.
Operating Systems
You don’t know if the company you are applying to uses Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, or Linux; thus, learn all three. These basic skills are necessary to pass the ATS at least!
Basic Typing Skills
Your typing speed needs to be well enough to enhance productivity. Whether applying to IT or any other adjoining sector, you must have good typing skills and speed to manage your time efficiently.
Office Software
The skill section of your CV must include your competency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace. Knowledge of Microsoft and Google Workspace not only helps you impress recruiters but also helps you manage your work and time.
Image Editing
Computer skills are essential but so are basic image and design skills. You must at least know the basics of Canva or Photoshop.
Your skills and abilities set you apart, so it is important to polish your skills continuously. We have added 5 tips to improve your career skills and training, along with hardware skills and software skills that employers seek in the CVs.
5 Tips To Improve Your Computer Skills For Your Resume & CV
The first step is obviously to know and identify your learning needs. From basic computer skills to advanced computer skills, we have mentioned 5 tips to help you learn computer skills:
Learn Shortcuts and Efficiency Techniques
Your computer literacy skills include OS knowledge and knowledge of keyboard shortcuts. You can increase productivity by learning cloud computing skills, various computer programs, and techniques for common software applications.
Identify The Relevant Skills
Add computer skills in your CV relevant to the job description. This will help you customise your CV for the job profile and highlight the required ones. Using skills as keywords in your CV also makes the CV ATS-friendly.
Seek Professional Help
When it comes to computer skills such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, it is difficult to master them independently. Ask for guidance from a mentor or senior colleague who can help you learn good computer skills.
Utilise Free Resources
Common computer skills include Word processing, Spreadsheets, and File management. You can use YouTube tutorials to learn the basics and list computer skills in your CV without including certificates.
Practise Regularly
Practise regularly to improve your computer skills. Continuously engage with OS to enhance your computer skills. Set a schedule to revisit the areas you struggle with the most.
Let’s check out how to include IT skills for a CV.
So, How To Include IT Skills For CV?
DO NOT stuff them in one place. Always include IT skills throughout your CV. However, if you create a separate skills section, that’s okay! We have talked about 3 best ways to include IT skills for CV here:
Professional Summary Section
A CV summary, resume summary, or professional summary is a 3-5 line summary of your experience, skills, and education that goes on top of your CV. Your IT skills list for CV can go here. However, you must mention it briefly because it should only be 3-5 lines. Thus, only mention the top computer skills or IT skills here.
Summary Of Skills Section
The skills section of resume or CV is placed right after the professional summary section. Therefore, tactically include them on your CV. Make sure to use the most relevant ones when you highlight them in your CV.
Experience Section
The experience section of your resume or CV is your last resort. Add all important skills in bullet points while mentioning your experience. Skills are considered to enhance productivity, so you can quantify your achievements in this section while highlighting your advanced skills.
Can You Include Computer Skills On Your CV Without Certification?
Yes, you can include them in your CV. Adding computer skills without certification is totally acceptable. You must not include skills to your CV just for adding it. Remember, your employer may ask you to show your competency and proficiency; if you fail, you will lose your job opportunity. Also, in the UK, it is illegal to lie on your CV. It falls under the Fraud Act 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IT Skills Are Most In-Demand?
IT skills that will be in demand in 2024-25 are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Cloud Computing Skills, Cybersecurity, Programming Skills, Data Analysis, DevOps, Full-Stack Development, and User Experience (UX) Design.
How Do You Say IT Skills In A CV?
As mentioned above, you can say IT skills in CV summary, work experience, and skill section.
What IT Skills Are Best On A CV?
Apart from programming languages, you can use soft skills like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. The skills that are mentioned here are generic; you have to research the specific skills to add to your resume or CV according to specific jobs.
What Are Basic IT Skills?
Companies and businesses have a basic skills requirement: IT skills like OS, email communication, spreadsheets, word processing, and basic troubleshooting.
What Are Coding Skills?
Coding skills refer to your ability to read, understand, and write computer codes. These codes are used to create software, websites, and apps. Coding skills include Python, Java, and C++, among others.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills can also be called interpersonal skills, which show and highlight your attributes. These skills can increase your personal and professional outlook. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
