EmployTest Logo

Top 6 Basic Computer Skills Employees Need to Succeed

01/16/2024
Top 6 Basic Computer Skills Employees Need To Succeed

Are you spending hours sifting through resumes only to find that most candidates don’t have basic computer skills? Even with a generation of digital “natives,” many lack basic abilities, causing preventable problems in the workplace. 

Technology is a key part of almost every job and employees who lack basic computer skills can hurt overall productivity. But, with the right skills, your team can work more efficiently and take on more complex tasks.

Let’s explore the importance of basic computer skills in the workplace and how they can help your employees succeed.

Why Are Computer Skills Important for Employees?

Basic computer skills are critically important for employees to master to maximize their productivity and use workplace tools effectively. Employees who have a good understanding of technology can create documents, manage spreadsheets, conduct simple Internet research, and collaborate more efficiently with remote teams. 

On the other hand, when employees lack computer literacy, it can lead to decreased productivity and increased errors in work. Without basic computer skills, employees will find it difficult to adapt to new technologies, ultimately hurts the growth and success of the company.

Top 5 Basic Computer Skills Every Employee Must Have

Let’s take a closer look at the five basic computer skills every employee must have to succeed in today’s job market. 

1.Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity awareness is a basic employment computer skill

With the increasing reliance on technology, cybersecurity has become a major concern for companies. According to Rubiq, if your company lacks cybersecurity skills, you may be exposed to phishing attacks, weak password security, and outdated software risks.

Hiring candidates with cybersecurity awareness helps employers reduce the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. Cybersecurity awareness can help employees protect themselves from identity theft and fraud, and it can also help them keep their company’s data and systems secure. 

2. Email Etiquette 

In today’s workplace, email is the go-to tool for communication. Email helps employees communicate quickly, clearly, and professionally, which builds better relationships with colleagues and customers.

Mastering email etiquette, such as using proper greetings, maintaining appropriate tone, and avoiding spelling or grammatical errors can also help build trust and credibility, which are essential for success in any workplace. 

3. Effective Internet Research Skills

Thanks to the internet, information is just one click away. It’s important to have good research skills to get the right information and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, like AI and competitor activities.

Knowing how to use search tools efficiently, evaluate the credibility of online sources, and navigate through different websites is crucial for any employee to be successful in their job.

4. Microsoft Office 

If you’re looking for the best candidates to join your team, you can’t overlook the importance of Microsoft Office proficiency. With over 1.2 billion users worldwide, It’s an essential tool for success in today’s workplace. 

Microsoft Office is a collection of productivity tools that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Strong foundational skills in these programs lead to faster task completion, better data management, and more effective collaboration with coworkers. This results in increased productivity and cost savings for your company.

Using a pre-employment test to assess Microsoft Office skills can help you identify potential employees who will bring productivity and efficiency to your workforce, leading to better hiring decisions.

5. Basic IT Troubleshooting 

Computer issues are a common occurrence in both remote and in-office work environments. Having basic IT troubleshooting and problem-solving skills helps employees avoid downtime, saving both time and money for the company.

In addition, if small technology issues are addressed by oneself, it relieves the burden of other co-workers and IT staff.

6. Typing and Data Entry 

Typing quickly and accurately is one of the most basic requirements for most jobs. Mistakes in typing or data entry can lead to costly errors and negatively impact the company’s reputation. 

Good typing and data entry skills are necessary for efficient and accurate work. With the rise of remote work, employees without these skills may struggle to communicate and deliver work virtually, leading to more mistakes and delays.

How Computer Skills Tests Can Help You Make Smarter Hiring Decisions

Resumes can only tell you so much about a candidate’s computer skills, which is why it’s crucial to verify their proficiencies before making a hiring decision.

That’s where basic computer skills tests come in handy. These tests are designed to quantify a candidate’s strengths and limitations, giving you valuable insights into their abilities and helping you make smarter hiring decisions.

Since 2006, EmployTest has helped more than 6,000 public and private organizations administer pre-employment assessment tests. Not sure where to start? Check out our FAQ or contact our customer care department. Our expert team can help you choose the right test(s) to measure the specific skills or competencies you’re looking for in that next hire.

Try a free sample test today!