Here are some computer skills that are prized by employers in a wide variety of sectors.

Microsoft Office

Virtually all workers have some familiarity with Microsoft Word. However, individuals who can carry out mail merges, modify macro scripts, format documents expertly, and execute other complex functions are most highly recruited.

• List of Microsoft Office Skills

Spreadsheets

Facility with spreadsheet programs, especially Microsoft Excel, is referenced in many job announcements. Candidates who can create complex macros to organize spreadsheet information are in particularly high demand.

PowerPoint

A solid grasp of PowerPoint for workers who wish to conduct dynamic presentations or prepare materials for bosses and colleagues is essential. Job candidates who can show employers some attractive examples of presentation slides will often have a leg up in the hiring process.

Microsoft Access

Job seekers who can organize and manipulate data through programs like Microsoft Access have an advantage in today’s information-intensive economy.

QuickBooks

Many small businesses (and some larger ones) use QuickBooks for accounting, payroll, invoicing, reporting and more. If you’re working in an accounting or administrative role, a working knowledge of QuickBooks is definitely an asset.

• QuickBooks Skills

Email

We all use email as part of our personal and professional lives, but those individuals who can perform advanced functions with email programs like Microsoft Outlook can increase office productivity.

Web and Social Skills

Most organizations are looking to enhance their footprint on the web and within social media. Workers who can maintain and upgrade websites using tools like content management systems, HTML, Dreamweaver, WordPress and Java are very attractive to employers. Candidates who understand how to leverage social media to convey messages about their organization are in high demand.

• Social Media Skills

• Tech Skills Listed by Job

Graphic and Writing Skills

Knowledge of Photoshop and graphics programs like InDesign and Illustrator enable employees to optimize the look and feel of websites and other communications. Writing skills are also important for many different jobs.

• Graphic Design Skills

• Writing Skills

Enterprise Systems

Most larger employers utilize enterprise systems like Oracle and PeopleSoft as platforms for their operations. Mastering applications within these systems can enhance your appeal to these types of organizations.

Job Specific Skills

There are many skills that are job dependent. Check out this list of employment skills listed by job to ensure you have the top skills employers are seeking in candidates. Highlight those skills in your job applications to show hiring organizations you have the right stuff to get hired.

• Employment Skills Listed by Job