The first step is to identify the computer skills you possess that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This can be general knowledge of using computer hardware and software, specific programming languages, experience with specific software applications or platforms, or knowledge of specific IT processes and methods.

You should consider the following to identify and highlight the most important computer skills for the desired job:

Read the job description carefully and identify which computer skills are specifically mentioned. Employers often list specific software, programming languages, tools, or systems that they expect candidates to be familiar with.

Computing requirements differ from industry to industry and even from company to company. Why are you entering your computer skills in the CV should be geared towards this. Try to find out what technologies and tools are common in the industry and specifically in the company you are applying for.

Think about what computer skills you have already acquired in your previous career or education and whether these could be relevant for the position. This could include knowledge of specific software applications, programming languages, database systems, network protocols or other technical skills.

It is important to only list the computer skills that you actually have. It doesn’t help anyone if you advertise with promises that you can’t keep in the end. It can be tempting to overdo your skills to qualify for a job, but this will inevitably lead to problems when you actually have to perform the job’s duties.

If you have certifications in specific IT areas, they can demonstrate your competency and give you a competitive edge. Examples could be certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, SAP or other well-known providers.

Identifying and highlighting relevant computer skills in your CV can help you position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of a successful application. However, it is important that you remain honest and authentic at all times, and that you focus on the IT skills you actually have that are relevant to the job.

An orderly and well-structured presentation of your computer skills on your CV can have a significant impact on how well these skills are perceived by potential employers. Grouping your computer skills together can make it easier to see the variety and depth of your technical skills.

Some considerations for grouping computer skills on your CV:

Create a special section on your resume dedicated solely to your computer skills. This makes it easier for the recruiter or employer to quickly find and assess your technical skills.

An effective way to organize your computer skills is to break them down into different categories. This can make it easier for the reader to see the breadth and depth of your skills. Examples of such categories could be:

• Programming languages (e.g. Python, Java, C++)
• Software and application skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD)
• Operating systems (e.g. Windows, MacOS, Linux)
• Network knowledge (e.g. TCP/IP, VPN, firewalls)
• Databases (e.g. SQL, NoSQL, data modelling)
• Cloud services (e.g. AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
• IT security (e.g. encryption, security protocols, defense against malware)
• Project management tools (e.g. Jira, Trello, Asana)

The how you present your computer skills on your CV can have a significant effect on how well they are perceived by potential employers. One of the most effective strategies for improving the presentation of your computer skills is to be specific.

Here are some tips on how to achieve that:

Instead of listing generic skills that are abstract and provide little information to the hiring manager (e.g. “skills in databases”), be specific and cite the exact tools or technologies you have experience with (e.g. “Experience in managing and optimizing MySQL databases”). Here it is all about the details, without getting too excessive.

It’s not enough just to say you have experience with a particular tool or technology. Describe how you used this tool or technology.

• For example, have you created a website using HTML and CSS?
• Have you done data analysis with Python?
• Have you configured a network with Cisco devices?

By the way, these are also questions that people like to ask in job interviews to lure the applicant out of their reserve!

If you cannot give any concrete examples here, this is often an indication for the HR manager that you have worked with smoke screens in your application.

It’s always helpful if you can indicate at what level you can work with a particular tool or technology. Are you a beginner, an advanced user or an expert? This is also an important aspect. Because basic knowledge of a core competency relevant to the job will not suffice here. In this way, you can help the HR manager to assess your skills in as much detail as possible.

Certifications and training are important aspects of your resume as they not only validate your knowledge and skills in specific areas, including computer skills, but also underscore your willingness for lifelong learning and your motivation to constantly improve.

Certifications and training may be listed in a separate section on your resume, often labeled “Further Education“, “Certifications” or “Professional Development“. referred to as. This section can be placed after either your formal education or your work experience, whichever is more relevant to the position you are applying for.

Each certificate or training listed should include the name of the course or program, name of the issuing organization or institution, location (if relevant), and date of completion or certification. If the certificate or training has an official title, this should also be listed.

While it is good to have a variety of certifications and training, only list those relevant to the position you are applying for on your resume. For example, certifications in specific programming languages, software applications, IT security protocols or project management methods could be relevant.

Note that some certifications have an expiration date and must be renewed periodically to remain valid. Make sure all certifications listed are current. It also depends on the relevance of the respective certificate for the position. If the certificate relates to a core competency in the job description, you may want to seek to update the certificate through continuing education.

I recommend omitting ancient certificates that are of little relevance if they have expired a long time ago.

Certificates and further training have a significant influence on your job prospects. They can help increase your credibility, improve your skills, and increase your chances of a successful application. It is therefore important to present them effectively on your CV.

We hope that we have given you these tips for a successful application and perhaps deepen one or the other consideration that you have already made yourself.