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Many recruiters try their best to post various job openings based on job descriptions. For technical roles, they will list the required, preferred, and desired technical skills.

Possessing some or all of the technical skills on your resume or CV increases your chances of landing an interview or even getting hired.

Knowing your technical skills is a big plus when applying to any technical role. Do you know what technical skills you possess?

Do you even know exactly what a technical skill is? If not, then keep reading to learn more.

Technical skills: Definition

Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge needed to perfect particular tasks. These skills are sought-after in the scientific, mathematical, information technology, and mechanical industries.

For example, knowledge of mechanical equipment or programming languages.

Why are technical skills valuable today?

Nearly every job today relies on technical skills in one way or another. This makes individuals with sought-after knowledge and skills to be very competitive candidates.

For example, if you have excellent programming skills, you may be a prime candidate for brick-and-mortar businesses that are looking to automate their systems.

You are also more likely to be hired if you show recruiters you have the right technical skills. Most people who possess the right technical skills are always ready to deliver and can jump right on the first day of work and start working without training or with little training.

Now considering companies are always searching for individuals who can get the work done, if you possess the right skills, then you get the job.

What technical skills are employers looking for?

You may have noticed some employers place different weights on the skills they want in a candidate. These weights are proportional to the skills and knowledge of the candidates.

Here are the common weights you will see on most job postings:

• Required skills: If you don’t have these skills, don’t bother applying.
• Preferred skills: The employer is looking for a candidate who knows how to do something because it is critical.
• Desired skills: It is cool if you know how to do this.

Now, based on the weight placed, make sure to list the right technical skills on your resume or CV.

How to improve your technical skills

• Use a self-study training program: You can acquire different technical skills through self-study programs. For example, self-paced online lessons, free training materials, and “how-to” books, whitepapers, or eBooks.
• Enroll to acquire new skills: Determined to have a new set of skills? One option is through dedicated training programs or classes. Once you are sure about the technical skills you want to acquire, then enroll in the right programs.
• Learn on the job: Some employers provide on-the-job training. If such opportunities pop up, take advantage, and learn new skills.
• Learn from a professional: Do you know an expert who possesses the technical skills you want? If yes, see how you can learn from him or her either for free or for compensation.

List of technical skills to include

Big data analysis

Applying for a job that requires you to collect, organize, and interpret data. Here is a list of most valued skills by employers to include:

• Modeling
• Algorithms
• Quantitative Research
• Quantitative Reports
• Statistical Analysis
• Analytical Skills
• Data Analytics
• Data Mining
• Need analysis

Coding and Programming

Applying to any IT-related job? Here is a list of technical skills that will show hiring managers you are good with codes and suitable for the role:

• Networking
• Configuration
• Debugging
• Troubleshooting
• Operating systems
• Security.

Project management

As an excellent project manager, you need a set of skills to execute your duties well. The following technical skills will show you a suitable match for the role you are applying for:

• Benchmarking
• Budget Planning
• Engineering
• Fabrication
• Following Specifications
• Operations

Social media management and digital marketing

• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Blogging
• Digital Photography
• Digital Media
• Networking
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Technical writing

As a technical writer, you will be required to present complex ideas in a clear way. To show you are the right candidate when applying, include the following skills:

• Client Relations
• Email
• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
• Technical Documentation
• Requirements Gathering
• Research

More technical skills

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Productivity Software
• Cloud/SaaS Services
• Database Management
• Information Security
• Microsoft Office Certifications
• Video Creation
• Database Software
• Query Software
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

Conclusion

Technical skills keep changing as new programs and tools pop up. It is, therefore, crucial on your part to go ahead with changes instead of waiting until your skills are outdated.

Luckily, today, there are various ways of making sure your technical skills are up-to-date.

Again, remember to update your resume often. Rushing until the last minute is not the best idea, as you may skip critical skills.

 

CV, Resume