Technical Skills
Do you require technical skills to function well in your job role? This article provides a guide on how you can develop the skills and include them on your resume.
What Are Technical Skills?
A technical skill is an ability to perform tasks related to technical occupations such as computer science, engineering, mechanics, science, or finance. A typical technical skill set might include programming, analyzing complex numbers, or using special tools.
Technical skills are sometimes called “hard skills” because you can learn to master them and, in some cases, become qualified or at least certified. They differ from “soft” skills, which are much less tangible; for example, communication, teamwork, or interpersonal skills.
Technical skills can be developed according to your career plans; for example, you may focus on programming languages if you want to become a software developer, or master SEO if you are in marketing.
Specific examples of technical skills include programming languages, common operating systems, software proficiency, technical writing, project management, and data analysis. Most technical skills require experience and sometimes extensive training. As the job search becomes increasingly competitive, job seekers must work harder to stand out from other candidates, and acquiring technical skills is one way to do this.
Importance of Technical Skills
- Improved efficiency
Technical skills enable individuals to complete tasks and projects more efficiently, as they have the knowledge and ability to use the appropriate tools and techniques to do so. This can lead to increased productivity and better outcomes.
- Enhanced problem-solving ability
Technical skills often involve a strong understanding of technical concepts and processes, which can help individuals identify and solve complex problems more effectively. This can be particularly valuable in fields such as engineering and technology, where problem-solving is a key part of the job.
- Greater job opportunities
Many industries require individuals with strong technical skills, and having these skills can open up a range of job opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to advance their careers or switch to a new field.
- Improved communication
Technical skills often involve the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts to a range of audiences. This can be valuable in a range of situations, from collaborating with colleagues on a project to presenting ideas to stakeholders.
- Competitive advantage
In a competitive job market, having strong technical skills can give individuals a significant advantage over their peers. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to stand out in their field or advance to leadership positions.
- Discover other sources of revenue
Finally, being tech-savvy can help individuals generate passive income. They can sell their skills and knowledge and create another career for themselves. The key is to choose tech skills that are in demand and offer opportunities for diversification.
How to Improve your Technical Skills
- Read technical books
One of the best ways to improve your technical skills is to read books. As a beginner, I used to buy computer books at the local bookstore. Nowadays, it’s much better to buy online, as you can more effectively spot rare gems and avoid mistakes.
Go to Amazon, and search the address bar for a book on a subject that interests you. Check reviews and ratings. Look for books with 4 out of 5 stars. Take advantage of Amazon’s navigation features to locate the best books in any field.
- Find online tutorials
Better yet, sign up for an online course for a much more comprehensive learning experience. For example, there are many online courses for learning to speak a new language like Italian or Spanish or learning to code.
- Spend time reading
If you are a student and want to improve your technical skills, you should set aside some special time for reading. In general, to improve skills, you need both types of knowledge.
One is practical, the other is theoretical. You know very well that knowledge and skills are improved by reading and practice. Even so, if you want to progress professionally, you need to spend time on it.
- Identify the relevant media for your technology
One of the best things about all things technology is that there is a wealth of information available on the web browser. You can freely use all the information. This is the environment of the beast, from the technology section of Financial Time, wired, business insider, and the verge, to TechCrunch, Engadget, etc.
There are many ways to get information. You do immense research and get a variety of sources to enhance your technical skills online.
- Create your public profile picture
Make sure you have an account on Facebook, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, etc. These are all the best social media platforms that provide information about technology. Plus, they will immediately show you all the videos and blog posts related to technology very easily.
Jobs that Require Technical Skills
- Computer Programmer
A computer programmer is someone who writes instructions that a computer can follow to perform a task. This requires a strong understanding of programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
- Network Administrator
A network administrator is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting the network infrastructure of a company or organization. This requires a deep understanding of network protocols, security, and hardware.
- Web Developer
A web developer is responsible for creating and maintaining websites. This requires a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as a knowledge of design principles and user experience.
- Database Administrator
A database administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining a database. This requires a strong understanding of database management systems, data modeling, and SQL.
- DevOps Engineer
A DevOps engineer is responsible for automating and improving the process of software development and deployment. This requires a strong understanding of software development and system administration.
- IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist is responsible for providing technical support to users of computer hardware and software. This requires a strong understanding of a wide range of computer systems and applications.
- Technical Writer
A technical writer is responsible for creating technical documentation, such as user manuals and product specifications. This requires a strong understanding of the subject matter and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
- Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer is responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets the necessary specifications and standards. This requires a strong understanding of software development processes and a keen eye for detail.
- Cybersecurity Specialist
A cybersecurity specialist is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyber-attacks. This requires a strong understanding of computer security principles, as well as the ability to identify and mitigate potential security threats.
- Software Engineer
A software engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This requires a strong understanding of computer science and software development principles, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
How to include Technical Skills in your Resume
- Include a dedicated “Technical Skills” section in your resume
This section should be prominently placed near the top of your resume and should list the technical skills you possess, such as proficiency in specific programming languages, software applications, and technical tools.
Mention specific technical skills in your summary or objective statement
At the top of your resume, you can include a summary or objective statement that highlights your technical expertise. For example, you can mention that you are a “Software Developer with extensive experience in Java and SQL.”
- Include technical skills in your work experience section
In your work experience section, you can mention the technical skills you used in specific job responsibilities or projects. For example, you can mention that you “utilized Java to develop a web-based application for managing customer data” or that you “used SQL to create and maintain complex databases for a large-scale e-commerce platform.”
- Include technical skills in your education section
In your education section, you can mention the technical skills you learned in college or through professional training programs. For example, you can mention that you “took courses in C++ programming and database design” or that you “completed a certification program in cloud computing and data analytics.”
- List any relevant technical certifications or awards
If you have any technical certifications or awards, you can include them in a separate section on your resume. For example, you can mention that you are a “Certified Java Developer” or that you won a “Best Mobile App Development Award” at a hackathon.
Example of How to Include Technical Skills in your Resume
The points below illustrate how to include technical skills in your resume as an assistant office manager:
- Set up 60+ workstations for all new colleagues joining the team – installing Windows and various applications
- Managed the calendar and scheduled meetings for all 10 staff members on the decision-making board
- Negotiated contracts with all 30 suppliers via email and telephone
- Managed all office inventory on QuickBooks to ensure it was 100% precise
How to Demonstrate Technical Skills in an Interview
- Provide specific examples of technical projects or tasks that the candidate has completed successfully. This can include details on the tools and technologies used, the challenges overcome, and the results achieved.
- Discuss the candidate’s technical training and education, highlighting any relevant certifications or certifications in progress.
- Discuss any technical hobbies or side projects that the candidate has pursued outside of work, as these can demonstrate their passion for technology and their willingness to learn and experiment.
- Discuss any technical blogs or publications that the candidate has contributed to, as this can demonstrate their ability to write and communicate technical concepts effectively.
- Discuss any technical leadership or mentoring roles that the candidate has held, as this can demonstrate their ability to guide and motivate others in the use of technology.
- Discuss any technical awards or recognition that the candidate has received, as this can demonstrate the recognition of their skills and expertise by others in the field.
- Offer to demonstrate technical skills in a practical setting, such as completing a coding challenge or conducting a live demonstration of a technical tool or technology. This can provide tangible evidence of the candidate’s technical abilities.
Examples of Interview Questions to Test Technical Skills
- What Internet resources do you use to do your work?
Most techies turn to sites like Stack Exchange or GitHub when they need help. Some also have their own set of websites, online communities, social networks, and other resources that match their interests. The answer to this question can show how involved the candidate is in the broader IT world.
- How do you keep your technology skills current?
Technology professionals strive to keep their knowledge base current by reading blogs and forums, taking online courses, participating in hackathons, and working on personal IT projects. This interview question will allow you to gauge the candidate’s enthusiasm for the profession and start a conversation about professional development.
- How would you explain [the technology involved] to someone with limited technical skills?
IT plays a critical role in almost every business. The ability to communicate well with non-technical colleagues is therefore essential. This question allows you to assess candidates’ communication skills. Do they avoid obscure acronyms and jargon? How well can they break down a complex process and compare it to something that everyone knows? In addition, this question can help you get a sense of the candidate’s understanding of basic concepts.
- What do you think are the most important strengths for a developer [or other relevant technical position?
A question like this can show what the interviewee thinks they can bring to the position. Some candidates may focus on technical skills and IT certifications, while others will talk more about problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, and other general job skills. Look for IT candidates who give a balanced response.
- How would your colleagues describe you?
The answer may reveal aspects of the candidate’s personality that are not reflected in their resume. It also indicates how the person sees themselves and the role they are applying for. For example, if the answer emphasizes creativity, but the position is very analytical, the position may not be a good fit.
- Can you tell me about a time when things didn’t go your way at work, such as when a project went wrong or you weren’t considered for a promotion?
Everyone experiences professional failures at some point in their career. You want to know how people dealt with these situations and what they learned. The best employees are resilient and use failure as a springboard for positive change. So listen not only to the problem they are talking about but also to what they did after the disappointment.