25 Basic Computer Skills List for the Jobseeker

A wide gap exists between basic computer literacy and advanced technical expertise. However, most jobseekers do not need to understand complex computer skills such as programming or have computer science degrees to handle everyday digital tasks. The basic computer skills list below focuses on those foundational abilities to consider when searching for remote work.

Why Basic Computer Skills Matter When Looking for a Job

Computers have evolved from specialised machines used by a relatively small number of professionals into essential tools for everyday work. Tasks that once depended on paper files, typewriters, physical meetings, and manual record-keeping are now commonly handled through computers and digital platforms.

A World Bank study focusing on Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa found that nearly half of all job postings across the four countries require at
least one digital skill. According to the study, this growing digital skill demand is found in every occupational cluster, extending even to roles traditionally viewed as low-tech. This scenario has made basic computer literacy a key workplace expectation across many industries today.

A basic computer skills list can also be useful when applications are screened electronically. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may look for specific terms associated with a vacancy or job description. Listing skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace, email management, or video conferencing by name can help your CV communicate your capabilities more clearly.

Additionally, in these days of remote work, basic computer skills have become necessary for applicants shortlisted for remote interviews. Candidates who already possess the necessary abilities are more likely to have a smoother interview experience.

The same logic can be applied to onboarding. Employers can provide training on company-specific systems, but they may not have the time or resources to teach fundamental computer use from scratch.

25 Basic Computer Skills Every Jobseeker Should Have

Computer Fundamentals

1. Operating system skills: Knowing how to install and use computer operating systems such as Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Keyboard and mouse skills: Using keyboard shortcuts, typing efficiently, selecting text, and controlling applications with a mouse or touchpad.
3. File and folder management: Creating, renaming, moving, copying, and organising files and folders.
4. Downloading, installing and updating software: Installing applications and keeping them updated so they work properly and securely.
5. Basic computer troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving simple problems such as frozen applications, connectivity issues, or devices that are not responding.

Office and Document Skills

6. Word processing: Creating, editing, formatting, saving, and sharing documents using tools such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
7. Spreadsheet skills: Entering data, formatting tables, performing simple calculations, and organising information in spreadsheets.
8. Presentation software: Creating and editing presentations using tools such as PowerPoint or Google Slides.
9. Basic image and document handling: Opening, editing, converting, resizing, and organising common document and image files.
10. File uploading and downloading: Moving files between a computer and websites, cloud platforms, email services, or other online systems.

Internet and Communication Skills

11. Email and digital communication: Sending, receiving, organising, and responding to emails and other professional digital messages.
12. Internet browser skills: Using browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari to access websites and online services.
13. Online search and research: Finding relevant information online and assessing whether sources are useful and credible.
14. Video conferencing: Joining and participating in online meetings using platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
15. Instant messaging and workplace chat: Communicating with colleagues through tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or workplace messaging platforms.

Digital Storage and Security

16. Cloud storage: Storing and accessing files online through services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
17. Online file sharing: Sharing documents and other files with colleagues while managing access and permissions.
18. Basic cybersecurity: Using strong passwords, multifactor authentication, software updates, and other basic measures to protect information.
19. Recognising phishing and online scams: Identifying suspicious emails, links, messages, websites, and requests for personal information.
20. Backing up files: Creating additional copies of important files so they can be recovered if the originals are lost or damaged.

Online Work and Digital Productivity

21. Online forms: Completing and submitting digital forms accurately, e.g., for job applications, registrations, surveys, and workplace processes.
22. Online calendar management: Creating appointments, setting reminders, and managing meetings and schedules digitally.
23. Collaboration tools: Working with others through shared documents, task-management platforms, and other online workplace tools.
24. Basic data and information management: Entering, organising, retrieving, and maintaining digital information accurately.
25. Responsible use of AI tools: Using basic AI tools to support tasks such as research, brainstorming, drafting, or summarising while checking their output for accuracy.

Which Basic Computer Skills Are Most Important for Remote Jobs?

Remote work depends heavily on digital tools, but there is no single set of computer skills that every remote worker needs to the same degree. The most important skills will depend on the nature of the job, including the software used by the employer and the tasks the worker is expected to perform.

Someone working remotely in customer service may spend much of the day using email, chat platforms, browsers, and customer management systems, while a remote accountant may depend more heavily on spreadsheets and data-management tools.

However, most remote workers still benefit from a common foundation of basic digital abilities. Skills such as internet browsing, communicating by email, word processing, managing files, using cloud platforms, joining video meetings, and troubleshooting simple problems can support everyday remote work. From this foundation, workers can identify the additional skills most relevant to their particular roles.

How to Put Basic Computer Skills on Your CV

A strong CV should make your computer skills easy for a hiring manager to identify and understand. Rather than simply stating that you are “good at computers,” show which tools you can use, how you have applied them, and what your work achieved. Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate the value of those skills.

Create a Dedicated Skills Section

Include a clear section for your computer and digital skills, using specific terms rather than vague descriptions. For example, list Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Google Drive, Zoom, or Slack where relevant. This makes your basic computer skills list easier to scan and helps employers quickly identify the tools you know.

Include Skills in Your Work Experience

Your experience section should demonstrate how you have used computer skills to complete tasks or improve results. Add metrics where they are available. For example, instead of writing “Used Microsoft Excel to manage inventory,” you could write: “Used Microsoft Excel to organise 500+ monthly inventory records, reducing data entry errors by 15%.” This shows both the skill and its practical impact.

Match Your Skills to the Job Description Keywords

Pay attention to the specific keywords mentioned in the vacancy. For example, if an employer asks for Google Docs, list “Google Docs” rather than “Word Processing.”

You can also demonstrate its use with a measurable achievement, such as: “Used Google Docs to coordinate 30+ project documents, cutting document turnaround time by 20%.” This not only shows you are attentive to detail but also helps boost ATS compatibility.

Prioritise Relevant Skills and Results

You do not need to include every computer skill you have in every one of your job applications. Instead, focus on those that support the particular position you are applying for and connect them to measurable outcomes where possible.

For instance, a customer service applicant might highlight how they used digital communication tools to handle 50+ customer enquiries per day, while an administrative applicant could mention managing 200+ records or reducing reporting time by 25%.

RELATED: How to present your skills in a resume for remote work.

How to Improve Your Computer Skills

Identify Areas for Improvement

Consider which tasks you can handle easily and which still slow you down. For example, you may use Excel confidently for data entry but struggle with formulas or filtering. Focusing on specific gaps makes improvement more targeted.

Go Beyond the Basics of Familiar Tools

Build on tools you already use (e.g., software) by learning additional features that can make your work easier. This could mean using advanced formatting in Word, formulas and charts in Excel, or collaboration features in shared documents.

Work on Your Speed and Efficiency

Learn shortcuts, productivity features, better file-management methods and other performance-enhancing strategies for tasks you perform regularly. Even small improvements can save significant time when implemented throughout a working day.

Don't Just Study

Use new features and techniques on practical tasks rather than simply studying or watching tutorials on them. Preparing a report, organising data, or troubleshooting a minor technical problem can reinforce your skills while revealing where you need more practice.

Get Feedback From More Experienced Users

Ask experienced users, for example, senior colleagues or mentors, to show you how they approach tasks you already perform. They can introduce you to some useful features or more efficient methods that improve how you work.

Keep Your Skills Current

Software and workplace technology continue to change, so improvement should not stop once you become comfortable with a tool. Always explore beneficial new features and technologies as they become important in your field.

Conclusion

Basic computer literacy has become an important part of being prepared for modern work. While you do not need advanced technical expertise for every position, you should be comfortable with the everyday digital tasks your role requires.

Use this basic computer skills list as a starting point, then add other skills that are also relevant to your career goals.