3 essential digital skills for landing your next job

(NC) There are few jobs today that don’t require some sort of digital tools to get the work done. Some may require you to spend most of your time on a computer. Others might have a specific program or tool you need to master, such as the program a restaurant uses to enter customers’ orders or the system used to scan product bar codes. Here are three ways to prepare for any job.

Become job ready
The type of technology you use in your job will depend on your specific role. If you’re in a communications position, you might create Word documents or make social media posts. If you’re making presentations to clients or internal teams, you might need to master Excel or PowerPoint. If you’re looking for a new job and lack some of the required skills listed, know that all of these programs have online tutorials you can take to learn how they work.

Use social media
While most of us think of social media as a fun pastime or a way to stay in touch with our friends, there’s an entire industry of social media professionals. These range from employees who manage their company’s social media accounts to influencers who make a living by sharing posts with their followers. If you’re a natural when it comes to using social media, there might be a career in it for you.

Social media is also a great way to showcase your personal brand online and find new opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to create an online resume where potential employers can look you up. It also lists job postings and allows you to easily apply with your profile.

Alternatively, if you’re self-employed or own a small business, social media can be used as a marketing tool to promote upcoming sales, post images of new products or share videos of your team being active in the community.

Take training
The digital world can be intimidating, particularly for those who haven’t often used tech tools. The good news is that there are free digital literacy programs, such as those offered by ABC Life Literacy Canada, that you can take to help you successfully navigate the online world. Mastering these skills can help you in your personal and professional life.

Find more information at abcconnectforlearning.ca.