12 Important technology skills you want to highlight

It may seem like a cliche, but the future is now. Over the past year, AI has dominated the news cycle and endangered many current technology solutions with obsolescence. With things in such a state of flux, it can be hard to stay up to date. Technology skills are a hot commodity, but their value can expire soon after they become valuable.

If you work in the tech sector, you already know all of this. However, if you work in a different industry, you might not realize how vital tech skills are. They can massively increase your competitiveness and prepare you for a future in which digital tools are even more prominent.

If you’re feeling lost, we’re here to provide a little help and support. In this blog, we’ll list some of the hottest tech skills and explain why. If you have any of these skills, make sure and list them on your resume. If you don’t, it might be helpful to get some training and acquire them. In the following paragraphs, we’ll cover:

• What are technology skills and why do they matter?

• 12 important technology skills to highlight on your resume

What are technology skills and why do they matter?

In the simplest sense, technology skills are competencies that allow you to use technology effectively in the workplace. These days, digital tech dominates both the workplace and our daily lives, and that’s our focus here.

As you know, just about every workplace in the country requires computers and an internet connection at the very least. Our economy relies on these connections and they have massively enhanced the efficiency of commerce while reducing work. Whether you’re a game warden reporting poaching incidents or a social media manager posting about your company’s promotions, you’ll need at least some tech skills.

While most people know how to use basic software applications, computers, and phones, it’s not always easy to stay at the cutting edge. If you’re one of the few who can, this makes you a much more competitive candidate for open jobs. Companies that want to succeed have to keep an eye on the future, and hiring tech-savvy talent is one of the best ways to do so. If that sounds like you, it’s vital to highlight your skills on your resume, in your interviews, and in your cover letters. This will help you catch the eye of top recruiters at forward-thinking companies. 

12 Important technology skills to highlight on your resume

While the internet was a major shift in our work lives, AI and machine learning are posed to make even greater changes to the way we work. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the demand for remote work solutions and big data remains a primary concern for many businesses. In light of these and other changes, these are some of the most in-demand technology skills that you can list on your resume:

1. Cybersecurity

In a world where nearly all data lives on the internet, cybersecurity is a vital concern. Over the past few years, companies have invested heavily in big data operations that give them a greater ability to respond to customer demand and monitor market trends. Because of this, most medium and large companies have large databases of sensitive customer information and internal company data.

Cybersecurity professionals specialize in analyzing threats to company networks, implementing safeguards, and combatting cyberattacks when they occur. This makes them vital to many companies who will often seek out the most qualified cybersecurity professionals for their teams. If you have a background in cybersecurity, it could be a massive addition to your resume. 

2. Machine learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that seeks to recreate human learning patterns in computers. Engineers in this space use training data and sophisticated algorithms to help computers solve problems in increasingly self-sufficient and accurate ways. The main advantage of this process is that it eliminates huge amounts of expensive and time-consuming human labor, allowing digital programs to train themselves. 

Machine learning, along with other branches of AI development is a highly specialized field that requires deep knowledge of computer science and mathematics. Because of this, machine learning engineers are sought after and well-compensated by companies that want to reap the benefits of AI.

3. Programming

While programming is nothing new, it continues to be a vital technology skill. Programmers are computer experts who write, debug, and test code in a variety of languages. Some of the most in-demand programming languages include Python, JavaScript, CSS, SQL, C#, and Go. Programmers are essential in many industries, including game development, software development, web design, cybersecurity, medicine, agriculture, finance, and retail. If you have proven programming skills, there may be many different jobs available to you. 

4. UX and UI

UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) development are two of the most in-demand tech skills out there. While these skills are similar there are some slight differences between them. UX design focuses on the overall customer experience of a digital product or service. The UX designer’s job is to conduct user research and design an experience that is as painless and pleasant as possible.

When it comes to UI development, the goal is a little more concrete. UI developers are more concerned with the look, layout, and feel of a digital interface. This involves greater use of code, as these developers design and implement the various interactive elements that customers use. With more and more companies using mobile apps and sophisticated websites, there’s plenty of demand for both of these skills. 

5. Google Ads

Most advertising now takes place online and companies compete aggressively for space on popular search engines and webpages. In the world of online advertising, Google is the undisputed king, followed by Facebook and Amazon. Most of this influence is due to the power Google wields as the world’s most popular search engine.

Google Ads works on a pay-per-click model, meaning that the customer pays Google every time one of its ads receives a click from an internet user. If you plan to go into marketing or digital advertising, some knowledge of Google Ads is a must. Fortunately, the toolset is user-friendly and can be learned by anyone with a bit of time and basic tech know-how.

6. Video conferencing

While you may not see video conferencing as a skill, many companies do, and basic facility with Zoom, Skype, and other platforms is becoming more and more vital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the move towards remote work accelerated massively, increasing demand for remote collaboration tools. Zoom rapidly became a favorite, but other platforms are also widely used. 

If you’re looking for remote work, learn how to use Zoom and similar programs. It’s super easy and can be downloaded for free on your device. These simple steps will make your life much easier down the line.

7. AI

AI is making massive waves right now due to the incredible speed at which it has been improved and distributed. No matter what you think about the future of this technology, companies all over the world are scrambling to take advantage of its benefits. If you don’t want to be left behind, familiarity with AI tools is a must.

AI is a very broad subject, and not everyone needs to be an expert. However, there are a few applications of AI that could help you land your next job. For example, if you’re looking for marketing jobs, there are a wide variety of AI-driven tools that can help with everything from customer analytics to email strategy. Whatever industry you work in, try to find out what AI tools are most important and learn to use them effectively. 

8. Data science

As companies embrace big data operations, they require more and more employees to handle their delicate infrastructures. Key skills in this space include data analytics, database design, data security, and database management. Like machine learning and programming, data science professions are highly specialized and require years of training. Because of their value, data experts are in demand and can earn high salaries. If you have expertise in the use, storage, or protection of big data, be sure to highlight it on your resume.

9. Cloud computing

Cloud computing is a fancy term that refers to the use and delivery of digital resources via the Internet. In other words, something we all use every day. Cloud computing is ubiquitous these days, with most software companies offering their products on demand for a subscription fee. This contrasts with older systems of software delivery, in which you had to buy a physical product and install it on your devices. Because of this popularity, individuals with cloud computing skills are often highly sought-after. 

10. SEO

SEO has become a major buzzword, but what does it mean? The acronym stands for Search Engine Optimization, and in simple terms, it’s the process of getting found on the internet. As previously mentioned, companies compete vigorously for internet visibility since it's the world’s biggest marketplace. This results in an incredibly cluttered online space with little visibility for most.

This is where SEO comes in. It’s every company’s dream to land at the top of the Google search results, and it’s the job of the SEO specialist to get them there. These professionals study search engine algorithms, competitors, and top results to find out what ranks and what doesn’t. Next, they develop content publishing and optimization strategies to get their companies to the top spot.

11. Social media marketing

The rise of social media has given companies unprecedented access to customers on platforms that they use every day. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have millions of users, and social media advertising is an essential part of any modem marketing strategy. If you have the chops to create attractive and high-performing social media campaigns, it’s time to list those skills on your resume. 

12. App development

If you haven’t noticed, it seems that there’s an app for basically everything now. Companies in all industries are investing in the development of both web-based and mobile apps in light of the marketing and sales benefits that they offer, App development is a specialized skill that not everyone has. If you’re able to create apps that entertain and sell, there may be a multitude of companies in need of your services.

Key takeaways

1. Technology skills are competencies that allow professionals to effectively interface with digital tools in the workplace.

2. Nearly all industries now rely on digital technologies, making technological skills a vital asset for most workers. 

3. Demand for AI, machine learning, and data science skills has skyrocketed over the past few years.

4. Technology skills like digital marketing, programming, SEO, and cybersecurity remain in high demand and likely will over the next few years.