Get your tech skills ready for the job market

In the current job market, anyone is expected to be skilled in technology. Fresh graduates, being part of a generation that grew up to the Internet, smartphones, and other high-tech gadgetry are expected to know at least the basics of technology.  Thus, it is already a given that fresh graduates know how to operate a PC  or a laptop and other basic office appliances, know their way around the Internet, and know how to do basic technology-related applications such as email, word processing, and even programming.

For graduates who aren't involved in technology-related fields, how should technology be introduced in a resumé? For one, there is no need to put "Proficient in the Internet", "Has working knowledge of Microsoft Office" or "Web surfing savvy" as those kinds of information are already givens. Showing technical know-how largely depends on your field of study or the field where you want to establish a career in. For example, accounting or statistics graduates should mention their advanced levels of proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other statistic and accounting software.

On the other hand, graphic designers are expected to put their level of proficiency with software such as Publisher, Photoshop, and other more advanced programs. The key is to put advanced tech skills on your résumé and leave out the basics or things that are obviously expected. You might be accused of adding too much fluff on your résumé if you feel the need to include "Knows how to operate a fax machine" even if you want a job in office administration or "Proficient in Mircosoft Word 2000" if you are a writer.

As for interviews, no matter what field, no matter what job description, be it white or blue collar, will eventually involve technology. So you need to find opportunities on your interview where you can mention how updated you are in technology being used in the field. For example, if you want a career in social media, mention recent developments on various social media platforms and new emerging technologies. Don't worry; you won't sound like you're bragging, especially if you've done your homework on brushing up with and actually experiencing the latest developments.

However, what if you find yourself a bit behind on the latest technologies on your field? As a recent graduate, you may not be expected to have hands-on experience with all the breakthrough technologies. There is no excuse for you not to have heard or read about these developments, but as you've only graduated recently, you have the leeway to inform the interviewer that as much as you have gotten wind of it, you still haven't had actual experience with it. Use this opportunity to highlight your other strengths, like your willingness to be trained, your openness to new experiences, and your ability to quickly grasp recently introduced concepts.

Technological know-how is one of the most important qualifications jobseekers need to have these days. Thus, you need to know where to position your skills (or lack thereof) to bag that dream job!

About JobStreet.com

JobStreet.com is a leading online job board presently covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. JobStreet.com currently services over 230,000 corporate hirers and over 15 million jobseekers in its database.

About SEEK Asia

JobStreet.com and jobsDB are part of SEEK Asia, which is the leading online employment market place in Asia. SEEK Asia covers 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

SEEK Asia is the extension of the Australian Securities Exchange listed company called SEEK. The company's purpose is to help improve people's lives through a better career. SEEK Asia's database consist of over 500,000 corporate hirers and over 24 million candidates.

For more information about this article, or to schedule an interview with JobStreet.com Philippines, please call Mark Nichol Turija, Content Marketing Specialist, at 286-6222.