5 Digital literacy skills employers want to see
You can see why different skills within digital literacy would matter depending on the career you are headed for. We asked hiring managers to share some of the important digital literacy skills they look for and why.
1. Independent research
“A lot of digital literacy is figuring out how to use technologies that you've never seen or only have a cursory knowledge of,” says Cross-Smith. “The ability to independently research and problem-solve speaks volumes of a candidate's knack for adapting to dynamic technical landscapes—an incredibly valuable asset.”
In the technology industry, Cross-Smith explains that her company’s product continually updates and evolves, and the same should be true of the people working on it. “The technology industry is made for life-long learners. If that's what you're hungry for and you have the chops to prove it, you're in the right place.”
2. Familiarity with terms and common platforms
You might not think of a term like Wi-Fi as special knowledge, but thirty years ago, it barely existed as a concept. There are many terms the average internet user knows, and many you could understand with a little extra reading.
“Digital literacy means that you know your way around the digital landscape,” says Shayne Sherman, CEO of TechLoris. “It doesn't mean that you can write applications or install and configure a new LAN in the office. But you should know what I mean when I say these things.”
Experience with basic office software is also part of digital literacy for Sherman. “They should know how to use Microsoft Office® or Google® applications. The principles that Microsoft defined when creating its office software suite have been carried over by many software developers,” Sherman points out. “If you know Office, you can probably navigate most applications.”
In interviews, Sherman watches applicant reactions. “If I see that glazed look in their eyes as I approach more technological matters, they're probably not a great fit. If I see that spark of recognition, however, we may have something.”
3. Collaboration
“Playing nicely with others might not seem like a starkly digital skill, but you're part of a team,” Cross-Smith points out. “When that whole team is part of an ecosystem that uses a bouquet of different technologies, being able to marry collaboration and independent problem-solving makes true digital literacy a well-rounded professional characteristic.”
Additionally, many employers rely on digital tools and software to facilitate collaboration. You won’t have to be a power user of every individual platform from day one, but having the ability to navigate without much trouble is valuable.