We discussed human and transferrable skills that every company would like to see from the individual they are hiring. This time we’ll talk about technical skills, what they are and when to use them in your next job move or promotion.
What are technical skills?
According to Indeed, technical skills are abilities that allow you to perform certain technological or physical tasks. There are many different kinds of technical skills. Traditionally, people working in mathematics, computer science, mechanics, and information technology mostly made use of technical skills. Today, however, many industries rely on employees with technical knowledge in various areas. Computer programmers, customer service representatives, and even public positions, such as teachers, often need technical skills to perform the essential duties of their job.
Technical skills are important because many different types of jobs rely on different digital tools, programs, and processes. If you have sought-after technical knowledge and skills that are common in your industry, you make yourself a more competitive candidate. For example, while a welder may have a positive demeanor and excellent customer service skills, which are good examples of soft skills, their skillful handling of a torch is crucial to their technical and practical success.
These are a few examples of different technical skills you often see listed on job posts:
- Programming
- Productivity software knowledge
- Accounting and payroll
- Project management
- Big data analysis
Ways to improve technical skills
If you’re changing industries or roles, you may need to consider improving on or acquiring new technical abilities. Let’s take a look at several steps to improve your technical skills.
- Enroll in courses for different skills. You can learn many technical skills through a dedicated training program or a course. You may even be able to learn it by taking one or more courses, either online or in person. Depending on the job requirements and your background, you may also be able to take an advanced course and earn a certificate in your chosen field of study.
- Utilize a self-study training program. There’s an option for you to acquire different skills through self-study programs. These could include how-to books, self-paced online lessons, or free training materials available from different sources such as online video platforms.
- Learn from a professional. Look into your network and you may find a professional who already possesses the technical skills you want to learn. That individual may be able to teach you the skills you’re looking for.
- Learn on the job. It’s very common for employers to provide on-the-job training upon hiring. If you do not have certain technical skills an employer desires, make sure to make it known that you are eager and willing to learn whatever skills are necessary to effectively perform the job.
- Keep your skills current. Once you’ve successfully obtained a job, ensure to keep updating your technical skills to stay current and competitive in the job market. Use them as frequently as possible, and refresh them with continuing education. In many cases, the tools or programs you commonly use will change over time, remember, technology’s life cycle is shortening by the day, so the technical skills you possess now may need to be enhanced with new knowledge at some point in your career.
Looking for courses to keep you current? Enroll in our diploma programs in IT, Business, or Healthcare today! Let’s find out if you qualify for the Ontario govt funding opportunity.