Digital skills to help your career

Learn how to improve your digital skills to help you at work and in your career.

Why digital skills are important

Most jobs need digital skills. You need them even for jobs that do not ask for high levels of qualifications or experience.

For example, you might use digital skills:

to keep digital records of stock
to do an online health and safety course
when communicating with teammates

Digital skills at work

You might be expected to have different levels of digital skills, depending on your job.

Examples of digital skills employers might look for include:

using the internet confidently on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or PC
confidence to use systems at work such as Outlook, Powerpoint and Excel
the ability to communicate online using email, social media or other tools like Zoom and Teams
searching for reliable information online
being aware of online dangers to keep yourself and your organisation safe

Employers might ask for more specialist skills depending on the role. You can add digital skills on your CV, application form or talk about them in an interview.

Applying for jobs

Digital skills can help you find and apply for jobs. They make it easier to prepare for an interview and help you succeed.

Many jobs are only advertised online. You’ll often need to apply using an online application form or by emailing a CV.

The job selection process may also include online psychometric tests or a video interview. Knowing how to cope with these will improve your job chances.

Learn basic digital skills

There are lots of ways to improve your digital skills - not all learning has to take place in a classroom.

You can learn flexibly at your own speed, in your own time and in a place you feel comfortable.

You could:

find an online course on essential digital skills in The Skills Toolkit
use your local library – you can book time on a PC and use their learning resources
find a course at your local college or adult education service
ask your friends or family to help you get online

To get more help with your next steps for developing your digital skills, speak to an adviser.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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