Digital Competences for Curriculum

The age of technology is here and now. That means that unless you live on another planet, you most likely need computer skills to succeed in the world of work.

Digital CV skills have become indispensable in the selection processes, so you cannot put them aside when looking for a job. And don’t worry, you don’t have to know Bill Gates to make a good impression on the recruiter. Just follow our advice so that anyone who sees your CV thinks you are a digital native.

What are Digital Competencies for Curriculum?

Digital competencies for the curriculum are skills related to the use of computers and information technologies.

European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators: DigCompEdu | The Communication Initiative Network

There are different types of digital competencies. Some are basic, such as the use of word processors or Internet browsers, while others are more advanced, such as writing code or specialized software.

The type of position will determine what digital skills the candidate is expected to have. However, almost all recruiters expect to see at least a few basic skills related to the use of technology. With this in mind, it is important to review the job offer and identify what type of digital skills are needed to carry out the tasks of the position of interest. This way you will be able to evaluate if you are suitable for the job and what are the skills that you should include in your CV.

Why Should We Include Digital Competencies in the CV?

48.7% of recruiters affirm that digital skills are among the most sought-after skills in candidates.

Although technology companies indeed demand more computer knowledge among their employees, the truth is that almost all companies today make use of digital tools of a form or another. The use of emails, mobile applications, or programs such as Microsoft Word has become part of the day-to-day life of most offices, so it never hurts to specify what your particular digital skills are on your resume.

Examples of Digital Resume Competencies

It’s no secret that there are multiple computer programs needed to get a job. However, in this guide, we have grouped digital skills into different categories that may be useful depending on the type of work you want to do.

Microsoft Office

Let’s start with the essentials. The ability to use computer programs such as Word or PowerPoint has become indispensable in the work environment. Many jobs require writing texts or making presentations for meetings or projects, so including these digital skills on your resume never hurts.

Self-assess your digital competences – E-Learning Platform for Language Teachers

Spreadsheets

Although more technical knowledge is needed to use programs such as Excel, the truth is that they are also basic to carry out many daily tasks of various businesses and companies. Having elementary knowledge of this type of program is welcomed by recruiters, but if you have any special certification or have taken additional courses, don’t forget to specify it within your resume.

Social Networks

Yes, we all know that you can update your Instagram story with the selfie with the puppy filter, however, strategic management of social networks can be of utmost importance for positions related to marketing or public relations.

The dominance of social platforms goes far beyond sharing personal posts and funny images. Recruiters often look for candidates who know how to carry out content strategies on social networks, who know about digital guidelines, or who know about algorithms and ways to increase the “engagement” of their clients. If you are one of them, don’t forget to include these digital skills on your resume.

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Content management systems, are online programs that help to modify the texts, images, videos, and other types of files within a web page without the need for specialized web development knowledge.

Sites like WordPress, Wix, and Drupal are the most popular CMS and many companies are looking for people who are capable of operating them, especially those in the technology sector or who have a strong web presence. Add them to the list of your CV digital skills if you want to impress the recruiter.

Databases

In the information age, the ability to store and manage large amounts of data is extremely important to many companies. In addition, being such a specialized and relevant type of knowledge, it gives a lot of advantage to those candidates who possess it.

Web development

It is accurate to say that most of today’s companies have an online presence. This means that there is a constant need to maintain your web pages and mobile applications, which opens a great window of opportunity for those who know web development. In fact, the demand for web developer positions is forecast to grow by 20% over the next 2 years, making it a very fertile field on a professional level.

Javascript, HTML, CCS … The options are multiple. Just be sure to specify your level of mastery of each of these digital resume competencies.

Resources - DigitALAD

Graphic design

Logos, web pages, catalogs, images for social networks … There is no doubt that there are countless things that can be done when you know graphic design software. If you know how to use programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, your CV may have much more value, so don’t miss the opportunity to include this information and show that you are a true digital Picasso.

Digital Marketing

The days when people sold products only in physical stores are over. Digital sales are becoming more and more common and, as a result, online advertising strategies are highly relevant to any company. Knowing about Pay-per-click advertising, email marketing, Google Analytics, and similar online advertising tools will surely give you a great advantage within the digital skills of your resume.

The Cloud

Today, external hard drives, USB drives, or even your computer’s own memory can no longer be trusted. Information is almost as valuable as a company’s products and services, and one of the best ways to protect it is by keeping it in the cloud. Systems like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Adobe Cloud allow you to back up your data automatically and protect it in the event of a “rainy day”, so it is always highly valued that potential job candidates know how to use it.

Multimedia

Content is king and, among the many types of content, videos are the ones with the highest status in the digital world. If you know how to edit audio, add special effects, create corporate or entertainment clips or do commercials and tutorials in programs like Final Cut, After Effects, or Avid, there is no doubt that the digital skills section of your resume will receive extra points in the eyes of the recruiter.

Where are Digital Competencies Included in the CV?

Digital competencies for CVs are like Java … They have many variables. This means that there is not only a way to include them in your CV, but it depends on your design and the structure that you want to give the document.

One of the easiest ways to put digital skills on your CV is in the skills and aptitudes section. You can include them in the general list or make a subsection dedicated exclusively to the computer area.

However, it should not be limited only to this section. The personal description or resume excerpt is also a great place to include a couple of digital skills. You can mention these skills within your career objective or your professional profile and give them more strength at the beginning of your resume.

Another part where you can add some digital skills to your resume is in the work experience section. When writing the description of your responsibilities, it is possible to mention a few computer skills in a natural way that help the recruiter realize that you are very capable of using them to get your job done.

Finally, you can also take advantage of the additional courses and certificates section to attest to your level in certain digital skills. If you took an advanced Photoshop class, if you have a Google Ads certification or have a specialization in a programming language, explain it clearly in the section of other information of interest for the curriculum.