Essential digital skills checklist to help your career

In the modern workplace, digital skills are not just beneficial - they are essential. As technology continues to evolve, professionals across all industries must develop their digital capabilities to stay competitive. 

Whether you're looking for a new job in professional services, aiming for a career change, or simply enhancing your skills, having a solid grasp of digital tools can significantly boost your employability. 

These skills include: being able to find useful information on the internet, understanding how to be safe and responsible online and communicating professionally via email, messaging (e.g. Microsoft Teams or Zoom) and social media.

What are digital skills?

For as long as there have been computers and electronic communications, there has been a need for digital skills. Digital skills refer to the ability to find, utilise, share, create and communicate information using digital technologies, including computers, laptops, smartphones, and the internet. 

How digital skills are used varies depending on your role, company and industry, but possessing them is essential, and workforces must continue to evolve with the skill demand.

To help you secure a job and progress in your career, we've outlined the key digital skills employers are looking for: 

Social media and professional networking

Recruiters and employers frequently check social media profiles when hiring. To enhance your job prospects, you can: 

• Create and optimise your LinkedIn profile with relevant skills and experience - take a look at our candidate resource on how to showcase your LinkedIn profile and stand out. 
• Engage with industry professionals by sharing thought leadership content (your own or others'), particularly on your professional LinkedIn profile. 
• Stay informed about trends on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and TikTok - dependent on your industry and role. 

Sharing and writing thought leadership posts showcase your knowledge of the sector/s you work in, and interact with your connections and followers.

Industry-specific technology and software:

Every sector within professional services will have technological and digital advancements that are specific to them. It would be beneficial therefore to research your sector and find out what skills may be relevant to you. 

By having an understanding of these and an ability to showcase relevant skills you will make yourself a more employable candidate long-term. 

These may include: 

• Legal - case management software 
• Finance - accounting platforms
• Housing - CRM and compliance software
• HR - Applicant tracking systems
• Public sector - Procurement platforms and digital governance tools

Cloud computing and remote work tools:

With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, familiarity with cloud-based tools is a must and can save you from many future problems. Cloud software allows you to safely access information that is saved from anywhere, promoting home working and creating a healthy work-life balance. 

• Use platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox to store and share files. 
• Master Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype for remote collaboration. 
• Understand cybersecurity basics to protect sensitive data online. 

Microsoft Office and productivity tools:

Most employers expect proficiency in Microsoft Office and other productivity software: 

• Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software programmes are essential processing tools for virtually any profession. Creating presentations and spreadsheets are skills that many employers will assume you already have, so knowing your way around these applications will save you time and effort and allow you to come across as a competent professional, no matter the field.
• Outlook for professional email communication.
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) as an alternative.

Data analytics and reporting:

Analysing and reporting data will continue to be a skill that is sought after. Reporting on return on investment (ROI) and performance is a must for some roles, especially in today’s digital world. 

Employers increasingly value candidates who can analyse and interpret data:

• Learn to use Google Analytics, Excel PivotTables, and Power BI for insights.

• Develop reporting skills to measure return on investment (ROI) and performance.

Cyber security and data protection: 

Network and information security skills are crucial for any business, and candidates with experience in this area may stand a better chance of being employed, especially for technical roles. With increasing cyber threats, businesses value employees who understand:

• GDPR compliance and data privacy best practices.

• Identifying phishing scams and cyber risks.

• Secure file-sharing and password management.

Where to learn digital skills for free

If you're looking to improve your digital skills for job application, there are many free and affordable training options. 

Explore Essential Digital Skills L1:

• Provider: Cambridge Regional College
• Cost: Free
• What you learn: IT skills for employment, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, digital communication, and using social media for networking and employability. 

Microsoft Training: 

• Provider: Microsoft
• Cost: Free
• What you learn: Microsoft 365 basics, Office for the web, and productivity tips. 

Google Applied Digital Skills:

• Provider: Google
• Cost: Free
• What you learn: Free video-based curriculum that helps to improve digital literacy for a wide range of people. Videos are produced to guide learners through researching and developing topics (teaching the importance of verifying sources) and online safety and digital well-being. There are also shorter lessons available which teach people how to create an interactive presentation, and a CV, which will include designing, writing and formatting.

 Learn my way:

• Provider: Good Things Foundation
• Cost: Free
• What you learn: Managing money online, finding jobs, online shopping, smart internet use and online safety. 

Lloyds Bank Academy: 

• Provider: Lloyds Bank
• Cost: Free
• What you learn: Digital workspace skills, search engine use, and professional productivity. 

Get support from Sellick Partnership

At Sellick Partnership, we specialise in connecting professionals with top employers across a variety of sectors, including finance, legal, housing, HR, IT, actuarial and more! 

If you're looking for a job where you can put your digital skills to use, or need career advice, our consultants are here to help.

Find your next job today! Browse our latest roles or contact our expert team for personalised career guidance.

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