Computers are everywhere - in offices, medical facilities, manufacturing companies, stores, etc. The plumber installing your new water heater carries a laptop along with his tools. And the server in your favorite restaurant enters your order into a point-of-sale terminal.
"The computer is the central piece of every job, so workers need to be computer literate," said Brian Mogren, career and placement director at Saint Paul College (saintpaul.edu).
He notes that computer literacy is a big plus when it comes to looking for a job. Job seekers with word-processing skills are able to put together good-looking résumés and cover letters. Those who are Internet savvy can access online resources like job postings and company information. In addition, many employers now require people to complete online applications.
At a minimum, said Mogren, all jobseekers should have basic keyboarding skills, know how to use a word-processor and a spreadsheet, and be able to use e-mail and the Internet.
Learning basic skills
Mogren recommends that people begin by learning keyboarding skills. "If you can type 40-45 words per minute and know how to use the mouse, you'll seem more competent than someone who can only hunt and peck," he said.
Free and low-cost classes in basic skills are offered by public libraries and local community education programs. Students typically learn how to use the keyboard and mouse, create and save documents, and online navigation.
Those who want to improve their typing skills can practice online. Jobseekers can Google "typing speed test" to find sites that allow users to assess their speed and accuracy.
