How To Include Computer Skills in Your Cover Letter: Your Computer Skills Are Important

Globally, the ability to use computers is becoming increasingly important. Including computer skills in your cover letter can prove beneficial in finding appropriate employment, particularly when there is an economic decline coupled with a job shortage.

Your ability to use a computer should be evident in the body of your cover letter. You might include a heading entitled computer training, skills and experience. It is important to note your basic, computer training, as well as experience with other, more advanced technology and related, computer programs or skills. You should be able to provide authentic verification with respect to academic documentation, certificates or letters of reference in your cover letter.

St. Louis University Career Services has compiled a list of “Computer skills for resume writing”. 

Which of these skills should be included in your cover letter?

Common sense suggests that what you should post in your cover letter is a brief summary of the skills that are the most appropriate and applicable to the position for which you are applying. 

Do you have current, viable computer experience or expertise?

Because computer training is relatively broad in scope, posting key aspects is important. For example, noting operating systems, word processing and spreadsheets indicates basic training or related computer experience in these areas. Desktop publishing and web page design, including art and graphics, shows a different level of computer training. You may want to include specific programs like Macromedia Dream Weaver, or the knowledge of HTML and DHTML. More advanced programming might include XML, Java Script and C++ programming.

Your potential employer will seek to verify the claims in your cover letter, so make certain that the information you submit is correct and in accordance with what follows in your resume.

At a job interview, you may have to demonstrate your hands-on skills with computers. Anyone with knowledge of computer programming or having related skills, experience or expertise in these areas, will likely have web pages, blogs or web sites to substantiate claims of computer literacy. Advanced computer jobs usually require higher skills and training on a technological college or university level.

Accreditation should be verifiable online. How recent is your training?

Remember that the information in your cover letter should be brief, succinct and to the point, as well as give your potential employer incentive to hire you, so highlight any awards received for specialized computer skills, training or experience. Be prepared to undergo more training on a higher level of computer skills and indicate your ongoing willingness to adapt. 

A positive, constructive attitude towards electronic communication will reveal your level of motivation and increase the likelihood of being hired.