CV skills example

Digital & technical skills

Computer skills for Your CV

Computer skills range from basic digital literacy to advanced software proficiency. This guide shows how to describe your computer skills honestly on your CV — focusing on what you can actually do, not just software names.

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In short

What computer skills mean on a CV

Computer skills on a CV mean you can use a computer to complete tasks: typing, using email, working with documents and spreadsheets, navigating the internet, and using specific workplace software. The level matters as much as the skill name.

Why computer skills matter to employers

Most jobs now require at least basic computer use — sending email, filling in forms, logging information. Employers need to know what you can actually do on a computer, not just that you have "computer skills".

When to include computer skills on your CV

Include computer skills if you use a computer for any part of your job. Be specific about what you can do — typing, email, spreadsheets, data entry, internet research, or specific software.

How to prove computer skills with evidence

Instead of listing software names, describe tasks you performed. "Used Excel to track daily stock counts and highlight variances" is stronger than "Microsoft Excel". This shows you can actually use the tool for work.

CV bullet examples for computer skills

Use these as inspiration. Adapt the wording to match your real experience. If the specifics do not apply to you, do not copy them — write a version that describes what you actually did.

Typed and formatted letters, memos, and reports in Microsoft Word for the branch manager, maintaining consistent formatting.

Used Excel to track daily stock receipt quantities, applying basic formulas to calculate totals and flag discrepancies.

Managed the department's shared email inbox, sorting and responding to routine queries and forwarding complex ones.

Entered customer application data into the company database, completing 40+ forms per day with consistent accuracy.

Used internet research to find supplier contact details and product specifications for the procurement team.

Created basic PowerPoint slides for the monthly team meeting, pulling figures from the sales spreadsheet.

Searched and retrieved archived records from the digital document system by entering client reference numbers.

Used email with attachments daily to send shift reports to the area manager.

Weak vs better examples

Small changes in wording make a big difference. The better versions show what you actually did, how often, and with what outcome — not just a label.

Weak

Good computer skills.

Better

Used Microsoft Word to type and format letters and reports, and Excel to track daily stock counts with basic formulas.

Weak

Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Better

Created formatted documents in Word, tracked figures with Excel formulas, and built simple PowerPoint slides for team meetings.

Weak

Can use a computer.

Better

Entered 40+ customer application forms per day into the company database, managed the team email inbox, and retrieved archived records digitally.

Roles where computer skills is useful

Admin clerk

Data capturer

Office administrator

Receptionist

Call centre agent

Bookkeeper

Customer service agent

Sales representative

Keywords and phrases to use if true

These are words and phrases that naturally appear alongside computer skills on CVs. Include them only if they describe your real experience.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

email management

data entry

internet research

digital filing

typing

database use

Common mistakes to avoid

Listing software you cannot actually use in a work setting.
Writing "Microsoft Office" when you only know Word — list the specific programs you use.
Claiming "advanced" Excel skills when you can only do basic data entry.
Forgetting to mention practical tasks — what you did with the software matters more than the software name.

How to tailor computer skills to a job description

Read the job advert carefully. Highlight every skill, tool, or behaviour mentioned — even if it is in the "nice to have" section.
Check your real experience. For each skill in the advert, ask: "Have I done this or something similar?" If yes, note where and when.
Use the employer's language. If the advert says "written reporting," use "written reporting" rather than "wrote reports." Match the phrasing where truthful.
Write a bullet that combines the skill and the context. "Prepared written daily reports for the shift manager summarising incidents and stock issues" is stronger than "good at reporting."
Remove anything you cannot back up. A short, honest skills section is more credible than a long one full of unproven claims.

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Frequently asked questions about computer skills

Should I rate my computer skills as beginner, intermediate, or advanced?

Only if you are confident in the rating and it is meaningful. Better to describe specific tasks you can perform than to assign a vague level.

What if I only have very basic computer skills?

Describe exactly what you can do — typing, sending emails, filling in online forms. Basic computer skills honestly described are better than exaggerated claims that will be exposed.

CareerDad provides CV guidance, tools, and resources to help South African job seekers present themselves honestly and effectively. No CV tool, skill guide, or set of examples can guarantee job interviews or offers. Always ensure your CV accurately reflects your skills, experience, and qualifications.