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Digitally literate

In today's workplace, employers expect you to be digitally literate. Find out what this means for you.

 

 

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The icon for digitally literate

Being digitally literate entails using technology well. This could be using software and programs or finding and analysing digital information. It also involves continuous learning and upskilling. 

Digital literacy is highly valued by employers as technology enhances business efficiency. Even if you pursue self-employment, understanding technology in your industry is essential. Digital literacy is now a basic requirement for most careers, although certain technical sectors may demand specialised digital skills like coding.

A screenshot of the 'Building digital literacy skills' video
Reflect:
  • How do you use technology to communicate and work with others?
  • Are you confident in using Office 365 tools?
  • Do you know what digital skills are required for your future career?
  • How can you develop and evidence those skills?

In the next section you will see how you can develop this skill.

Develop your digital literacy skills

Evolve your digital literacy skills by self-assessing your current ability using the Jisc Discovery Tool. Create a personal action plan to enhance your skills: Jisc - Personal Development | Login (potential.ly) 

Discover ways to improve: 

  • Developing your digital skills eLearning: Explore the importance of developing digital skills during university and their value in the workplace. 
  • LinkedIn Learning: Access a wide range of technology courses, from Microsoft Office to Cloud Development, Programming, JavaScript, and more! Use your university email account for FREE access. 
  • Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications (MOS): Boost your employability with globally recognised IT qualifications. Showcase your expertise in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint through Microsoft accredited exams. 
  • Google Digital Garage: Develop job-ready skills with free, flexible online training from Google. 
  • Future Learn: Enrol in free online short courses offered by top universities and specialist organisations. 
  • Jobs and Work Experience: Practice your digital skills through internships, placements, part-time jobs, or volunteering. 
  • Virtual Work Experience: Complete 5-6 hour online virtual work experiences with leading companies through Forage. 
  • Join a club or society with the Students' Union: Hone your digital media skills by creating online content and marketing for the society. 

Once you have started to consider how you can develop your skills, start to think about how you might be able to showcase them during your career journey.

Demonstrate your employability skills

You will be asked to provide evidence of your skills in job applications, CVs and interviews – articulating where, when, why and how successfully you have used your employability skills. Top tips:

  • Start with noting down examples of your skills on our Employability Skills Checklist
  • Keep this as a record to use when completing applications and preparing for interviews.

Reflect on your journey

  • Identify the skills you're using in your studies.
  • Record all your experiences (paid work, voluntary work, roles in clubs or societies, for example) using our Employability Skills Activity Sheet
  • Maintain your skills audit for future reference.
  • Pinpoint any challenging skills or qualities you are struggling to evidence.
  • Take action to bridge any skills gap.

Check out our employability guide (perfect for new students) to unlock opportunities and more ideas to help you develop your employability skills.

 

A screenshot of the 'Developing belief in yourself and your skills' video

 

How to best demonstrate your skills to employers
Be positive and relevant
  • Give examples of the most relevant skills first from your job, internship or work experience
  • Use confident language to describe your skills, for example, praise employers have given you.
  • Better to focus on transferable skills than routine tasks on your CV, gained through part-time jobs.
Sell your skills in different ways

These are just a few examples:

  • Social Media including a Linked-In Profile
  • Networking opportunities
  • CV, Covering Letters, Application Forms
  • Interview and Assessment Centres
  • Presentations
Think beyond common skills

Our Employability Skills are probably ones you are familiar with. But there are some you might not be familiar with, such as meta-skills. A meta-skill like a master skill – it's something that can help you in lots of different environments.

Think also about:

  • Subject skills e.g. Software, use of Lab equipment or research methodology
  • Talents and abilities e.g. Languages, drawing skills, athletic
  • Personal qualities e.g. Calmness, tenacious, creative, supportive
Match skills to your employer

Research the employer – what is their company culture? Look on their website and see what their company beliefs are.

Look at the job description you have. You should be able to find some of the employability skills they are looking for.

Use the STAR technique to help you relate the employability skills into your answers and examples.

Resources

Our experts have selected further Employability resources for you to use.

Speak to a Careers Adviser

Get guidance from our friendly team of Advisers. Book an appointment or call 0161 295 0023 (option 5, option 3). 

Open to current students and Salford Alumni only.