Digital skills are the skills you need to use digital technology. This means being able to look for, understand, make, and share information. It also means being aware of the newest tools to communicate with others and knowing how to use these tools.

These are part of nine important skills needed for working in Canada. At the most basic level, they include:

1. Computer use – Knowing how to operate a computer and other devices such as laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices.
2. Processing information – This means knowing how to use special tools or software. This allows you to do things like sending an email, submitting a job application, or browsing the internet.
3. Profession-specific tools – Being able to use hardware or software like AutoCAD for architects, engineers, or project managers; Quickbooks for accountants or payroll managers, and others.

Why are digital skills important?

They are important because without these skills, you won’t even get your foot in the door. Digital technology is now a part of every business. It makes work more efficient and cost-effective. Businesses need to know how to use technology to stay current.

We use digital technology not just for work, but also in our daily lives. We buy and sell things on the internet. We do our banking, pay our taxes, learn skills, and ask for basic services on the internet. We use emails to send and receive messages. Having digital skills is necessary because it helps us live, work, and be part of a fast-growing digital economy.

Going beyond the minimum

Here are other digital skills that can give you an edge and become a top candidate for any job:

Basic web skills – Being able to write code is skill that is in demand. Even knowing a little bit of HTML or CSS (languages for creating websites) is an edge. This is because most companies now run their own websites. They may also have content management platforms for internal and external communications.

Social media literacy – Social media such as Twitter, Facebook and others, have become platforms for marketing and promotion. These platforms allow businesses to connect directly with their customers in an easy and cost-effective way.

Design/Graphic skills – Knowledge of creative software like Canva, Photoshop, and the like will help you produce communication materials that may be printed or used online.

Netiquette – Equally as important as knowing what to do online is knowing what you can’t do. Netiquette is knowing that you can’t post inappropriate pictures, air dirty laundry (e.g. badmouthing a boss, complaining about the company, posting racist or discriminatory thoughts), share false information, or use the company account for personal use.
 
Article updated January 31, 2023.
 
Sources: Building digital skills for tomorrow (Digital Canada 150), Computer skills that will help you get hired, Alison Doyle, Career Tool Belt.