17 Common In-Demand Digital Skills Companies Look For

Candidates skilled at digital tools and techniques have more chances to get a job in a modern workplace environment. Many jobs involve the use of technology at some level, ranging from creating a basic presentation to complex software programming. If you want to work at a job that requires digital literacy, understanding the various skills and how to use them to position yourself as a better candidate for specific jobs can assist you in preparing your resume and performing well in an interview.

In this article, we will discuss digital skills and their importance, explore 17 examples of these skills and learn about how they apply at the workplace.

What Are Digital Skills?

Digital skills allow accessing and managing information through the use of digital devices, diverse apps and networks. These can range from simple web searching and emailing to specialised programming and software development. Businesses in several industries require individuals who understand how to operate digital tools to achieve operational efficiency. With increasing internet and mobile penetration, as more consumers seek information and make purchases online, these skills become critical for businesses across industries looking to create brand awareness, provide excellent customer service, generate leads and grow revenue.

17 In-Demand Digital Skills Companies Look For

Being good with digital tools and technologies often makes your resume attractive for a job. Here are 17 common digital skills employers look for in a candidate:

1. Graphic design

A good design is one of the key foundations for all marketing communications. Employers look for graphic design skills as they enable employees to create brochures, presentations, banners and other materials for websites and social media platforms. There are many online courses that teach both basic and intermediate graphic design approaches, allowing an individual to build a foundation in colour, layout, typography and other areas of graphic design.

Related: How To Become A Graphic Designer: A Complete Guide

2. Social media

Brands are using social media more than ever to interact with their audience to drive engagement and revenue growth. From sales and marketing to customer service, departments connect via social channels to strengthen their online presence. Having a good understanding of social media tools and techniques can help your position yourself as an attractive candidate for many jobs, which may require public interaction on social channels.

3. Data analytics

With the growth of various tracking tools, businesses now collect more data than ever. Data analytics involves storing, organising and utilising data to derive important information and insights. Business intelligence analysts, data engineers, big data analysts and IT systems analysts all require data analytics expertise. Being able to analyse data helps businesses to consistently optimise various business processes.

Related: How Much Do Data Analysts Make? (Plus How To Become One)

4. Chatbot development

As businesses are trying to create a more engaging online presence, chatbots have become one of the popular choices. Many software-as-a-service (SaaS) based chatbot builders have features available to help non-programmers develop chatbots. A chatbot can also employ artificial intelligence to replicate a human conversation. They have also become a crucial tool in the marketing and customer support segment.

5. Search engine optimisation

Every business with an internet presence wishes to increase its visibility and exposure to the relevant audience. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is through search engine optimisation (SEO). Many internet tools and platforms teach SEO through video tutorials and blogs. These skills can be very useful if you plan to work in a marketing department or if you wish to apply for a position as an SEO professional.

6. Digital marketing

Digital marketing is the practice of advertising via digital technology to distribute information and promote products, services and brands using digital channels such as search engines, websites, email, social media and apps. Content marketers, SEO professionals, SEM specialists, augmented and virtual reality developers, digital marketing strategists and email marketers are all jobs that require digital marketing skills.

Related: How To Become A Freelance Digital Marketer: A Complete Guide

7. Email marketing

Email marketing involves sending emails to clients and prospects to boost revenue and profitability. A well planned automated email sequence can save a good amount of resources in nurturing a lead to make them a customer. It is a highly valued talent among employers, as it directly impacts a business's profitability.

8. WordPress skills

WordPress is a popular online content management system (CMS) that many businesses use to build websites and blogs. With the growing popularity of WordPress as a platform for websites, many employers value candidates who have a working knowledge of how to publish and manage content with WordPress. Understanding the potential benefit of WordPress integration with other online platforms for various uses like automation, communication, email marketing can also be helpful.

9. Cybersecurity

The primary goal of cybersecurity is to safeguard the information technology infrastructure, which includes digital data, networks and systems. Most workplaces use technology to operate their business. Increased cybersecurity dangers have also resulted in increased demand for cybersecurity awareness among employees for almost all departments.

10. Content marketing

Content marketing is a type of marketing that focuses on the creation, publication and distribution of content online for a specific audience. It is a strategy that businesses and organisations use to generate and distribute valuable content that attracts and engage a target audience. Content marketing is concerned with ensuring that the target audience or client get valuable information. This positions the business as an authority on the subject, products and services supplied, hence enhancing visibility.

11. Presentation software

Presentation is a critical skill that enables the efficient communication of critical ideas among various stakeholders in the organisation. From financial analysts to writers, proficiency with presentation software is essential for success many roles. Being good at presentation skills can differentiate you from candidates and increase your chances of getting leadership positions.

12. Video editing

Businesses use video for marketing their products and services and for training new employees with video lectures and tutorials. The ability to capture, edit and create video is a highly sought-after skill. While complex video production often demands a more comprehensive degree, with a camera, a computer, a good microphone and video editing software, you can develop basic video editing skills.

13. Blockchain

Businesses may explore Blockchain technology for various new use cases. It is the same technology that supports cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which allow cross-border transactions without the involvement of banks. Blockchain can enable businesses to create smart contracts, efficiently track and manage copyrights, develop digital voting systems and more.

14. User experience design (UXD)

The key to making the digital world function efficiently for people is user experience design. UXD covers creating all kinds of interactions between humans and digital products based on insights from various UX research, analysis of test user behaviour data and more. It offers a rising number of growth opportunities. Acquiring the skills and training to meet the needs of growing business demands can be very useful for positioning yourself as an attractive candidate.

15. Artificial intelligence

Technology's continuous evolution offers exciting and innovative career prospects. Artificial intelligence is concerned with developing artificial intelligence systems capable of simulating human thought and behaviour. By emulating human interactions, technology can solve complicated problems, make crucial judgments and perform critical activities more efficiently, with no downtime and no major cost increment.

Related: 10 Artificial Intelligence Careers And How To Pursue Them

16. Machine learning

Machine learning (ML) is another skill gaining importance outside of information technology jobs. From the pharmaceutical and chemical industries to e-commerce companies, requirements for machine learning and big data engineers, data scientists and automation engineers are expanding. Emerging jobs in the healthcare industry are facilitated by the growth of telemedicine, the emergence of tech-driven wellbeing and the adoption of a tech-powered approach to disease diagnosis.

Related: What Is Machine Learning? (Skills, Jobs And Salaries)

17. App development

The mobile application development market continues to expand as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become the primary means of communication and work. Business and technology growth has advanced at a breakneck pace, creating an increased demand for app developers. With the advent of many no-code app development tools and frameworks, employers expect the employees to use tools to build prototypes and apps for uses ranging from internal operational efficiency to end customer needs.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.