Computer Application Employability Skills

Among the skills that employers have desired of new employees over the years, computer literacy still ranks very highly. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) 2006 Job Outlook survey, these skills include: (1) Communication skills (verbal and written); (2) Honesty/integrity; (3) Teamwork skills (works well with others); (4) Strong work ethic; (5) Analytical skills; (6) Flexibility/adaptability; (7) Interpersonal skills (relates well to others); (8) Motivation/Initiative; (9) Computer skills; and (10) Detail-oriented. No definition for computer skills was given. The Michigan State University’s Alumni Career Services lists the results of a 1995 Collegiate Employment Research Institute employer survey that found that due to automation and increased use of computer technologies, almost every job within business, education, and government agencies requires abundant computer work (What do employers want from new hires, n.d.) This trend has continued to increase, not decrease, with new and emerging technologies. With the considerably increased availability of computer usage, has the need for basic computer skills: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases been replaced or augmented by the need for webpage design, programming, and desktop publishing skills? What are the computer skills today’s employers desire