7 computer literacy skills (and how to assess them)

Nothing stings like hiring a candidate who interviews well but turns out to lack the computer literacy skills to contribute to your team effort. Mishires mean that veteran employees must use their valuable time to teach new hires how to use digital tools they should already know.

Here’s the good news: When you know the top 7 computer literacy skills to hire for and the methods to test for them, you can skip the painful mishires and build a team that’s ready to work on day one. 

As a bonus, we’ve collected the best practices for talent assessments of your candidates’ computer literacy skills, which turn guesswork into a replicable process.

Why are computer literacy skills important?

Hiring computer-literate teams can enhance the daily life of your company by decreasing cost and risk while improving operational efficiency. Employees perform tasks and communicate quicker, business data is stored effectively, and security risks can be avoided.

In addition, having basic computer literacy skills in your company achieves greater client satisfaction. Workers who can competently use software applications such as email, spreadsheets, and word processors deliver higher-quality products and customer service.

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Use computer literacy tests to screen candidates without any need for specialized knowledge. Sign up for a demo to see how TestGorilla helps you create multi-measure assessments to avoid mis-hires.

1. Complete tasks more efficiently

Every moment an employee struggles at their workstation is a moment of lost productivity. This loss is multiplied when an employee ropes in others to help them through their struggles. Simply put, computer literacy helps employees finish tasks faster.

Less tech-savvy teammates:

• Use devices and computer programs inefficiently

• Are slow learners of new technology and need ongoing support

• Lean on less efficient offline systems like informal chats and even handwritten notes

2. Access information quickly

Your staff should be able to access information such as internal policies, client briefs, and instruction manuals. Therefore, it’s critical to have skills like navigating folders and using word processors and spreadsheet software to extract data.

In addition, workers should be able to utilize search engines for online research and troubleshooting. Doing this efficiently frees up their time for other projects.

3. Increase team collaboration

Computer-literate teams can be highly collaborative. For instance, email enables employees to exchange ideas and data visualization apps let them communicate complex data trends easily.

Internal collaboration tools also improve communication with features like instant messaging, telephony, and video calls. Using these platforms comfortably improves staff members’ problem-solving skills and delivers more satisfactory team projects.

4. Work independently

Computer-literate employees can work independently by accessing the information and tools needed to complete tasks. This, in turn, lets you manage your team’s time more efficiently. 

When your new colleagues are ready to manage teams of their own, digital literacy is a core competency for leadership in the modern office.

5. Detect security issues

Computer-literate staff can detect security issues, reducing your organization’s financial and reputational risks. They avoid engaging with common security threats by identifying common signs of scams, such as too-good-to-be-true offers or emails written in suspiciously poor English.

Furthermore, skilled workers understand the benefits of antivirus software and can alert their IT team to potential viruses or malware. This improves data security for your entire business, not just for one employee.

6. Reduce paper waste

Computer literacy helps reduce paper waste, too. Accessing information digitally and printing less can improve your company’s carbon footprint, which is linked to higher financial performance.

Basic features in word processor software, such as zooming in and tracking changes, help employees read and collaborate more easily on documents without printing.

7 computer literacy skills and competencies 

To build an efficient organization with a digital mindset, recruit candidates with the top computer literacy skills.

Those computer literacy skills include:

More advanced computer hard skills can include knowledge of programming languages like JavaScript or Python, marketing skills like Google Analytics, digital graphic design skills, e-commerce skills, and social media advertising. These can all be assessed online with computer skills tests.

Some soft skills enhance your organization’s digital literacy, although they wouldn’t be considered digital skills themselves. These can include written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

How to assess computer literacy skills and traits: 6 assessments 

As you’ve probably figured out by now, the best way to hire employees with the right skills is to test for those skills directly.

TestGorilla has multiple tests to assess computer literacy skills and find the best and most productive new hires. From general computer skills tests to software-specific ones, you can combine up to five tests to create a tailored assessment suitable for your open role.

Computer Literacy (PC) test

Our Computer Literacy test is a PC skills assessment that measures skills necessary to use a Windows-based computer at work.

You know if candidates can:

• Operate the Windows interface easily

• Navigate the internet efficiently through a browser

• Manage emails

• Perform basic tasks with files and folders in Windows File Explorer

• Identify applications for a variety of basic tasks

• Interpret basic menus and settings quickly

This computer literacy assessment test is suitable for a variety of entry- to mid-level roles involving basic PC literacy skills. Examples include customer success managers, administrators, PAs, receptionists, and more.

If your team uses macOS, check out our Computer Literacy test for Macs. 

Microsoft Windows test

Our Microsoft Windows test checks a candidate’s ability to use common features on a Windows operating system.

The test also includes Microsoft Office programs and assesses:

• Managing files in Windows File Explorer

• Understanding Windows terminology

• Performing basic tasks using Windows features

• Working with the Microsoft Office suite comfortably

This computer literacy assessment test builds on the Computer literacy (PC) test by further testing knowledge of key Windows features. Candidates with high scores can be expected to create productive workflows in Windows independently.

If your employees work with Macs, use our macOS test instead.

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Microsoft Word test

Our Microsoft Word test assesses candidate proficiency with the MS Word program at an intermediate level.

This basic computer literacy test assesses the candidate’s ability to:

• Open, save, and close documents safely

• Modify formatting and page layouts

• Print documents

• Use solo and collaborative editing tools

• Insert images, tables, page numbers, and footnotes in documents

This computer literacy test is key for employees who use Microsoft Word to create, edit, and collaborate on documents. It’s suitable across seniority levels and job types, including copywriters, content marketers, executive assistants, operations managers, department heads, and more.

Microsoft Excel (General) test

Our Microsoft Excel (General) test evaluates intermediate-level abilities to interpret and edit spreadsheets in MS Excel.

You know if your candidates can:

• Read and interpret Excel sheets

• Perform basic calculations 

• Set up and manipulate tables

• Structure data effectively according to use cases

• Create graphs and charts from sheet data

This is an essential test for computer-literate employees who use MS Excel to interpret data, work with tables, and create visualizations. This can include entry-level administrators in finance, operations, and HR, as well as marketers, sales executives, and other roles.

Email Skills (MS Outlook) test

Our Microsoft Outlook Skills test checks if your applicants are skilled at email etiquette and key functions in the MS Outlook software.

The test evaluates candidates on:

• Personalizing emails according to the situation and recipient

• Using basic MS Outlook functionality

• Managing virtual meetings and calendars

This test is essential if your job opening requires top-notch email etiquette, calendar management, and prior experience with MS Outlook. It’s especially beneficial when hiring personal or executive assistants, sales personnel, account managers, and other staff who communicate frequently via email.

Typing Speed test

Our Typing Speed test (Lowercase Only) tells you how many words per minute a candidate can type. Candidates are given a list of lowercase words without punctuation, and they must type as many words as possible in two minutes.

Roles that require a high typing speed include customer service representatives, transcribers, and meeting secretaries. However, an average typing speed is sufficient for most roles with basic computer literacy.

Summary: The 7 top computer literacy skills and how to test for them

Now that you know how to screen candidates with basic computer literacy assessments, here is a quick recap of the top 7 computer literacy skills and the corresponding assessments to test for them:

How TestGorilla can help you find the right computer literacy skills

Computer literacy is non-negotiable in the modern job market because it speeds up tasks, facilitates collaboration, and produces great client work. Luckily, talent assessments are a quick and bias-free way of finding computer-literate talent.

TestGorilla offers a variety of computer literacy tests for employment that you can combine to create bespoke assessments. 

For instance, emailing skills and general PC or Mac navigation are standard in many desk-based jobs. You can also assess basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills, depending on your job requirements.

If you’re wondering how to hire computer-literate employees, we’re here to help. Sign up for a free 40-minute live demo. 

Alternatively, check out our product tour to see for yourself how much easier it can be to hire the right person. 

If you prefer to dive right in, sign up for a Free forever plan today.

Computer literacy skills FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions for computer literacy skills.

What does computer literacy mean?

Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and skills required to use a computer effectively. Critical in a growing and efficient workplace, computer literacy skills are widely sought after by hiring managers. These skills let your new team members contribute to your team independently and efficiently. 

What are the most important computer literacy skills?

• Basic familiarity with word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs

• Email proficiency using industry-standard tools like Microsoft Outlook or Gmail

• Basic knowledge of spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

• Understanding the fundamentals of privacy and data security

What are examples of computer skills?

• Operating system basics: Locating files and using common OS features

• Workplace communications: Sending emails and using interoffice communication tools

• Office suite familiarity: Formatting documents, managing spreadsheets, and creating slide decks

• Security awareness: Practical knowledge of data security best practices, such as how to avoid common phishing scams and similar attempts by hackers to access sensitive organizational data

What is a computer literacy skills assessment?

A computer literacy skills assessment tells you which candidates can manage basic everyday tasks easily on a work computer. An assessment typically contains multiple tests covering computer literacy aspects, such as navigating files and folders, changing basic PC or Mac settings, and browsing the internet. In addition, job-specific software skills tests can be incorporated into the assessment depending on your role requirements. 

Widely used programs include word processors like Microsoft Word, email software like Microsoft Outlook, and more.