Returning to workforce...?s about computer skills and continuing ed classes

[Anonymous]

After 13 years as a SAHM, I am ready to return to the workforce. I know that my computer skills need updated (no pun intended). Which general computer skills would most employers look for and expect? I know that it depends on the job, but generally speaking? I will be qualified for entry level positions at best.

Also, I am signed up to take an Excel class over the next few weeks. Should I list this class on my resume, or would it just seem kind of sad that I actually needed to take the class? Would it be better to just say that I'm proficient in Excel once I'm done with the class?

[Anonymous]

When you say entry-level OP, what kind of entry-level? The computer skills that you will be expected to have will probably vary in different professions.

On the Excel class, I would just put "proficient in Excel" once you have taken it. In my work, we use the Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for email) and would want people comfortable with them. Excel is the hardest of these, so it is good you are taking a class.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Ok. Should I just say in the cover letter that I am currently taking continuing education classes in order to refresh my skills and knowledge?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Should I just say in the cover letter that I am currently taking continuing education classes in order to refresh my skills and knowledge?

Yes, that sounds right to me. If you did want to list it on your resume, you might say "coursework in Microsoft Excel" or something like that to indicate that you will be trained in it, especially if proficiency in Excel is listed in the job description. And I really wouldn't feel bad about needing to take a class in Excel. I did a ton of work with Excel in grad school, and most of the people I work with, from entry level through executive and all the way in between, don't know how to use it efficiently. I feel like I am constantly showing people how to use some of the basic Excel tools.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Excel and powerpoint are pretty important for many entry level jobs as you may be putting together slide decks etc. Agree to just put "proficient" in those skills and no need to list the classes.

I would also be prepared to deal with Lync/instant messaging. That was never big at my old job and it's big at the job I am at now. Just takes some adapting, no need for a class but you may want to talk to a trusted friend who works and just educate yourself on those types of common technologies companies are using. I'm annoyed because we are doing away with our phone systems and now will do calls from our computers....just stuff like that. It is not hard to learn but you may need to learn quickly in a new setting. Web-ex meetings are big too.

Outlook is another big one. Very different than dealing with your gmail account. Again, no need for a class but most companies use this email platform.

Good news is, all this stuff is pretty intuitive, just takes some getting used to.

[Anonymous]

OP -- are you in DC? If so, look into Byteback.org. They offer computer training courses and certifications. Many of them are free (subsidized through DC) and have a partnership with DCPL. I think they offer a few Microsoft Office certification courses. Definitely worth looking into if you are in DC.