There Should be a Minimum Tech Literacy Required in Your Hiring Process

Is being able to read a requirement to work in your company? What about the ability to use excel for an accountant? Or maybe even to know how to send an email. Tech literacy today is critical for a successful team to work together, and you are only as strong as your weakest link. 

Being able to use a computer proficiently is no longer considered a personal skill, it is a minimum requirement.

So, what should you look for when you’re hiring? The ideal candidate should have the following foundational tech knowledge:  

1. Computer skills include navigating files, using a mouse/trackpad and keyboard, and having a core understanding of quick fixes when things are not working correctly. Knowing the first step is to shut the machine down and restart is an underrated skill that will save your company time and money.
2. Internet proficiency such as online research, email, and online communication skills. Being able to find information quickly and knowing what to search for is a critical assessable skill your team should have. 
3. Basic Cybersecurity knowledge and best practices such as using strong passwords and avoiding phishing scams. 
4. Communication and Collaboration tools understanding, knowing how to host a meeting in Zoom or Microsoft Teams, sending messages with Slack or Signal, etc.  
5. Familiarity with common software programs required for your position such as Microsoft, Netsuite, Quickbooks, or even just Outlook.  

 Of course, each job or company will have its own set of requirements based on the roles and expectations the role needs, however, the above requirements should be the minimum tech literacy needed, across the board. Now that we know what to look for in your potential hires, here are three handy tips on how to test tech literacy during the hiring process:  

• Online tests: There are many free quizzes available online for tech literacy. ProProfs has a great 20-question quiz that was created at an 8th-grade level, and digitalliteracyassessment.org by NorthStar also has great essential compute skills tests as well as software skills and technology in daily life tests.  
• Interview Questions: During the interview process, ask questions to illuminate the tech knowledge of your candidate. Some example questions could be “What software programs have you used in the past?” or “Do you have any experience with online collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Monday.com?”  
• Job Description Requirements: When creating the job description or application, include requirements for tech literacy based on your specific needs such as basic Microsoft365 understanding or proficiency in Google Drive applications.  

Whatever your needs are, hiring people with a groundwork tech understanding will make your life easier and aid in the onboarding process while also helping your new employee feel confident and capable in their position.