Technology has become an integral part of almost every industry—as well as of uncountable aspects of our daily lives. That’s why showcasing your technology skills on a resume is more important than ever. From marketing and finance to healthcare and education, tech-savviness is no longer just a nice-to-have skill; it's often a must-have.
If you want to stand out in the job market and land your dream role (and you likely do), highlighting you’re tech savvy on your resume can get you a significant edge over the competition.
For this article, we invited three experts to advise you: Cameron Lee, CEO of Accurl and Tech & Manufacturing Expert, Chris Bourne; Tech Recruiter and CEO of Pumex; and Lucas Botzen, CEO & HR Expert at Rivermate. They share their best advice on how to show your tech-savvy skills.
Looking for a job that puts your tech-savvy skills to the test? Check out open jobs on The Muse and find your next big move »
Is tech savvy a skill?
Yes, tech savvy is a skill. Consider how you might define tech savvy: Being tech savvy means more than just knowing how to use a computer or smartphone. It involves a deeper understanding and proficiency with technology, including the ability to quickly learn new tools, troubleshoot issues, and leverage technology to improve productivity and solve problems.
As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools and platforms, employees who can adeptly navigate these technologies are in high demand. For instance, in marketing, being proficient with digital analytics tools can help create more effective campaigns. In healthcare, familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems ensures accurate patient data management.
In finance, knowledge of sophisticated software for data analysis and reporting is crucial. Teachers and instructional designers increasingly rely on technology to enhance learning experiences and manage educational content. Not to mention the always-needed IT professionals across any and all industries: Roles such as IT support specialists, network administrators, and software developers require extensive tech knowledge.
How do you say you're tech savvy in a resume?
Now that we have explored the tech savvy meaning, let’s get creative with ways to say it. If you’ve ever wondered what a professional way of saying “tech savvy” is on a resume, we’re here to help you with some actionable tips:
Use specific technical skills
Listing specific software, tools, or technologies you are proficient in provides concrete evidence of your tech skills. Instead of simply stating you're “tech savvy,” say you’re proficient with technology or technology adept and detail the exact tools and technologies you excel at.
Example: “Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Slack.”
Tailoring your tech skills to match specific job postings can also make a significant difference. Carefully read the job description and highlight the skills mentioned. Use the same terminology as the job description to make your resume stand out. (Here’s how to read a job description the right way.)
Highlight relevant experience
Don't just list your skills. Instead, show how you've applied your technical knowledge in previous roles to achieve specific results. For example: “Managed and maintained company website using WordPress, ensuring regular updates and optimal performance” or “Leveraged Semrush to identify keyword gaps and improve content strategy”.
But what should you do if you don’t have a lot of working experience? “Individuals with little experience can creatively showcase their tech skills by highlighting projects or personal initiatives,” Lee says. “For instance, including a ‘Projects’ section to detail specific projects, even personal or academic, can show your skills.”
You could also go beyond the resume to showcase your know-how. “Creating an online portfolio or a GitHub repository where you share code and projects can be a compelling way to showcase your abilities,” he says. “Don't forget to use LinkedIn to display endorsements and recommendations that speak to your tech skills.”
Show your ability to learn new technologies
Mention any training or certifications you have completed to demonstrate your ability to learn and adapt to new technologies. “Certifications show a prospective employer one's tech proficiency because they provide a yardstick against which candidates could be compared,” Botzen says. “Certifications by renowned organizations like CompTIA, Microsoft, or AWS lend much more weight to a resume.”
This showcases your commitment to continuous improvement and staying current with industry trends. Don’t forget to use phrases and expressions like “quick learner,” “adaptable,” and “eager to learn new technologies” to convey your willingness to embrace new challenges.
Include tech-related achievements
Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your technical expertise and impact. This can include projects you have completed, systems you have improved, or any notable successes directly related to your tech skills.
Wherever possible, quantify these accomplishments. “This provides tangible evidence of a candidate’s capabilities by citing the scale and the impact of their work,” says Botzen. “For instance, say ‘Developed a website that elevated company traffic by 30%,’ or ‘Automated data processes which saved 10 hours of work per week.’ These metrics help employers see real-world applications and benefits from the candidate's skills.”
(For more help with that, here’s how to quantify your resume bullets—even when you don't work with numbers.)
Use action verbs and keywords
To make your tech-savvy skills truly shine, use strong action verbs and keywords. This approach transforms your resume into a compelling story of your tech accomplishments and also helps it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—systems that scan resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description, and use algorithms to rank candidates based on their qualifications.
Instead of simply listing software, describe your actions. Use verbs like “implemented,” “developed,” “optimized,” “automated,” and “analyzed” to showcase your capabilities. Example: “Automated reporting processes using Python, saving the team 15 hours per week.”
Need some inspiration? This might help: 185+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out
8 “tech savvy” synonyms
When you're updating your resume, simply stating that you are “tech savvy” might not fully capture the depth of your skills. Using more specific synonyms and related terms can help you better express your technical proficiency to potential employers.
Here are some effective “tech savvy” synonyms and what they entail:
1. Digitally literate
Definition: The ability to use digital tools and technologies efficiently.
Example: “Digitally literate professional with experience in using cloud-based collaboration tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.”
2. IT proficient
Definition: Skilled in using and managing information technology systems.
Example: “IT proficient with expertise in network administration, cybersecurity protocols, and server management.”
3. Technical aptitude
Definition: A strong understanding and ability to work with technology.
Example: “Demonstrated technical aptitude in troubleshooting hardware issues and configuring software applications.”
4. Computer literate (or proficient)
Definition: Competent in using computers and related technology.
Example: “Computer literate in operating systems, including Windows and macOS, with a strong command of productivity software.”
5. Tech enthusiast
Definition: Leveraging technology to enhance work processes.
Example: “Tech enthusiast professional who uses automation tools to streamline project management and increase efficiency.”
6. Technologically adept
Definition: Skilled and knowledgeable in using technology.
Example: “Technologically adept in using advanced data analytics platforms to drive strategic decision-making.”
7. Software proficient (or skilled)
Definition: Competent in using various software applications.
Example: “Software proficient with hands-on experience in using CRM systems like Salesforce and marketing automation tools like HubSpot.”
8. Digital expert
Definition: A highly skilled professional with extensive knowledge and expertise in digital technologies and strategies.
Example: “Digital expert with over five years of experience in developing and executing comprehensive digital marketing strategies using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Hootsuite.”
Stay ahead of the curve
How about getting ready for the future and putting yourself ahead of the competition? There are some emerging tech skills that job seekers should consider in the changing landscape of technology. “Quantum computing is among them,” Bourne says. “Though it's a really complex field of science, it has slowly started to make its way into various industries—from cybersecurity and data analytics, of course.”
It doesn’t stop there. “Another area is blockchain beyond cryptocurrency, with its innumerable applications on supply chain management and digital identity verification,” he says. “Neurotechnology is also prominent, like developing interfaces between the brain and digital systems, which will change the scenes of mental health and personal productivity.”
Bottom line
Effectively showcasing your tech skills on your resume can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job. By using specific language, quantifying your achievements, and highlighting your ability to adapt to new technologies, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your value. Focus on the most relevant skills and avoid including outdated technologies or skills not pertinent to the job you're applying for.