At its core, digital literacy refers to how we use technology to effectively communicate. It affects virtually every aspect of modern life, including today’s job market.

Joe Aranyosi, associate dean of University of Phoenix’s College of Business and Information Technology, provides this overview of how digital literacy shapes our careers: “Digital literacy refers to the ability to research, evaluate and use online information in an appropriate, effective and ethically responsible manner,” he says. “It involves some technical expertise … but focuses primarily on the use of data and digital media to successfully problem-solve, collaborate and communicate with customers and other business professionals.” 

The definition is necessarily broad, but Aranyosi points out that, in practice, digital literacy requires some nuance. It means different things depending on the industry.

For example, financial experts should understand banking, accounting and investment applications and be able to work with spreadsheets. Healthcare professionals, on the other hand, should feel comfortable with medical billing and coding, telehealth and HIPAA regulations related to data privacy and security. Both roles require digital literacy, he says, but apply it in different ways. 

As technology has evolved so too has digital literacy. Consider the early days of online job platforms like Monster.com. Since their arrival on the job scene, digital tools and artificial intelligence have only proliferated and become more advanced.

“Technology is constantly evolving, including advancements in cloud-based services, software as a service (SaaS), collaborative business tools [and] smartphone apps,” Aranyosi says.

That’s one reason why digital competence centers more on employee training and adaptability to emerging business practices than simply the tools involved. As a baseline, he explains that we should be able to “effectively use computers, navigate operating systems, utilize common office applications, conduct online research, and communicate via email, text, chat, videoconferencing or phone.”

Companies, in other words, want employees who are not only technically savvy but also flexible and who can learn. That means you need to be on top of the latest technological advancements.

One way that works for me is to follow my curiosity. That’s what I did early in my career. I had a full-time job in a field I didn’t love, so I worked on side projects that interested me. I taught myself digital writing, social media marketing, graphic design, some basic coding, content marketing and how to leverage content management systems. 

Over time, these digital skills paid off in two significant ways. First, I started a side business that made money to pay off debt and provide things for my family. Second, the skills I learned over the years qualified me for the full-time job I now have. 

Finding ways to increase your digital skill set is something Aranyosi supports as well. “While degrees are still important,” he says, “applied skills and practical experience using digital tools common to one’s industry can help set applicants apart from others.”

If you’ve applied for a job recently, you know how competitive it is out there. “Online job postings have made it easier than ever to attract applicants, which means that you’re likely to confront a lot more competition,” says Aranyosi. “Many applicants will never receive a response, which can be disheartening.”

He emphasizes not to take rejection personally. After all, it likely has nothing to do with you individually. 

Instead, he encourages job seekers to “use it as a learning experience to hone your job-search skills” with these strategic tips.

1. Research the company. “Conduct additional research to learn about the businesses you’re applying to, including looking at annual reports, ongoing projects and industry competitors,” Aranyosi says. The more you know, the better you can craft a cover letter, tailor your resumé and, if it comes down to it, interview.
2. Build your contact list. Your next job could come from those you know. “Network with industry professionals by following their online posts, attending seminars, joining professional organizations, attending chapter meetings or special interest groups, and learning more about the professional landscape,” Aranyosi says.
3. Find a mentor. Once you have a robust network, consider tapping someone who is in or has been in the position you’d like to next be in. Many of your contacts “will be glad to offer advice or even mentorship opportunities that can help,” Aranyosi says.
4. Learn about the position. “The more you can learn about the job you’re applying for, the greater the likelihood that you’ll be able to address [the company’s] specific needs and set yourself apart from the crowd,” Aranyosi says.
5. Tailor your resumé. With algorithm changes to applicant tracking systems, job seekers should customize their resumés and cover letters to specific job opportunities. Be sure to include relevant experience based on the job description and sprinkle keywords and phrases from the posting in your resumé (e.g., skills, software, certifications, prior projects with KPI/metrics articulated).
6. Use social network sites. “[Make] effective use of sites like LinkedIn^® by providing updates to professional organizations, certifications, badges, micro-credentials and job responsibilities that are in high demand,” Aranyosi says.
7. Manage your online presence. Remember: “Public-facing content on social media sites or online blogs is searchable,” Aranyosi says. Post accordingly, taking care to avoid profanity, controversy and unprofessional content. Think about all of your audiences, and if you’re unsure about how your message will come across, don’t post it.

Aranyosi recommends the following to enhance your digital competence: 

• Read and practice writing. Doing this even a few minutes every day will improve your reading comprehension, writing ability, spelling and focus. Use AI tools like Grammarly^® or Wordtune to improve your writing, but don’t rely on them exclusively since you also need to differentiate yourself from others.
• Sign up for notifications, newsgroups and email updates to stay informed about industry trends.
• Learn which tools are commonly used in your industry and set about learning them.

While professional etiquette hasn’t really changed, professional communication and digital literacy continue to evolve as new software capabilities are introduced. “We’ve become accustomed to people contacting us all day in every possible manner: by phone, text, chat, letters, emails, attachments, videoconferencing, social media posts, livestreams and so on,” Aranyosi says. Whether you view this as convenient or annoying is up to you, but the high level of accessibility can lead to more than just tech fatigue. “It’s easy to become too familiar with others too soon,” he says. “To avoid this, keep things concise and professional.”

“Including a few social pleasantries is fine,” Aranyosi says, “but stay focused on the subject at hand and don’t include more than is needed to make your point.”

After you establish a rapport with the person, you may be able to adjust how you speak or write, and a limited use of emojis can help to clarify that your correspondence is meant to be helpful and not hurtful. That said, Aranyosi adds that, “politeness, humility and patience go a long way toward maintaining your professional relationships.”

Oh, and one more thing: Use spell-check.

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