Technology shapes how we work, communicate, and even qualify for jobs. Whether you’re clocking in at a manufacturing plant, supporting patients in health care, or applying for your first office role, digital skills have become a baseline expectation, not a bonus.
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This shift has made one concept especially important for job seekers to understand: digital literacy.
What is Digital Literacy
Digital literacy goes far beyond knowing how to use a smartphone or browse the internet. At its core, it’s about being able to function confidently in a tech-driven world.
Western Sydney University defines digital literacy as:
“Having the skills needed to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and access to information is increasing through digital technologies.”
In practical terms, this includes:
- Using computers, tablets, or smart devices to complete tasks
- Navigating workplace software like email, scheduling tools, and online portals
- Creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, or digital forms
- Understanding how to find, evaluate, and use information online
These skills are no longer limited to office environments, they’re now embedded across nearly every industry.
Why Digital Literacy Matters More Than Ever
As Caitlin Espinosa explains, even entry-level roles in fields like manufacturing and health care now require interaction with digital systems. From logging production data to updating patient records, technology plays a role in day-to-day responsibilities.
This is especially true for middle-skilled jobs—roles that often offer solid wages without requiring a four-year degree.
Research from Burning Glass Technologies and Capital One highlights just how widespread digital requirements have become:
- 82% of middle-skilled jobs require digital skills
- Many of these roles involve office productivity tools such as word processing and spreadsheets
The good news? Digital literacy is learnable. You don’t need to be a programmer or IT specialist to strengthen your tech skills. Even basic familiarity with common applications like Microsoft Word or Excel can open doors to better-paying, more stable roles.
Digital literacy is no longer optional, it’s foundational. As technology continues to shape the workforce, understanding and developing these skills can be the difference between missing an opportunity and moving confidently into a new one.
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