Many people these days feel that you cannot get by without a working knowledge of modern technology, which is to say computers, smartphones, and the like. This is not entirely true; there are still jobs out there that can be conducted off the grid, so to speak. If, for example, you would like to run a gardening business, an old-school ledger and a home phone might work just fine. We haven’t been using computer technology so long that it has totally destroyed our ability to function without it. And yet, anyone who wants to operate more efficiently in the professional arena and participate in the cultural landscape needs to have a working knowledge of current technologies. If you want to get ahead in the working world these days you really have to be tech savvy. Frankly, it’s difficult to understand why anyone would want to avoid adding these qualifications to a résumé when technological skills have become such a crucial part of the job market.

Consider for a moment that you’re shooting for a basic, entry level type of position. Heck, working in fast food these days requires that you use a computerized cash register. So you can bet that even low-level positions in the corporate world are going to come with more complex requirements pertaining to knowledge and skill with technology. Whether you’re handling packages in the mailroom or taking memos and screening correspondence as an executive assistant, you’ll find that most business is now conducted virtually. You don’t sign a clipboard to receive a package anymore; you sign a handheld electronic device. Filing is not done in cabinets, but on cloud networks, and correspondence is largely electronic. And these are the lowest jobs on the totem pole. Perhaps you’re beginning to see why an awareness of technological trends, at the very least, is necessary to participating in the current job market.

Of course, some people don’t even know what they don’t know. Figuring out where to start when it comes to discovering technology can be a daunting task if you’ve managed to avoid it thus far. Luckily, it’s easy enough to start your education by checking out the classes available at your community college or even online. You’ll find all kinds of offerings that will teach you how to use essential software like word, spreadsheet, accounting, and presentation programs. And unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade you are no doubt aware of the existence of smartphones, although you might be a bit behind when it comes to their latest capabilities and the rapid advances in the wide world of apps. Since much business is conducted by mobile means it is essential that you adopt this technology and learn how it enhances professional dealings.

Tablets, tweeting, and screen protectors may sound like a foreign language to some people who find themselves entering today’s job market. It’s hard to believe, but there is still a segment of the population that really has no grasp of the scope of modern technology. If you happen to find yourself in this boat and looking for a job, for whatever reason, it’s not too late to start learning. In truth, you don’t have much choice if you want a crack at the majority of occupations these days. And for those who simply need an update, there are all kinds of resources available to help you absorb the latest knowledge and skills in order to raise your technical proficiency and beat out the competition for some of the hottest jobs on the market.