How do I use digital skills to improve my work readiness skills?

Question

As adults language learners are preparing to move into the work force, there are multiple challenges they face. Not only is learning a new language difficult, but employers are looking for digital skills that support successful work experiences.... What types of skills do you need to get ahead at work? I can help you work on communication skills, writing and reading to improve your understanding of the language and be more workforce ready!!!!

Answer 1

I have done a lot of research on up-skilling for the future of work, particularly as we move into an increasingly AI-enabled workplace. I would generally summarize the most important skills right now in three categories: Adapt, Connect and Enable. Essentially, that breaks down as follows:

Adapt: The ability to adjust quickly, navigate ambiguity, and solve problems with creativity. In today’s environment—where technology, business models, and roles evolve constantly—Adapt is about staying effective even when the path isn’t clear. Key behaviors include:

1. Learning Agility: Quickly picking up new tools, skills, and ways of working
2. Innovator Mindset: Challenging assumptions and exploring better approaches
3. Change Reflexes: Remaining steady and productive during uncertainty and shifting priorities

👉 This domain emphasizes resilience + curiosity + experimentation.

Connect: The ability to connect people and connect dots through strong relationships, clear communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. As work becomes more cross-functional and less siloed, success depends on how well people align, influence, and think systemically. Key behaviors include:

1. Empathic Communication: Listening deeply and communicating with clarity and respect
2. Collaborative Teaming: Working effectively across teams and disciplines
3. Strategic & Systems Thinking: Understanding how decisions impact the broader organization

👉 This domain emphasizes human connection + business awareness + collaboration at scale.

Enable: The ability to enable high performance by removing barriers, leveraging AI, and supporting the success of others. This is where execution meets empowerment—ensuring work actually gets done efficiently and sustainably. Key behaviors include:

1. AI-Driven Execution: Using AI tools to improve speed, quality, and decision-making
2. Barrier Removal: Identifying and eliminating friction in processes or workflows
3. Supporting Others’ Success: Sharing knowledge, coaching, and contributing to team effectiveness

👉 This domain emphasizes execution excellence + AI fluency + collective success.

As far as digital skills go, I am not a expert on tech, but I am very connected in the HR and recruiting community. I can tell you experimenting with AI is incredibly important for growth right now. If you can get in Claude, Chat GPT, Gemini, etc and experiment with building tools, volunteer for opportunities to work on AI champions comittees, etc, you will get ahead of the curve fast right now.

I hope that helps!

Answer 2

Digital skills are becoming more and more important for future jobs.

A lot of jobs want to know you can use Microsoft Office, Excel, Power Point, Office Suite, and Outlook.

If you will be doing online meetings, you will also need Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

These are the most popular digital programs.

If you are working in a job like IT computer technician or computer programming, you will need more digital skills like Python or Javascript. The skills you need depend on what job it is.

I recommend taking a computer course if you do not feel confident, and want more digital skills.

If your job will be at a foreign company, (Japanese company for example) you should take computer lessons in that language.

So it will be easier for you in the future; if you must use a company computer or make a presentation (in another language), for example.

You can also practice using your digital skills at home on your computer. When you answer an email, or make a presentation, or type a document try to think about it. How would I do this in (Japanese, English, French, for example)? Can I use bigger words? Does it sound natural? Does it look professional?

Compare your work to professional examples on the internet. See if you can improve it.

Saving your work in a folder to show to your future employer at a job interview is also a good idea.

Answer 3

Obviously, needs vary depends completely on the line of work and the company but at the very least being familiar with things like Office (particularly Word and Excel) goes a long way as does familiarity with communication tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Outlook.

Alao, having a handle on job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed is a good idea.