Often referred to as cognitive, intellectual, or “hard” skills, content skills are acquired as you gain mastery in your academic field. They include writing proficiency, computer literacy, and foreign language skills. Computing knowledge and ability are now perceived as core skills that are equal in importance to reading, writing, and mathematics. In fact, employers’ expectations regarding computer knowledge and application—particularly related specifically to your industry—continue to rise.

Content skills include specific types of information, facts, principles, and rules. For instance, perhaps you have knowledge of civil engineering related to dam construction or have extensive experience working with telescopes. Maybe you have worked in a library and have been trained in accessing several library databases, or maybe you know the most common clinical diagnoses in psychology. We often forget some of the preparation we have gained that augments our mastery of specific academic material, especially statistics, research methods, foreign language aptitude, and computer literacy. You can apply all this specific knowledge to jobs in a particular field or occupation.

Certain types of employers will expect extensive knowledge in your academic major before they will consider hiring you; for example, to get a job in accounting, you must demonstrate knowledge of Quickbooks or advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency. Employers will not train you in basic applications or knowledge related to your field, so remember to be prepared to speak of your qualifications during the interview process.

For most college students it’s sufficient to have some fundamental knowledge. You will learn more on the job as you move from entry-level work to more advanced positions.