IT Skills Employers May Look For
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
The IT field is growing as technology changes and advances. Job titles, descriptions, and expectations in the field are also evolving. As such, there are skill sets employers seek when hiring. But how do you know which specific technology skills employers desire?
Current O*NET employer job-posting data for information security analysts and computer systems analysts identify technologies such as Linux, Python, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), PowerShell, UNIX, and Microsoft Office Software, among popular IT skills appearing in job postings.1,2 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that increasing use of information technology, including artificial intelligence, is expected to affect demand for workers in technology-related occupations.3
Consider these specialized and baseline skills desired by employers seeking IT job candidates.
What IT Skills Do Employers Want?
Technical skills relevant to information technology occupations vary by role and employer. Based on occupational information from O*NET and BLS, areas of technical knowledge and skills may include:
- Cybersecurity and information security1
- Cloud computing1
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning3
- Data analysis2
- Networking and systems administration1,2
- Programming and scripting1,2
In addition to technical knowledge, IT professionals may benefit from communication, analytical and interpersonal skills. O*NET identifies the following essential and transferable skills for computer systems analysts:2
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Complex problem solving
- Coordination
- Time management
- Service orientation
Examples of Technical (Hard) IT Skills
Technical IT skills can include cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analysis, networking, programming, and scripting. The particular skills needed vary by occupation and employer.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity skills can involve identifying risks and protecting computer networks and information. For more background, explore AIU's article on IT security.
- Cloud computing: Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are among the technologies appearing in employer job postings for information security analysts.1
- Networking and systems administration: IT work may involve computer systems, system administration issues, and network concerns, depending on the occupation and employer.2
- Programming and scripting: Python and Microsoft PowerShell are among the technologies appearing in employer job postings for the occupations discussed above.1
Essential Soft Skills for IT Professionals
Technical abilities are only part of the picture. Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability can help IT professionals understand needs, work with others, and respond to changing technology.2
Why Soft Skills Matter in Tech
IT work can involve explaining technical information, listening to users and colleagues, coordinating with others, and solving complex problems. O*NET identifies speaking, active listening, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and reading comprehension among skills associated with computer systems analysts.2
IT Certifications That Can Validate Your Skills
Professional certifications may provide another way to demonstrate knowledge in specific technology areas. Certification requirements vary by organization, technology, and career goal, so individuals should review current requirements from the organization that offers the certification.
How to Study In-Demand IT Skills
Education, workplace experience, hands-on practice, mentoring, and continued learning can provide opportunities to build technical and soft skills. Because technology and employer needs continue to change, developing skills can be an ongoing process.
Draft Your Résumé to Highlight Desired Skills
Play up your strengths to better match a company’s needs by using the above information to list your related experience and skill sets on your résumé.
Further Your Education to Help Build and Develop Your Skills
Look for a quality bachelor's or master's IT degree program that meets your needs and fits your schedule. Furthering your education may provide opportunities to develop knowledge in your chosen field.
Take on More Responsibility at Work
Volunteering for extra projects at your current job may provide opportunities to practice technology management and soft skills.
Be Proactive and Find a Mentor
Connect with someone you admire in the IT field who has followed a career path similar to the one you envision for yourself. Explain your goals and ask if they will be your career mentor. A mentor may offer perspective on professional development, résumé preparation, and approaching a job search.
Explore Online Information Technology Programs at American InterContinental University
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Data Analytics
Which Skills Match Which IT Roles?
Different IT occupations emphasize different combinations of skills. Cybersecurity, cloud, programming, data, troubleshooting, and systems skills may appear in different information technology roles depending on the position and employer.1 For more information about potential career paths in the field, explore potential career paths in information technology.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 through 2035. Openings are projected across these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who permanently leave the occupations.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Employer needs vary by occupation, but O*NET job-posting data for information security analysts identify technologies such as Python, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux and PowerShell among those appearing in job postings.1
Technical skills are teachable abilities used to work with technology, such as programming, cybersecurity, cloud platforms, networking, and data tools. Soft skills involve how people communicate, collaborate, organize work, adapt, and solve problems.
Technology work can require professionals to communicate information, listen to others, coordinate activities, and solve complex problems. O*NET identifies speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving among skills associated with computer systems analysts.2
Certification options depend on the technology area and career goal. Individuals considering a certification should review current eligibility and renewal requirements published by the organization that issues it.
IT skills can be developed through education, hands-on practice, workplace experience, mentoring, and continued learning. Because technology changes over time, professionals may need to continue developing both technical and soft skills throughout their careers.
Explore Information Technology degree programs at AIU.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
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1 U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET OnLine. “Employer-Based Hot Technologies: Information Security Analysts.” https://www.onetonline.org/link/hot_tech/15-1212.00 Visited October 6, 2026.
2 U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET OnLine. “Computer Systems Analysts” https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1211.00 Visited October 6, 2026.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Artificial intelligence, information technology, and employment, 2024–34 at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2026/artificial-intelligence-information-technology-and-employment-2024-34.htm (visited October 6, 2026).
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer and Information Technology Occupations.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ Visited October 6, 2026. This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.