PhD/PsyD include computer skills in CV?

[bre333]

So I have seen this question asked elsewhere, but the answers weren't very comprehensive.
Basically, I'm wondering what is worth listing as a computer skill on a CV? I discuss using SPSS and one other program on my SoP, and I wasn't sure whether it was worth it to also list computer skills on my CV. I'm having a hard time discerning what's worth mentioning you're proficient at, and what will make you sound like you're bragging about knowing how to turn on a computer.
I've seen people say you should mention different websites you're skilled at using, like EBESCO, or google docs. I would feel a little weird saying I'm experienced in using EBESCO or JSTOR, just because I feel like one should hope you can use websites like that by the time you graduate?
Similarly, I've heard that you should just report all the computer programs you're good at using, even if it doesn't seem relevant--but again, I feel like mentioning my experience with Photoshop will just seem like padding.
What types of computer skills are worth including on your CV, and what should you leave out?

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[Marissa4usa]

It depends on what your skills are. I'm usually not very impressed by things like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, SPSS, or HTML. Those things are so basic nowadays, I'd expect any college graduate to be "proficient" in these things or to have capability of learning these easily.
I do think, however, that any advanced coding knowledge is definetely an asset. Similarly, knowing how to use advanced statistical software is a plus, but only if you are actually able to run at analyses in it on your own (having sat right next to somebody using SAS does not make you proficient 🙄)

Moreover, only add skill if they are relevant. I would not to be terribly excited about your advanced knowledge of photoshop, even though it can be a tricky program.

 

[bre333]

It depends on what your skills are. I'm usually not very impressed by things like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, SPSS, or HTML. Those things are so basic nowadays, I'd expect any college graduate to be "proficient" in these things or to have capability of learning these easily.
I do think, however, that any advanced coding knowledge is definetely an asset. Similarly, knowing how to use advanced statistical software is a plus, but only if you are actually able to run at analyses in it on your own (having sat right next to somebody using SAS does not make you proficient 🙄)

Moreover, only add skill if they are relevant. I would not to be terribly excited about your advanced knowledge of photoshop, even though it can be a tricky program.

Thanks, that's really helpful! So let's say my skills are SPSS, that other program, a set of things you'd assume most people are proficient in (e.g. EBESCO, microsoft office suite), and a set of things that are neat but maybe not relevant (e.g. Photoshop, InDesign, google docs). If I include SPSS and that other program on my SoP, should I bother including them in my CV? Does it hurt me to list the assumed-proficiency, and cool-but-irrelevant programs? Also, should I just not bother listing websites?

Thanks!

 

[Marissa4usa]

It may not hurt per se, but to me these things always look like CV padding, so some people may have a negative reaction to it. Speaking just for myself, I find it rather annoying and I know that most professors are not very impressed if an applicant tells them they know how to use SPSS. I assume they would be even less impressed (and thus more annoyed if it's on somebody's CV) with your google docs skills.
I think it's fine to briefly (again: briefly) mention that you know how to use SPSS (as in: "I independently analyzed my data using SPSS"). I would not put any computer skills on my CV, unless they really make you stand out. And definitely no websites - that just makes you look desperate 😉.
Generally, I think computer skills are something you put on a resume, not on a CV.

 

[bre333]

It may not hurt per se, but to me these things always look like CV padding, so some people may have a negative reaction to it. Speaking just for myself, I find it rather annoying and I know that most professors are not very impressed if an applicant tells them they know how to use SPSS. I assume they would be even less impressed (and thus more annoyed if it's on somebody's CV) with your google docs skills.
I think it's fine to briefly (again: briefly) mention that you know how to use SPSS (as in: "I independently analyzed my data using SPSS"). I would not put any computer skills on my CV, unless they really make you stand out. And definitely no websites - that just makes you look desperate 😉.
Generally, I think computer skills are something you put on a resume, not on a CV.

Thanks so much, I've been hearing from all my friends that I should just list as many programs as possible. Good to know my instincts were right on this one!

 

[WisNeuro]

I would go with just relevant information. A poorly organized CV with a bunch of random crap thrown in is a negative when I review applications. You're going into a field where it is vital to convey important information in a concise way. Show it. If you are applying for grad school, listing SPSS may be beneficial. If you are applying for internship and above, it is assumed that you know how to use data analysis software, as long as you came from a Ph.D program anyway.