It is almost impossible to recall a time when the computer was not a part of our daily lives. Digital technology has revolutionized how we interact with each other, including in the workplace, where today's employers expect an advanced level of digital proficiency from their professional-level employees especially from new hires.

But what does that mean on the practical level of skills and competencies? And what do employers want when it comes to the way we interact with technology?

I recently surveyed six Ontario professional firms about the level of digital competency and critical employment skills that they expect from their professional-level employees. The subjects were active providers of specialized services, at the national and international levels, in accounting and financial management, engineering, and human resource management.

From each company, two individuals with hiring responsibilities, one from the operational side and one from the administrative (corporate) side, were interviewed.

Employing a multiple case study design, the interviews were cross-analyzed for insight into the critical digital skills required of today's professionals. Competencies were defined as clusters of skills, knowledge and attributes, all required for superior performance in a given occupation.

Digital competencies

Digital competencies are a must for today's working professionals. Employers expect a good grasp of digital applications such as:

• blogging and wikis
• podcasts and web conferencing
• Google Docs and Google+
• Skype

Professionals are also expected to have the skills necessary to leverage digital applications and provide reliable business solutions. Today's employers recognize that incorporating technology into business activities increases efficiency; however, business efficiency doesn't replace core competencies. In other words, being tech savvy doesn't replace the fundamental professional knowledge required to do the job.

In two of the six firms, actual skills testing of prospective employees was performed before interviews were conducted. The other four organizations preferred situational/behavioural questioning to assess experience and expertise.

While the training of new employees in most workplaces was once conducted in person, today it is often conducted by computer. Live webinars or web conferencing connect new employees with service providers. Certifications in workplace issues such as health and safety training or disability access can be obtained through online training.

Digital decision making

Employers are critical of what they report as an emerging overreliance on Internet sources for information. This overreliance can be summed up in the phrase Let's Google it.Since not all Internet sources are credible, some employers are protecting their reputation by creating customized databases to foster professional development and interactive learning communities.

Employers also stress that today's professionals need to demonstrate initiative and an ability to make astute decisions. The ant community mentality of sending numerous emails and requesting continuous feedback and validation before making a decision does not translate well into business productivity. Employers want a grab-and-go attitude. They want employees to tackle business issues and provide reliable solutions in a timely manner.

In other words: Don't expect detailed directions from your employer. As professionals, employees are expected to be self-directed, disciplined and able to use their critical judgment.

Digital etiquette

Communication remains one of the most critical soft skills. Employers expect that digital communication tools such as Facebook, Twitter, or Skype will be used to augment face-to-face meetings and create networks that support the business.

The study's subjects also pointed out two areas of concern. One is the use of text messaging abbreviations in professional communications. The second is the quality of one's friends and posts on social media such as Facebook, as employers are now accessing Facebook as another screening device when hiring. Digital etiquette, in all situations, is critical at the professional level.

While core competencies, communication skills, and personal behaviour remain critical to employment at the professional level, the digital age has added a different dimension to their application and assessment. In today's fiercely competitive, global labour market, employers are now hiring digital professionals: knowledgeable in their area of specialty, digitally savvy and highly productive.

In the words of one study subject, today's professional is well-trained, digitally versatile and Monday-ready.

Carmen Dima, CGA, is a professor at Niagara College and an online instructor in the CGA program. This article is based on Is the digital citizen ready and able to hold a job?, presented at the 2012 Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) conference.