Microsoft Excel commonly used in HR projects

02/05/2013

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When companies use Microsoft Excel tests in the hiring process, it can help them find candidates who have a basic understanding of the program, which will be beneficial in the long-run.

In many businesses, organization is key to smooth day-to-day operations. Whether an employee is working in the financial department or needs to create spreadsheets for a presentation, it can be helpful for a company if workers understand the basics of Microsoft Excel. Implementing an Excel assessment test for employment in the hiring process can find candidates who are already adept at such techniques.

According to a 2012 WorldatWork/Deloitte Consulting study, 89 percent of compensation professionals use spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel, for salary structure design. With this information, WorldatWork said that it would launch several Excel practical application courses and resources to help these workers properly manage and analyze high volumes of data.

“There are many powerful yet underutilized tools in Excel that will benefit every compensation professional,” Kerry Chou, a certified compensation professional (CCP) and practice leader at WorldatWork, said in a company press release. “With many organizations understaffed, harnessing the power of Excel will maximize productivity and enhance the quantity and quality of data analyses.”

Chou added that understanding the right techniques in Excel will save not only hours, but days of time. He explained that compensation professionals who are not using Excel pivot tables are probably spending twice as much time on analysis, making Excel tests for employment even more important.

However, compensation professionals are not the only ones who could benefit from a more thorough understanding of such software programs. When HR managers are going through candidate’s applications, using Excel tests for hiring will ensure that new hires will be able to hit the ground running when it comes to creating tables and spreadsheets and make sure they have the basic excel skills for HR professionals.

Using pre-employment excel tests can help human resource departments find employees who will have an easier time adjusting their computer skills as necessary to changing systems. This can help an organization stay ahead of the competition as it works to keep pace in the evolving business world.

Ken Crowell Director of Sales

Pre-employment testing Attention to Detail Tests MS Office Tests Computer Skills Tests

Education: University of Georgia, Georgia State University

Ken Crowell is the Director of Sales at EmployTest, with over 18 years of experience in improving hiring processes for 6000+ businesses and government entities through specialized pre-employment tests. His knowledge has helped organizations to streamline recruitment with confidence, utilizing tests for attention to detail, Microsoft Office, and computer skills–all of which are important skills for success in today’s workforce. Ken holds a BBA from University of Georgia and a MBA from Georgia State University, both of which complement his deep industry expertise. Beyond his professional role, he is committed to community service, actively volunteering in disaster relief and youth protection initiatives–reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact in every aspect of his work.