Excel Skills Test for Job Candidates: Finding Your Perfect Match
Ken Crowell
Ken Crowell
Hey there, savvy hiring managers! Previously, we chatted about the importance of digital know-how in job applicants and why adding an Excel skills test to your hiring process is an absolute must.
But here’s the catch: not all job roles require the same level of computer skills, so we’re here to help you decide on the right difficulty level for your Excel skills test.
Now, you might wonder…”How do I pick the most comprehensive Excel skills test to use?”
Fear not, EmployTest has you covered! Microsoft Excel proficiency is typically graded in three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Today, we’ll dive into each level and match them with the job profiles that need them the most. Let’s go on this Excel adventure together!
Basic Excel Proficiency – Nailing the Essentials!
For employees filling entry-level positions out there, basic Microsoft Excel skills are the first stepping stone to success. These abilities come in handy when tackling those repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
So, what should you be looking for when vetting candidates for such roles? Uncovering their basic formatting skills is key!
Think adjusting column widths, nailing text alignment, jazzing up borders, choosing fonts and colors, and locking cells for data input. A candidate who knows their way around these basic Excel sheet tricks is already on the right track!
Here are some job profiles that should rock a basic Excel skills assessment:
Administrative Assistant – The Ultimate Juggler
To all the administrative assistants out there, we salute you! You handle mountains of information daily, and Excel is your trusty sidekick for managing data.
With Excel, you can effortlessly gather, import, organize, and present crucial data to colleagues in the blink of an eye. Efficiency at its finest!
Project Manager – Excel’s Unlikely BFF
Project Managers, we know you didn’t expect Excel to be your go-to tool, but it certainly delivers! From keeping track of tasks, assigning them to your team, and managing expenses, Excel is your secret weapon.
And when the project’s all wrapped up, you can impress everyone with visually stunning charts and graphs. Talk about a grand finale!
Junior Accountant – Report Builder Extraordinaire
Entry-level Accounting Professionals, you’re not just crunching numbers, you’re mastering the art of data analysis and presentation!
In your role supporting a CPA, basic Excel skills will be crucial for organizing client data, recording financial transactions, and creating reports. You can wow clients and managers with sortable, organized data and graphics more powerful than a locomotive!
Need a trusty sidekick in the hiring process? EmployTest has your back with Excel skills tests that can help you grow your team with confidence
Excel Skills Test Basics – Get Ready to Excel!
Now that we know what job profiles need basic Excel proficiency, let’s explore the essential skills to test for:
Cell Formatting and Page Layout – The Magic Touch
Formatting cells and managing page layout are fundamental for a top-notch basic Excel skills test. Clean and organized tables make even the most data-heavy sheets a breeze to navigate!
Data Sorting and Data Filters – Finding the Gems
Data sorting and filtering are a dynamic duo that helps users focus on the information they need. Trust us; candidates who know how to sort and filter will save the day!
Excel Shortcut Keys – Time-Saving Ninjas
Hey, we all love shortcuts! Candidates who know their way around Excel’s shortcut keys are time-saving wizards. Select All, Copy, Paste, Bold – these shortcuts make life in the fast-paced office a breeze!
Data Validation – Keeping It Clean
Data validation to the rescue! Preventing pesky invalid input and ensuring only relevant data is entered are superpowers you want in your candidates. Let’s avoid scheduling meetings on August 6th instead of June 8th, shall we?
Charts – The Power of Visualization
Visualizing data is a must! A basic Excel skills test should include creating simple charts to impress supervisors and colleagues alike. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Basic Excel Skills Testing: Separating Mere Mortals from Accounting Superheroes
By utilizing an Excel skills test, like those available from EmployTest, you can ensure that the hero you see on the resume doesn’t turn out to be a villain in disguise.
Hold tight; we’re not done yet! In the next part of our Excel adventure, we’ll explore intermediate and advanced Excel skills, match them with exciting job profiles, and unveil the superhero skills your candidates need to conquer Excel-based tasks like pros.
Experience the future of recruitment – book a consultation with our expert team!
