Test skill of a job applicant in Excel

[Barbara in VA]

Does anyone know of a free test on line that I can use to be certain a job applicant knows how to create linked worksheets?

[carl]

I've done a couple of Excel online test and find them very frustrating to be
honest. I consider myself a very experienced user of Excel but still made
errors in the tests because of the way they are set up. The problem is that
they reply on you doing things in one way and one way only. That means if
you know how to do something but normally have to check a couple of toolbars
to find it then that's a mistake. It even gave me an incorrect answer when I
pressed return instead of hitting ok with the mouse. This is no way to find
out if you're any good at something. I feel that as long as the person gets
there and they are on a time limit then it doesn't matter how they do it.

So look for a test like that. I'm sure if you contact microsoft themselves
they may be able to help.

Carl

[broro183]

Hi Babara,
Why not just ask them?
It is a very quick question & can be answered just as quickly if the applicant wishes to use the yes/no approach. However, if they elaborate you may learn a lot more about them through their use of language etc...
eg applicant "linked work sheets?...'phff', of course" may combine with body language & tone to allow interviewer interpretation of applicant = arrogant & unsuitable, cf "linked worksheets?...yes, I can, for example when I have two workbooks open... & the links can be absolute or relative depending on their intended purpose..." may result in interpretation of applicant = has knowledge of Excel terminology & can put across concepts clearly.

On the other hand if this is to be part of an online test, provide links to 2 workbooks, ask the question (eg "Please link the closing balance of SOH from the 2005 file to the appropriate cell as the opening balance of the 2006 file.") & just review the applicant's saved file after the test.

Rob Brockett
NZ
Always learning & the best way to learn is to experience...

[JE McGimpsey]

I don't know of any test, but if I were hiring, I'd describe a typical
task for your business, with some sample data in a workbook or
workbooks, then have them demonstrate that they can create the links
that you need.

In article
<[email protected]>,
Barbara in VA
<[email protected]> wrote:

> Does anyone know of a free test on line that I can use to be certain a
> job applicant knows how to create linked worksheets?