The Excel Test That Got Me the Job

TLDRTen years ago, I took an Excel test during a job interview that I had to pass to get the job. I recount my experience and share how I still use Excel skills to this day.

Key insights

💼Excel skills are highly valued in fast-paced office environments, and it is crucial to demonstrate proficiency in job interviews.

🎯During job interviews, it is important to advocate for oneself and highlight relevant skills and accomplishments.

📊The ability to work independently and excel in Excel is often expected in analyst positions.

😅Receiving unexpected Excel tests during job interviews can be stressful, but they offer an opportunity to showcase skills and knowledge.

🤝Building a good relationship with interviewers and demonstrating competence can lead to long-lasting professional connections.

Q&A

What should I emphasize during a job interview that requires Excel skills?

Highlight your experience with Excel and showcase specific projects or tasks where you successfully applied Excel skills.

How can I prepare for an unexpected Excel test in a job interview?

Review and practice common Excel functions and formulas, and be prepared to demonstrate your ability to work with data and perform various tasks in Excel.

What other skills are often valued in analyst positions?

In addition to Excel, other valuable skills for analysts include data analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail.

How can I improve my Excel skills?

You can improve your Excel skills by taking online courses, practicing regularly, and seeking opportunities to work on projects that require Excel knowledge.

How can I manage stress during a job interview?

To manage stress during a job interview, it can be helpful to practice beforehand, take deep breaths, and remind yourself of your qualifications and achievements.

Timestamped Summary

00:05The video begins with the author recalling a job interview where an Excel test was a requirement for the position.

01:23The author shares that they passed the Excel test and formed a good relationship with the interviewer.

04:39The author expresses their intention to recreate the Excel test 10 years later to see if they still have the skills.

07:49The author demonstrates different ways of counting participants and filtering data in Excel.

11:54The author reflects on their approach to finding a typo in the data and highlights the usefulness of pivot tables.

12:47The author uses pivot tables to analyze the data and answer questions about the dataset.

13:59The author identifies participants with missing race and ethnicity data using a formula.

14:18The video concludes with the author noting the number of participants with missing data.