(Job advertisement) ‘knowledge of spreadsheets’

[cathycassidy]

I know I sound incredibly thick but does anyone know what employers are referring to when “knowledge of spreadsheets” is included as one of the competencies

Job role is entry level admin
If you couldn’t tell already, I have been unemployed for a while

I’d like to think I have a decent understanding of basic excel features such as the key formulas, vlookup, and pivot tables
However, I just wanted to check there isn’t anything else to spreadsheets I should know before applying

Macros maybe but that is relatively advanced.

I would think you already have a pretty good knowledge. Depends on the job obviously.

That, to me, would mean that you're familiar with spreadsheets and their basic functions, and have used Excel to create and edit spreadsheets at the lowest level of competency. It sounds like you've got that covered . Good luck with the job hunt.

You're fine op :) good luck

Often it means data entry rather than being able to design something usable.

Other than that if you can knock something up that does a few calcs you should be fine.

If you can do pivot tables, I would say you have more than "knowledge".

To me, knowledge would be:
1)Formulas to calculate totals, including using $sign to anchor a point
2) Formatting to print out neatly, including currency, borders, printing.
3) Maybe formulas to link worksheets together.

Functions like "average","max,"min" count.

Pivot tables would be 'intermediate'
Macros would be 'advanced'

I'd imagine at entry level it refers to data entry. Ability to interpret and produce data using different variables; so by age, date... that sort of thing. I am truly shit at Excel and always keep in mind that you can google just about everything you need to do with bastard Excel

@Vlad - I take it you have the pleasure of using it all day too!

Just asked DH (Spreadsheet God) and he said if you can handle pivot tables, you should be fine. He considers that a good understanding of excel.

He also laughed at me when I asked 'how do you do macros then?' I know as much about spreadsheets as I do the inner workings of a combustion engine. I know what they're for, but that's about it.

You do sound like you know enough to tick that box OP.

Using data sort/filters. I'd expect that as part of basic knowledge as well as things such as adding tabs etc.

I consider myself advanced excel - there's not much I can't do.

If a job asked for 'knowledge of spreadsheets', I'd expect it to be basic knowledge. Simple formulas, sort, filter. With what you've said you'll be absolutely fine.

topcat Yes! Thank god for Google!

Thanks so much!!

Most people don't really understand excel and what it can do. If it's an entry level admin role and you can do pivot tables they'll probably try and burn you as a witch.

Loads of people don't even know how to do pivot tables, so you will be fine! Good luck!

You'll be fine OP you have a much better grasp of excel than I do (data input & autosum are about my limits) & I manage to get by in an accounts role but I did tell my boss at interview that I was shit at excel

I think that's been written by someone who has no knowledge of spreadsheets whatsoever and you'll be way ahead of the requirement.

@leghairdontcare exactly! I work in a technical discipline and I'd say 80% don't know how to use excel. Pivot tables are considered super mega advanced by most.

Go for it OP! I work with spreadsheets everyday and it sounds like you know more than I do