Excel and Access data entry tasks

50_Pence

Hi,

I have an interview coming up for a research/data entry role. As part of the interview there will be a data entry task in Microsoft Excel and Access.

I’m trying to decide which areas of Excel and Access to practice. Anyone have any suggestions?


It would be really helpful to hear what types of tasks other people have had to do during tests for a similar role!

Thanks

somethingcorporate

Is it with an agency or directly with a company?

If the former many years ago when I had these types of test you couldn't use short-cuts so make sure you know both the long and short hand way to do things.

hmk40

Did they clarify the expertise level in each application:
I would utilize excel training on the web. Not sure if there is one for Microsoft access.
Here is what I would suggest
Excel:
-formulas
-v-look ups
-pivot tables
-charts/graphs
These are all some functions of using excel. I'm not sure the extent to which they will ask but maybe they will ask you to enter some data and have you navigate through some exercise. The good thing is on Microsoft.com you can take tutorials ahead of time.

Access-Some functions of it are:
-creating/building databases
-filtering through tables
-creating make tables
-linking tables

Check out youtube as well, there are tutorials on there as well.

redpete

hmk40 wrote: »

Did they clarify the expertise level in each application:
I would utilize excel training on the web. Not sure if there is one for Microsoft access.
Here is what I would suggest
Excel:
-formulas
-v-look ups
-pivot tables
-charts/graphs
These are all some functions of using excel. I'm not sure the extent to which they will ask but maybe they will ask you to enter some data and have you navigate through some exercise. The good thing is on Microsoft.com you can take tutorials ahead of time.

Access-Some functions of it are:
-creating/building databases
-filtering through tables
-creating make tables
-linking tables

Check out youtube as well, there are tutorials on there as well.

All of those examples are way above the level required for "data entry".

I would expect the tests to involve entering data into Excel tables or Access forms that have already been designed. The test would be to check that you can enter data accurately and sufficiently quickly.

50_Pence

Thank you for your replies. It's directly with the company and they’re looking for someone who is proficient in both Excel and Access.

General_Grant

50_Pence wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. It's directly with the company and they’re looking for someone who is proficient in both Excel and Access.

Best of luck for the interview.

It would be really good if you could come back here afterwards and let us know what they seemed to expect of someone who was "proficient".

Hedgehog99

You could practice sorting & filtering your data? They might e.g. give you a payroll and ask you to pull out all the male warehouse staff who are paid weekly?

Gavin83

It's a data entry job. The most important requirement will be to be able to type data quickly and accurately. Therefore practice your typing.

All the other skills are beyond what you'd be expected to do. However it wouldn't hurt to learn, if you show ability and a job becomes available it puts you in a good position to apply.

50_Pence

It’s a data entry AND research role. To give it some context: the starting salary is between 20,000 and 25,000, which is high for a data entry role.

FBaby

If by research they mean data analysis, then you will need the skills highlighted by hmk40.