As an Excel tutor, it is amazing when you go to different companies that there is such a great big difference in the level of knowledge and usage of Excel. This is far more the case than with the level of knowledge people have in PowerPoint or other Microsoft products.

Why is there such a difference in the level of knowledge people have in Excel?

Firstly, the functions and formulas are not obvious to people that are finding their way around the programme. In Outlook or PowerPoint, it is much easier to feel your way around and discover some of the advanced functions on your own.

Secondly, the difficulty of the work being carried out on Excel can be much more intense and hard to handle. Therefore, it is a barrier to many people trying to move into better jobs with more prospects, to try and use Excel effectively.

What makes an Excel user an advanced Excel User and what makes an Excel user just a regular user?

The key things that you expect from an Advanced Excel User can vary, but there are a few functions that are most commonly demanded and set you apart from the rest.

Pivot Tables

Pivot Tables are something that is needed in any job where there are large spreadsheets or in a job where you need to do summary tables for presentations. It is amazing how these functions in Excel can massively improve the efficiency and output of an Excel user.

PAs if you are looking at this as being for accountants, maths or finance people, think again. Pivots have been taught to many PAs and Administrators and they have been able to use them throughout their daily roles.

Advanced Formulas

Formulas like VLOOKUP, SUMIF, NETWORKDAYS and much more are vital to becoming an advanced user. An understanding of how to use these advanced functions will help to ensure that you can save time and do more with your spreadsheets than in the past.

Manual work in Excel or elsewhere will become a thing of the past.

Find out more about Excel Training at www.microsoft-office-courses.co.uk