The Most In-Demand Microsoft Excel Skills in 2023

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that is widely used in industries such as finance, accounting, marketing, and more. It is a popular spreadsheet software that allows users to organize and analyze data effectively. However, with the increasing use of data-driven decision making in businesses, the demand for professionals who are proficient in Microsoft Excel has also risen. If you're looking to enhance your skillset and become more marketable in today's job market, then learning how to use Excel is a must. In this blog post, we will discuss the most in-demand skills in Microsoft Excel, namely VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables, and how to use them in the program.

VLOOKUP

One of the most sought-after skills in Microsoft Excel is the VLOOKUP function. This function allows users to search for a specific value in a column and return corresponding data from another column. It comes in handy when working with large datasets and making comparisons between them.

To use VLOOKUP, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell where you want the results to appear.
2. Type =VLOOKUP() in the formula bar and insert the value you want to search for inside the parenthesis.
3. To create the search values, start with the cell you will insert a value into to find the matching data, then add a comma.
4. Next select the range of cells where you want to perform the lookup in (the table containing your data). This will look like the first and last cells of the range separated by a colon.
5. Add another comma after selecting the range of cells.

6. Enter the column index number of the column from which you want to return the data.
7. Add a comma after entering the column index number.
8. Enter `FALSE` if you want an exact match or `TRUE` if you want an approximate match.
9. Press Enter to get the results.

For example, let's say you have a table with employee information and salaries. You can use VLOOKUP to find out how much an employee earns based on their name. See the page and video below for reference.

VLOOKUP example

Pivot Tables

Another highly sought-after skill in Microsoft Excel is creating pivot tables. A pivot table is a data summarization tool that allows you to analyze large amounts of data and create reports easily. It can quickly provide insights into your data, making it a valuable skill for professionals who deal with vast datasets. Pivot tables are quite simple to create but can be incredibly helpful when parsing large quantities of information.

To create a pivot table, follow these steps:

1. Select the range of cells containing your data.
2. Go to the `Insert` tab and click on `PivotTable`.
3. Choose where you want the pivot table to be located (a new worksheet or an existing one).
4. Click `OK`.
5. A blank pivot table will appear on your selected location.
6. On the right side, you will see a `PivotTable Fields` pane.
7. Select the fields you want to be displayed and then drag and drop the fields you want to analyze into the appropriate sections (rows, columns, values).

8. You can also apply filters and customize the layout of your pivot table using the options in the `PivotTable Fields` pane.

See below for an example of a pivot table created using sales data.

!Pivot table example

Other Useful Features in Excel

In addition to VLOOKUP and pivot tables, Microsoft Excel offers many other useful features that can help you manipulate and analyze data more efficiently. Some of these features include:

• Conditional formatting: This allows you to highlight specific cells based on certain criteria, making it easier to identify patterns and trends in your data.
• Charts and graphs: Excel has various chart types that allow you to present your data visually, making it easier for others to understand.
• Macros: Macros are a series of commands and actions that can be recorded and played back to automate repetitive tasks.
• Data validation: This feature ensures that data entered into cells meets specific criteria, reducing the chances of errors in your dataset.

Additional Tips and Resources

Mastering skills in Microsoft Excel can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency in data analysis. However, there are many other useful features and functions in Excel than the ones discussed here, that you can explore to become an advanced user. Below are some additional tips and resources to help you on your journey:

• Microsoft offers free online training for Excel, including tutorials on VLOOKUP and pivot tables. You can access it here.
• YouTube is another great resource to find video tutorials on using Excel. Channels like ExcelIsFun and My Excel Online offer comprehensive tutorials on various Excel skills.
• Practice, practice, practice! The more you use Excel, the better you will become at it. Try working on real-world projects or creating your datasets to apply what you have learned.
• We also have another article on the Top Six Advanced Excel Skills Employers Look for with more essential functions and tips for using Excel to its full potential.

Conclusion

In today's data-driven world, having strong Excel skills has become a necessity for professionals across various industries. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills, learning how to use Excel can significantly benefit you in your career. So why not start exploring these features and see how they can help you analyze data more effectively? With practice and continuous learning, you'll become an Excel pro in no time! Remember to utilize the tips and resources mentioned above for a well-rounded understanding of Excel and its features. Happy Excel-ing!