Office courses | Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Co. (2024)

FAQs

How to answer what is your proficiency in Microsoft Office? ›

Don't just say “familiar with Microsoft Office”; list the programs you know like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. This will give employers an idea of what you can do with these programs. Additionally, provide examples of how you have used these programs in the past.

Depending on the specific application, training to learn Microsoft Office can take anywhere from a few hours to weeks. Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint can make people comfortable with training in handling more advanced functions.

MS Office proficiency is sometimes described in terms of levels of mastery: beginner, intermediate, advanced. The lowest level lets users open or create documents, enter or update information. Intermediate users would be able to make bulk changes or operations.

Proficient in Word typically means you know how to create templates, use SmartArt and perform basic page setup, editing and text formatting functions. With Excel, this means you know basic formulas, data linking, pivot tables and charts and how to use IF statements.

Along with using it for basic word processing functions, I find that its tables and charts are quite effective. I am also quite comfortable using the rest of the Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint. I have a lot of experience using spreadsheets to manage data and using PowerPoint to makes presentations."

It takes most Excel users approximately 18-20 hours to fully learn this spreadsheet application. However, this number depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can study Excel and find resources to help speed the process along.

You can use various resources to learn how to use Microsoft Office programs. You can purchase courses and programs from online learning platforms. Alternatively, you can take advantage of free courses and training materials to help improve your proficiency with the tool.

Gain new skills in just days

Take advantage of free Virtual Training Days from Microsoft Learn, where participants of any skill level can grow their technical skills.

At Oxford Home Study Centre, all free Microsoft Office courses come complete with all required study aids and learning materials. Our free courses are 100% free to take from start to finish - the perfect introduction to the functions and features of MS Office.

Are Microsoft Office courses worth it? ›

Microsoft certification is globally recognized and industry-endorsed evidence of advanced skills in the software that 95% of Fortune 500 companies rely on. Recruiters know that certified applicants are easier to place and command higher salaries.

Professional classes that teach the basics only last a day for each Microsoft Office program. Expert-level classes take around the same amount of time. With professional training, an individual can become an expert in Office 365 in a few weeks. Of course, this depends on several factors.

Example of Hard Skills

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, is a given. Familiarity with industry-specific software, such as tax preparation software and Intuit's QuickBooks, is also required.

To describe your resume computer skills in a cover letter: Be specific: Mention the job-relevant computer skills and tools you possess that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, your proficiency in programming languages, software applications, data analysis tools or project management software.

Effective Ways to Describe Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Let people know what advanced features and functions you can do, like making complex formulas, pivot tables, or macros. Show your data analysis skills. Explain how you use Excel to see trends, and make reports. Tell them about automation.

Intermediate: This level covers more advanced skills, such as using common software applications, creating and managing files, and using the internet. Advanced: This level covers the skills needed to use specialized software applications, such as Microsoft Office products, and to manage complex projects.

Office workers, legal professionals, Writers, and communications teams use Microsoft Word on a daily basis. For any professional, gaining skills in Microsoft Word can boost your resume, improve productivity, and increase your teamwork skills. Do you know everything that Microsoft Word can do?