Rate Yourself

One of the really difficult things in a work place is rating yourself. I'm good at Excel. I'd consider myself an intermediate to advanced user, but honestly, what does that mean?

This device -- Aaron's User Scale found at XL-Logic.com -- defines intermediate, advanced, expert, novice, etc. for the HR set. Or anyone who needs to answer the question, "If someone says they know MS Excel on their resume, what questions can I ask them to determine their level of expertise?"

Intermediate is defined as follows:

• Knows what a Pivot Table is and how to build one.
• Knows what an addin is and how to install one. (Hopefully they've installed the Analysis Toolpack!)
• Understands and can use the AutoFilter feature.
• Can record a macro and use it later.
• Can successfully edit/modify simple recorded macros.
• Most users who claim to know Excel very well fall into this category.

My co-workers would call me an expert, but I don't fit Aaron's definition (nor do I think I should):

• Can build addins for distribution and widespread use.
• If you can think it, they can build it with Excel.
• Most likely, a disturbed individual who spends too much time thinking about spreadsheets. :-)
• A true expert knows the strengths & weaknesses of every single one and has probably had to build some new ones that were not available.

I won't even go into the Guru category. I don't want to be that kind of person.