Application Skills and Software Use
Productivity skills
Candidates should demonstrate competent use of word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software and graphics tools, and know when each is appropriate. In spreadsheets, understand cell references, absolute versus relative referencing, formulas and functions (SUM, AVERAGE, IF, COUNTIF, VLOOKUP), sorting and filtering, chart selection, and formatting for clarity. In word processing, know styles, tables of contents, headers and footers, mail merge and template use. In databases, know queries, forms and reports as interfaces over tables.
File and asset management
Use meaningful names, folder structures, version control and appropriate export formats. Understand resolution, file size and compression trade-offs for images and video, and vector versus raster graphics. Recognise accessibility features: alternative text, heading structure, colour contrast and captions.
Testing and documentation
Good practice includes checking formulas against sample data, proofreading, using print preview, and documenting assumptions. A user guide or help sheet is part of the deliverable.
Traps in questions
- Copying a formula without considering absolute references, so ranges shift incorrectly.
- Choosing a pie chart for data with many categories or for trends over time, where a line or bar chart is better.
- Confusing a function with a formula, or a query with a report.
- Over-compressing an image until artefacts appear, or using a raster logo where vector is needed.
- Ignoring the audience: a presentation for experts differs from one for the public.
Worked rule of thumb
Before building, ask what decision the output supports. If it is comparison across categories, use a bar chart; change over time, a line chart; parts of a whole with few slices, a pie chart. Then label axes, include units and cite the data source, because clarity is assessed as much as correctness.