Why Microsoft Word Skills Tests Are Critical in 2023

According to HR Morning, finding enough quality candidates will be the biggest challenge hiring teams face in 2023. Other factors HR leaders cited were an uncertain economy and recession fears. According to the report, in 2022, only 23% of organizations said they planned to reduce hiring plans or implement hiring freezes. In 2023, that number jumped to 50%.

Regardless of economic conditions, organizations need qualified employees with the right skills and talents to help them meet their business growth goals. So, despite the ongoing talent shortage and the possibility of a recession, hiring top candidates is more important than ever.

Most organizations partner with an industry-leading assessment provider such as eSkill so they can use skills tests to quickly identify top applicants during initial screening. Since many jobs require computer proficiency, Microsoft Office®, Excel, and Microsoft Word skills tests are some of the most popular assessments used by HR teams.

With over 1.2 billion users, Microsoft Office® is the world’s most popular software application. Over 60 million commercial customers use Office 365, and about 50,000 more new small businesses adopt it each month. Microsoft Word skills tests measure applicants’ ability to communicate effectively. This is essential because an employee with strong Microsoft Word skills can influence and impress both customers and internal stakeholders.

Why Computer Skills Are Important

The majority of jobs in the U.S. require at least basic computer proficiency, and the number of jobs where it is not needed is decreasing rapidly. A Brookings Institute study showed that in 2002, 56% of jobs required basic computer skills, 40% required intermediate computer proficiency, and 5% required advanced computer abilities. By 2016, the share of jobs that required advanced skills jumped to 23%, the share that required intermediate skills increased to 48%, and the share requiring basic computer skills fell to 30%.

By 2030, 75% of jobs will require advanced computer proficiency. People with good digital skills can also qualify for in-demand jobs that command higher salaries. The average U.S. worker’s compensation increases by 4% for each 10% increase in information, communication, and technology requirements.

However, about half of all workers in the construction, transportation, and storage industries have limited or no digital skills. Additionally, more than one-third of all workers in several other major sectors lack digital skills. These include retail (37%), hospitality (36%), manufacturing (35%), and health and social work (33%).

Why Microsoft Word Skills Tests Are Important

Skills tests help hiring teams determine applicants’ true skill levels. Employers cannot rely on the information candidates provide on resumes. First, more than 77% of applicants exaggerate their qualifications and experience. Second, it is not easy for applicants to accurately gauge their own Word skill level. Skills they define as advanced may not be considered “advanced” by the hiring team.

This means a candidate who looks good on paper and sounds good during interviews may not be the best person for the job. So, organizations use Microsoft Word skills tests to determine applicants’ true experience level and ensure they have the skills required for the job. For instance, a hiring team might set the following guidelines for basic, intermediate, and advanced Word skills.

• Basic MS Word Skills: Applicants with basic MS Word skills should be able to create documents, use dynamic page layouts, format text, insert images and bookmarks into a document, create and modify tables, create graphs and charts, print a text, and check spelling and grammar.

• Intermediate MS Word Skills: Candidates with intermediate MS Word skills should be able to share and copy documents, insert hyperlinks, export documents into other formats, use revision history, and add cover pages and page numbers.

• Advanced MS Word Skills: Applicants with advanced MS Word skills will be able to design and create forms and templates, manage large documents, create subdocuments and master documents, create macros, and use them to automate tasks.

Evaluate How Efficiently Applicants Work

Microsoft Word skills tests enable HR teams to evaluate how quickly and accurately applicants can complete their assigned work. Employees who take a long time to accomplish basic tasks such as typing letters, internal memos, and reports cost much and accomplish too little. When combined with a typing test, a Microsoft Word skills test is the perfect way to see how many words-per-minute candidates can type, evaluate grammar and spelling, and assess computer skills.

Use Design and Graphics Functionality

Although the name might imply otherwise, MS Word is a design tool as well as a word-processing application. Anyone can create professional reports, brochures, and newsletters with no design experience or artistic talent. A Microsoft Word skills test helps HR teams identify top candidates with these abilities.

Users can add charts and tables, embed graphics and pictures, and include footnotes and watermarks. Using these features is essential because it allows managers to spend time on critical projects instead of editing and reformatting documents their staff has created.

Maximize Microsoft Word Skills Tests in 2023

Hiring teams have implemented skills testing programs to make data-driven hiring decisions. They know critical assessments such as Microsoft Word skills tests help them hire top candidates with the right skills for the job.

Are you ready to learn how Microsoft Word skills tests can help you improve hiring outcomes in 2023? Contact us to request a demo.