Hi all, do interviewers actually care if you use Excel shortcuts during modeling tests, or is accuracy more important than speed?
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Hey 👋
Good question and one that comes up a lot! In modeling tests, accuracy always comes first. Speed only matters once you’re already fast and correct. Interviewers won’t expect you to use every shortcut, but they’ll notice if you work smoothly without constantly clicking around.
Knowing basic shortcuts like copy across, autofill, or navigate cells efficiently shows comfort with Excel, but nobody’s grading you on style. If your model is clean, logical, and error-free, that’s what really counts.
So practice a few key shortcuts, but focus on clarity and correctness, that’s what gets you the offer.
Hope it helps!
Hi there,
Shortcuts really aren’t important in interviews. They’re not something you’re judged on. What matters is that you understand how to use Excel logically - not how fast you can type.
Interviewers mostly look for structured thinking and confidence when you work with data. So don’t stress about key combos. Just focus on being clear and logical in your approach.
Accuracy is more important than shortcuts. Interviewers mainly care that your model works and makes sense. Using shortcuts can help with speed and efficiency, but they’re a bonus, not a requirement.
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