Excel Like a Pro

We know there are slicker tools out there. We use plenty of them. But when you're solving problems fast, across teams, across continents, and under pressure? Excel is still the MVP. It’s fast, flexible, and brutally honest if you don’t know what you’re doing. So yes, we’re watching how well you can handle it, because it still says a lot about how you think. 

But speed without accuracy? That’s just noise. Take a moment to ground yourself before diving in. Review the data, understand the questions, and get clear on what you’re actually working with. Are the units consistent? Are the formats clean - dates, zip codes, currencies? Are there formulas behind certain fields you’re about to reference? Don’t just look at numbers, ask what they mean in a supply chain context. Good consultants move fast. Great ones move smart.

Start by mastering the essentials. You should be able to use VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, nested IFs, PivotTables, and conditional formatting without hesitation. This isn’t about memorizing syntax, it’s about knowing when to apply which function and why. If you find yourself Googling “what is a PivotTable” the night before? Pause. You need to build fluency, not just familiarity.

The exam is timed, which means your workflow matters. Review shortcut keys and practice navigating Excel without relying on your mouse for every step. Little things, like jumping between cells, pasting values, or quickly filtering data, can make or break your momentum. Speed is a signal: it shows confidence, preparation, and strategic thinking under pressure.

Yes, you’re allowed to use external tools like Google or ChatGPT during the test. And no, that’s not a trick. In real project work, you’ll use every resource available to solve problems quickly and accurately. But here’s the catch: anyone can copy a formula. We’re looking for the people who know why they used it and can explain their logic clearly when asked. Don’t just find the answer - understand the method.

Excel tests often include messy, imperfect data, and that’s intentional. Your ability to clean and structure that data is just as important as your ability to analyze it. Practice using text-to-columns, trim, find/replace, and remove duplicates. Think about formatting, consistency, and clarity. Consultants aren’t just problem solvers, they’re communicators. A clean spreadsheet reads like a confident mind at work.

You’ll likely be asked to explain your approach after the test, so prep with that in mind. This is where art meets logic. It’s not about getting every answer “right”, it’s about showing that you think like a consultant. Walk through your process. Be honest if you hit a roadblock and tell us how you worked through it. That transparency? That ability to narrate your thinking under pressure? That’s the difference between good and great.