Microsoft Excel is extensively used across the globe to store and analyze data. Despite various new data analytics tools in the market, Excel remains the go-to product for working with data. It has numerous in-built features, which makes it easier for you to organize your data. Â.
The shortcut keys in Excel help you work on your data in a jiffy. In this article, weâll be discussing the various Excel shortcuts. These keyboard shortcuts are used to perform tasks faster and more effectively.
To learn about worksheet shortcuts, row and column shortcuts, and pivot table shortcut keys, watch the video below.
Keyboard shortcuts allow us to quickly perform actions that would otherwise require multiple clicks and menu navigations. They are an essential part of interacting efficiently with computers and software tools. As such, interviewers often test candidates on their knowledge of common keyboard shortcuts during technical interviews.
This comprehensive guide covers the most frequently asked keyboard shortcuts interview questions that you are likely to encounter I will provide tips and examples to help you prepare winning answers that demonstrate your expertise. By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to tackle any keyboard shortcuts interview question with ease Let’s dive in!
Why Keyboard Shortcuts Matter
The interviewer may begin by asking you a broad question about why keyboard shortcuts are important, This tests your understanding of the value they provide
Some key points you can mention are:
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Improved productivity – Keyboard shortcuts speed up workflows by reducing time spent on repetitive actions. This allows us to get more done in less time.
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Greater efficiency – They eliminate dependence on slower input methods like mouse clicks and menu navigations. This results in faster task execution.
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Reduced physical strain – Excessive mouse usage can cause repetitive stress injuries. Shortcuts allow effortless switching between keyboard and mouse.
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Enhanced accessibility – For users with physical disabilities, shortcuts can be easier to use than mouse interactions. They promote inclusion.
Common Shortcuts
You will likely be asked to define popular shortcuts for common operations across platforms and applications. Be sure to memorize the following:
- Copy – CTRL+C (Windows/Linux), CMD+C (Mac OS)
- Paste – CTRL+V (Windows/Linux), CMD+V (Mac OS)
- Cut – CTRL+X (Windows/Linux), CMD+X (Mac OS)
- Undo – CTRL+Z (Windows/Linux), CMD+Z (Mac OS)
- Redo – CTRL+Y (Windows/Linux), CMD+SHIFT+Z (Mac OS)
- Save – CTRL+S (Windows/Linux), CMD+S (Mac OS)
- Select All – CTRL+A (Windows/Linux), CMD+A (Mac OS)
Comparisons
You may be asked to compare two similar shortcuts and explain when each one is used. For instance:
Q: What is the difference between CTRL+C and CTRL+Insert for copying data?
A: Both CTRL+C and CTRL+Insert copy selected data, but have different origins. CTRL+C comes from Unix/Linux where ‘C’ means cancel. CTRL+Insert is from IBM Common User Access guidelines for GUIs. While they function identically, CTRL+Insert more intuitively signifies inserting copied data.
Application Shortcuts
Be ready to define shortcuts for specific applications like:
- Browsers – CTRL+T for new tab, CTRL+W to close tab
- Microsoft Word – CTRL+B for bold, CTRL+I for italics
- Adobe Photoshop – CTRL+J to duplicate layer, CTRL+T to transform
Customization
You may be asked how to create custom keyboard shortcuts. Know the steps for Windows and MacOS:
Windows: Right-click app shortcut > Properties > Shortcut tab > Shortcut key field > Press keys > Ok
MacOS: System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts > Choose app > Specify shortcut
Emphasize that checking for conflicts with existing shortcuts is crucial.
Improving Productivity
Be ready to provide examples of how you have used shortcuts to improve workflows in past roles. For example:
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Used CTRL+TAB to rapidly switch between open IDE windows while coding.
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Leveraged SHIFT+ARROW keys to select code blocks for copying/pasting.
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Used ALT+TAB during screen sharing to seamlessly switch apps without disrupting discussion.
Teaching Shortcuts
For teaching shortcuts, focus on:
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Starting with simple, common shortcuts like CTRL+C/V.
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Gradual introduction of more complex shortcuts.
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Providing cheat sheets for reference.
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Reinforcing learning with regular practice.
Debugging Issues
If asked how you debug shortcut issues in web apps, cover:
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Replicating the problem across browsers/devices.
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Inspecting and debugging related code.
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Logging user reports for additional clues.
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Replacing problematic implementation if needed.
Staying Updated
For learning new shortcuts in software updates, discuss:
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Reading release notes and feature highlights.
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Participating in webinars/training.
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Leveraging online forums and user communities.
Criteria for Adding Shortcuts
When evaluating whether to implement a new shortcut, consider:
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Frequency of use for the feature.
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Complexity of the action.
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User demand/feedback.
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Consistency with existing shortcuts.
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Impact on accessibility.
Additional Questions
Here are some other common keyboard shortcuts interview questions you may encounter:
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How are keyboard events handled in JavaScript?
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What are the main debugging shortcuts in Visual Studio and IntelliJ?
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How do Vim and Emacs shortcuts improve text editing efficiency?
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What accessibility considerations should be made when implementing shortcuts?
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How would you customize Photoshop/Illustrator shortcuts to improve workflow?
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What steps would you take to teach shortcuts to a non-technical user?
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How can shortcuts enhance workflows in spreadsheets like Excel?
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What criteria should be used to decide if a function needs a shortcut?
Key Takeaways
Mastering the most frequently asked keyboard shortcuts interview questions involves:
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Knowing the popular shortcuts across platforms/apps.
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Understanding how to implement, teach, debug, and stay updated on shortcuts.
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Speaking from experience about using shortcuts to improve real-world workflows.
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Conveying the efficiency, productivity, and accessibility benefits of keyboard shortcuts.
By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you will be able to impress interviewers with your expertise on this essential technical topic. Reference this article to prepare for success in your next interview!
What are some of the most common Excel shortcuts?
Here are some of the most common Excel shortcuts:
- Ctrl+C – Copy
- Ctrl+V – Paste
- Ctrl+Z – Undo
- Ctrl+Y – Redo
- F2 – Edit cell
- Ctrl+A – Select all
- Home – Move to the beginning of the worksheet
- End – Move to the end of the worksheet
- PgUp – Scroll up one page
- PgDn – Scroll down one page
Cell Formatting Shortcut Keys
A cell in Excel holds all the data that you are working on. A cell can be edited, its contents can be aligned, a border can be added to a cell, an outline can be added to all the selected cells, and many other things can be done with shortcuts. Here is a sneak peek into these Excel shortcuts.
Along with the cell formatting shortcuts we already talked about, let’s take a look at a few more advanced cell formatting Excel shortcuts that you might find useful. Â.
We will learn how to add a comment to a cell. Comments are helpful when giving extra information about cell content. We will also learn how to find value and replace it with another value in the spreadsheet. After that, we’ll look at how to add a hyperlink to a cell, set a filter, and add the current time and date. Finally, we will see how to apply a format to the data in a cell.
The next thing you need to know about Excel is how to work with a whole row or column after you know how to use cell formatting shortcuts. Â.
Top 20 ms excel Keyboard Shortcut Keys interview question for Job applicant || Part 2
FAQ
What are 6 common keyboard shortcuts?
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Press this key
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To do this
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Ctrl + Shift + V
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Paste as plain text
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Ctrl + Z
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Undo an action.
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Alt + Tab
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Switch between open apps.
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Alt + F4
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Close the active item, or exit the active app.
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What is the basic concept of keyboard shortcuts?
How do I remember keyboard shortcuts?
How do you answer interview questions for computer skills?
Learn how to answer these interview questions for computer skills: 1. Do you know how to use Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software? Spreadsheet software is a helpful tool for many roles and purposes. Employers ask this question to learn your level of competence when using these programs.
How to learn keyboard shortcuts?
Understanding the resistance to keyboard shortcuts is key. It could be due to unfamiliarity or fear of forgetting them. Assure your team member that learning these shortcuts will increase productivity and efficiency in the long run. Start by introducing a few basic ones, like Ctrl+C for copy and Ctrl+V for paste.
Do you need computer skills for a job interview?
As computers continue to be a prevalent part of the workforce, it’s becoming increasingly important to have computer skills. When preparing for your next interview, consider what questions an employer might ask about these skills.
What if I don’t have computer skills in a personal interview?
If you say you’re an expert at a program, your employer is going to expect you to be able to walk right into the office and get to work. It will reflect very poorly on you if you don’t actually have the skills that you claim. These computer skills questions are the most likely ones you will field in a personal interview.
