Technical Skills Pre-Employment Quiz: Are You Job-Ready?

The correct answer is “Use ‘Remove Duplicates’ tool” because Excel has a built-in feature specifically for this task. Sorting or manually deleting rows is time-consuming and error-prone, especially with large datasets. The “Remove Duplicates” option under the “Data” tab efficiently scans and deletes repeated rows based on selected columns. Copying data into another program like Word is inefficient and may distort the format. This tool reduces human error, saves time, and is essential knowledge for anyone handling bulk data in Excel, which is a common task in technical and office roles.

Line graphs are designed to show trends over time, making them the best choice for visualizing monthly sales data. Pie charts are better for showing part-to-whole relationships, not changes over time. Tables are data-heavy and lack immediate visual clarity. Paragraphs of text aren’t visual at all and can obscure insights. A line chart allows you to track performance, identify spikes or dips in sales, and present data in a way that’s quick for stakeholders to interpret during reports or presentations. This shows both technical competence and communication clarity.

A “404 Not Found” error indicates that the browser successfully connected to the server, but the server couldn’t find the requested page. This is typically due to a broken link, deleted content, or a typo in the URL. Unlike slow internet, which may cause delays, or being offline, which would show a different error, this message is specific to a missing web page. It’s important for technical professionals to recognize common web errors to troubleshoot issues or communicate effectively with developers or IT support.

Online compressors are purpose-built to reduce file size without compromising much on quality. Task Manager isn’t meant for file handling, screenshots are an image workaround—not a file compression solution—and sending the raw file may exceed email limits or cause loading issues. Being able to select the most efficient digital tools reflects strong technical judgment. Many workplaces require sending clean, optimized documents and this is a direct reflection of workplace efficiency and professionalism.

The first step in diagnosing slow video calls is to check your Wi-Fi or internet connection. Most connectivity issues originate from unstable Wi-Fi, especially during peak usage. Restarting the entire computer or switching browsers may help eventually, but checking the connection is the fastest, most targeted step. Unplugging a monitor has nothing to do with internet speed. Recognizing how to triage tech issues logically shows problem-solving skills expected in tech-savvy candidates.

The best approach to dealing with an unreadable file due to format issues is using a file converter. Changing the file extension manually doesn’t change the file structure and may corrupt the file further. Deleting or restarting doesn’t solve the core problem. Online or software-based converters adjust the file to a compatible format without losing data. This shows initiative, software familiarity, and the ability to troubleshoot without escalating small problems to IT unnecessarily.

The AVERAGE function in Excel is designed to calculate the mean of a range of numbers, which fits the scenario of finding a monthly average from daily data. COUNTIF counts specific values but doesn’t calculate averages. CONCATENATE joins text strings—irrelevant here. IFERROR handles errors but doesn’t compute averages. Knowing which function to use saves time and enhances accuracy in reporting, making this a fundamental skill in data management and office-based technical tasks.

The most secure password is the one that’s long, contains a mix of symbols, numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters. “!Q2w$eR5tY7u@” meets all those criteria. Common passwords like “123456” or names like “John1998” are easily guessable or breakable by brute-force attacks. A strong password protects sensitive company data and access to systems, which is a core security practice in any technical role. It also demonstrates awareness of basic cybersecurity principles that are expected in modern workplaces.

A file with a “.exe” extension is an executable, which can run programs or scripts on your system. If it’s unexpectedly sent, especially from a client, it could be malware or a phishing attempt. Scanning the file before opening protects your device and network. Renaming it to PDF doesn’t change its behavior and can be dangerous. Immediate opening or replying without understanding the risks exposes your system. This tests your practical judgment in digital safety—crucial in today’s threat-heavy tech environment.

An infinite loop in programming usually happens when there is no condition defined to stop it. While variables and syntax like semicolons are important, they won’t necessarily prevent an endless loop. The loop must include a condition that eventually becomes false, or a command like break or return to exit it. A print statement helps with debugging but doesn’t fix the logic itself. Understanding control flow and loop logic is key for developers and anyone automating tasks using code or scripts.