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Practice an Excel hiring test with exact ranges

Practice: Asking for a format you can use. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

You're practicing for an office admin Excel test whose checker compares exact formulas. Q1: in G2, count East orders over $500 (more than 500, not equal). Q2: in G3, average the order amount for the rep whose name is typed in H1. Use the ranges B2:B200, C2:C200 and D2:D200 exactly, never whole columns. Put each answer in its own code block, Q1 first, then under 20 words outside the code.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not giving the exact ranges. The AI uses whole columns like D:D, which the checker marks wrong. Try: Add: "Use B2:B200, C2:C200 and D2:D200 exactly."
  • Leaving "over" vague. The AI writes >=500, which counts the $500 orders too. Try: Add: "More than 500, not equal."
  • Typing the name in. The AI writes "Priya Nand" into the formula instead of pointing at H1. Try: Add: "The rep's name is in H1; reference it."
  • Mixing the answers together. The AI puts both formulas in one block or adds versions for Google Sheets. Try: Add: "Each answer in its own code block, Q1 first."
  • Getting a tutorial. By default the AI explains every part of the code at length, which you then have to scroll past. Try: Add: "After the code, one line under 10 words. Nothing else."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the exact ranges
  • Sets the edge
  • Points at H1
  • Asks for two blocks

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