Microsoft Extends Office Training Online

A computer on your desk at work equals a 17-percent pay raise, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's not so much the machine, it's the skills of the person working it. When answering the job ad, she was able to tell recruiters she knew how to use Excel. In most office environments, its not just about knowing how to check email or use a Web browser. Current and prospective employees are expected to know their way around a computer - and usually that involves skills with a number of Microsoft products. Even more telling of the importance of computer and technical skills, Microsoft has done research that shows that the most upwardly mobile employees tend to be early adopters of technology, who use them to do their job more efficiently. "Both the business decision makers and the information workers themselves noted that there were a number of individuals in their companies who were considered influential because they were perceived to be very effective at their jobs," said John Smithwick, group product manager for Microsoft's Work Essentials team. These individuals, he said, "almost universally are early and effective technology adopters." It appears the Beast of Redmond understands the impact it has had on the work world, which is why it offers a free online tool for managers looking for ways to cut their training budgets, and for the masses of want-ad hopefuls beating the pavement. The Microsoft here.") Drag this to your Bookmarks. Add to document.write("Del.icio.us") Yahoo My Web