Should I study Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 to prepare for an administrative assistant interview?

My Dad says most businesses use Microsoft Office 2003 and I should buy Microsoft Office 2003. Should I buy Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007? I would buy Microsoft Office 2007, but the price is $679.99 compared to $289.99 for MS Office 2003.

Should I study Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 to prepare for an administrative assistant interview?
It would be to your benefit to know how to use it yes. If you are a student you should be able to get a student discount on it too. MS Office 2007 is the new one and has a lot of things different from 2003. Get 2003 and if you can use that you should be able to understand how 2007 works. The functions are the same but the layouts are very different. I have used MS office since 1995 and there is quite a few things I haven't figure out with 2007 though.
Reply:Many businesses haven't upgraded to 07, let alone Vista. Many still use XP and 03. Many testing programs use 03. Do not buy 07, it'll confuse the hell out of ya when you go to use 03.
Reply:I would have to say 2003, most companies will not be converting to the 2007 for a very long time. it is very costly to switch and they are very different in the way you find every day tools. The standard toolbar is called a ribbon on the new version so it is a bit different. I would also say you might want to learn a little about the 2007 for the future but purchase 2003. Although all the new comuters are coming with 2007 automatically.
Reply:Eventually, they're going to upgrade to Microsoft 2007.





But I seem to remember them asking for proficiency in Office Suite, not the year. Because if you know Microsoft Office Suite, you can probably figure out newer/older releases pretty easily.
Reply:First..I would focus on being clear about the requirements of the postion and the kinds of technology and processes they use THERE. Of the two Office software packages...I suggest the less expensive as there likely isn't too much difference for it to be an issue as it's probably easy to move from 1 version to the next.. as long as you know the basics.





Good Luck.
Reply:To prepare for an administrative assistant interview, I would suggest that you ensure you have a good grasp of the job description which you are applying for. The job description will enable you to check that your own personal characteristics fit the requirement of the company. Make it a point to know the general information and background about the company you endeavour to join. This could earn you brownie points if you know current information about the business.





Familarity with the MIcrosoft Office Suite is definitely a plus. If you can afford it I would certainly go for learning the latest version. However you could learn both on the MIcrosoft website and differentiate between the features. It is also useful if you can call the office you are going to be interviewed for and ask what version they are using as a matter of standard. Then you can go to the MIcrosoft website and learn from there (on the assumption you have access to a broadband internet connection).





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Reply:They are both about the same. I have used both. The basic are really the key point here.


The difference I have found is that things are just located in different location.
Reply:I agree with #1 - Office 2003 is easy to learn and you will know the basics of Office. If the company uses Office 2007, you should be able to pick up most of the concepts pretty well if you know Office 2003.





You should also pick up a copy of the book "Microsoft Office 2003 for Dummies" at your local public library.





Hope this helps!





~Librarian