I couldn't agree more.  I think the emphasis should be on a person's ability
to learn and level of comfort with using computers -- something that can
be checked by questioning former employers and references.  Speaking
from personal experience, I held a variety of internships and every office
I worked in used different software.  In each situation, I demonstrated
the ability to adapt to using new programs easily.  I understand your
desire to weed out those who claim to have computer experience, but
really don't; however, I think that giving an applicant a one shot deal at
working with your office's specific software is a bit extreme.  You may
miss many well qualified candidates who have the ability to learn those
programs given a couple of days.

Laura Mahoney
Office of Sponsored Projects
Smithsonian Institution

>>> Research Administration Discussion Group
<xxxxxx@health.state.ny.us> 02/26/97 11:12am >>>

Every office uses different types of software (email,
     excel..lotus...quatropro...etc.).  Not everyone has had to create a
     web page (this is pretty highly technical for the average person).
     Not everyone has had access to SPIN or the web or transferring
Excel
     info to an NSF budget computer program.  I think you may be getting to
     "program specific" in your skills testing.  Most people if they are
     familiar with one spreadsheet program, can do another type.  In other
     words it is "learnable" very quickly.  Any of the things you mentioned
     are learnable.