I applied for the Economist role in The Economist Group. The job requirement emphasized economic forecasting and econometrics. I was given a half an hour excel test. The test comprises three questions. The first one is to do a regression and use the regression to forecast. And you need to make a comment on the model and how to improve the model. The second question is an index question, when I took the test I didn't even get a clue. The third question is to collect data from a spreadsheet. It is very easy, but you need to be really quick because of the time pressure.

The first stage in an excel exam, reviewing basic econometric skills. and include some index questions. The second stage is a panel interview examining your qualification for the position in general and review your previous . The third stage focus on economic analysis and econometrics. You are asked to provide your analysis to contemporary issues in the global economy and answer specific econometric modelling questions