No, VLOOKUP itself cannot directly search across multiple tables in Excel. VLOOKUP is designed to search for a value in a single lookup table and return a corresponding value from a different column within that same table.

However, there are a few workarounds you can use to achieve a similar result of searching across multiple tables:

1. Combine VLOOKUP with IF statements (Chained VLOOKUP):

This method involves nesting multiple VLOOKUP functions within IF statements. Essentially, you create a series of checks. If VLOOKUP doesn't find a match in the first table, it moves on to the second table, and so on.  
Here's a simplified breakdown:

Excel code:
=IF(VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table1_range, col_index_num, FALSE), return_value_from_table1,
  IF(VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table2_range, col_index_num, FALSE), return_value_from_table2, "Value not found"))

This formula checks table1 first. If a match is found, it returns the desired value. Otherwise, it checks table2, and if no match is found in either, it displays "Value not found" (you can customize this message).

2. Use INDIRECT with VLOOKUP:

This method involves creating a named range for each table and using the INDIRECT function within VLOOKUP. You can then use a cell reference to choose which table to search in. This approach requires some setup but can be more flexible if you have many tables.

Here's a simplified example:

1. Create named ranges: Assign clear names to each table (e.g., Table1, Table2).
2. Formula with INDIRECT:
Excel code:
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, INDIRECT(table_name & "_range"), col_index_num, FALSE)

- Replace "table_name" with a cell reference containing the desired table name (e.g., A1).
- Make sure each table range is defined with its corresponding named range (e.g., Table1_range).
3. Consider alternative functions:

Depending on your specific needs, functions like INDEX MATCH or XLOOKUP might be better suited for searching across multiple criteria or tables.

Important considerations:

- Chained VLOOKUPs and INDIRECT with VLOOKUP can become complex and prone to errors, especially with large datasets.
- It's generally recommended to consolidate your data into a single table if possible for easier management and searching.

For a practical application:

Imagine you have data on employees in two separate departments (Sales & Marketing) and want to find the email address of an employee based on their name. VLOOKUP wouldn't work directly across both tables. Here are alternative approaches:

1. Nested VLOOKUP (complex):
This would involve a formula with multiple IF statements checking each table in turn for the name and returning the corresponding email if found.

2. VLOOKUP with INDIRECT (moderately easy):
You could create a table listing department names and corresponding table locations. Then, use a VLOOKUP with INDIRECT to dynamically reference the appropriate table based on the employee's department.

3. INDEX and MATCH (more challenging):
You could combine INDEX and MATCH functions to search for the name across both tables in a single formula. This approach requires understanding how INDEX and MATCH work together.

For a well-researched and navigatable approach, consider using a combination of:

- Clear table structures: Organize your data into separate tables with well-defined columns.
- Descriptive named ranges: Assign clear names to your tables for easier reference in formulas.
- Simpler VLOOKUP functions (when possible): If you can structure your data for VLOOKUP to work within a single table, it can be a good option due to its relative simplicity.
- Explore alternative functions: If your needs are more complex, research INDEX MATCH or XLOOKUP for potentially better solutions.

Remember, the best approach depends on your specific data and desired outcome. Experiment and choose the method that works best for your situation.