In-Tray Exercise

What is an In-Tray Exercise?

It’s a paper based business simulation that is most frequently used to test job applicants. What is the process? How does it work?

You will be given a scenario and some related documents that can be a news report, business letters from other companies etc. Your job is to make decisions and carry out tasks within a certain time range. An in-Tray test usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

During the test you will be expected to demonstrate the following skills:

•    Make simple calculations
•    Identify facts from the texts
•    Make decisions to deal with demanding managers/unhappy clients etc.

There are other similar tests called an E-tray test. You will be expected to carry out similar tasks and make decisions but the in-tray is based on a computer and you will receive emailed information. The questions and answers will usually be slightly longer with the In-Tray Exercise than the E-Tray Exercise which tends to be in the multiple choice format.

In-tray Written Exercises

Many In-Tray Exercises will expect candidates to respond in written form as well, for example responding to an email or letter.  There are usually no spell-check facilities provided within the exercise so you should be confident of the spelling of the words you have used.  You should also use an appropriate style of writing for the email you have composed, where we would recommend following the formality of the email or letter you are responding to, which will usually have a logical and clear structure.  Your responses will be timed so make sure you keep an eye on the time so you give yourself enough time to proof read what you have composed.