In-Tray or E-Tray exercises

In-Tray exercises – now often called e-Tray exercises because they are often completed digitally – assess your ability to organise workload.

Popular amongst large graduate recruiters, e-tray exercises look at how well you can analyse, make decisions, manage your time, organise yourself, communicate clearly, and work accurately.

Usually you will be given between 30 and 60 minutes to work through multiple items of work (e.g. 10-30 emails, letters, memos, meeting minutes, reports, policy documents, telephone messages, etc). Your main aim is to prioritise the items, deciding and stating what action each one requires. This may involve drafting replies, delegating tasks or making decisions.

It is important to:

• find out how you are being assessed before you start the task;
• check whether or not you can write on the documents;
• read the task instructions and all materials thoroughly before you start prioritising;
• pay close attention to detail on the materials provided;
• jot down a rough plan as you initially read through the items – then note down planned actions in bullet points;
• get on with the task efficiently, working logically and accurately;
• be prepared to justify your decisions.

Written tests

In written tasks you may be asked to write an email, letter, report or essay on a given topic, or to proofread, summarise or review a document.

This type of task usually lasts for under an hour, and assesses your comprehension and written communication skills.

It is important to:

• read and follow the instructions you are given, including all background information / materials;
• use correct spelling and grammar;
• write with the intended audience(s) in mind;
• use acronyms only after you have spelt them out in full the first time;
• consider using headings and bullet points to split up and highlight areas of copy, where appropriate;
• leave time to check over your completed copy before you hand it over – particularly for any typos or grammar / spelling mistakes.

Social events

Some recruiters hold 'informal' sessions to give you the opportunity to socialise with fellow candidates as well as assessors, managers and perhaps recent recruits.

These events can enable you to learn a lot more about the role, the organisation's corporate culture, and how you might fit in – but remember: you are always being watched and assessed. It is important to strike the right balance between being relaxed, confident and sociable, whilst also maintaining a professional profile throughout the event.

Case studies

In this scenario, the organiser will usually describe a particular issue or situation, and ask you to offer advice – whether verbally or in written form. You will be assessed on how effectively you collate and analyse the information you have been given, and whether your suggestions show strong creative and problem-solving skills.

You can often predict the type of case study you might be given by researching the organisation and sector. Management consulting and accountancy companies often use this technique in their recruitment processes.

If you are given a case study to analyse, make sure you:

• read all the instructions and materials you are given before you start to form your response;
• carefully pinpoint the key issue by identifying patterns and inconsistencies;
• manage the time you are allocated carefully;
• pay close attention to detail; and
• be ready to defend your suggestions or decisions, and justify why you didn't choose other possible routes or solutions.

After the assessment day

All of these activities are used to assess your skills, knowledge and abilities, as well as your career motivation. If you research the organisation and the role, then embrace the tasks on the day, you will be able to use the process as an opportunity to demonstrate how well-suited you are for the job.

If you are successful, make sure you are confident that it is the right role and company before you accept. And, if you are not successful, ask for feedback: this will help you figure out which areas you need to work on for the next recruitment process.

If you would like anymore help or advice regarding preparing for an Interview, please get in touch HERE