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Are you a recruiter or hiring manager looking for candidate pre-employment assessment tests and tools including aptitude tests? We invite you to visit our Assess Candidates website.
What is an in-tray exercise? How are in tray tests assessed? How to pass in-tray exercises? Get your answers in our complete guide below to accelerate your assessment centre practice.
The text below provides a full guide to In-tray exercises many employers use in their recruitment, assessment and hiring process.
Our website provides assessment centre practice exercises that can be used to practice for In-tray assessment tests used by top employers in their hiring processes worldwide.
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Not sure if you should practice for your In-tray test? According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD, 2020), around one-third of employers use assessment centres in their application process.
We offer a complete package of assessment centre practice tests to help you prepare for assessment centre exercises such as in-tray tests, a part of many recruitment and assessment processes around the globe including the UK and the US.
Continue reading to get answers to the following critical In-tray assessment questions:
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
An in-tray exercise is a type of assessment that simulates a realistic work scenario where you will manage tasks and prioritise them effectively within a time limit.
An in-tray exercise measures various competencies and skills essential for professional roles. An in-tray test will typically measure the following:
In-tray Exercise
Source: Freepik
Did you know? In-tray exercises are often confused with e-tray exercises but they are different in format and how they assess workplace skills.
Read on to understand how these two recruitment exercises differ from one another.
The main difference between an in-tray and an e-tray exercise is that an in-tray assessment involves a physical set of documents while an e-tray test involves virtual documents. Check out more key differences below!
1. In tray exercises involve a physical inbox containing documents and materials while e-tray exercises are computer-based simulations such as emails.
2. In-tray tests involve a physical set of documents such as printed emails and reports, while e-tray exercises involve virtual documents that are viewed and responded to digitally.
3. In tray exercise interviews occur at a physical location such as an assessment centre while e-tray exercises are conducted online or remotely.
4. In-trays assess your ability to handle documents, prioritise tasks and make decisions in a physical environment while e-trays assess your ability to handle documents, prioritise tasks, and make decisions virtually.
5. In-tray exercises allow face-to-face interaction and observation of your behaviour and communication skills while e-tray exercises have little to no face-to-face interaction with assessors.
6. In tray assessments may require travel and accommodation costs while e-tray exercises do not require travel or accommodation expenses.
Good to know: Whether you face an in-tray or e-tray exercise depends on the organisation’s needs and the role. Employers consider factors like job location, cost-effectiveness, and overall internal hiring decisions.
Now that we know the key details about in tray assessments, let’s read on to find out what happens in an in-tray exercise.
An in-tray exercise is usually conducted at a specific location in a controlled environment, often called an assessment centre. You can expect the following to happen during an in tray exercise:
Briefing
You’re given a scenario explaining your role, responsibilities, and the context of the in-tray exercise.
Scenario Setup
You are placed in the role of a professional handling a specific position, such as a manager or project lead.
Content
You will be presented with a tray of items that usually include hard copies of documents and a set of written instructions. This will include items such as items such as emails, letters, reports, complaints, etc.
Task
Your main task in an in-tray assessment will typically be to prioritise tasks, respond to emails or memos, delegate work, resolve conflicts, and create action plans.
Format
An in-tray assessment is typically carried out through a multiple-choice questionnaire and may be followed by an interview for you to elaborate on your decisions.
Skills Assessed
These simulated workplace challenges test decision-making and organisational skills.
Good to know: The number of in-tray items provided to you in an in tray task for an interview can vary depending on the specific scenario and the role you are simulating.
In-Tray Filing Example
Now that you know what an in-tray test is, let’s find out which employers and industries tend to use it more during their hiring processes in the following section.
In-tray exercises are used by various sectors and industries for different roles. Some key industries that use intray tests are:
Some multinational companies that often have used in-tray exercises as part of their recruitment process include:
Good to know: In tray exercises for interviews are ideal for industries that require people who can efficiently manage multiple tasks, analyse information, and demonstrate strategic thinking in a time-sensitive environment.
Now you know several global companies use in-tray aptitude tests, you may start wondering why. Let’s find out below.
In-tray exercises are commonly used by employers as part of their assessment centre phase for several reasons. Below are some of the key reasons why employers use intray assessments:
In-tray Prioritisation Example
Since many employers from different industries tend to use intray exercises to hire, what do they look for? Read on to find out.
Employers use in-tray exercises to measure several skills and competencies to evaluate your potential performance in a given role, such as:
Task Prioritisation
Employers look for your ability to quickly assess which tasks are most important during intray tests. They want to see if you can efficiently manage multiple priorities.
Decision-Making
Employers want to evaluate how you make decisions, especially under pressure. They expect sound judgment that aligns with the company’s goals and values.
Problem-Solving
Employers are interested in how you handle unexpected challenges or complex issues, seeking practical and effective solutions.
Time Management
Employers use in-tray aptitude tests to assess how well you allocate your time, ensuring that you complete tasks efficiently within the time given.
Written Communication
Employers will focus on how clearly and professionally you respond to emails and tasks during the in-tray assessment.
Attention to Detail
A crucial aspect of in-tray assessments is paying attention to each detail and employers want to see that you can carefully manage information and avoid overlooking important details.
Adaptability
Employers value candidates who can adjust to changing priorities or tasks, demonstrating flexibility in a fast-paced environment and in-tray tests help to identify them.
Now we’ve covered what employers look for during in these tray exercises, let’s check out how these employers assess your skills in an in-tray exercise.
In-tray exercises ass you based on your task prioritisation, decision-making, time management, written communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and handling multiple tasks under pressure while aligning with company goals.
Good to know: In an in-tray assessment test, the recruiter may treat the in tray exercise as a role-play scenario where you assume a role typically what you applied for.
Now that you know what employers look for in in-tray exercises, let’s check out an example In tray question and answer.
Below is a typical in-tray exercise example question that you can use for practice.
You are a manager at a consulting firm. You have just returned from a meeting and have been given an in-tray of documents to review and respond to. The documents include:
You have 2 hours to complete this in tray exercise example. Your objective is to demonstrate your ability to prioritise tasks, make decisions, and take action.
Looking for more in tray exercise practice?
As we come to a close on this article, don’t miss our top tips below to help you pass your next in-tray assessment test.
Below are unique actionable tips to help you prepare and ace your next intray test!
Bonus In-tray Test Tip: When it’s time for the exercise, make sure to prioritise tasks, stay organised, communicate clearly, manage your time and evaluate your work. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to pass your in-tray exercise.
And with this, we have covered everything you need to know about in tray tests.
Before you go, don’t miss even more answers to key frequently asked questions about in-tray assessment tests below!
Tasks in an in tray task interview can include:
In-tray exercises typically last between 60-90 minutes, depending on the role you applied for, your potential employer, and the complexity and number of tasks.
Both exercises are similar and assess similar skills, however, the difference lies in their respective formats. An in-tray task for an interview is typically paper-based while an in-basket exercise often refers to a digital or electronic version.
Generally, you don’t require any prior specialist knowledge. In tray exercises test universal workplace skills such as organisation and decision-making. However, some exercises may include scenarios relevant to the specific role or industry.
There are no strictly right or wrong answers, but assessors look for logical, well-reasoned responses that align with workplace priorities and the scenario provided.
Do you want to pass your in-tray assessment test the first time? Start your assessment centre exercise practice today with GF, the only aptitude practice test expert providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Do you want to pass your in-tray assessment test the first time? Start your assessment centre exercise practice today with GF, the only aptitude practice test expert providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Start Preparing Today