Success tips for In-Tray exercise

Here are some tips for a graduate or job seeker to succeed when undertaking an in-tray exercise. There are several methods of performing well at in-tray and e-tray exercises. Below are some key hints and tips for performing well.

In-tray exercise tips

• Read the instructions carefully and thoroughly

• Try to stay calm. Keep a note of the time to ensure you pace yourself correctly

• Read any background information you are given about the organisation, the staff and your role. Focus on key points and make brief notes

• Scan through all items in the in-tray or email inbox to get an overall view of everything that will need to be considered

• Prioritise according to what is most important and most urgent. Decide what can be delegated, forwarded or deferred

• Identify key issues and any action that must be taken - detailing how, by whom and any timescales or deadlines

• Highlight any possible resource restraints, conflicts between tasks, or implications for the organisation

• If asked to draft a written response to any item, identify the main points of your response quickly and expand concisely on these. Keep it as brief as possible - it is easy to get absorbed in this task but be wary of time

• Remember: there is often no right or wrong answer. Demonstrate that you have identified key issues and give your reasons for all the decisions you make

As well it helping you, if an assessor or employer sees a tidy arrangement of your items or documents, they maybe impressed by your methodical and logical approach.

Another tip for preparation is for a graduate , if they have access to it, is to visit their University's career service and see if they run mock in-tray or e-tray exercises sessions. Also, just general research on the background of the employer/company so you gain a good understanding of what they do.

Links:

Assessment Day - Further hints and tips

Cardiff University - Mock Assessment Centre

Edinburgh University - Hints and Tips

Kent University - How to do well