In-Tray and E-Tray Exercise

In-Tray and E-Tray exercise

In-Tray and E-Tray (digital equivalent) exercises ask candidates to prioritize their tasks based on a real work scenario. Candidates will be given a task to complete using a selection of letters, emails, and reports in either paper or electronic format.

Employers include this type of tests to test your ability to process information quickly, prioritize, analyze problems, make decisions, manage time, work accurately, express yourself logically and answer questions tactfully.

You might be told, for instance, that you have just returned to the office after a 3-day business trip. The test will probably start with information describing the background scenario. The background information included company information, policy documents, organizational charts, letters of complaint and details about the role. The subject matter is usually related to the job you’re applying for. You must go through emails and memos, return phone calls and manage situations and tasks. These tasks include ranking the given information in order of urgency. Furthermore, in some tests, you will need to explain why you took certain decisions and to describe the actions you would take.

In-Tray or E-Tray?

It is important to know that both tests are based on the same principles. The difference between the In-Tray and E-Tray exercise is that the E-Tray variant is presented on a computer and all your responses are entered on-screen. The In-Tray exercise is based on a series of paper-based materials.

Tips for a successful In-tray or E-tray exercise:

- Practice. Companies commonly use this test and sometimes they will let you know beforehand if In- or E-tray exercises are part of your aptitude tests so that you can practice well in advance.

- Get in the right mindset and read the instructions carefully.

- Approach the test logically and manage time effectively.

- Try to take in information quickly and accurately. Scan and prioritize.

- Make accurate decisions.

- Assess possible problems.

- Deal with people tactfully.

- Delegate tasks where necessary.

- Important: Try to be creative.