What is an in-tray exercise?
It is a job simulation, usually part of an assessment centre, where you play a member of staff who has to deal with the tasks of a busy day. You will be given a selection of letters, emails and reports in either paper or electronic format, which somebody doing the job might find in their in-tray exercise or email inbox first thing in the morning.
Many readers may not be familiar with what an In-Tray Exercise or Job Simulations when it comes to assessments. Over the years organizations have tried to figure out different ways to better assess a candidate for open roles within their company. These In-tray exercises have taken on different names throughout its life but with all the same purpose – Reduce the risk of a hiring mistake. Names such as In-tray exercises, Work Simulation, Assessment Centres, Job Assessments, Job Simulation and Role-Plays have been used to describe the basic exercise of having candidates engaging in real life job activities to better understand how they will react and perform on the job.
In-Tray Exercises or Job Simulation can vary depending on who is implementing the exercise or the level of the role being assessed. Some simulation activities can be complex and time consuming while others can be as simple as leaving an email for a business associate.

Followers of in-tray exercise