Intray Exercises Explained: The Assessment Centre Test You Need to Know About

Applying for graduate schemes means facing various assessments. Whilst you've probably prepared for interviews and aptitude tests, have you considered intray exercises?

What Are Intray Exercises?

Intray exercises are work simulations used at assessment centres. You're given a fictional role and must complete realistic workplace tasks within a time limit—usually 30-60 minutes.

These might include:

• Responding to emails from clients or colleagues
• Writing memos for your team
• Creating reports or presentations
• Managing competing priorities
• Handling urgent situations

Why Graduate Employers Use Them

Companies like Deloitte, EY, PwC, and McKinsey use intray exercises because they reveal how candidates actually work—not just how they say they work.

An interview can showcase your communication skills and past experiences. An aptitude test measures your logical reasoning. But an intray exercise? It shows whether you can genuinely perform the role's responsibilities.

This "show, don't tell" approach gives employers confidence in their hiring decisions.

The Assessment Centre Context

Intray exercises typically occur during assessment centres—full-day events where shortlisted candidates complete multiple activities. You might face:

• Group exercises and discussions
• Individual presentations
• Intray exercises
• Interviews
• Informal observation

The intray component specifically tests practical job competencies.

Skills Under the Microscope

Employers assess both technical abilities and personal qualities:

Technical skills:

• Data analysis and financial understanding
• Professional writing ability
• Legal and regulatory compliance knowledge

Personal qualities:

• Time management when juggling priorities
• Communication clarity and appropriateness
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Decision-making with limited information

How to Prepare

Research the employer: Understand their industry, challenges, and culture. This context helps you make informed decisions during the exercise.

Know the role: Review the job description carefully. Which competencies are emphasised? Those will be tested.

Practise prioritisation: Learn frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to quickly categorise tasks by urgency and importance.

Improve your writing: Intray exercises often require professional correspondence. Practise writing clear, concise, error-free emails and reports.

Stay calm under pressure: You'll receive lots of information quickly. Take a breath, read everything, then create a plan.

On the Day

When facing your intray exercise:

• Read all materials before starting any task
• Identify the most urgent and important items first
• Document your decisions and reasoning
• Don't perfectionism paralyse you—good enough on time beats perfect too late
• Proofread before submitting

Remember, the goal isn't completing every task perfectly—it's demonstrating the competencies employers value whilst managing your time effectively.

Virtual Intray Exercises

Many assessment centres now operate online. Virtual exercises test the same competencies but add a digital dimension. Ensure you're comfortable with the technology, understand submission processes, and respect deadlines absolutely.

Intray exercises can determine whether you progress to a job offer. Treat them as seriously as any other assessment component.

Ready to dive deeper? Read our comprehensive guide to intray exercises at assessment centres