This will depend on whether or not you have been told
that your
in-tray exercise has a justification or group discussion,
element. If you have been told this is included then you will have
the opportunity to expand on your answers and maybe say where you
found them limiting in certain circumstances. But keep your mind
focused on the important issue of ensuring the Assessors see that
you have the necessary skills, knowledge, attributes and attitudes
(KSA’s) of the role.
You must always ensure any answer or explanation you give is
founded in well researched knowledge of the organisation and role.
For example, if you are currently a manager your answer may be
more focussed on the management aspects of the questions; but if
you are applying for an executive or directors role you would be
expected to illustrate a more business orientated and strategic
aspect to your answer. It is often really helpful to watch and
think how you see a person you respect acting in their role and
reflecting on how it differs from how you would respond in your
current position. To achieve as many marks as possible within your
Assessment
Centre you will need to think and react as someone already
performing that role.
Frequently your opportunity to justify your answers can be several
hours apart from when you worked through the
in-tray item and answered the multiple choice questions. You
will probably have been taking part in other exercises and you
will have to quickly turn your mind back to the in-tray exercise
and all the issues it raised. Therefore, it is essential that you
made clear and concise notes on how and why you arrived at your
decision so that you can quickly familiarise yourself with the
context of the exercise again and which of the in-tray items are
key for you to refer to.
When you are practicing the
in-tray exercise you will develop your own individual
technique and possibly your own version of a short-hand, which
will enable you to speed up your ability to assimilate and
evaluate information presented to you. You may find it easier to
use post-it notes which you can easily move around your paperwork
and provides you with an easy method for cross referencing. Always
remember to add the item you are referring to on any post-it note
so that you quickly explain which items you used to draw your
conclusions from and make your decision. Another really useful aid
is the use of highlighters for key information, or names, which
will enable you to quickly refresh your memory when asked to
justify your answer to the Assessors.
Watch that you are not easily dissuaded from your original answer
as the Assessors will want to see that you are confident of your
answer, but do not appear arrogant. If they point out a conflict
or issue you have missed during your discussion be willing to
agree that you have overlooked or disregarded this. Assessors at
this time will be testing how easily you can be moved from your
stance and whether or not you are flexible.
You will have to ensure during these exchanges that you come
across as approachable and a good listener, and do not give the
impression that you are arrogant and narrow minded. You should
reflect the type of behaviours you see the role requiring and what
you know best to fit in with the ethos of the organisation.
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