search for:
job vacancies
Case study exercisesIn these exercises, you are given a set of papers relating to a particular situation and asked to make recommendations in a brief spoken or written report. The subject matter itself may not be important; you are being tested on your ability to analyse information, to think clearly and logically, to exercise your judgement and to express yourself in writing or in a discussion with the assessors. Have a look at the McKinsey&Company Case Study Interview Exercise for an example of this process. back to top In-tray exercisesThese are business simulation exercises in which you are given an in-tray or electronic inbox full of emails, company memos, telephone and fax messages, reports and correspondence, together with information about the structure of the organisation and your place within it. You are expected to take decisions, prioritise your workload, draft replies, delegate tasks, and recommend actions. Designed to test how you handle complex information within a limited time, this exercise allows you to demonstrate that you can analyse facts and figures, prioritise information and make good decisions under pressure. Employers may want to discuss with you later why you have taken certain actions. Tips for tackling an in-tray exercise: - Start by reading the instructions carefully and thoroughly - so that you know what is expected of you before you start.
- Read any background information you are given about the organisation, the staff and your role. Focus on key points, and make brief notes. This will help you to get a feel for what is important.
- Quickly read through all items in the in-tray or email inbox - so that you are not surprised by anything later in the task that may affect the decisions you are making early on.
- 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.
- Remember that there is often no right or wrong answer - so demonstrate that you have identified key issues, and give your reasons for all the decisions you make.
- Try to stay calm - and watch the clock to ensure you pace yourself correctly.
- Work as quickly and as accurately as you can.
Practice exercises may be available in your careers service. Some careers services have an online practice test, supplied by KPMG, available on their websites: Manchester University in-tray exercise practice and Edinburgh University in-tray exercise practice.
|
