Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
The Simple Act Of Dealing With A Cup Of Coffee Has Become A Secret Evaluation Criterion In Job Interviews, Influencing Hiring Decisions In Some Companies.
Job interviews can be a challenge anywhere in the world. Many candidates spend hours preparing to answer tough questions and impress recruiters. However, some companies use unusual techniques to assess who truly fits into the organization’s culture. One of these methods is the “coffee cup test“, which has been gaining popularity in several countries.
The former managing director of Australia, Trent Innes, revealed in a 2019 interview how this small gesture can influence hiring in a job interview. During the conversation, he explained that he does not hire candidates who do not return the empty cup to the kitchen at the end of the interview.
What Is The Coffee Cup Test In The Job Interview?
According to the director, the strategy is simple. He takes interviewees to the company’s kitchen before the interview and offers them a drink. Then, he observes whether, at the end of the conversation, the candidate spontaneously returns the cup to the kitchen. This detail, for him, reveals a lot about the person’s attitude.
-
Consórcio Cantareira is opening over 200 positions for works on the Rodoanel Norte; opportunities for assistant, bricklayer, carpenter, driver, and much more — see how to apply
-
Work in the Brazilian Army: 440 vacancies for officers with guaranteed salary and career
-
Work at the Federal Institute: IFRJ’s public service examination will offer 400 openings for high school, technical, and higher education levels, with salaries of up to R$ 8,000 plus R$ 1,175.
-
Employment on the rise marks Labor Week in Alagoas
“You Can Develop Skills, Gain Knowledge And Experience, But It All Comes Down To Attitude“, Innes stated. The act of returning the cup shows a sense of ownership and responsibility, qualities he values in an employee.
A Small Gesture, A Big Impact
The former director explained that he was looking for a simple task but one that demonstrated the candidate’s commitment. “If You Visit Our Office, You Will See That The Kitchens Are Always Clean. This Comes From The Culture Of ‘Washing Your Own Coffee Cup’“, he said.
For Innes, this small test helps identify who has a growth mindset and fits into the company culture. He stated that he seeks people with a strong sense of ownership who truly take on their responsibilities.
According to him, only 5% to 10% of interviewees fail the test. “The Vast Majority Offer To Return The Cup“, he said. He emphasized that what matters is not the action itself, but the willingness to offer.
Innes also explained that, even if the candidate offers to return the cup, they are not always allowed to, as what matters is the intention.
Other Tests Used By Recruiters
Innes is not the only one using unconventional tactics to assess candidates. Other recruiters include a hidden instruction in the job postings.
In the middle of the description, it informs that candidates should send an email to a specific address instead of applying directly through LinkedIn. If someone ignores this instruction, their application is automatically discarded.
The Receptionist Test
Another discreet yet effective method is the “receptionist test“. In 2020, a Reddit user shared a story about how a candidate lost the job opportunity within the first five minutes.
The candidate entered the company and was greeted by a receptionist. He avoided eye contact, responded briefly, and showed no interest in the conversation. What he did not know was that the receptionist was actually the hiring manager.
The manager called him into the conference room and explained that every person on the team is valuable and deserves respect. “Due To Your Interaction With The Receptionist, We Don’t Think You Fit Into The Company Culture. The Interview Is Over“, she stated.
The Importance Of Corporate Culture
These tests reveal that small actions can make a difference in a selection process. Many companies are looking for not only technical skills but also assess whether the candidate fits into the organizational culture.
In the case of the coffee cup test, returning a cup to the kitchen may seem irrelevant, but for Innes, it demonstrates responsibility and initiative. “We Want People Who Have A True Growth Mindset“, he said.
These stories show that, beyond the answers given in an interview, it is the small gestures that can define a candidate’s professional future.
With information from NYpost.
-
-
-
-
11 people reacted to this.