Would you fail a job interview over a cup of coffee?
It may sound ridiculous, but this unusual test has left many job seekers scratching their heads.
Imagine walking into an interview, dressed to impress, armed with a polished CV, and ready to answer the toughest questions about your skills and experience – only to find out later that your entire future depended on what you did with an empty coffee cup.
Yes, you read that right. This bizarre but effective recruitment technique has sparked curiosity and debate, as one boss claims it’s his method for finding the ideal candidate.
The boss uses an unusual “coffee test” during job interviews, and those who fail will not be hired. Want to know more? Continue reading…
Trent Innes, former CEO of Xero and current Director of Growth at SiteMinder, has revealed his unconventional approach to recruitment. He has conducted countless interviews throughout his career, and each candidate has faced his own unique cup of coffee test.
Here’s how it works: During an interview, Trent randomly invites a candidate to join him for a walk to one of the company’s kitchens, where he ends up having a cup of coffee or tea. Seems simple enough, right? But here’s the twist – at the end of the interview, Trent watches the candidate take his empty cup back to the kitchen.
You may wonder why such a small act is significant. Trent explains that it all comes down to attitude and alignment with the company culture.
Speaking on The Ventures podcast, he said: “Skills and experience are things you can develop, but attitude is key. We appreciate the “wash your cup of coffee” idea. When you walk into the Xero office, you’ll see spotless kitchens because it’s part of our culture to clean up after ourselves.”
He added that the coffee test is about identifying candidates who will contribute positively to the team environment and take responsibility for those around them.
While technical skills and qualifications are essential, having a great attitude and being a team player are just as important. This quirky test is a subtle but effective way to assess a candidate’s mindset and integration into society.
With you? Small gestures like cleaning your coffee cup can show respect for your environment and colleagues and set you apart from someone who values teamwork and responsibility.
But the coffee test is not the only advice job seekers should pay attention to. A Reddit user shared another valuable lesson from a conversation gone wrong.
The user recounted: “Today the candidate blew his chances within the first five minutes of entering the building. They were dismissive of the receptionist, barely making eye contact and showing no interest in engaging with her.
“The candidate didn’t realize that the ‘receptionist’ was actually the hiring manager.”
The hiring manager then invited the candidate into a conference room and explained, “Every team member here is valuable and deserves respect. Based on your behavior, I don’t think you’d be a good match. Thank you for your time, but this conversation is over.”
The lesson is clear: treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their role. First impressions are important and your attitude can be the deciding factor in whether you get the job.
In conclusion, job interviews are not just about showing off your skills and qualifications – they are an opportunity to demonstrate your attitude, values , and ability to fit into the company culture. Whether it’s a simple test with a cup of coffee or the way you treat every person you meet during the process, small actions can say a lot about your character and work ethic.
As Trent Innes points out, being proactive, respectful, and considerate reflects the team-oriented mindset that most employers are looking for. Similarly, stories like the front desk manager encounter serve as a powerful reminder to treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their role.
Ultimately, landing your dream job isn’t just about technical skills or experience; it’s about presenting yourself as a well-rounded, thoughtful, and collaborative individual. Focusing on these qualities will not only help you ace interviews but also set you up for long-term success in your career.