Why do companies use the 'coffee cup test' in job interviews? Discover NOW

Far beyond professional experience, the job interview is the moment in which the recruiter analyzes personality, education and attitude.

Therefore, thecoffee cup test’ has become a trend in the HR area and can assess a candidate’s attitude and proactivity.

The test was developed by executive Trent Innes to reduce tension in job interviews and get to know people better. The trick was first revealed on The Ventures podcast, but the subject came up again in 2023.

“I will always take you on a tour of one of our kitchens, and somehow you always end up leaving with a drink,” Innes said on the podcast.

Basically, he would offer candidates a cup of coffee and watch their action after drinking the coffee. For example, if they would put the cup on the table without permission or if they would offer to take the cup to the kitchen.

Despite being a simple act, Trent learned that this interaction has helped with many hires. In the same way, he claims that he has already stopped hiring

candidates qualified due to the way they interacted in the test.

Understand the 'coffee cup test' in the job interview

Trent Innes is a former managing director of Xero Australia. During his career, he realized that the professional's attitude in simple situations was an important differentiator.

“You can develop skills, you can gain knowledge and experience, but it all comes down to attitude, and attitude What we talk about a lot is the concept of 'washing your own cup of coffee,'" the former director told The New York newspaper. Post.

So the big secret trick of the test was to figure out which candidates would have the attitude to give back. cup empty to the kitchen at the end of the interview.

(Image: Freepik/Playback)

The Secret of the 'Coffee Cup Test'

For him, people who volunteered to return the cup demonstrated a sense of ownership and a growth mindset. Likewise, this action demonstrates education, cooperation and ability to work in a group.

According to the executive, only 5% to 10% of candidates do not pass the test, most manage to be approved. So this assessment actually serves to weed out people who don't fit into the company's culture.

Trent Innes believes that, in Desktop, behavior with small actions is as important as professional qualifications.