What Job Seekers Need to Know About “Coffee Cup” Interview Method

Having your interview session always makes you grateful and nervous at the same time. You might have walked to your interview session with confidence, and somehow, the recruiter offered you a cup of coffee. This is not only a friendly gesture; the coffee you sip becomes part of your interview process, known as the ’Coffee Cup Method.’

You may wonder why a cup of coffee is another reason the recruiter hires you. Even though it is widely known as The Coffee Cup test, the recruiter won’t always offer you the coffee. It can be anything, like tea or other beverages. The important note from this test is that the recruiter wants to observe your character based on how you handle the situation.

How does the Coffee Cup Method work?

• The recruiter will offer you a cup of coffee. They might be asking this before or after the interview.
• The recruiter will observe how you react toward the coffee cup. Do you ask if you can take the coffee with you? Are you politely asking where to dispose of it, or simply walk away and leave the cup on the table?
• The recruiter will analyze your behavior and attitude. Your simple gesture towards the coffee cup can be a consideration to the hiring team, whether you are the right fit for your role or not.

This test does not require your experience or specific skills. You may already have experienced this and not noticed it. So, how does the recruiter value you through your simple gesture and a cup of coffee?

The recruiter wants to see your character, especially your manner and sense of responsibility.

• Are you considerate? Bringing the cup back shows politeness and respect.
• Do you take initiative? Asking where to put it demonstrates awareness and responsibility.
• Are you entitled? Leaving the cup behind without a second thought may suggest a lack of basic courtesy.

According to some hiring managers, if a candidate fails the Coffee Cup test, they won’t be hired, regardless of how well the interview went!

The recruiter team that uses this method believes that such a small gesture, like politely asking to dispose of the cup or offering to bring the cup back to the kitchen, shows behavioral patterns. By showing concern for the cup of coffee, the company wants to see whether the candidate shows the characteristics that the company is looking for.

How to handle the situation:

• Be mindful of small details. Pay attention to everything you do, even something as simple as handling a coffee cup.
• Demonstrate responsibility. If given a cup, make sure to return or dispose of it properly.
• Show initiative. If unsure, politely ask where you should put it.

The Coffee Cup test is a subtle yet powerful way interviewers can evaluate a candidate’s personality beyond their resume. So next time you’re offered a drink in an interview, remember—it’s maybe not just coffee, it’s a test of your character!

As job seeker, of course you want to do your best and ace your interviews. You may consider these tips as additional strategy to help you feel more confident in the hiring process. Worry not, you can always assure yourself that your hard work will be paid off, and you will get the dream job!