Your résumé highlights your qualifications, but the real test comes during the interview—it's all about compatibility. Hiring managers often use subtle, even sneaky, tactics to assess candidates. Here are five strategies they’ve shared:
- The Water Test: If offered water, accept it to show confidence. However, sipping slowly is key—chugging might signal nerves.
- Catching Lies: Some interviewers might mention a fictitious name tied to your previous job, like asking, "Oh, you worked there? Do you know Zeke?" Falling for it and pretending you do is a red flag.
- Testing Team Spirit: In one restaurant, a broom was deliberately left on the floor. Candidates who picked it up demonstrated a team-player attitude, while those who ignored it were overlooked.
- Unanswerable Questions: Companies like Google have been known to ask impossible questions, such as estimating the number of golf balls that fit in a school bus. The real test lies in your thought process, not the answer.
- The Receptionist Check: How you treat the receptionist can make or break your chances. A poor first impression could cost you the job before the interview even begins.
Being aware of these subtle evaluations can help you prepare for your next big opportunity. Good luck!