What is that coffee cup test that can be decisive (or not) during a job interview? West France Evening Edition

In Australia, a former head of a technology company has developed an effective recruitment test according to him. With a simple cup of coffee, it should reveal an unacceptable side of the candidate’s personality. Effective method every time according to him. But what is it really? Some answers with François Goujon, President and Founder of the recruitment company Glad to meet you, based in Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine).

Can coffee or a glass of water ruin a job interview? In Australia, Trent Innes, a former business manager at technology company Xero Australia, has implemented a particular method of recruitment. When he offers a cup of water or a cup of coffee to the candidate who receives it, “not always innocent”And warns the magazine psychology . This is the “coffee cup test”.

The principle is simple. at the end of the interview, “If a person shows a desire to clear the cup, he will score points, if he leaves it lying on the desk, on the other hand … This may be a taboo in the eyes of the recruit,” regional daily summarizes, send .

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british tabloid newspaper, Mirror , asserts that Trent Ennis will not hire anyone who fails this test. According to his comments reported by the newspaper, the former president believes this says more about a person’s attitude than any interview question. But what is it really? Forgetting to clean your cup is it really extravagant? Can we trust a gesture that seems anecdotal in this context? Evening edition Ask these questions to François Goujon, president and founder of the recruitment company Glad to meet you, based in Rennes (Ile-et-Vilaine).

Faith, not science

From the outset, the expert assures us that this method has nothing scientific about it but stems from ancient beliefs, even prejudices. Take the example of the chair in the middle – between three chairs next to each other for example – which you have to sit right on. “It’s a technology that recruits haven’t used since the 1980s,” he said. he points. Instead, he advocates for the man to rely on scientifically based psychological tests.

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During the interview, this type of screening allows recruiters to validate or refute personal observations. François Goujon understands that the position taken by the candidate during the debate can be an important factor. “With tension, the position of the candidates can change, some of them, for example, will put an arm on the back of their chair, and then give a picture of someone who is quickly relaxed or very relaxed», He explains.

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In these cases, recruiters will use various scientific tests to check if it is really about their personality or if it is a behavior caused by stress. We will never be 100% natural during a job interview. says the expert. “There is no aim under any circumstances to entrap a candidate, The professional reassures. Above all, one should not draw hasty conclusions. »

So, can we fearlessly accept a coffee served during employment? When you serve coffee, there are no ulterior motives. says François Goujon. “A nervous candidate who thinks about his interview, not his cup of coffee,” he adds. Next time you have a function appointment, don’t panic if you leave your mug or water cup lying around, it won’t mind.