An individual shared their experience of securing a job by unknowingly passing the ‘water test’ during an interview.
The process of preparing for a job interview can be daunting.
It’s essential not only to understand the company thoroughly but also to deliver precise answers, discuss salary expectations, and have a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
In addition to this, you should be aware of various interview tactics, such as the ‘beer test’ or the ‘salt and pepper’ challenge.
Another test that has gained attention on social media might be unfamiliar to many candidates, just as one individual discovered.
On Reddit, a thread prompted hiring managers to disclose any unique tests they employ for candidates. An applicant then described a particular challenge that might be easily overlooked.
“Not a Hiring Manager but I spoke to mine after being hired and she told me that a method that they use when hiring, is they put a jug of water with a cup out to see if anyone would drink it while being interviewed,” they wrote.
“I was the only person who drank the water at a ‘normal pace’ during the interview and this is seen as being ‘confident in the workplace environment by accepting a gift or offer’.
“Apparently you can tell that a lot about a person from the way they refuse the offer of the water or by drinking it too fast.
“If you encounter a similar situation in an interview and are wondering what a ‘normal pace’ is, I just drank after I answered each question.”
The water test can also reveal if a candidate will ‘clean up after themselves’ in the workplace, as mentioned by news.au if they handle their glass appropriately.
In the comments, one individual speculated they might have unknowingly participated in the ‘water test’ during their own job interview.
“There was water on the table when I interviewed for my current job. Maybe that’s why they hired me when I was only half-qualified,” they wrote.
However, some people criticized the test, worried they might lose an opportunity for opting not to drink.
One commenter said: “I’d politely refuse it even if I were thirsty because I’m wearing lipstick and wouldn’t want to leave a stain on the cup. So that seems like a test that probably ends up discriminating slightly against women (and men who choose to wear cosmetics).”
Someone else added: “Yeah, I’m with you on that. Lipstick stains are embarrassing, and most interviews are 30-60 minutes, I wouldn’t get exceptionally thirsty, and what if it made me have to pee?
“Also, I can keep my voice utterly calm and pleasant even when I’m totally freaking out in my head, but my hands sometimes can have a little bit of a tremor. Not good circumstances for drinking water!”
Another individual remarked: “I always drink fast, it would easily be misinterpreted.”
Others criticized it as a ‘stupid’ method for selecting employees.
What are your thoughts?