The Coffee Cup Interview Test Explained (Plus, How to Pass It)

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Learn this hiring trick interviewers use to see if you’re a good fit

Co-authored by Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 Fact Checked

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What's the coffee cup test?

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How to Pass

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Why It’s Controversial

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Other Interview Tests

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Expert Advice for Interviews

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Video

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Tips

While it’s not a question you’re asked during the interview, the coffee cup test is just one of the many hidden tests interviewers and recruiters use to learn more about potential hires. Even though the test has a little controversy around it, it’s still something to keep in mind, and we can help you pass it easily. Keep reading to learn how to ace the coffee cup test We also got advice from multiple career coaches for getting that additional boost of confidence and nailing your next interview!

The Coffee Cup Test & What It Reveals

The coffee cup test is a job interview tactic where the interviewer offers you a drink and watches to see what you do with the cup when you’re done. Offering to return or clean the cup shows that you’re a team player. Leaving the cup shows that you’re not considerate and may have a poor work ethic.

Section 1 of 5:

What is the coffee cup interview test?

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The coffee cup test is a soft skill test used to gauge your work ethic. When you first arrive at an interview, the hirer or recruiter offers you a coffee or other type of drink. After the interview, what you do with the empty cup gives the interviewer a better sense of your personality and overall attitude about the company. ^{[1]
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- If you offer to clean the cup or throw it away, it shows a positive work ethic, you’re a team player, and that you even put a lot of care into the smallest tasks.
- If you leave the coffee cup, it’s a sign of a negative work ethic and that you may not take ownership of other actions.
- The coffee cup test first became popular when Trent Innes, the former managing director of Xero Australia, stated that he would not hire someone who doesn’t return their empty coffee cup after an interview. ^{[2]
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Meet the wikiHow Experts

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC is an accredited Career Coach and the founder of A Path That Fits career coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Katrina Georgiou is a Career Coach in Silicon Valley who specializes in finding new careers, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews.

Amber Rosenberg, PCC is a professional Career Coach and owner of Pacific Life Coach with over 20 years of experience.

Sixu Chen is a Career Coach and the founder of SCcoaching Group based in Bellevue, WA.

Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA is a Career Coach and Psychotherapist that’s been featured on Forbes, Medium, and Best Life.

Section 2 of 5:

How to Pass the Coffee Cup Test

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Offer to return, clean, or throw the cup away after the interview. If you have a mug or reusable cup, tell the interviewer when you’re finished and that you’ll wash it back in the kitchen. If you’re given coffee in a disposable cup, then toss your cup in the trash or ask for the nearest garbage can when you’re done. ^{[3]
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- If you weren’t brought to the kitchen at the start of your interview, politely ask where it is so you can go wash out your mug.
- Chances are, you won’t actually have to wash your coffee cup, and the interviewer will take it for you after you offer.

Section 3 of 5:

Why is the coffee cup test controversial?

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Some candidates believe the coffee cup test is an unfair mind game. While it may provide some insight into someone’s personality, many people disagree that it’s a dealbreaker for getting hired. The test doesn’t relate to any job duties, so it’s not a good judgment of the person’s experience. Many people have also expressed that they don’t know where the kitchen is and would feel strange or unprofessional asking.
- Other job candidates have shared that a manager using the coffee cup test is a red flag. They worry that if they play mind games during the interview, then the actual work environment could feel toxic.

Section 4 of 5:

Other Hidden Interview Tests

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Waiting room test When you arrive and are waiting for an interview to start, you may be tested before you even meet the hiring team. Some hirers pay attention to how you treat the receptionist and how you react if you’re waiting a little longer than expected. If you’re rude or have a bad attitude, it may put your interview off to a bad start right away. ^{[4]
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- How to Pass: Arrive on time to your interview and be polite to everyone you interact with. If the interviewer is late and apologizes, smile and let them know that it’s not an issue.
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Water test Some interviewers will have water out for you to drink during you interview, and they’ll be watching what you do with it. If you don’t touch the water at all, the interviewer may think you’re not confident enough to take it. However, if you drink the water too fast, it may seem like you’re too impulsive or quick to act. ^{[5]
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- How to Pass: Take slow sips of water after you answer a question or get done speaking.
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Wobbly chair test Some interviewers will purposefully set up a wobbly chair for your interview. When you sit down, the interviewer is checking if you have the confidence to speak up and ask for a new chair. If you just continue to sit in the wobbly chair, the hirer may think that you won’t speak up when there’s an issue. ^{[6]
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- How to Pass: Politely let the interviewer know that your chair is wobbling and ask if there’s a different one you can use.
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Hobby test Some hiring teams ask about your hobbies and what you’re interested in to see how enthusiastic you are. After that, they ask a basic or uninformed question about your hobby to see how you respond. If you look down on or respond negatively to the interviewer for not knowing a basic aspect of your hobby, it’s a sign to them that you may be reactive when interacting with others.
- How to Pass: Respond with excitement and happily explain your answer without any judgment. That way, you seem more inviting and engaging.
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Menu test If you’re invited out to lunch during an interview, hiring teams are testing your soft skills during the meal. They may pay attention to what you order and how you treat the wait staff. Ordering the most expensive items on the menu and being rude to the wait service can make it seem like you’re inconsiderate and not right for the job. ^{[7]
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- How to Pass: Choose a meal that’s moderately priced and use your manners whenever you interact with the wait staff.
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Salt and pepper test If you’re out to lunch during an interview, some interviewers check if you add salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your meal before taking a bite. Some hirers believe that seasoning your food before you taste it means you’re more impulsive and impatient. If you taste your food and then season it, it’s a sign you’re thoughtful and more patient. ^{[8]
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- How to Pass: Taste your food first, and only add seasoning afterwards.
- Don’t forget to have good table manners while you’re eating because the hiring managers will notice if you’re making a mess.

Section 5 of 5:

Expert Advice for Successful Job Interviews

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1
Research the company before your interview. Career coach & psychotherapist Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA recommends always doing your homework and learning more about the organization beforehand. She says, “Research the organization, role, interviewer, and anything else about the potential job that you are not well versed in” so you come across more educated and prepared during your interview. ^{[9]
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Expert Source

Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
Career Coach & Psychotherapist

Expert Interview}
- Kirkinis says to think of a job interview as an upcoming presentation. She advises, “Until you feel completely ready to give a talk on the topic, you are not prepared enough.” ^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
  Career Coach & Psychotherapist
  
  Expert Interview}
If you’re feeling nervous, career coach Sixu Chen recommends that you “open your shoulders wide and have your arms kind of on the side” for a calm and confident posture. ^{[11]
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Expert Source

Sixu Chen
Career Coach

Expert Interview} Career coach Amber Rosenberg, PCC adds that making eye contact, taking deep breaths, and speaking slowly can also help you feel more confident during an interview. ^{[12]
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Expert Source

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Career Coach

Expert Interview}
3
Prepare an elevator pitch for why you’re a good fit for the role. Career coach Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC states, “The point of the interview is to determine if you have what it takes to do the job well.” When you’re asked to talk about yourself, he says to avoid telling your life story. Instead, he suggests that you quickly pitch your professional experience and why you’re the right person for the job. ^{[13]
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Expert Source

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach

Expert Interview}
- Keep your elevator pitch between 30-60 seconds, and explain who you are, what makes you unique, what relevant experience you have, and what you hope to achieve.
- Example: My name is John Smith, and it’s so nice to meet you! I recently graduated with a degree in business administration. While on campus, I worked as an administrative assistant on campus where I assisted with restructuring the office filing system and helped create a database that allowed for faster searching and editing. I learned that I love the deeper organization side of business admin and making things run efficiently, and I’m eager to grow my skills in a professional office setting.
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Back up your strengths with detailed examples. Klaphaak advises that you “spend most of your time focusing on the key roles and accomplishments that prove you can excel in the job.” He continues, “Be specific about what you accomplished in each role and how the results of your work benefited the company.” ^{[14]
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Expert Source

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach

Expert Interview}
- Career coach Katrina Georgiou recommends using the STAR method to format your answers when you’re asked about your experience. Clearly state the Situation that was occurring and the Task you had to complete. Then, explain the Actions you took and the Results that occurred. ^{[15]
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  Expert Source
  
  Katrina Georgiou
  Career Coach
  
  Expert Interview}
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Take time to give a thoughtful answer. Georgiou explains, “The true way to stand out is to have the most thoughtful and concise answer. Make sure you’ve taken a moment to think through your response, how you plan to structure the answer, and the clear takeaway.” She goes on to say that taking a moment ensures that your words are articulate and memorable. ^{[16]
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Expert Source

Katrina Georgiou
Career Coach

Expert Interview}
- If you need a moment to think of an answer, just tell the interviewer something like, “That’s a great question, let me take a moment to think on that.”
- Chen advises against practicing your answers so much that they sound rehearsed. She notes, “You don't need to have a perfect answer. What they're attracted to is not just your work ethic, but also who you are and your personality. Just say what comes to mind.” ^{[17]
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  Expert Source
  
  Sixu Chen
  Career Coach
  
  Expert Interview}
Kirkinis suggests highlighting your strengths while being honest about areas where you can grow. He states, “If you feel you are prepared to thrive in a new role, yet lack specific on-the-job experience, be honest about this fact and clearly explain what training, education, or adjacent experience makes you qualified.” ^{[18]
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Expert Source

Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
Career Coach & Psychotherapist

Expert Interview}
Interviewers usually leave a few minutes at the end for you to ask questions about the position. Klaphaak says to ask about details that are important to you, such as career progression and expectations. She also advises to “ask if they have any concerns or hesitations about your experience and candidacy” so you have a chance to talk them over. ^{[19]
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Expert Source

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach

Expert Interview}

EXPERT TIP

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Founder of Pacific Life Coach
Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Founder of Pacific Life Coach

A conversational and engaging interview is a sign you’re doing well. If the interviewer answers all your questions, goes on longer than expected, or introduces you to potential colleagues, it means you’ve left a good impression and are most likely on to the next steps in the hiring process.
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Send a follow-up email within a few days of your interview. Georgiou recommends “emailing a thoughtful follow-up note a few days after the conversation.” She goes on to say, “This keeps you top of mind for a recruiter who is juggling many candidates and serves as a friendly reminder for the next steps in the process.” ^{[20]
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Expert Source

Katrina Georgiou
Career Coach

Expert Interview}
- When you’re writing your email , Rosenberg mentions it’s a good idea to send a personalized message to everyone involved in your interview. She says, “Start by thanking them for their time and reference something that you learned in your conversation,” as well as restating your interest in the position. ^{[21]
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  Expert Source
  
  Amber Rosenberg, PCC
  Career Coach
  
  Expert Interview}

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Rosenberg mentions practicing your interviewing skills with friends or by recording yourself responding to questions. ^{[22]
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Amber Rosenberg, PCC
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Expert Source

Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
Career Coach & Psychotherapist

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Sixu Chen
Career Coach

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Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Career Coach

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Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach

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Katrina Georgiou
Career Coach

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The Coffee Cup Interview Test Explained (Plus, How to Pass It)

The Coffee Cup Test & What It Reveals

Steps

What is the coffee cup interview test?

How to Pass the Coffee Cup Test

Why is the coffee cup test controversial?

Other Hidden Interview Tests

Expert Advice for Successful Job Interviews

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

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References

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