Accepting a glass of water may seem trivial, but it is a gesture that should not be overlooked, especially during a job interview. This simple act can become a subtle assessment tool for recruiters, who are looking to know more about you beyond your technical and professional skills. According to Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist, this moment reveals part of your naturalness and your ability to manage small, unexpected situations. She explains: “How does a candidate react to this proposal? Does he accept a glass of water? Does he drink it in one gulp or in small sips? And what does he do if he spills a few drops?“…. So many details that can enrich an employer’s perception of you.
Evolving recruitment techniques
This technique called “glass of water test” consists of offering a carafe of water accompanied by a glass. At this time, several behaviors of the candidate are observed:
- If he systematically refuses, he is surely uncomfortable and shy, even suspicious;
- If he accepts directly, he may be too comfortable and impulsive;
- Is he drinking slowly? This could demonstrate self-confidence and serenity;
- If drops fall on the table and the candidate wipes them directly, this can be a sign of initiative and perfectionism;
Although this test may seem insignificant at first glance, it can actually reveal many aspects of a candidate’s behavior. “Behind this innocuous gesture, some recruiters seek to assess personality traits such as stress management, attention to others or even the ability to anticipate.“, explains Amélie Boukhobza.
A test that may lack fairness
Each reaction to this situation is unique and does not necessarily reflect a character trait or skill. For example, a candidate may refuse a glass of water simply because they are not thirsty, or because they are slightly nervous during the interview. This does not mean that he will be shy or stressed in his daily work.
An Internet user shared her experience on Reddit: “I always politely refuse water, even if I’m thirsty, because I’m wearing lipstick and I don’t want to leave a mark on the glass.” Others say they avoid drinking so as not to risk needing to go to the bathroom during the interview.
These examples highlight the importance of considering the particularities of each candidate and not drawing hasty conclusions. A one-off reaction often has no connection to one’s attitude or performance in a professional context.
The right reaction to adopt
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong reaction. the important thing is to stay natural. Our expert advises: “The main thing is to be authentic. We act according to our nature, and if it’s not exactly what the recruiter expects, too bad. What matters is the overall coherence between what we are and what we project.”.
“Let’s be clear: this test is not universal, and there is no perfect reaction. It all depends on the context and, above all, on the perspective of the recruiter. So, no need to think or overanalyze. An interview is above all an exchange so don’t let this detail destabilize you. Stay focused on the essential: your skills, your professional posture and your ability to meet the expectations of the position.”concludes our psychologist.