5 Hidden Ways Hiring Managers Test You
The interview starts before you enter the building, with your parking job and coffee-cup disposal.
You’ve heard about the sneaky ways that hiring managers “test” candidates, such as bringing a job candidate into the coffee-break room to see whether they eventually bring their dirty cup to the sink. Or asking a question in the foreign language the candidate’s résumé claims they’re proficient in. Professional hirers have tricks up their sleeve when it comes to gaining intel on candidates.
The tests are there for a reason: to allow the recruiter to assess everything from cultural alignment to situational awareness. And they’re much more critical today, when candidates can use AI to create a false front. “Small, informal moments can surface behaviors that don’t show up in a structured interview,” says Anya Weaver, a principal consultant at Korn Ferry. For example, a candidate’s lunchtime order can reveal everything from a mindfulness about spending corporate money to a problem with alcohol.
So, what are recruiters looking for?
Outfit
Your sartorial choices matter both at the interview and en route. “I once hid at an airport to see how a candidate dressed when flying,” says David Vied, global sector leader for medical devices and diagnostics at Korn Ferry. The scrutiny made sense, he says, for a high-level role that required both a tech background and a senior-executive persona. Recruiters will also scan for appropriate attire, such as long-enough socks.
Car
What brand is your car? How old is it? Is the interior messy? Has it been to a car wash since the pandemic? Did you park between the lines? For public-facing roles, especially in towns where executives are likely to be recognized, recruiters clock these details.
Pen
What kind of pen does the candidate use when signing in at the front desk? “It gives a clue to ego and personality,” says Vied. “You don’t want to see a fancy pen around entry-level sales people.” Ideally, brands communicate self-confidence, but not too much. Details like watches and pens matter most for sales and commercial roles, says Vied.
Ambiguity
That baffling interview question—the one that made you question the interviewer’s competence—was a test. Recruiters sometimes ask vague or unanswerable questions to watch how you handle uncertainty. Did you freeze? Barrel forward? Or do the smart thing and ask for clarification?
Behavior
No, the administrative assistant is not just checking you in. She’s been asked to report back on your politeness and promptness. Some firms make candidates wait longer than expected, to observe how they handle delays and stress. Others plant a staffer in the same space to see whether the candidate asks questions about the other person, or prattles on.
For more career advice, read Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison's latest book, I Need a Job!
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