Things You Might Secretly Be Judged for in a Job Interview

Your résumé gets you in the door, but the interview is where hiring managers decide if you’re the right fit. And sometimes, they have sneaky little ways of sizing you up.

Someone asked hiring managers to spill their secret “tests” for evaluating candidates—and their answers might surprise you. Here are five things you could unknowingly be judged on during an interview:

1. The Water Test 💧

If you’re offered water, saying yes can make you seem confident. But be careful—chugging it too fast might make you look nervous. The trick? Accept the water, but just take small sips.

2. Catching You in a Lie 🚨

Some interviewers will casually mention a made-up colleague from one of your previous jobs just to see if you’ll pretend to know them. If you take the bait, you’re instantly out. Honesty is the best policy.

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3. The Team Player Check 🧹

A restaurant manager revealed that they leave a broom on the floor to see if candidates pick it up or step over it. If you ignore it, it signals that teamwork might not be your thing—and you probably won’t get the job.

4. The Impossible Question ❓

Some companies (Google, we’re looking at you 👀) love to ask weird, unanswerable questions like, “How many golf balls would fit in a school bus?” They don’t expect a correct answer—they just want to see how you think. Do you throw out a random number, or do you break it down logically? Your approach matters.

5. The Receptionist’s Opinion 👋

Before you even sit down for the interview, you’re being judged. Many hiring managers ask the receptionist how you treated them. If you were rude or dismissive, don’t expect a call back. Kindness goes a long way!

The takeaway? It’s not just about your experience or what you say—it’s also about how you handle yourself in the little moments. So stay sharp, be polite, and maybe don’t down that glass of water in one gulp.