How employers use 'coffee cup test' to select best candidate

In today’s fast-evolving job market, interviews are no longer limited to panel questions and polished CVs.

A subtle concept has been taking shape among senior recruiters and decision-makers- what career coaches refer to as the coffee cup test.

Career Coach Achieng' Abok’ says the coffee cup test, though informal, is increasingly shaping final hiring decisions in roles where trust, cultural intelligence, and personal chemistry matter.

She explains that the test is often introduced by intuitive, emotionally intelligent executives, usually founders or CEOs, who want to go beyond scripted answers and assess who the candidate is.

“Most of the people who use the coffee cup test are not HR professionals. They’re decision-makers and want to see whether this is someone they can work closely with, perhaps as a number one or two in their organization,” Achieng says.

She adds that the process typically begins with an invitation to a casual setting like a coffee shop, lounge, or networking event.

The relaxed atmosphere allows conversation to unfold naturally, giving the recruiter space to observe not just how the candidate speaks, but how they carry themselves socially.

Are they respectful to wait staff? Can they hold a conversation beyond work? How do they handle high-pressure or unfamiliar environments?

“These are people who might accompany the CEO to high-level client dinners, product launches, or stakeholder meetings. If you can’t present yourself well in those settings, it raises questions,” she says.

Achieng’ clarifies that while some assume the test involves being judged for not finishing your coffee or leaving your cup behind, that interpretation is largely symbolic.

“It’s less about the coffee and more about the context. Some recruiters feel they’ve lost great candidates in office interviews due to nerves or poor structure, and this approach is more human,” she notes.

She notes that in sectors like technology, marketing, and creative industries, such informal interview setups are becoming the norm, especially for senior roles.

Eunice Victoria, also a Career Coach, supports this and adds how a candidate carries themselves can speak louder than their résumé.

She says that in some roles, especially those targeting luxury or high-net-worth clients, your presence becomes part of the brand. Companies want someone who can interact with different classes of people and not feel out of place.

These informal setups, such as dinner meetings or client events, help employers assess confidence, curiosity, and emotional maturity.

“It’s not necessarily fair, but it’s real,” she says. “If you’re going to represent the company in front of important people, they need to trust that you’ll fit into those circles.”

Both coaches agree the coffee cup test is not a trap, but a lens into how you show up when unscripted. It’s about self-awareness, courtesy, adaptability, attitude, cultural fit.

For candidates, the best preparation is remaining genuinely curious about the roles and environments they’re stepping into and most importantly dressing appropriately.