A recruiter breaks down the interesting ‘beer test’ interview technique used by Steve Jobs, sharing his thoughts on whether it really works.
If you’re reading this article on your iPhone, I probably don’t need to tell you that Apple co-founder Jobs did a very good job of starting the company.
Until his death in 2011, Jobs was the CEO of a technology company that took the world by storm, but he had to hire people he could trust.
But rather than subjecting potential Apple employees to harsh conditions in a stuffy office, Jobs is said to have employed an even more unusual technique known as the “beer test.”
As Jobs weighed the candidates, he asked them to take a walk or enjoy a beer with him, hoping that they would relax while he learned more about them.
After hearing about Jobs’ approach to interviews, senior executive recruiter Eleanor shared her thoughts with UNILAD on whether the “beer test” really helps determine a person’s job performance. Discussed.
“I think this is a really good idea,” said Eleanor, who has spent years searching for the perfect candidate.
“If candidates feel a little bit more comfortable and can talk honestly about their experiences, that’s great for me.”
Eleanor says that putting candidates at ease over a beer, for example, allows interviewers to “get more information from the candidate in terms of details, transparency, and talking about failures.” insisted. The candidate is “very nervous.”
“Personally, I think casual or informal interviews are the best types of interviews,” Eleanor said. “I have a very casual demeanor in interviews. In my opinion, being really casual in an interview is not a negative thing, it just shows more of your true humanity.
“that’s why, [Jobs’ technique]I really like that style and believe it brings out the best in people. ”
Jobs is said to have asked candidates a variety of questions during interviews, such as “When was the last time you accomplished something?” and “What did you do last summer?”
The Apple co-founder is clearly trying to learn more about candidates through these types of questions, and Eleanor praised this “open” approach.
“I think these are questions that people can add a little bit of personality to. You can take it however you want,” she said.
“The scope of the questions is a bit broad, so I think anything that can alleviate people’s fears or put them at ease is a good interview question.”
But if you’re faced with a surprise interview question that makes you nervous, Eleanor emphasizes that you shouldn’t blurt out the first answer that comes to mind.
“The first thing that comes to mind isn’t necessarily the best answer,” Eleanor says.
Instead, she encouraged candidates to think about their answer for a moment or to say to the interviewer, “Oh, that’s a really good question. Let me think about it for a second.”
Recruiters emphasize that companies don’t expect candidates to “tick 100 out of 100 boxes” and urge people to “keep calm, relax and be yourself.” urged [and] Please be honest.
I think beer definitely helps!