Manager Uses 'Salt And Pepper Test' While Interviewing Candidates; Hires Only Those Who Pass
Recently, an individual shared on Reddit an intriguing interview tactic employed by their former boss¡ªa method they amusingly referred to as the 'salt and pepper' test.
We've all encountered those unexpectedly quirky interview questions that hiring managers believe can offer insights into our character. While many invest significant time refining their CVs and rehearsing common interview questions before important meetings, there could be curve balls no one could have foreseen.
Recently, an individual shared on Reddit an intriguing interview tactic employed by their former boss¡ªa method they amusingly referred to as the 'salt and pepper' test.
The thread read: "A company I used to work for does all-day interviews with multiple people, and one of them is always a lunch interview. I heard about a guy who would base his entire decision on one thing: whether or not the person he was interviewing tried their food before reaching for salt, pepper, hot sauce, etc. If you didn't try your food first, you didn't get a pass from him."
This could readily be considered one of the most surprisingly random anecdotes we have encountered, prompting one to contemplate how idle the person must have been.
Although the former employee wasn't entirely sure about the precise reasoning behind their ex-boss's fixation on the 'salt and pepper' test, they suspected it was related to assessing a person's willingness to try something without prejudging it.
They added, "Glad I didn't interview him because I always add pepper to stuff."
However, unusual interview techniques aren't exclusive to this boss. The following example, however, has a bit more rationale behind it.
Trent Innes, the former boss of Xero Australia, once shared that this interview tactic gave him all the required insights when evaluating prospective employees.
During an appearance on The Venture podcast, he explained: "I will always take you for a walk down to one of our kitchens, and somehow you always end up walking away with a drink."
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"Then we take that back, have our interview, and one of the things I'm always looking for at the end is, does the person doing the interview want to take that empty cup back to the kitchen?"
"You can develop skills and gain knowledge and experience, but it really does come down to attitude."
Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind before your upcoming interview:
Refrain from seasoning your lunch before giving it a taste. Ensure your coffee cup is clean and ready for use. Don't forget the more traditional aspects, such as your years of experience and transferable skills, which also play a role, albeit less unusual.
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