Brainstorms

How to Set a Trap for Those Job Applicants Using Just a Cup

It’s often the little things that will tip you off as to whether someone will be a good fit.

Published

7 months ago

October 1, 2025

INSTORE Staff Instore October 2025 Issue

How to Set a Trap for Those Job Applicants Using Just a Cup

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

You can check a job candidate’s experience and their educational and professional credentials but trying to assess whether they will be a good fit for your small business remains a challenge. Trent Innes, chief growth officer at booking platform SiteMinder, told the business podcast The Ventures that he basically sets a trap involving a beverage for would-be employees. “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. Then we take that back, have our interview, and one of the things I’m always looking for at the end of the interview is, does the person want to take that empty cup back to the kitchen?”

The crux of the test is, if you don’t take the cup back to the kitchen, then you’re not considered the right fit for the company. Sounds harsh, but we’re guessing Mom would approve.

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