Would Steve Jobs Have Hired You? Apple Founder Had This 'Glass Of Water' Test To Filter Talent
Steve Jobs' water glass test, used during interviews at Apple, assessed creativity, calmness, and initiative with a simple task—fetching a glass of water
Apple's co-founder, Steve Jobs, was known not just for revolutionising technology, but also for pioneering unorthodox methods of identifying top talent. One such method—the 'Water Glass Test'—continues to spark debate in HR and corporate circles even today.
What Is the Water Glass Test?
According to reports and biographies, Steve Jobs would occasionally ask a job applicant to do something surprisingly simple: bring him a glass of water. While it seemed a basic request, it was far from meaningless.
This informal yet insightful test was designed to assess a candidate's initiative, problem-solving, creativity, and ability to stay composed under pressure.
What Did Steve Jobs Look For?
Why Did This Matter?
Steve Jobs believed in hiring people who embodied the mindset of 'Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish", those who dared to think differently. A small task like this could reveal a lot about a person's mindset, beyond what a CV or formal interview could convey.
Is The Water Glass Test Still Used Today?
Many companies today are turning to practical and situational hiring exercises, ditching traditional interviews in favour of informal assessments that reveal real-world thinking.
As industries evolve, there's a rising demand for employees with creativity, agility, and the ability to act under uncertainty—qualities the Water Glass Test is designed to expose.
Advantages Of The Water Glass Test
Drawbacks Of The Water Glass Test
Ambiguity: The purpose and evaluation criteria of the test are not clearly defined, potentially confusing the candidate.
Lack of Objectivity: The test can be subjective, as its evaluation depends on the interviewer's perspective.
Cultural Differences: In some cultures, such an unexpected request may be seen as rude or insulting rather than taken seriously.
Limited Scope: The test does not assess technical skills or specific job-related qualifications.
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First Published:
July 08, 2025, 13:07 IST
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