In a recent turn of events, an executive's unique job interview method has caught the attention of social media users and sparked heated debates online. Trent Innes, the former managing director at Xero, an accounting software company in Melbourne, Australia, unveiled his unconventional evaluation technique during an episode of the popular business podcast, "The Venture Podcast with Lambros Photios," in May 2019.

During the 16-minute episode titled "The Secret Job Interviewing Hack to Recruit the Right Staff," Innes revealed that he takes job candidates to the office kitchen and offers them a cup of coffee or another beverage before proceeding with the interview. However, it's what happens at the end of the interview that sets Innes apart from traditional hiring methods. Candidates who fail to offer to take their empty cups back to the kitchen are unlikely to receive a job offer from Innes, as he believes this simple act reflects a person's attitude and their compatibility with the company's workplace culture.

Innes explained his reasoning behind the "coffee cup test," stating that while skills and experience can be developed, a candidate's attitude is paramount. He believes that those who are willing to take responsibility and show consideration for others by cleaning up after themselves are more likely to be a good fit for the company.

Since the podcast episode aired, social media users have stumbled upon Innes' interview technique, leading to intense discussions on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Reddit. Opinions on the coffee cup test vary, with many questioning its fairness and reliability as a metric to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a job.

One TikTok user expressed discomfort with washing their own cup during an interview, arguing that they would prefer to ask what the appropriate action is. Another user on the platform reasoned that they wouldn't take the cup in the first place, while someone else shared that they understood the intention behind the test but believed it wasn't an accurate way to assess people.

Some commenters on Facebook raised concerns about the potential awkwardness and stress that the coffee cup test could create during a job interview if not executed with finesse. They suggested that both parties involved might feel pressured or uncertain about who should take the initiative.

On Reddit, users also debated the merits of Innes' evaluation method. One user agreed with the test, stating that they would judge someone who left their cup behind after seeing them wash their own. Another user made a sarcastic remark about not wanting their cup to be washed in a dirty office sink for the next candidate. Meanwhile, another individual shared their spouse's experience of being offered water before an interview and being rejected when they declined, as it was seen as a test of assertiveness.

Recruiters and hiring managers have also weighed in on the coffee cup test on LinkedIn over the past four years. Some argued that it was important to focus on discussing job requirements, compensation, and teamwork, while others defended the use of unconventional methods to assess a candidate's social skills.

Overall, Innes' coffee cup test has sparked a flurry of debates online, with social media users and professionals expressing diverse opinions on its effectiveness and fairness. As the discussions continue, the future of this unique evaluation method remains uncertain.