A job interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s a test of your confidence, awareness, and problem-solving skills. Many hiring managers use subtle strategies to evaluate candidates without them realizing it. One of the most fascinating and lesser-known techniques is the “Chair” Method.

At first glance, it seems like an ordinary part of the interview setup, but it’s actually a deliberate psychological test to see how you react to unexpected challenges. If you’re not paying attention, you might not even realize you’re being tested.

The Chair Method is a technique where an interviewer intentionally provides an unstable or uncomfortable chair for the candidate.

• A wobbly chair is placed in front of the interviewer’s desk.
• A second, more stable chair sits in the back of the room.
• The interviewer watches to see whether the candidate notices the issue and addresses it.

It’s not about the chair itself—it’s about whether the applicant has the confidence to speak up and fix the situation.

Companies value employees who can speak up, take initiative, and address issues head-on. The Chair Method evaluates:

• Problem-solving skills – Do you accept discomfort, or do you find a solution?
• Assertiveness – Are you willing to voice concerns professionally?
• Attention to detail – Do you notice small but important workplace issues?

Some employers believe this test can reveal more about a candidate than traditional interview questions ever could.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. The best approach is to handle it with confidence and professionalism.

Before sitting down, take a moment to evaluate the chair. Is it unstable? Uncomfortable? If so, you’ve already identified the test.

If the chair is uncomfortable, politely ask if you can switch. A simple line like:

“I’m sorry, but this chair seems a bit unstable. Would it be okay if I used the other one?”

This shows confidence, awareness, and problem-solving skills.

A good interviewer will appreciate your assertiveness, and it might even become a conversation starter.

By taking control of a small inconvenience, you show that you can handle bigger challenges in a professional setting.

The Chair Method isn’t the only trick interviewers use. Here are two other common interview tactics that test your personality without you realizing it.

During the interview, the hiring manager offers you a cup of coffee. After the interview ends, they observe:

• Do you leave the cup on the desk?
• Do you ask where to place it?
• Do you take it back to the kitchen?

Why does this matter? Because it tests your sense of responsibility and awareness. Candidates who clean up after themselves show they’re conscientious team players.

Some companies instruct the receptionist to observe you before the interview even starts. They note how you:

• Greet people when you enter the building.
• Treat staff members who aren’t part of the hiring process.
• Handle waiting time before the interview.

If you’re rude to the receptionist but polite to the hiring manager, it’s a red flag. Many companies value kindness and professionalism across all levels.

The Chair Method, Coffee Cup Test, and Receptionist Test all serve one purpose: to see who you really are when you think no one is watching.

Being polite, observant, and proactive will help you pass these hidden tests effortlessly. The next time you walk into an interview, stay alert—you might be tested in ways you never expected.