• News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
Jobseekers react to 'beer test' Steve Jobs used to interview people at Apple

Home> Apple

Published 10:06 1 Mar 2024 GMT

Jobseekers react to 'beer test' Steve Jobs used to interview people at Apple

Not everyone is so convinced by the approach.

Prudence Wade

Prudence Wade

Steve Jobs was one-of-a-kind - and even his hiring strategy at Apple was somewhat unorthodox.

Jobs might have had a bit of a reputation for being a stickler, but his interview approach was surprisingly laid-back - and apparently involved something called the 'beer test'.

The idea was basically that Jobs would throw more formal interview structures out the window, and at a certain point would take the interviewee out for a stroll and then perhaps go to a bar or restaurant for a drink and possibly dinner.

Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty

Advert

The conversation would be more casual, with questions from Jobs that were much less obviously interview-styled, and the inevitably loosening that happens with alcoholic drinks would help him to get a sense of whether he actually got on with the candidate and could see himself working them.

If the answer to that was 'yes', well, they were basically hired. Times have changed in the years since Jobs was involved with interviews at Apple, though, and there's recently been discussion about the beer test and whether it was appropriate.

TikTok creator @lifeandworkbutbetter made a video on the topic recently and asked her followers: "Is the beer test something that management should really start looking into?"

After all, nowadays it might be thought that the test involves shades of coercive drinking, and some might not be comfortable taking part. Unsurprisingly, her video got plenty of responses.

The broad response seems to be anti the beer test: one comment said: "Too much room for personal bias" and another more blunt response agreed: "Absolutely not lol".

Advert

A different comment said: "this can work for small companies, 5-10 employees, but if you run a large corp like that, you're going to miss out on a lot of talent", which is a very rational way to look at the problem.

Similarly was another response that read: "So…of course I would love to love everyone, but if I only hired people exactly like me, my workplace wouldn’t be as effective. We need balance."

As this says, the risk of Jobs' approach is that it makes it harder to hire those who don't swim in your lane or instantly connect with you, which many people would say isn't that compelling a reason to dismiss someone professionally.

Of course, Apple's hiring record must have been pretty excellent - given the sheer success of the company - but that's not to say there aren't people who might have failed the beer test, but could have been stars there.

Featured Image Credit: lifeandworkbutbetter/TikTok / Justin Sullivan / Staff /Getty
Apple

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

2 days ago
4 days ago
6 days ago
  • 2 days ago

    Experts warn default WiFi setting is putting your iPhone at serious risk

    Your phone could become exposed to hackers and cybercriminals

    Apple
  • 4 days ago

    iPhone fans baffled after user spots 'black dot of death' at the top of their screen

    It could cost you a not-so-small fortune

    Apple
  • 6 days ago

    You should delete these 5 pre-installed apps if your iPhone is beginning to slow down

    No, you don't need that app you've never used

    Apple
  • 6 days ago

    Little-known weather app trick on iPhone can save you from a surprise rainfall every time

    Never forget an umbrella or coat ever again

    Apple
  • Original iPhone launch reveals one of Steve Jobs’ most important leadership qualities in 'overlooked' moment
  • Hilarious reason why every Apple computer includes a hidden 'f**k you' to The Beatles
  • Fans react to Apple finally adding feature to Apple Watch after nine year wait
  • Passenger uses Apple Watch to track down lost luggage at airport workers home