The Pre-Interview Water Offer

From what I have gathered about the application/interviewing process it seems to be the small details that can really set someone apart from others. Am I crazy/over-thinking to think that the bottle of water offer at the beginning of almost every interview that I have been to is in its own way a small test? In my mind you could tell a lot about a person based on his or her response to this simple offer, will they accept or decline? If they decline will it be a strong “No thank you, I’m not thirsty” or a more passive “I’m fine”. I personally always accept for this reason, I feel it shows confidence and shows that you know what you want (in its own minimal way of course). I am just curious to see if others consider seemingly minute details such as this or if I am in fact just a crazy person.

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Comments

pitviper

Umm, you’re probably over-thinking a tad… unless you are applying for a job as an FBI profiler or the equivalent.

Besides, I always bring my own water - so form the test above, you'd fail on "preparation" right off the bat

GarudaMin

What if it's not a water bottle but a cup of water? Then interviewer said I got it for you before we start. Many things went through in my mind. I didn't see the interviewer getting it. It was already there on the desk before I sat down. Is it safe? Possibly safe since it's a reputable company and they have more to lose for poisoning me. Take the risk? Do I decline? Should I just leave it alone? I said thanks and back to thinking. Do I just leave it there? Take a sip to at least show the interviewer that her efforts did not go to waste? Maybe I am just over-thinking. I took a few sips during interview then after the interview was done, I said thanks for the water. So far still standing.

pitviper

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haha, I take it you won't eat the "snack mix" at a bar either

cyberguypr

I have a feeling you would go crazy if you interviewed with us. We extend a beverage offer to all our candidates for no other reason than being nice and assist quenching your thirst so you'll be comfortable. It is really funny because we have 3 commercial fridges full of every drink you can think of so the list of options appears endless.

GarudaMin

There's a difference between water bottle and water in a cup that was already there before I got in the room. One has integrity. All I want is a reasonable assurance.

Risk assessment and 'trust but verify' has rubbed off on me a bit since I work in infosec.
Snack mix at a bar is different too. If a bartender put it in front of me from a trail mix bag vs who knows how long it has been sitting there on the counter with who knows how many hands it went through and who knows how many of those hands were washed after bathroom business. I have seen people who don't wash their hands even after number 2.
I have seen movie theater serving week old popcorn too. Businesses cut corner.
If interviewer is offering me straight from a fridge or unopened water bottle, I'd take it. No issues there

bugzy3188

GarudaMin wrote: »

What if it's not a water bottle but a cup of water? Then interviewer said I got it for you before we start. Many things went through in my mind. I didn't see the interviewer getting it. It was already there on the desk before I sat down. Is it safe? Possibly safe since it's a reputable company and they have more to lose for poisoning me. Take the risk? Do I decline? Should I just leave it alone? I said thanks and back to thinking. Do I just leave it there? Take a sip to at least show the interviewer that her efforts did not go to waste? Maybe I am just over-thinking. I took a few sips during interview then after the interview was done, I said thanks for the water. So far still standing.

A similar situation happened to me too! Mine was fresh poured however but still... It was an actual glass of water too not a disposable cup. Now you have to worry about a coaster, the unlikely chance of spilling (especially during the handshake!), and how to rid yourself of said cup of water after the interview, I hear ya there. It may seem dumb but it really did send a lot of thoughts racing through an already busy mind.

Touché on bringing your own bottle and being prepared never thought of it that way….

pitviper

GarudaMin wrote: »

Snack mix at a bar is different too. If a bartender put it in front of me from a trail mix bag vs who knows how long it has been sitting there on the counter with who knows how many hands it went through and who knows how many of those hands were washed after bathroom business. I have seen people who don't wash their hands even after number 2.

yeah, lots of studies as to what they find in those bar dishes LOL especially the ones that they never wash. I wouldn't eat the snack mix if you paid me.

GarudaMin

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It would depend on one's comfort level and situation. For example: would someone eat something that was dropped on the ground? Different situations apply. What type of ground? Cleanliness of ground? What type of food was that? Are you broke and that's the only food you will eat for sometimes? Etc... But the point is it depends on situation.

And we have side tracked from OP's question.

Xyro

I have never been offered a beverage before or during an interview. People do this? Needless to say if I was, I would feel obliged to take it. Any less would be considered discourteous/cold/distant in my local area. Bringing my own water into an interview would be strange.

This thread makes me feel good though. I thought I overthought things! I feel laid back after reading this thread.

Akaricloud

I think you're reading way too far into this, most of the time water comes from the receptionist anyway!

On the same level though:

I have made the mistake of accepting the bottle of water on multiple occasions. Then when my interviewer comes out I have my leather portfolio in one hand, a bottle of water in the other and have a juggling act before the traditional handshake. I'm willing to bet your first impression here has more impact than whether or not you accept the bottle.

zxbane

I think OP is trolling you all due to the date

paul78

Interesting dilemma... I used to always offer candidates water, coffee or tea. I was brought up in an old-fashion family and I was always taught that it was discourteous to not offer tea when someone entered your home.

Anyways - a couple of years ago, someone mentioned that everyone that they met had offered soda or some other beverage.

Because I'm usually the last person that a candidate meets, now I ask if they want to use the restroom before we meet

So how would you interpret that?

ratbuddy

Akaricloud wrote: »

the traditional handshake

Ugh, any graceful way to avoid that? I don't like touching people.

bugzy3188

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Just hold your hand out and when they go to shake it, pull back brushing your hair to the back of your head...works 60% of the time...every time

GarudaMin

paul78: I would definitely appreciate the offer. If interview process is a long one (hours), it makes life easier when interviewer asks instead of having to ask where the bathroom is by oneself

bugzy3188: lol, trying to take us back to our young immature days of handshake pranks to friends?

Akaricloud

ratbuddy wrote: »

Ugh, any graceful way to avoid that? I don't like touching people.

Honestly, either suck it up and act normal for 5 seconds or realize and live with the impact that declining a handshake may have on a first impression.

Kinet1c

I'd 4 back to back interviews for my current job role, when the third finally started I had to give in and accepted offer of water due to the thirst.

Whatever about refusing water, I would never refuse a handshake.

Xyro

ratbuddy wrote: »

Ugh, any graceful way to avoid that? I don't like touching people.

Yes, do not bother to go to job interviews.

ande0255

I have almost always declined the offer for water, as that introduces a whole new set of variables of things that could go wrong in the interview. For example if you accidentally inhale while taking a sip and start choking, or reach for a project example in your portfolio, and spill water all over the table.

Also the hand shake thing is right on point as well, the only time I've accepted water I ran into this same thing, and spent an awkward few seconds juggling my notebook and water bottle to shake the interviewers hand, think that was the only and last time I accepted the infamous bottle of doom.

Zomboidicus

Akaricloud wrote: »

Honestly, either suck it up and act normal for 5 seconds or realize and live with the impact that declining a handshake may have on a first impression.

I think he was joking, but I guess you never know. I personally lol'ed at his comment.

ratbuddy

I was not joking. I find physical contact with strangers rather disgusting, and I feel a strong need to wash my hands after shaking hands.

Would you guys make such dismissive remarks if I had religious reasons for not wanting to shake hands?

Xyro

I find a number of items "rather disgusting". Still, I must deal with them if I wish to get employed. I cannot expect to walk into a company and have them adjust to my world. I must adjust to theirs. Yes, this also includes religious/spiritual reasons, which I have plenty of also.

You have to "play" by the rules if you wish to be successful.

puertorico1985

I completely understand the feeling of not wanting to shake hands. I see individuals picking their noses, leaving bathrooms without washing hands, and touching so many objects that shaking hands can be a rather disgusting chore. I understand the disgusting aspect of it, but Xyro is correct. If I'm doing an interview, and I stick my hand out to shake your hand, and you refuse, that will most definitely set off red flags, and you may not get the job.

We are in the IT industry, where we are constantly being asked to adjust to the ever-changing world around us. I would recommend that you adjust and get used to the idea that shaking hands is inevitable. Whatever your reason, whether religious or not, you need to get over it. You would hate to be that guy to not get a dream job, because you had some reservations about something as miniscule as a hand shake.

networker050184

ratbuddy wrote: »

Would you guys make such dismissive remarks if I had religious reasons for not wanting to shake hands?

I don't think the remarks are dismissive, just matter of fact. If you refuse to shake hands, regardless of the reason, it is going to set off some alarms for most people. That is really the last thing you want to do in an interview.

Akaricloud

I wasn't trying to be dismissive, rather just present your options. Ultimately the choice is up to you; my purpose here is to get you to realize the impact it can have so your choice is better informed.

If I invite someone to my place of business for an interview and they refuse to shake my hand it raises many concerns. Are they going to be able to meet new clients without being awkward? Is this just the beginning of a laundry list of abnormalities that will affect their work? Does this person not understand how a seemingly disrespectful gesture can affect relations?

We're talking about a workplace, regardless of if a person enjoys handshakes or not it speaks to their character. If a person is only willing to complete tasks that they personally enjoy, how can I expect them to handle parts of work that they may not?

These aren't the type of things you want to leave your potential employer questioning.

tier~

Akaricloud wrote: »

I think you're reading way too far into this, most of the time water comes from the receptionist anyway!

On the same level though:

I have made the mistake of accepting the bottle of water on multiple occasions. Then when my interviewer comes out I have my leather portfolio in one hand, a bottle of water in the other and have a juggling act before the traditional handshake. I'm willing to bet your first impression here has more impact than whether or not you accept the bottle.

Funny, the same thing just happened to me. I was offered water/coffee by HR while filling out some paperwork prior to the interview. Needless to say I had both my portfolio and freshly poured cup of water in hand when the hiring manager walked in. Luckily I had a table next to me to quickly set things down. You may be right that how you respond to that could easily be judged. I imagine many people immediately get flustered/embarrassed despite it being a completely expected scenario.

Personally though, I welcome the drink during an interview. It's far too easy to get parched when the pressure is on.

NetworkingStudent

What if you accept water from a glass or cup, but there is a water ban, could you be in trouble?

Are you not considered socially conscious and/or unaware of your environment because of this choice?

I THINK SO

Kidding ha

I used to worry about this, but after awhile it never bothered me.

After awhile I just brought my own water.

In my opinion, it’s just part of preparing for the job interview.

bugzy3188

ratbuddy wrote: »

Ugh, any graceful way to avoid that? I don't like touching people.

You could consider letting the interviewer know that you just got over a "bug" and that you wouldn't want to get him/her sick...it's not ideal but may take some of the awkwardness away from simply declining a handshake. Alternatively you could shake his/her hand in the lobby, and just before getting to the interview room excuse yourself for a bathroom break to scrub your hands...both options will inject awkwardness but will allow you to get by without touching anyone or at least allow you to sanitize directly after...Just a thought...