Hi! I’m interviewing at different companies right now and my friends scared me. They said some HR “accidentally” drop a pen during the interview to see if the candidate will pick it up. They say it’s a test to check if you’re too eager to please.
I don’t get it, should I pick it up or not?
If I pick it up, will they think I’m trying too hard to please the boss? And if I don’t, will they think I’m stubborn?
Am I thinking about this the right way?
What do you think? Thanks

3   
  • A Mitchell

    1mo
    Best answer

    Take a pen with you. If they drop a pen offer yours,and tell 'em to keep it!

    18
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  • Honestly, you might be overthinking it a bit. Many of those “HR tricks” you hear about online are often exaggerated or just stories people share. Most... interviewers are more focused on your skills, experience, and how you communicate rather than small psychological tests like dropping a pen.

    If something like that happens naturally, just react normally. If someone drops a pen near you, picking it up is simply basic courtesy and professionalism — it doesn’t mean you’re trying too hard to please anyone.

    Also, hiring decisions are usually based on many factors: your qualifications, how well you answer questions, how you fit the role, and sometimes how you compare with other candidates. Small moments like that rarely determine the outcome of an interview.

    The best approach is to focus on preparing well, being confident, and behaving naturally rather than trying to guess or outplay supposed “tests.”
     more

  • How you pick up the pen also counts. How sure are that picking up the pen in the course of the interview is not against the rules

  • How you pick up the pen also counts. How sure are that picking up the pen in the course of the interview is not against the rules

  • How you pick up the pen also counts. How sure are that picking up the pen in the course of the interview is not against the rules

  • We Are All Big Boys & Girls Here Correct? Let Them Pick Up Their Own Pen. If These Are Tests Of Character Then They Are Flawed.

    2
  • Why making this such a big deal, courtesy should be natural in every human being, that is our natural instinct born and raised with, if you are in a... grocery store lady or gentleman and you see someone drop something, your instinct is to alarm the person, pick it up and give it back. Or open door or hold the door at the gas station for a stranger, this is who we are and what we are as people. Therefore, why not saying sir or Ma'am you drop your pen and if you are at reach you pick it up and give back to the person. We have been so disconnected due to the social media world that companies now do not want to hire an arrogant prick or a self centered individual that will bring chaos or discomfort to the company environment. what they are looking for is your good manners, your kindness, your courtesy towards others, which are their clients, Be a good person, be nice, be gentle, be courtois, be respectful, be honest, be loving and stop trying so hard to be an a**hole.  more

    2
  • I love the “take a pen with vs. picking it up. You won the game… “go get em”

  • If you are otherwise confident and have a hold over your subject , picking up the pen and giving it to the HR would be viewed as a casual act.

    1
  • Take a pen with you. If they drop a pen offer yours,and tell 'em to keep it!

    18
  • Follow your instincts and be you. If your reflex is to pick it up then do so. If they are playing games let them play on their own. This also will... give you insight into the type of culture they have. Is that the culture you want to be in? more

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  • Follow your instincts and be you. If your reflex is to pick it up then do so. If they are playing games let them play on their own. This also will... give you insight into the type of culture they have. Is that the culture you want to be in? more

  • Follow your instincts and be you. If your reflex is to pick it up then do so. If they are playing games let them play on their own. This also will... give you insight into the type of culture they have. Is that the culture you want to be in? more

  • The word here is accidentally not intentionally ... if it close you pick it up if it not kindly dont walk up to it, sit put

    1
  • The word here is accidentally not intentionally ... if it close you pick it up if it not kindly dont walk up to it, sit put

  • If the dropped pen rolls nearer to you the candidate then it would reflect more sense of responsibilty if you picked it up and gave back to the HR,... However incase the pen rolls under the seat of the H.R, what would take you there....?  more