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...

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

I wanted to apply for a job at a small company near my home, but they set up an online interview. I said I could come to the office instead, but they said it had to be online. Later they rejected me...

It does happen sometimes. But in a situation like that, it’s usually better to move to a quieter location that’s more suitable for the interview so... you can focus and present yourself well. Even if the interview is online, treating it like a formal meeting and preparing the environment ahead of time can make a big difference.

Also, the company wasn’t necessarily wrong to insist on an online interview. Employers generally have the right to conduct interviews in the format they prefer. And in many cases, rejection may be due to several factors, not just the noise, such as other candidates being a better fit or internal hiring decisions. So it might not have been only that one issue. more