Surviving the job interview: Beware the tricky 'beverage' question and how best to answer it

A job interview is among the most stressful experiences for many people. Everyone aims to present themselves in the best possible light while interacting with potential employers, emphasizing the skills and attributes the recruiter could find helpful in the position. The pressure is exceptionally high when it is related to your dream job.

Relieving your stress levels slightly and improving your confidence for the meeting can be achieved by adequate preparation. In this regard, anticipating possible questions from recruiters and preparing the most appropriate responses can be valuable. Although most questions are specifically related to the industry and job type, one is likely to come up, irrespective of the employer. Be careful; it's a tricky one.

Candidates generally encounter this question in almost every job interview. Although it seems harmless, it's essentially an icebreaker for recruitment. Through this question, the recruiter attempts to gauge the candidate's demeanor and, primarily, their level of nervousness. It's advisable to think your answer through.

If you impulsively and abruptly decline anything to drink, it could signal that you're highly stressed and eager to finish the meeting as soon as possible. Conversely, if you respond calmly, requesting a beverage, you will appear composed and self-assured.

So, which drink should you choose? Simply, whatever you currently fancy. Don't pressure yourself. You'll likely be offered coffee, tea, or water. The safest option seems to be water, as it demands the least effort from the interviewer.

Asking for a beverage during a job interview has an additional perk. When confronted with a challenging question, reaching for your glass and taking a sip naturally gives you a few extra seconds to ponder your response.