A few days ago, I was driving down Sheikh Zayed Road when a reckless driver caught my attention. He was tailgating, making sharp turns to catch an exit, and disrupting everyone around him. It got me thinking—this guy cannot be a good employee, a good husband, or even a good citizen. If someone is this impatient, inconsiderate, and reckless on the road, how can they be expected to act differently in the workplace or in life?
That’s when I had a realization: people reveal their true character through small, everyday actions.
In hiring, business, and even personal relationships, we often rely on interviews, resumes, and references—yet these are easily manipulated. Candidates rehearse their answers, polish their CVs, and say all the right things. But real character is exposed in the unnoticed moments.
What if we had a way to weed out the incompetent, selfish, or impulsive individuals before they became problems in our companies or our lives?
Here are some of the most revealing real-world tests used by sharp employers to identify the right people—and filter out the wrong ones.
The Coffee Cup Test
A CEO in Australia had a simple rule: after an interview, he watched whether the candidate returned their empty coffee cup to the kitchen or just left it on the table. Those who didn’t bother cleaning up after themselves were automatically disqualified.
A small test, but a powerful filter.
The Messy Reception Test
Some hiring managers place a small piece of trash near the reception desk and watch if candidates pick it up or ignore it. Those who take the initiative to clean it, without being asked, demonstrate a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
The Parking Lot Test
A company CEO used to secretly observe how candidates parked when they arrived for interviews. If they parked in customer or handicapped spaces—even when other spots were available—they were instantly rejected.
A person’s behavior in a parking lot, like their driving, tells you exactly how they operate in life.
The Waiter Test
Billionaire Warren Buffett famously said that a person’s true character is revealed by how they treat those who can do nothing for them. Some hiring managers take candidates out for a meal and observe how they treat waiters and service staff.
If a candidate snaps at a waiter, they will snap at your customers and colleagues.
The Rude Receptionist Test
One company instructed its receptionist to act rude and impatient when greeting candidates. The hiring team observed how each person reacted—whether they stayed calm, were polite, or snapped back.
You can train skills, but you can’t train decency.
The Waiting Room Test
Some companies deliberately make candidates wait in the reception area longer than expected. During this time, they secretly observe:
- Do they interact politely with the receptionist?
- Do they engage positively with others in the room?
- Do they complain or show frustration?
If someone starts complaining before even getting the job, imagine what they’ll do once hired.
The Real Indicator of Character
The biggest mistakes in hiring and relationships come from trusting what people say instead of what they do.
- Anyone can say they are a team player—but will they treat a waiter with kindness?
- Anyone can claim they are detail-oriented—but will they notice a mess and clean it up?
- Anyone can promise they are calm under pressure—but will they snap at a rude receptionist?
True character isn’t found in rehearsed answers. It’s revealed in unscripted moments.
If someone fails these small tests, they will fail in the bigger moments of life too.
The world doesn’t need more bad drivers, bad employees, or bad citizens. It’s time to weed them out.
About the Author
Hamzah Abu Zannad is the co-founder and managing director of Axiom Prime Real Estate Development. With over 20 years of experience in Dubai’s real estate sector, he has been instrumental in shaping innovative and sustainable living solutions. Under his leadership, Axiom Prime has introduced Dutch-inspired, high-end developments that emphasize community, technology, and modern design. Their landmark projects in Jumeirah Village Triangle and Jumeirah Garden City (Satwa) reflect a vision of fostering vibrant, future-ready communities.
For more information, visit axiomprime.ae.
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