7 Job Interview Secret Tricks Every Applicant Should Know

Job interviews are an essential step in the hiring process for employers to evaluate your professional profile. As an applicant, you may think that answering simple questions is enough to impress the hiring manager. However, it’s crucial to understand that job interviews can also include hidden tests that measure your honesty and reliability. We want to help you prepare for your job interviews like a pro. Our team is one step ahead and has uncovered the secrets behind common interview tricks. Keep reading to learn more and ace your next job interview.

1. Discover the “Coffee Cup” test for job interviews

In recent times, the “coffee cup” test has gained popularity among recruiters. During the interview, the hiring manager takes the interviewee to the kitchen to offer them a drink. At the end of the meeting, the employer observes the candidate’s response to the coffee cup: whether they inquire where to put it, leave it on the table, or wash it themselves in the kitchen.

Trent Innes, the former Managing Director of Xero Australia and Asia, who devised this method, asserts that: “This trick reveals more about a person’s character and manners than their answers to questions. It can also show how quickly the candidate will fit into a team. In this case, the right decision is to stop by the kitchen after the interview and scrub the mug yourself.”

2. The importance of punctuality and emotional stability in job interviews

Compared to this new job interview technique, the coffee cup test seems benign. When a candidate is scheduled for a 9 a.m. interview and arrives promptly after waking up early, only to be made to wait due to the employer’s “busy” schedule. The interviewee must endure waiting for 10 minutes, and then another 10… and eventually 15 minutes more.

This technique serves to reveal the applicant’s emotional stability when handling stressful situations and their eagerness to secure the position by demonstrating their level of patience. Punctuality and composure under pressure are valuable attributes that recruiters look for in their candidates.

3. Remaining composed under pressure during job interviews

Raising one’s voice, shouting, or even swearing is yet another tactic to simulate a stressful situation and test the limits of the candidate’s nerves. Experts recommend staying composed and responding to questions as calmly as possible.

It is essential to demonstrate emotional stability and composure during challenging situations, as this showcases one’s ability to handle stress effectively. These are crucial traits that recruiters look for when assessing candidates during job interviews.

4. Creative thinking in job interviews: how to handle unusual requests

Candidates may encounter yet another surprise during job interviews, presented in the form of an eccentric request, such as jumping out of a window. This request aims to evaluate the candidate’s ability to think creatively and outside the box.

To navigate such a situation, one can climb up to the window and jump onto the office floor where the interview is taking place, as there were no instructions on where to land. Alternatively, the candidate can respond with a win-win counter-question, such as “What benefit would my jump bring to the company?”

Handling unconventional requests is an opportunity to showcase one’s creative problem-solving skills, and this quality is highly valued by recruiters in many industries.

5. Assessing candidate adaptability in job interviews: how to handle unusual interviewer behavior

Employers may utilize another interview technique by displaying unusual behavior, such as ignoring the candidate and staring intently at the computer screen or suddenly leaving during the interview to take a phone call, leaving the applicant alone in the office.

This tactic serves to evaluate the candidate’s adaptability and assess how they handle unforeseen situations. One effective solution is to collaborate with the secretary to reschedule the interview for another day.

Adaptability is a valuable attribute that recruiters seek in candidates, as it indicates the ability to adjust to new situations, think on their feet, and navigate challenging circumstances effectively. Demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness during job interviews can enhance one’s chances of securing the position.

6. Post-interview evaluation: meeting potential co-workers

It is common for employers to invite applicants to meet with potential co-workers in a non-work environment or specific situation after the interview concludes. This is more than just a friendly gesture; it provides an opportunity for the employer to evaluate the candidate based on feedback from existing employees.

Meeting with potential co-workers is an essential step in the hiring process as it allows recruiters to gain insight into how the candidate will fit into the company culture and interact with the team. A positive evaluation from co-workers can significantly enhance the candidate’s chances of receiving a job offer.

7. Cooperation test: responding to a simple request

Another assessment commonly used by employers is the cooperation test, which evaluates whether candidates possess helpful and cooperative qualities. During the interview, the employer may intentionally drop their pen to observe the candidate’s reaction. If the applicant instinctively bends down to pick up the pen, it indicates a willingness to cooperate, increasing the chances of receiving a job offer. Conversely, if the candidate allows the employer to pick up the pen on their own, it may negatively impact their chances of securing the position.

Cooperative individuals are highly valued in the workplace as they possess qualities such as teamwork, communication, and a positive attitude. Demonstrating these qualities during the hiring process can help candidates stand out to potential employers.

Little-known mistakes and bloopers in The Rifleman

The father-son bond in The Rifleman remains one of the greatest in TV history, even 60 years later.

For those who grew up in the late 1950s, this Western classic was a must-watch in many homes, teaching timeless values like respect and honesty.

But beyond its powerful moments, The Rifleman also had its share of little-known mistakes, bloopers, and fun facts that only die-hard fans might notice.

Stay tuned as we uncover the hidden gems behind this iconic Western…

Those early Westerns, like The Rifleman, were packed with historical inaccuracies, but who cares? They’re still a blast to watch and offer richer characters than anything on TV today. Every episode delivered a meaningful takeaway, often focusing on basic human values with a heartwarming moral twist.

The Rifleman starred the legendary Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher and skilled sharpshooter raising his son, Mark, played by the charming Johnny Crawford. The duo captivated audiences with their heartfelt bond and thrilling adventures in the Old West.

Even though the series has been hailed as one of the greatest ever produced, even the best of the best can have their slip-ups… So let’s take a peek behind the scenes and uncover some things most of us viewers had no clue about!

Lucas McCain a trendsetter

It’s no surprise that cowboy Lucas McCain preferred jeans, but it turns out he was ahead of fashion trends by about half a century! Sharp-eyed viewers might have caught a scene in “End of a Young Gun,” one of the early episodes featuring Michael Landon, where a shirtless Lucas repairs a wagon wheel.

Screenshot

You can see a “W” stitched on the back pocket of his jeans, and yes, he’s actually wearing Wranglers. The catch? The series is set in the 1880s, but those jeans didn’t start being produced until the 1940s. More than just a fashion-savvy cowboy, he Lucas McCain a true trendsetter and definitely ahead of his time!

As I mentioned, one thing I really loved about the show was the father-son relationship. But did you know that Chuck Connors’ real-life son makes an appearance in the series? In the episode “Tension,” Mark and Lucas attends the funeral of Sid Halpern, a friend of the McCains.

Screenshot

The widow and son, Toby, are there dressed in black. It was Jeff Connors, Chuck Connors’ second son with Faith Quabius, who played that young Toby and he had two lines. Sadly, Jeff passed away in 2014.

Getting Chuck wasn’t easy

Casting the lead role in The Rifleman was no easy feat.

Chuck Connors had to outshine 40 other actors, but landing the role was far from guaranteed. Initially, he turned it down due to a low salary offer from ABC, as he could earn more as a freelance actor.

However, Connors eventually secured the role in an unexpected way. It all started when the producers took their children to see Old Yeller, where Connors portrayed a strong father figure. After that experience — presumably with the kids sharing their thoughts — the producers came back with a much better offer, including a five-percent ownership of the show. And just like that, it was all set!

The 1892 Winchester rifle

Every episode of The Rifleman opened with Chuck Connors showcasing his remarkable skills, cranking off a seemingly endless barrage of shots with his saddle-ring carbine. With a dramatic flair, he would spin the rifle, effortlessly toss it from his right hand to his left, and insert a new cartridge, all while giving a menacing stare directly into the camera.

To pull off these iconic scenes, the production utilized two identical 1892 Winchester rifles — one for filming and the other as a backup.

Public Domain

Some might have assumed that the opening scene featuring the 1892 Winchester rifles was trick photography or somehow manipulated. However, the truth is that Connors was genuinely that fast and agile with his carbine. As a former athlete who played professional basketball and baseball in both major and minor leagues before transitioning to acting, he had impressive skills and coordination that made those quick movements look effortless. What we do know though, is that the weapon had been customized to enable rapid firing by cycling its lever action.

The Duke connection

Lucas McCain’s trusty Winchester rifle was more than just a prop; it was a true scene-stealer with an interesting backstory.

The Rifleman took place in the 1870s and 1880s, so it’s impossible for the 1892 Winchester rifle to have existed during that time.

However, this iconic rifle had a previous life on the big screen, making its debut in none other than John Wayne‘s classic 1939 film, Stagecoach. Producer Arnold Levin later revealed the exciting twist: the rifle used by Lucas McCain was the very same one wielded by the Duke in his legendary movie.

The Madera Hotel

The Madera Hotel was a well-known landmark in North Fork throughout the series, frequently appearing in various episodes.

However, in the pilot episode, The Sharpshooter, the establishment underwent a name change to California House. Speculation arose regarding a possible ownership change between episodes, but no one really knows why the establishment suddenly switched names.

Johnny Crawford got blacklisted

At the age of 3, Johnny Crawford made his debut in front of the cameras during an audition. But it wasn’t a success – in fact, he got blacklisted after his performance as a 3-year-old actor.

Public Domain

”I don’t remember the picture and I wound up on the cutting room floor anyway. But I played one of a bunch of refugee children and I was in a scene where Rosalind Russel was supposed to give us all chocolate bars. I think I got blacklisted after this film because the scene had to be reshot and I refused to give back my chocolate bar for the second take,” Johnny Crawford told The Miami Herald in 1973. 

”Hazardous” task of casting a new female lead

While widower Lucas McCain primarily focused on raising his son, the series also featured several romantic interests. In the third season, it seemed like Lucas and Milly Scott, played by Joan Taylor, were on the brink of a budding romance.

However, this storyline fizzled out when Milly left the show in season four, with a vague explanation that she needed to head back east.

This left producers in search of a new female lead, introducing the character Lou Mallory. The challenge was to find an actress who not only fit the role but also had undeniable chemistry with Chuck Connors.

To ensure a successful match, Chuck was actively involved in the casting process. However, this turned out to be more challenging than anticipated. Chuck interviewed over a dozen women who seemed perfect for the part but just didn’t quite click.

”A few months ago, I was handed what I thought was a dream assignment. At least it started out on a dreamlike note but almost snowballed into becoming a nightmare,” the actor shared.

After carefully considering over 60 women, the choice ultimately fell to the stunning red-haired beauty Patricia Blair, who hailed from Texas.

Recognize this baseball hall-of-famer?

As previously mentioned, Lucas McCain was an incredibly skilled baseball player. However, he could never match the prowess of former Dodgers star Duke Snider, who made a guest appearance on the show. (Chuck Connors hit only two home runs during his Major League Baseball career).

Public Domain

The celebrated baseball player, nicknamed “the Duke of Flatbush,” portrayed the character Wallace in the episode titled The Retired Gun. Another former baseball star who made an appearance on the show was Don Drysdale.

Johnny Crawford’s brother popped up

The Rifleman was heavily centered around family themes, and it was the first network television series to portray a single parent raising a child.
In addition to Jeff Connors, another relative of the show’s stars made an appearance: none other than Bobby Crawford, brother of Johnny.

He played the character Freddy in the episode Second Witness, and both he and Johnny delivered performances so impressive that they earned Emmy nominations in 1959. Bobby, whose full name is Robert Lawrence Crawford Jr., continued his acting career and portrayed Andy Sherman on the NBC television series Laramie from 1959 to 1960. He is still alive today and is 80 years old.

Over-protective of Johnny Crawford

It is already known that Chuck Connors looked after the young Johnny and the two actors kept a close relationship off-screen when the series ended.

From a young age, Johnny Crawford admired Chuck Connors, particularly because of his passion for baseball. Their affectionate bond during The Rifleman became a defining aspect of Crawford’s life, as he learned invaluable lessons from his mentor both on and off the set.

”It was a fascinating part of my education listening to Chuck tell his baseball stories or he’d be reciting Casey at the Bat or he’d be doing speeches from Shakespeare. This always surprises people, that Chuck Connors knows Shakespeare,” Crawford told The Buffalo News.

Their special connection is beautifully captured in the classic photo below, showcasing the deep camaraderie and mutual respect they shared.

On The Rifleman (1961), L-R: Ziva Rodann, Johnny Crawford and Chuck Connors / Wikipedia Commons

Actor Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence on The Rifleman, also felt a great responsibility for Crawford.

During the filming, he became an extra father to Crawford, and he made sure that all the weapons used during the filming were secured. For Paul Fix, his obsession with security around Crawford was personal.

Fix himself had a near-death experience as a young boy when he played around with his brother and a weapon misfired. The bullet was a hair’s breadth from killing Fix; it was a miracle that he survived.

Buddy Hackett twist

In a surprising twist of casting, Buddy Hackett, known for his comedic genius, played the father of an actor who was actually four years his junior.

In one episode of The Rifleman, Buddy Hackett portrays Daniel Malakie, a father who discovers that his two sons, Ben and Jud, have landed in jail. Interestingly, Christopher Dark, who played the “boy” Ben, was born in 1920, while Hackett was born in 1924. This age dynamic makes for some creative casting, proving that Hollywood has a knack for bending traditional family roles and age expectations…

Baby girl was played by a baby boy

Does the name Robert Anacher ring a bell? No? That’s understandable! His most notable role came was when he played the adorable baby girl Fancy in the episode The Baby Sitter. But as it turns out, the girl was actually a boy.

Shot dead with a pistol

In the pilot, which was originally intended for Gunsmoke (1955), Chuck Connors’ character was named John McCain. According to IMDB, he didn’t have any children and was a dead shot with a pistol.

Sammy Davis Jr. impressed the crew

Know as “Mr Show Business” and “the greatest entertainer ever to grace a stage in these United States” – Sammy Davis Jr. is a dearly missed superstar who forever carved himself into American history.

Sammy Davis Jr. wearing a cowboy hat, a suede shirt, and holding a marshal’s badge. Davis was in costume for an appearance in the ‘Two Ounces of Tin’ episode of the television show, ‘The Rifleman.’ (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

But did you know he made an appearance in The Rifleman? In the episode Two Ounces of Tin, Sammy Davis Jr. portrayed the outlaw Tip Corey. He showcased impressive skills with a gun, demonstrating quick draws and impressive twirling maneuvers. What’s remarkable is that all of these stunts were performed by Davis himself, without a stand-in!

The hair styles

Despite being set in the 1880s, most of the actors in The Rifleman sported hairstyles that mirrored the trends of the 1950s and 1960s, when the show was actually filmed.

This anachronism is further highlighted by the wardrobe choices, as many of the men wore full-front button-down shirts — a style that didn’t even emerge until the 1920s and didn’t gain popularity until the 1930s. It’s a fascinating blend of historical context and mid-century flair that adds an unexpected twist to the classic Western!

Chuck Connors’ headstone

Chuck Connors, renowned for his athletic prowess, smoked three packs of Camel cigarettes daily. Remarkably, he was one of only twelve athletes in history to play both Major League Baseball and in the NBA.

In the fall of 1992, Connors was hospitalized due to pneumonia. Tragically, three weeks later, he succumbed to lung cancer. He was laid to rest at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, where his headstone proudly displays the logos of the three sports teams he represented: the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Cubs, and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Kevin Joseph “Chuck” Connors (April 10, 1921 – November 10, 1992)He is one of only 12 athletes in the history of…Posted by Hollywood Page Of Death on Friday, November 10, 2023

As we wrap up our journey through the iconic world of The Rifleman, it’s clear that this classic Western series has left an indelible mark on television history.

With its unforgettable father-son bond, memorable characters, and a perfect blend of action and moral lessons, the show continues to resonate with audiences today. I still watch the reruns now. RIP Johnny and Chuck

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