CVs and rehearsed responses only show so much. The real question is whether a candidate brings the right attitude, initiative, and fit. The wrong hire can be costly, but these subtle tests can help you choose with confidence.

1. The job ad filter: Weed out the copy-and-paste applicants by building a simple request into your listing. Ask candidates to answer a specific question or include a work sample: those who pay attention will stand out straight away.

2. The real-world task: Skip the stock interview questions and give candidates something practical to work with. It could be a short role-relevant task, a scenario to respond to, or a quick problem to solve. You’ll learn more from how they think on the spot than from a polished answer.

3. The receptionist treatment: Watch how candidates interact with staff before the interview. Courtesy and respect for everyone, not just the big boss, is a strong indicator of how they’ll treat colleagues and clients.

4. The coffee cup test: Offer your interviewee a drink and watch what happens when the interview ends. It’s not about coffee or tea: it’s whether they ask where to take the empty cup or simply leave it behind. Small actions like this can reveal initiative and a willingness to pitch in.

5. The casual chat: Candidates often relax once the ‘official’ interview is over, so keep chatting as you walk them out. This will give you a better glimpse of their personality and how they might fit with your team.