A seemingly simple drink has sparked a heated debate across platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and beyond: Is it appropriate for job candidates to bring iced coffee to an interview?
The Beginning of the Debate
This discussion took off after recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen shared her thoughts in a TikTok video. With her 16 years of experience recruiting for Fortune 500 companies, Wehniainen criticized the practice, saying, “Gen Z candidates are showing up to their interviews with iced coffee in hand.” She expressed that this action may signal to recruiters that an interview is merely another errand for the day.
Her video struck a chord, leading to responses from thousands, including recruiters, career coaches, and job seekers who remain divided on whether carrying cold brew to an interview is a sign of being unprofessional or completely harmless.
Why It Matters
At its heart, this debate is about more than just coffee. It reflects a broader generational clash over workplace norms, professionalism, and what employers should value during hiring. Some recruiters suggest that iced coffee may convey unintended messages about a candidate’s seriousness. However, many Gen Z workers view these concerns as outdated and unrelated to job performance.
Today, younger employees are increasingly questioning traditional corporate expectations around attire and workplace etiquette; the iced coffee debate is one more challenge to conventional norms.
The Controversy Expands
Wehniainen noted that some Gen Z candidates were arriving at interviews holding iced coffees or lattes. From her recruitment perspective, this could be perceived as overly casual. Her video quickly went viral, sparking thousands of comments from both sides.
Supporters of Wehniainen argue that candidates should refrain from bringing food or drinks to interviews because first impressions matter. Practical concerns include condensation on the table or the awkward process of shaking hands with a cup in hand.
Opponents find it baffling that a beverage could impact perceptions of professionalism. One TikTok commenter remarked, “But an interview IS just a stop in my day. It’s not my whole day.”
Recruiters Remain Divided
While some hiring professionals supported Wehniainen’s view, others disagree. Eric Turney, president of the Monterey Company, stated that the debate was getting more attention than deserved. “If someone walks into an interview with an iced coffee and performs well, a Starbucks cup shouldn’t make a difference,” he noted.
Angela Webber, president of MsAngie LLC, commented on the generational context. She suggested that Gen Z was raised with fewer boundaries, seeing little difference in bringing coffee to an interview. Webber believes qualifications should take precedence over beverages.
Advice for Job Seekers
Candidates often hear the advice to finish their drinks before entering an interview to avoid unnecessary distractions. “Bringing iced coffee to a job interview is a ‘violation’ of unwritten rules about putting your best foot forward,” stated Brian Daniel, founder and owner of the Celebrity PA Network.
However, blanket rules against carrying drinks may seem outdated, depending on the company and role. For some, staying caffeinated is part of work culture. Nathan Putsey, a talent acquisition manager at JobLeads, noted that some people view bringing coffee to a meeting as signaling ‘readiness to work hard.’
Whether or not bringing an iced coffee matters, many recruiters say candidates should be aware that minor details can influence perceptions. “The fact that so many younger people defend the coffee is perhaps more interesting than the coffee itself,” Turney observed.
The Path Forward
Although the iced coffee debate is unlikely to change hiring practices overnight, it highlights important insights for job seekers regarding hiring values. For now, candidates must decide whether to bring coffee and risk traditionalist scrutiny or leave it behind to avoid unnecessary judgment.
Turney offered simple advice: “Don’t give the interviewer an unnecessary reason to question your judgment. You can have the iced coffee. Just finish it before you walk through the door.”
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