Job Interview Etiquette in the Age of Iced Coffee: A Generational Debate
Is it appropriate to show up for a job interview with an iced coffee in hand? This simple question has sparked a heated debate across social media platforms, highlighting shifting workplace norms and generational differences in professional expectations.
The controversy gained momentum when a TikTok video posted by recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen went viral last week. With 16 years of experience recruiting primarily for Fortune 500 “super buttoned-up corporations,” Wehniainen advised Gen Z candidates to reconsider bringing iced coffee to interviews. In her words, “It looks like you went to Target, then you went to Starbucks, now you’re stopping by your interview, then you’re onto the next thing. It looks a little too casual to me.”
TikTok Sparks a Divided Conversation
Wehniainen’s video ignited a flurry of opinions, accumulating over 5,000 comments that revealed a generational rift on what constitutes professionalism in interviews. Some viewers argued, “But an interview IS just a stop in my day. It’s not my whole day,” emphasizing a more flexible approach. Others, particularly Millennials and Gen Xers, called for relaxing the “weird rules” imposed by previous generations, acknowledging the stress candidates face.
Conversely, many defended traditional standards: “This comment section proves that generation has lost the art of professionalism,” and “Y’all are complaining but there’s absolutely no reason to bring your coffee to a 30 min to 1 hour interview.” The discussion also produced numerous response videos and comedic sketches, including one by @ariisaysso that humorously dramatized the potential awkwardness of carrying iced coffee into an interview.
Expert Insight: Traditional Interview Etiquette and When to Bend the Rules
To provide clarity amid the debate, Entrepreneur consulted Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster with 15 years of experience in corporate HR and recruiting. Salemi affirmed that traditional interview etiquette generally advises candidates to arrive without any drinks. “It’s about presenting your best self,” she explained, emphasizing that a candidate’s demeanor, communication skills, preparation, and engagement ultimately reflect their suitability—not what they carry into the room.
However, Salemi also acknowledged that carrying an iced coffee or another non-alcoholic beverage should not automatically disqualify candidates. “The key is professionalism throughout the interview process,” she said. Still, for those aiming to make the strongest first impression, Salemi recommends leaving the drink behind before entering the interview space.
Other Interview Pitfalls That Can Impact Your Chances
Beyond beverages, Salemi highlighted several other missteps that can damage a candidate’s prospects more swiftly. She recalled an incident where a candidate brought a “big, messy sandwich” to eat between interviews, only to be caught mid-meal when the next interviewer unexpectedly arrived early. “Awkward,” she remarked. The lesson? Eat before or after your interviews, not during, even with breaks scheduled.
Additionally, being rude to anyone during the hiring process—even those outside the interview panel—and arriving late without prior communication are major red flags. “Even when you crush your interviews as a strong candidate, major faux pas can be what interviewers remember most about you, rather than your stellar skills and experiences,” Salemi warned.
Conclusion
The debate over bringing iced coffee to job interviews underscores evolving workplace norms and differing generational attitudes toward professionalism. While traditional etiquette favors arriving without drinks, the focus remains on a candidate’s overall professionalism and preparedness. Ultimately, candidates should tailor their approach to the company’s culture and strive to make the best impression possible.
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