Last week, recruiter Caitlin Veenianin posted a video on TikTok discussing the trend of Gen Z job seekers bringing iced coffee to interviews. She argued that it is more than just a beverage; it creates the impression that the interview is merely “one stop on your daily to-do list.” Viewing this practice as “too casual” for a formal professional setting, she advised young candidates to get their caffeine fix before or after the interview. Commenters were divided: some felt it was absurd to pretend not to be human when an interview is simply part of their day, while others found it “unbelievable” that anyone would question such basic “professionalism.”
Soon, others joined the conversation. Content creator Josh Lora (known online as @tellthebees) posted on TikTok, noting that people were trying to redefine work ethics to suit their own preferences—insisting that anyone bringing coffee to an interview certainly wouldn’t get the job. He criticized those who “cling to dogma, viewing iced coffee as an act of rebellion,” yet expect to face no consequences, stating, “That’s not how the real world works.” Another creator, Miss Redacted, pointed out that there are “unwritten rules” in the U.S. corporate world—no matter how trivial they might seem to most people. The debate even spilled over into the real world; a TikTok video reportedly showed a user conducting a poll in the elevator of their “ultra-formal office,” revealing that 92% of respondents considered bringing iced coffee to an interview unacceptable, while only 8% deemed it acceptable.
Employees are divided on whether bringing an iced coffee to a job interview is harmless or a breach of professional etiquette; recruiters, too, hold conflicting views. While most believe that bringing an iced coffee won’t directly impact a candidate’s chances, others consider it a violation of unwritten interview norms. Even as Gen Z brings new expectations to the workplace, this seemingly innocuous habit could potentially affect their odds of landing a job.
“An iced coffee doesn’t tell an interviewer whether a candidate is qualified for the job—which is why this debate has garnered so much attention,” Ashley Doughty, a marketing manager at the recruiting firm Randstad Professional, told Fortune. “It’s not really about the coffee; it’s about who gets to define what is ‘professional’.”
How Recruitment Experts View the Iced Coffee Debate
Recruitment experts agree that a cup of iced coffee shouldn’t outweigh a candidate’s qualifications, yet it can still have an impact. Megan Slabinski, a regional president at the HR services firm Robert Half, told Fortune that while she advises against bringing coffee to an interview, it is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Candidates should keep their hands free to shake hands with the interviewer.
“While a cup of iced coffee might not directly affect the interview outcome on its own, I’d recommend against bringing it into the interview room,” Slabinski said. “It’s best to avoid anything that could cause a mess or distract from the interview. When in doubt, keep it simple so the interviewer can focus on the conversation.”
Although it might not be appropriate, Slabinski added that most hiring managers don’t make decisions based solely on a beverage. They evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, professionalism, and overall presentation. However, the expert advises that if a drink is likely to be a distraction, it is best to avoid having it during the interview.
Others argue that holding a coffee during an interview neither does—nor should—affect their chances. Trent Cotton, Head of Talent Insights at the recruiting software platform iCIMS, says that if bringing a beverage makes a candidate feel more at ease, there is no issue with it. There are exceptions, of course—such as being distracted while eating a breakfast sandwich—but Cotton believes it is unfair for companies to rule out candidates over such trivial matters.
Cotton told Fortune: “What is the difference between a glass of water and a cup of coffee? Water is usually provided anyway. There really is no difference. It shouldn’t impact a candidate’s chances. If it does—if a candidate is deemed ‘not serious enough’ simply for holding a latte, especially when they might be applying for forty jobs and only landing three interviews—then the company is making a mistake by focusing on the wrong details.”
Gen Z is rewriting workplace norms—and companies may have “lost their sense of empathy.”
Gen Z professionals have long been upending workplace conventions; many began their first full-time jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have challenged established ideas regarding office attire, arrival times, and communication styles. Now, bringing a coffee to a job interview has joined this trend.
“It’s not about the iced coffee; it’s about the shift in workplace norms,” explains Slebinski, noting that many had their initial job interviews via video call, where iced coffee wasn’t an issue. “The expectations they are now navigating are things that previous generations typically learned much earlier through face-to-face interaction. Interview etiquette itself hasn’t changed; what has changed is how people learn these norms.”
Dougherty added that job seekers are “trying to decipher the unwritten rules” of a highly competitive market. Without clear expectations, it is difficult for young candidates to adhere to these norms. There is no way for a candidate to know just how “traditional” an interviewer might be, making it a risky move to bring a beverage to an interview. Cotton also acknowledges that times have changed. He admits that back in 2017, he “might have viewed things differently,” but the current generation largely entered the workforce remotely, without anyone to teach them these unwritten rules. Rather than faulting Gen Z for their lack of awareness, Cotton sees this as an opportunity to question whether certain rules actually make sense.
Cotton said, “You can’t fault people for a lack of etiquette; after all, no one ever had the chance to teach them. This debate reflects a larger issue: businesses have lost their empathy for job seekers.”
“What encourages me most is Gen Z’s determination to stand up for this idea,” he continued. “This generation rejects arbitrary rules; they ask ‘why’ instead of blindly obeying. These are exactly the qualities I’ve always wanted to see in the workplace—taking the initiative to offer coffee while also having the courage to ask tough questions. Recruiters, take note: this is the kind of talent you truly want on your team.”