Is Iced Coffee a Job Interview No-Go? Gen Z and Employers Weigh In
Gen Z faces debate over iced coffee in job interviews. Experts weigh in on professionalism and generational divides.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — A heated discussion has erupted online over whether bringing an iced coffee to a job interview is unprofessional. The conversation was sparked by a corporate recruiter who warned that young people should avoid cold beverages during interviews, prompting a wave of debate across social media platforms.
The controversy centers around the perception of casual behavior in professional settings. Caitlin Wehniainen, a TikTok-based recruiter who targets Gen Z, raised concerns about candidates arriving with iced lattes or Americanos, arguing that such choices may signal a lack of seriousness. “It looks like this interview is just a stop on your list of errands for the day,” she said, adding that it appears too informal for a formal setting.
While some argue that iced drinks are no different from water or tea, others see them as a sign of unprofessionalism. Helen, a manager in her early 50s, believes that an iced drink could make a candidate seem distracted or disengaged. However, not all employers share this view. Grace Vielma, editor-in-chief at The Tab, says she personally enjoys iced coffee but adds that punctuality is more important than the beverage choice.
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Experts suggest that while an iced coffee alone may not cost someone a job, it contributes to the impression a candidate makes. Career coach Hannah Salton notes that small details like clothing, tone of voice, and even the type of drink can shape how a hiring manager perceives a candidate. If other cues align with the impression that someone is not particularly committed, professional, or present, then the recruiter might cling to them a little bit more, she said.
With the UK job market for Gen Z struggling, many young professionals are cautious about making any missteps. Phoebe, a 28-year-old actively seeking employment, finds the condensation and noise of ice unprofessional, while Nicola, a 26-year-old editor, sees no issue with iced coffee as long as it helps calm nerves. Despite differing opinions, one thing is clear: the debate reflects broader generational shifts in workplace culture.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
