A viral TikTok video has ignited a fierce debate after a corporate recruiter warned that walking into a job interview holding an iced latte could ruin a candidate's chances before they even sit down.
Caitlin Wehniainen, a corporate recruiter who regularly shares career tips for Gen Z on TikTok, criticised young jobseekers for arriving at formal interviews with takeaway iced coffees. Her clip, captioned “Coffee & interviews… finish it beforehand,” quickly went viral and sparked what she called the “Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026.”
Wehniainen warned candidates to leave their drinks at the door, explaining that clutching a takeaway coffee makes a high-stakes interview look like “just another quick stop on your list of errands.”
Gen Z hits back
Gen Z jobseekers have responded furiously on TikTok, dismissing the criticism as outdated and questioning why holding a cold drink means they cannot do the job.
One user commented: “But an interview IS just a stop in my day. It’s not my whole day.” Another added: “Another recruiter POV here. If you can show up early or on time with the iced coffee you’re already showing good time management.”
However, others sided with the recruiter. One person said: “All the people disagreeing with you are the ones that think we are in a tough job market.” Another wrote: “100% this, the same way I expect you to be dressed professionally no matter what the job title is, I expect you to come prepared which does not include an iced coffee.”
Experts weigh in on etiquette
Career experts have warned that while young workers may see the habit as harmless, issues such as noisy ice cubes or cold, clammy hands before a handshake could quietly cost candidates job offers.
Marion Barry, Managing Director at recruitment agency TalentYard, said that while company cultures vary, bringing a takeaway drink into a formal setting could send the wrong message. “In a traditional corporate environment, bringing your own iced coffee could potentially raise questions about cultural fit. After all, would you bring your own food and drink to a dinner party when your host is providing everything?”
Barry also highlighted practical concerns even in casual offices: “The noise of ice cubes, opening lids, or drinking through a straw can be hugely distracting during an interview.”
Conflicting advice for candidates
Executive coach and career expert Dr Claire Handby warned that turning up with a drink can appear not just overly relaxed but rude. “Have you thought about how selfish it looks when you've got yourself a coffee and not the interviewer? Interviews aren't casual affairs, and having a coffee is casual! Don't assume it's good etiquette to arrive with a drink in hand.”
Andrew May, founder of coaching firm Parallel Perspective, took a more measured view, noting that while modern interviews are less rigid than they used to be, basic respect remains important. “You might not need a suit and tie anymore, but being invited to an interview is still a privilege. A good interviewer will make you comfortable, but don't mistake a friendly vibe for a casual meeting. The fact that it feels like a conversation doesn’t mean the interview has stopped.”
May added: “Modern interview etiquette is less about following an old set of rules and more about demonstrating that the opportunity, and the people giving you their time, matter to you.”
