Recruiters Question Impact of Iced Coffee on Interview Perceptions
A viral TikTok video sparked a debate among recruiters and job seekers about whether bringing an iced coffee to an interview signals a casual attitude, while experts say it is largely a perception issue rather than a decisive factor.
A TikTok video featuring recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen warned that candidates who arrive with iced coffees or lattes may appear to treat the interview like a routine errand. The clip generated mixed reactions online, with some viewers questioning the relevance of a beverage to hiring decisions and others noting that younger applicants often navigate unwritten corporate expectations.
"If a hiring manager told me the reason they were declining someone was due to them bringing an iced coffee to the interview, I would simply need to coach them through this silliness," said Bonnie Dilber, a recruiting leader at Zapier, on LinkedIn.
Wehniainen later clarified on LinkedIn that the discussion is not about coffee itself but about how candidates and employers interpret signals. She wrote that candidates hear a demand for perfection, while employers expect preparation and seriousness. Career coach Courtney Hartman acknowledged that an iced coffee is not a disqualifier but cautioned that it could create practical distractions during the interview.
"Just really picture the scenario: you get to a job interview, coffee in hand, and you're asked for your resume. Now you're scrambling to find somewhere to put your coffee so you can put your bag down and take it out," Hartman said.
The debate reflects broader concerns in a tight labor market, where the ratio of job openings to unemployed workers remains low and hiring managers can be highly selective. Job seekers like Thomas Heep, a 60-year-old former operations manager, describe the process as "broken," noting that employers often seek candidates who match every listed skill without need for training. Others, such as Kymberly McClain, question whether factors like age, race, or education affect their prospects.
While some TikTok users argue that candidates should ignore such superficial cues, others suggest that adhering to conventional interview etiquette may still be advantageous in a competitive hiring environment.