TikTok debate sparks generational split over bringing iced coffee to job interviews
A TikTok video warning against carrying iced coffee to interviews ignited a heated discussion between younger and older users, with experts offering mixed advice on interview etiquette.
A TikTok post by recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen, who claims 16 years of hiring experience, warned that arriving with an iced coffee or latte can make an interview seem like just another errand. The video, posted on September 16, was quickly clipped and shared by dozens of creators, sparking a debate that largely fell along generational lines. Younger users, many identifying as Gen Z, argued the advice was outdated, while some Gen X commenters agreed, suggesting candidates should reserve coffee for after they are hired.
The discussion attracted attention from coffee chains; Starbucks posted an Instagram image of a person holding an iced coffee with a caption implying a casual interview approach, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf remarked they would "hire them on the spot." When contacted, Wehniainen said the original message was taken out of context and emphasized that a bottled water is a suitable alternative.
Commentators offered differing perspectives. LinkedIn communications vice president Catherine Fisher noted the split reflects broader generational attitudes toward workplace norms, but advised candidates to avoid the beverage to prevent potential misinterpretation. Etiquette specialist Thomas Farley warned that an iced coffee could convey poor planning, multitasking, or create practical issues such as spills, which might affect a hiring decision in a competitive job market.
Conversely, TikTok creator Esha, who has over 81,000 followers, said she regularly brings iced coffee to interviews and views it as a normal part of daily routine, emphasizing that younger workers seek to maintain personal habits outside of work. She argued that focusing on a coffee does not diminish professionalism.
The debate emerges amid a tight labor market, where recent graduates face higher unemployment and employers are cautious about new hires. While opinions remain divided, both sides agree that candidates should aim to make a positive impression during interviews.