Iced Coffee Interview Debate Divides Recruiters

A viral TikTok from recruiter Caitlin Weiainen has sparked debate over whether bringing iced coffee to a job interview looks too casual or signals that the candidate is treating the meeting as just another errand. Supporters of her advice say a drink can create avoidable distractions, from spills and noisy ice to a damp handshake, and recommend finishing it before the interview. Critics argue that a beverage is a poor measure of a candidate’s professionalism or ability to do the job, and that judging applicants by minor, unwritten etiquette rules can be unfair. Career experts suggest the choice may depend on the role and, if a candidate brings a drink, advise keeping it unobtrusive. One commentary takes a stricter view, arguing that candidates should avoid coffee and use the time to prepare; the wider debate reflects differing ideas about what professionalism requires.