A TikTok video from recruiter caitlinrecruiter has ignited a debate over whether Gen Z candidates should bring iced coffee to job interviews. The discussion highlights a growing tension between traditional workplace etiquette and the increasingly casual norms of modern professional environments.
An echo of the shift from Boomers to Gen Z
The controversy surrounding beverage choices in interviews reflects a broader, documented trend in workplace culture.. As reported in the viral TikTok video, the behavior of younger applicants is being viewed through the lens of a generational transition toward informality.
Kaitlyn Dilber, a senior manager of talent acquisition at Zapier, noted that each progressive generation tends to be more casual than the one preceding it. this creates a spectrum where Gen Z workers are typically more relaxed than Millennials, who in turn are more casual than Gen X and Baby Boomers. this shift is often reinforced by major employers and tech companies that have built their entire brand identity around casual environments, featuring everything from T-shirt-wearing executives to office gaming rooms.
Diane Gottsman’s warning against "snacking" during interviews
Etiquette experts argue that even in casual industries, the interview remains a formal milestone. According to etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, arriving at an interview with a drink can send the wrong message to a hiring committee. She emphasized that candidates are there to secure a position, not to consume food or beverages.
Gottsman suggested that carrying an iced coffee can inadvertently signal that the candidate is treating the interview as just another errand on a daily to-do list.. Such a move may suggest the applicant was running late or views the professional meeting as a casual conversation, potentially undermining their first impression of competence.
Why an iced coffee might only sink a runner-up candidate
While the habit is criticized, it may not be a dealbreaker for the most qualified applicants . kaitlyn Dilber of Zapier suggested that if a candidate is the absolute best person for the role and meets every requirement, a coffee cup likely won't prevent them from being hired.
However, the risk increases significantly for those on the margin of selection. dilber noted that if an interview is already mediocre, an iced coffee—and the potential for coffee rings left on a desk—could serve as the deciding factor that proves a candidate is not the right professional fit.
The "left-hand rule" for water bottles proposed by Vernon-Thompson
For candidates who feel they must carry a beverage, etiquette expert Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, also known as Vernon-Thompson, suggests following specific protocols to maintain porfessionalism. She noted that a reasonably sized water bottle is viewed differently than a coffee drink, provided it is handled correctly.
To avoid distractions, Vernon-Thompson advised that a water bottle should be held in the left hand and should be room temperature. This prevents the candidate from being distracted by the drink and ensures they do not leave unsightly rings or condensation on professional surfaces during the meeting.
What is the actual defense from Gen Z candidates?
While the debate has highlighted many criticisms, the specific reasoning behind the Gen Z trend remains largely unverified in the report. Some social media users have pushed back against the criticism, claiming that hiring managers often fundamentally misunderstand modern Gen Z norms.
However, the source does not provide specific data or direct testimony from Gen Z applicants explaining why the iced coffee habit has become so prevalent.. It remains unclear whether this is a conscious rejection of old norms or simply a byproduct of the increasingly casual nature of modern work-life integration.
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