By Alison McGill
There are lots of things you should bring to a job interview, but an iced coffee is definitely not one of them. A viral debate blew up on social media last week on this very subject, and if you’re not up to speed, let’s catch you up.
A TikTok video posted by Caitlin Wehniainen, president of a recruiting firm, went viral aftershe shared her professional opinion that bringing an iced coffee to a job interview is definitely not a savvy idea. In the clip she relates her commentary on the subject is the result of seeing so many Gen Z candidates arrive for job interviews with an iced coffee nonchalantly in hand.
“When you show up with an iced coffee or iced latte, this interview is just a stop on your list of errands for the day,” Wehniainen says. “It looks like you went to Target, then you went to Starbucks, now you are stopping by for your interview, then you are on to the next thing. It looks a little too casual to me.”
If you’re serious about getting the job, her advice is simple, sensible and goes back to the fundamentals of presenting yourself as a professional. “Don’t waltz into your interview all casual with an iced coffee. It just looks like you didn’t have time to finish your coffee beforehand.”
@caitlinrecruiter Coffee & interviews … finish it beforehand 😅
♬ Rain on the Spool – Jazz Rocks Triangle
Of course, the internet had SO many feelings. “It’s bonkers to me that people are disagreeing with this,” said one commenter on Wehniainen’s post. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf cheekily noted, “We’d hire them on the spot…” My personal favourite comment questioned whether the type of drink brought to the interview made a difference: “Why are we specifying iced coffee? Is it more acceptable to bring a hot coffee?”
I wanted to hear more from an HR pro on this subject—I had many questions about modern workplace dynamics and etiquette. I spoke with Jennifer Cordeiro Peixoto, director, people at a Toronto-based company that owns and operates urban workspaces across Canada. Cordeiro Peixoto shared that not only is it inappropriate to bring food or a drink to an interview, but doing so also sends a clear message you are not serious about landing the gig.
“I don’t think this is appropriate,” Cordeiro Peixoto tells me. “It’s a distraction. If you really need your coffee, have it before the interview. Additionally, companies usually offer candidates water, coffee or tea. It’s also never appropriate to bring any food to an interview unless you’re a chef and that is part of the interview process.”
According to Cordeiro Peixoto, recruiters expect anyone coming in for a job interview to put their best self forward. “If they come in with a drink, and it becomes a distraction, that can take away from the interview,” she says. “The focus of an interview is to assess culture, fit and the skills a candidate is bringing to the role and organization.”
The things you should bring to a job interview? Knowledge of the company and a full understanding of the job description you are there to discuss. “You’d be surprised how many people do not read the job description,” Cordeiro Peixoto says. “Do some research on the company. Anything that you learn about the company that is relevant to your role or maybe as a core value of yours is something you should bring up during the interview.”
Another important to-do on her list? Dress appropriately for the role you are applying for. Cordeiro Peixoto says that if you are applying for a role in an office, make sure you are dressed appropriately in dress pants and a collared shirt or a blazer. “Don’t come in looking like you are wearing something that you would wear to the grocery store or a bar.”
She also cautions candidates to be mindful of fragrance, as many people have sensitivities. Never chew gum. Don’t tap or fidget during your interview. Never leave your cellphone on the table—it’s another distraction that looks unprofessional. Also, don’t be late, and if you are running behind, call ahead to let your interviewer know.
Cordeiro Peixoto also has one valuable insider tip about what you absolutely must bring to every job interview: “Always come with a question. This shows that you have done research about the role and you’re really interested in learning more.”
