Could an Iced Coffee Freeze You Out of the Job Market?
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Jemma Crew and Daniel Thomas, Business reporters
Watch: Is it OK to take an iced coffee to a job interview?
Would you bring an iced coffee to a job interview?
The question, sparked by a TikTok video, has divided the internet this week. US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen warned that entering an interview with an iced coffee in hand can seem casual and unprofessional, like "just a stop on your list of errands for the day".
This sparked what Wehniainen calls The Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026. Some believe it's a cardinal sin, arguing it’s unprofessional and too informal. Others see it as an overreaction, detracting from the real challenges of securing a job.
In a subsequent LinkedIn post, Wehniainen clarified her point: "I was never saying that bringing coffee makes someone a bad candidate... My point was simply about avoiding distractions."
Hanad, 28, an energy supplier employee in London, avoids iced coffee interviews. He believes it appears immature and too informal, but would opt for water or hot coffee. His colleague Tsvetina, 24, agrees that judgeing candidates on their drinks is outdated, focusing instead on communication during the interview.
Aisha, 28, would bring an iced coffee to show punctuality. However, she avoids fizzy drinks. She believes employers appreciate a candidate's personality and sense of style. Katy, 25, a personal assistant in events, agrees, but sees Wehniainen’s post as "a bit sexist", as the debate centers around iced coffee – a drink often associated with women.
Young people trying to navigate the job market face many challenges; perhaps a hot cup of coffee, whatever the type, is one less thing to worry about.