A simple iced latte has become an unexpected flashpoint in the job market, with some recruiters warning that Gen Z candidates may be hurting their chances before an interview even starts.
Online, the response has split sharply, with some people defending old-school interview etiquette and others criticizing what they see as yet another arbitrary rule about professionalism.
Here's what to know
As the New York Post reported, the argument gained traction on TikTok when content creator and corporate recruiter Caitlin (@caitlinrecruiter) said candidates should think twice before walking into an interview carrying an iced coffee.
@caitlinrecruiter Coffee & interviews … finish it beforehand 😅
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"When you show up with an iced coffee or an iced latte, it is perceived — from my opinion and a hiring standpoint — that this interview is just a stop on your list of errands for the day," Caitlin said.
The Post said some critics focused less on symbolism and more on the object itself, arguing that a cold drink in a plastic cup creates an avoidable distraction because of condensation, noise, and the marks it can leave on a table.
Not everyone agreed with that standard. Gen Z commenters argued that rejecting someone over an iced coffee says more about rigid workplace expectations than job performance, per the paper.
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One TikToker said: "I don't want to f****** work for you if you don't want to hire me because I bring an iced coffee."
More background
As the Post noted, job postings in the U.S. for adults ages 22 to 25 have fallen 13% since 2022 across AI-exposed industries. Resume Templates found that 41% of hiring managers see Gen Z candidates as generally lacking professionalism, while 30% cite distraction.
LinkedIn News highlighted a more practical middle ground from Benjamin Chipman, a Gen Z marketing worker. Chipman suggested that if you bring a drink, you should carry it in your left hand so your right is ready for a handshake, and avoid rattling the ice or slurping the last sip.
Voices on the Internet weighed in from the different camps. Some said a drink signaled poor time management, while others said it reflected misplaced priorities at the company that is hiring, the Post reported.
What can be done?
For job seekers, the safest choice may still be the simplest: finishing the coffee before walking in. If you want something to drink, accepting water once you arrive is typically the least risky option.
Candidates can also benefit from researching a company's culture ahead of time. Some workplaces might be more permissive than others. For the latter group, it's certainly worth careful consideration.
"In an increasingly competitive market that isn't doing favors for Gen Z work habits, that iced coffee might just cost them more than the five bucks it took to buy," the Post concluded.
Where can I learn more?
This isn't the only situation where Gen Z norms are provoking conversation. It's also a particularly fraught area, given some of the issues transpiring in the job market.
• Across U.S. workplaces, AI-driven hiring filters are raising fears that qualified candidates will be overlooked.
• Experts say Gen Z's controversial vaping habit is reshaping norms around behavior and self-control.
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