The takeaway drink ruining your chances before a job interview even starts

The takeaway drink ruining your chances before a job interview even starts Jobseekers are being warned against one common takeaway habit that could instantly ruin their interview before it even starts... but Gen Z are hitting back. When heading out for a job interview, you're usually focusing on your CV or mentally rehearsing your answers. But a viral video has sparked a massive debate after a recruiter revealed the one casual habit that could ruin your chances before you even sit down. Taking to TikTok, corporate recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen, who regularly shares career tips for Gen Z, slated young jobseekers for strolling into formal interviews holding iced lattes. Her clip, captioned "Coffee & interviews… finish it beforehand," quickly went viral and kicked off what she called the "Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026." Warning candidates to leave their drinks at the door, she explained that clutching a takeaway coffee makes a high-stakes interview look like "just another quick stop on your list of errands." Gen Z jobseekers are furiously hitting back on TikTok, blasting the criticism as outdated nonsense and asking why holding a cold drink means they can't do the job. One user commented: “But an interview IS just a stop in my day. It’s not my whole day.” Another added: “Another recruiter POV here. If you can show up early or on time with the iced coffee you’re already showing good time management.” However, others agreed that bringing an iced latte into an interview is a major red flag that could instantly cost candidates job offers. One person said: “All the people disagreeing with you are the ones that think we are in a tough job market.” Another wrote: “100% this, the same way I expect you to be dressed professionally no matter what the job title is, I expect you to come prepared which does not include an iced coffee.” Career experts warn that while young workers think it's harmless, bad habits like noisy ice cubes or cold, clammy hands before a handshake are quietly costing candidates job offers. Marion Barry, Managing Director at recruitment agency TalentYard, agrees that while company cultures vary, bringing a takeaway drink into a formal setting could send the wrong message. "In a traditional corporate environment, bringing your own iced coffee could potentially raise questions about cultural fit. After all, would you bring your own food and drink to a dinner party when your host is providing everything?" She also warns that even in casual offices, the habit comes with practical issues: "The noise of ice cubes, opening lids, or drinking through a straw can be hugely distracting during an interview." Executive coach and career expert Dr Claire Handby warns that turning up with a drink doesn't just look overly relaxed, it can actually come across as rude. "Have you thought about how selfish it looks when you've got yourself a coffee and not the interviewer? Interviews aren't casual affairs, and having a coffee is casual! Don't assume it's good etiquette to arrive with a drink in hand." However, founder of coaching firm Parallel Perspective, Andrew May, thinks that while modern interviews are less rigid than they used to be, basic respect is important. "You might not need a suit and tie anymore, but being invited to an interview is still a privilege. A good interviewer will make you comfortable, but don't mistake a friendly vibe for a casual meeting. The fact that it feels like a conversation doesn’t mean the interview has stopped.” “Modern interview etiquette is less about following an old set of rules and more about demonstrating that the opportunity, and the people giving you their time, matter to you.”