Could an iced coffee freeze you out of the job market?

September 26, 2026

A viral TikTok video from US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen sparked widespread debate about whether bringing an iced coffee to a job interview appears unprofessional and too casual. Wehniainen argued that carrying such a beverage makes candidates seem like the interview is merely another errand, though she later clarified she meant it could be a distraction rather than indicating poor candidacy. The controversy has divided opinions, with some viewing iced coffee as immature and informal while others see the debate as overblown or even sexist, particularly given the challenging job market young people currently face.

Who is affected

Gen Z job candidates and young workers aged 16-28 seeking employment
US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen who posted the original TikTok video
Employers and recruiters conducting job interviews, including Lucy Cooper (Spark recruitment), Dan Craddock (Hays), and Chris Mason (Intelligent People)
Young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), representing one in eight people aged 16-24 in the UK
Recent graduates facing a UK job market where vacancies have almost halved in the past year

What action is being taken

Gen Z candidates are bringing iced coffees to job interviews, according to Wehniainen
Employers are cutting entry-level graduate roles in favor of AI and battling rising costs
The debate is ongoing on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and LinkedIn

Why it matters

This debate highlights the tension between evolving workplace norms and traditional professional standards during a particularly difficult time for young job seekers. With graduate vacancies in the UK nearly halved and one in eight young people unemployed or not in education, the focus on superficial interview etiquette seems disconnected from the serious employment challenges facing Gen Z. The controversy also raises questions about potential gender bias in workplace expectations and whether employers should prioritize substance over surface-level judgments when qualified candidates are struggling to secure even basic interviews.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC