Is iced coffee at interviews a bad look? Gen Zers say no

A TikTok about workplace etiquette has ignited a heated debate over whether younger workers bringing iced drinks to job interviews is unprofessional.

The controversy began when a TikTok recruiter, who has spent decades placing talent at Fortune 500 companies, warned that carrying a drink into an interview could project too casual an attitude.

People agreeing with her noted that condensation-covered cups leave messy rings and slurping ice creates bad first impressions.

Gen Z job seekers pushed back, describing the expectation as corporate brainwashing and micromanagement. They argued that judging applicants over a drink has no bearing on their ability to do the job, and some said they would avoid companies with such rigid standards.

They note that such strict decorum frequently filters out unconventional, high-performing talent.

Young workers are already entering a tough job market: US job postings for 22- to 25-year-olds have fallen 13% since 2022 across industries exposed to AI.