A recent social media discussion has sparked a debate about whether job candidates should bring drinks, specifically iced coffee, to interviews, highlighting differences in generational perspectives on professional etiquette.

The conversation began when Caitlin Wehniainen, president of a Florida-based recruitment agency, posted a TikTok video advising Gen Z job seekers against appearing at interviews holding iced coffee. She argued that doing so could signal a lack of seriousness, suggesting the interview was just another errand on a candidate’s busy day. Although Wehniainen initially shared the tip casually, the video quickly attracted widespread attention and diverse reactions, from agreement to sharp criticism and parody.

The debate exposed a generational divide. Some older respondents echoed the view that bringing beverages into interviews is unprofessional. Peter Bennett, a seasoned recruiter with over 30 years of experience, described bringing an iced coffee as a “hard no,” citing concerns about awkwardness during interviews and the risk of spills.

Conversely, many younger participants pushed back against rigid professional norms they see as outdated. Rebekah Garcia, 26, said she would avoid taking coffee to an interview but cautioned that the discussion was becoming overblown and reminiscent of past generational criticisms, such as disparaging millennials for their spending habits. For some in Gen Z, the issue added to frustrations in a challenging job market where every step feels like an additional barrier.

Others found a middle ground. Daniel Bennett, a content creator who recruits for creative industries, said first impressions are important but personally would not penalize a candidate simply for bringing a drink. He noted, however, that his environment differs from more traditional workplaces. In his TikTok response, he consulted his father, a veteran recruiter, to illustrate contrasting viewpoints within the recruiting profession.

Television hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones also weighed in, characterizing iced coffee as something of a comfort object for young people but ultimately endorsing a more conventional “no drinks” rule for interviews.

Wehniainen acknowledged the unexpected extent of the debate but sees it as an opportunity to understand evolving attitudes, noting that emerging generations may prioritize different workplace values than previous ones, such as beyond traditional benefits like 401(k) matching.

The online conversation has expanded to jokey disputes over other interview etiquette questions, including whether hot coffee might be more acceptable than iced and what other behaviors might be perceived as unprofessional.

For some younger job seekers, this scrutiny compounds feelings of frustration in a tight employment market. Chelsea Acheampong, 24, compared the job search to a “crab in a barrel” scenario, expressing a sense of limited opportunity despite their efforts.

Overall, the discussion underscores how workplace expectations on professionalism continue to evolve amid shifting cultural and economic landscapes, with both candidates and employers navigating these changes in real time.