Recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen stands by advising candidates to finish iced coffee before certain on-site interviews, saying it can seem distracting or too casual. She says expectations vary by workplace and underpreparation is the mistake she sees most often.
Wehniainen said the coffee advice was for an on-site interview later in the hiring process, when candidates have cleared multiple steps and are meeting the team. She may recommend a suit, printed résumé, notepad and pen for some corporate interviews, but sneakers for a manufacturing interview that includes a warehouse tour.
She recommends researching a company's mission, core values, interviewers and reason for filling the role. Candidates should be ready to explain how their skills could add value and prepare for questions they might face. She says water is fine and advises candidates to lean on their recruiter for guidance about the workplace.
