Recruiter Caitlin’s viral TikTok criticizing iced coffee at interviews has sparked debate; she says many Gen Z applicants bring it. Etiquette experts warn it can look too casual, while talent manager Bonnie Dilber says it alone is unlikely to cost a top candidate the job.
Social media responses split: some agreed coffee appears unprofessional, while others framed the criticism as a generational divide. Talent-acquisition manager Bonnie Dilber said workplaces have grown more casual across generations; etiquette expert Diane Gottsman noted that bringing coffee is not limited to Gen Z.
Experts disagreed on water bottles. Gottsman said it is best to bring no beverage unless there is a medical reason and to hydrate beforehand; Jackie Vernon-Thompson said a reasonably sized bottle is different from coffee if it does not distract or leave a ring. Dilber said interview expectations vary among companies, so knowing the workplace culture matters.
