Dress professionally. Be confident. Ask questions at the end. We’ve all heard these common pieces of advice for job interviews to the point it feels like common sense. But as it turns out, not everyone agrees on what is appropriate for an interview.
There is currently a debate raging on social media–namely, whether it is acceptable for candidates to bring an iced coffee into an interview. In this TikTok video, a recruiter states that a lot of Generation Z candidates are bringing iced coffees to their interviews, saying it makes the interview appear as though it is “a stop on your list of errands for the day.”
Another argument against bringing a beverage is that it could suggest you lack the time management skills to finish it beforehand. This poses a serious disadvantage to job-seekers. In a survey of 1,000 managers, lateness was chosen as the biggest red flag in interviews, which shows the importance of demonstrating good time management skills.
Even if you show up on time for the interview, it can be argued that the coffee can give the impression that your day was not planned out well and you had to rush to the interview without finishing the drink.
There are also many good points on the other side of the debate. For example, some people state that hot coffee is considered more acceptable than iced, which can look immature or casual. Some even suggest that this could be a sexism issue because iced drinks are sometimes viewed as feminine.
Others emphasize that a candidate should be judged purely for their experience and skills rather than their outward appearance or the items they bring.
While opinions are mixed, the debate a generational shift in workplace norms. Two founders of career coaching companies also weighed in on the issue. They pointed out that just as Generation X normalized relatively casual or relaxed attire in the workplace, Gen Z may also be creating their own norms for what a professional environment should look like.
On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic may have also affected the younger generation by preventing people from experiencing in-person interviews.
This debate comes at a time where the job market is quite rough, with recent college graduates struggling to get entry-level positions and battling high unemployment rates.
During this frustrating time, many members of Gen Z are confused about why something so arbitrary could hurt their chances at a job if they have the qualifications. Still, a large number of experts still emphasize that it’s something too small a detail to risk a job opportunity over.
If the trend of each generation making its own rules continues, Gen Z may decide to make this change. But for now, people belonging to older generations, who are used to a more traditional and formal version of the workplace, are often the ones making the hiring decisions.
While there are compelling arguments on both sides of this conversation, it brings light to the deeply nuanced topic of generational differences in the workplace.
How else do you think Gen Z is changing the professional world? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!