I’ve never heard of folks bringing any food or beverage to a job interview. It’s simply not done. It’s an all-business occasion. Both sides in the interview ‘dance’ are on high alert and ultra-formal. But it seems Gen Zers have a different concept of ‘the job interview’…
@caitlinrecruiterCoffee & interviews … finish it beforehand 😅♬ Rain on the Spool – Jazz Rocks Triangle
Business Insider reports, there’s debate raging online over Gen Z job candidates showing up at inter-views ‘with iced coffee, or lattés in hand’. It all started with a viral video by professional recruiter and Tik Tokker ‘Caitlin’ (above), sharing advice with young job seekers about how to prepare for their pivotal moment.
Unprofessional?
Of course it is. But that’s coming from me, Boomer who was taught to were proper business attire (i.e.- a skirt or pants suit) to a job interview, arrive on time and be prepared to answer any question the interviewer might conceivably ask…
These days, apparently, the kids think it’s okay to show up dressed any-old-way, and just ‘wing it’. The question of whether you should or should not sashay in with a caffeine boost in hand is something completely separate and beyond that.
Caitlin’s take
Long video short, Cait says its very unprofessional to bring coffee to an interview. If they wanted you to have it, they’d offer one to you. And they don’t. Period. An iced beverage is too casual, “like it’s just a stop on your list of errands for the day.”
And that’s downright disrespectful to the interviewer and the company you’re trying to get hired by.
The rationale
The traditional rationale behind a job interview is, you’re supposed to look and act your best, display a positive attitude and a wining personality. In sum: you want to put your best foot forward.
Redditor TheRealMathilde pointed out, “You’re expected to know basic etiquette…”
“The magnitude of the lack of critical thinking, nuance, and common sense is horrific,” commented supasadkitty. “Nobody wants to work with argumentative dependents of emotional support bevvies who can’t tolerate discomfort for even a few hours.”
A number of commenters noted that the kids posters were talking about would never have a chance to be interviewed for the kind of corporate jobs most of the post originators were talking about. Thus, some said, it’s not as important to show up for a job interview at McDonald’s in the suit, etc. Maybe not. But at least be clean, neat and polite!
On the other hand…
Alas, kids today don’t seem to think any such effort is necessary…
The Gen Zers who commented were totally… disconnected with the argument:
toiletcleaner999 said: “If you show up early and have a coffee in hand I don’t care. If you’re 10 mins late claiming traffic with a coffee in your hand I don’t continue with the interview…”
sneeds_feed_seed_ complained: “Corporate bootlicking is at an all time high.”
Flat-footed-gumby opined as: “I just think nobody would say anything if it wasn’t iced.”
Was this last person, perhaps, just making a sad, inappropriate joke? I sincerely hope so…
My take
There’s no excuse for not showing up at a job interview properly dressed, and prepared. No beverage of any kind has a place in this scenario.
I don’t care if you’re interviewing for a Sales Manager job or a counter sales position at a fast food joint. The same basic rules apply.
And I heartily agree with the commenter who said the kids the original post referred to would never have to worry about being interviewed for any kind of serious job…
~ Maggie J.