5 hrs ago
Recruiter's Iced Coffee Interview Advice Sparks Social Media Debate
A recruiter named Caitlin Wehniainen gave advice about job interviews.
She said people should not walk into an interview holding iced coffee.
In her view, some employers might think the person does not take the meeting seriously.
She believes it can look like the interview is just one quick stop among other errands.
Some people online agreed and called the behavior too casual or unprofessional.
Other people said holding a favorite drink can help someone feel less nervous.
Her video was posted on TikTok in February.
It later became popular and started a friendly debate online.
Recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen advised applicants not to bring iced coffee into job interviews.
She said some employers may view the drink as a sign that the interview is merely an errand stop.
Wehniainen described bringing iced coffee as too casual for interviews at formal corporate workplaces.
Her TikTok video, posted in February, later went viral and was shared on other platforms.
Some users agreed it appeared unprofessional, while others said a familiar drink could calm interview nerves.
- Who
- Recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen, job applicants, and social media users.
- What
- Wehniainen advised applicants not to bring iced coffee or an iced latte into job interviews, prompting online debate.
- Where
- The discussion took place on TikTok and other platforms, including Instagram.
- When
- The video was posted on TikTok in February and later went viral.
- Why
- Wehniainen said iced coffee may make an interview seem like a casual errand stop, while some users said it helps reduce nerves.
Avoid Iced Coffee
Bring Iced Coffee
Professional impression
Avoid Iced Coffee
Bringing an iced coffee may look too casual and suggest the interview is only a stop between personal errands.
Bring Iced Coffee
A drink does not necessarily show disrespect; it may help an applicant feel calmer during a stressful interview.
Workplace expectations
Avoid Iced Coffee
Applicants should finish their drink before arriving to make the meeting appear more serious, especially at formal corporate workplaces.
Bring Iced Coffee
Interview etiquette can be interpreted less strictly, and holding a familiar drink may be a personal coping choice.
Key facts
- Advice
- Save iced coffee for before or after the interview.
- Recruiter's experience
- Caitlin Wehniainen said she has 16 years of recruiting experience.
- Workplace context
- She referred to mostly Fortune 500, formal corporate workplaces.
- Interview length
- She described the interview period as 30 to 45 minutes.
- Video platform
- The original video was posted on TikTok.
- Viral spread
- The video was later shared on Instagram and other platforms.
- Public reaction
- Some users called the behavior unprofessional, while others said the drink could calm interview jitters.
Quotes
Caitlin Wehniainen
Recruiter with 16 years of experience who works mainly with Fortune 500 companies.
“It is perceived, from my opinion, my hiring standpoint, that when you show up with an iced coffee or an iced latte, that this interview is just like a stop on your list of errands for the day.”
NDTV
“Go and get one. But don't like waltz into your interview all casual with an iced coffee. It just looks like you didn't have time to finish your coffee beforehand.”
NDTV
Social media commenter
Online user responding to the viral discussion about interview drinks.
“I agree. I think it's the behaviour around it too, like when they're swirling the cup around and sipping whilst talking to you? It does look a bit childish and completely unprofessional.”
NDTV
Sources
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