Louisiana Weighs In On Viral Iced Coffee Job Interview Debate

Of all the things that could potentially cost you a job, would you ever expect your iced coffee to be one of them?

A viral conversation about job interview etiquette has people debating whether walking into an interview carrying a coffee, energy drink or giant reusable cup makes a bad first impression.

It seems like a pretty ordinary part of everyday life. Grab coffee, head to the interview, hopefully land the job.

For some hiring managers, however, that drink could immediately stand out for the wrong reason. Others say judging an otherwise qualified candidate because they walked in with an iced coffee is ridiculous.

And judging by the reaction online, there is absolutely no agreement on this one.

Why Would An Iced Coffee Be A Red Flag?

For people on the "leave it in the car" side of the debate, the argument seems to be less about coffee and more about the occasion.

A job interview is traditionally treated differently from an ordinary meeting or casual conversation. Some believe candidates should walk in with only what they actually need, such as a resume, notebook and pen.

Several people reacting to the debate said bringing food or a personal drink into an interview simply feels too casual. One commenter described themselves as "old school" and gave the idea a firm no, while another said food or drinks would be inappropriate altogether.

Then there is the practical question nobody talks about: Where are you putting the drink?

A sweating plastic cup sitting on someone's desk, rattling ice during questions or a massive tumbler taking up space could potentially become a distraction.

Other Hiring Managers Say The Coffee Is Not The Problem

The other side of the argument is basically asking: Are we really judging someone's ability to do a job based on what they are drinking?

Some managers say they are much more concerned about whether a candidate arrives on time, is qualified, acts respectfully, asks good questions and actually seems interested in working.

One response in the discussion summed up that argument perfectly: a person can be qualified, personable, early and prepared while also drinking coffee. Another pointed out an important distinction between personally choosing not to bring coffee and automatically labeling someone else unprofessional for doing it.

Others joked that the only acceptable way to bring coffee is to bring one for the interviewer, too. That idea actually showed up more than once in the reactions.

Apparently, Iced Coffee Is The Least Of Their Problems

The conversation also opened the door to hiring managers sharing some of the much stranger things they have experienced during interviews.

According to the discussion, managers have dealt with applicants bringing children or parents along, arriving with questionable or inaccurate information, and in some cases simply not showing up at all.

That context made several people wonder why an iced coffee would even register as a serious concern.

One commenter claiming experience in HR said the drink itself would not bother them, but being late because you stopped to get the coffee absolutely would.

And that might be where the two sides get closest to agreeing.

Is Job Interview Etiquette Changing?

The debate may ultimately say more about changing workplace culture than it does about coffee.

For generations, applicants were taught that an interview came with a specific set of expectations: dress professionally, arrive early, bring copies of your resume and eliminate unnecessary distractions.

But workplaces themselves have become more casual in many industries, and some people argue interview expectations should evolve with them.

Others believe first impressions still matter precisely because you do not know which type of hiring manager will be sitting across from you.

One reaction offered perhaps the safest strategy: Even if most interviewers would not care about the drink, why introduce something they could judge you for?

So maybe the question is not whether iced coffee actually makes someone less professional.

The question is whether you are willing to find out what the person deciding whether to hire you thinks about it.