{
  "id": 8991336,
  "title": "Gen Z is bringing iced coffee to the job interview. Recruiters have thoughts.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/gen-z-is-bringing-iced-coffee-to-the-job-interview-recruiters-have",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T19:45:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/iced-coffee-job-interview-gen-z-etiquette-career-experts-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A debate has erupted on TikTok about whether it is acceptable to bring an iced coffee to a job interview. While some recruiters view this as unprofessional, others argue that it is a legitimate concern.\n\nCareer expert Dr. Colleen Batchelder says the issue hinges on the role and the level of risk involved. She believes Gen Z's push for workplace boundaries, fair pay, and work-life balance is driving this controversy. Augustine, a career expert, advises candidates to finish their iced coffee before entering the interview room due to potential distractions, wet hands, bad breath and spillages. However, she suggests accepting the interviewer's drink if offered to gather insight into the company's culture. Talent sourcing partner Steve Levy, on the other hand, dismisses the concerns and believes that employers should focus on hiring talented individuals who can deliver excellent performance rather than policing their beverage choices.",
  "summary": "Career experts are divided on whether bringing iced coffee to a job interview is a harmless habit or a professional misstep.",
  "key_points": [
    "Debate on TikTok about bringing iced coffee to job interviews.",
    "Career expert advises finishing coffee before interview due to distractions.",
    "Talent sourcing partner dismisses concerns, suggests hiring talented individuals."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Entrepreneur",
        "title": "The Concept of Bringing Iced Coffee to a Job Interview Is Dividing Generations. A Career Expert Reveals an Even More ‘Awkward’ Mistake.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/the-concept-of-bringing-iced-coffee-to-a-job-interview-is-dividing",
        "published": "2026-09-23T18:51:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}