The Great Iced-Coffee Debate
A social-media brouhaha reveals growing uncertainties—and distractions—in today’s casual office.
Interview etiquette has always been confusing: tie or no tie? Handshake or nod? Leather shoes or fashion sneakers? And now something new: Is it OK to bring along a to-go drink?
This month, a viral online debate erupted around job candidates who tote iced coffees to their job interviews. Tens of thousands of commenters weighed in, with many unsure why it’s even an issue. Either way, experts say millions of job candidates will have a new distraction on their hands: What is the right amount of casualness at businesses today, for employees and especially job candidates?
For sure, the days of obligatory suits and ties are long gone; only 3% of employees wear business-professional outfits to work, while seven in ten dress casually, according to Gallup figures. But what type of “casual” is right for work, whether it’s an in-office meeting, a Zoom call, or a job interview? “Candidates find it difficult to know what’s right because the rules have changed,” says Lewis Cohen, managing director of service development at Korn Ferry’s AMS business—who admits that he, three decades into his career, recently got it mildly wrong himself, turning up to work as the only person in a suit.
Historically, recruiters coached candidates on what to wear and carry, from pen and portfolio brands to shoeshining, all meant to hone the message an interviewee projected with their appearance. Even in more casual workplaces, wearing a suit to an interview was often still appropriate. On interview day, most candidates are left to figure it out themselves. “They truly have to be able to read the tea leaves,” says Dominic Cottone, a senior client partner at Korn Ferry.
Remote work hasn’t helped. “Office etiquette is not as obvious, especially for Gen Z, because they haven’t necessarily been there,” says Cohen. A company’s own advertising can further confuse the matter. Most firms recruit with videos emphasizing that candidates are welcome to be authentic, framing the firm as a place where workers can truly be themselves. “They may see ads of employees brainstorming and drinking coffee,” says Cohen. Cue their surprise to learn that their XL plastic cup of iced java was not appreciated.
To be sure, people who work in less formal environments might find the distinction inane, but in some formal corporate structures, walking around with half-consumed food or drink is simply not done. “It is seen as a distraction,” says David Vied, global sector leader for medical devices and diagnostics at Korn Ferry. And though employees at casual companies might roll their eyes, recruiters say it matters—because it mattered enough for the hiring manager to mention it to the recruiter.
Experts say that though personal presentation matters, the most important thing a candidate brings to the interview is the content. If a candidate can demonstrate mind-blowing capabilities that the firm will find valuable, “it doesn’t matter if they brought a bowl of spaghetti,” says Jennifer Williams, senior client partner in the Board and CEO practice at Korn Ferry.
This still leaves the matter of figuring out what to wear and carry. Experts advise dressing just a half-step more professionally than the interviewer(s). The goal is not to mimic someone else’s dress, but to show understanding of the culture. And that culture doesn’t need to be a mystery. “There is nothing wrong with inquiring beforehand what to wear to an interview,” says Vied. “It’s flattering to ask someone for advice.” Who among us has not inquired about what to wear to a work or formal event? Professional phrasing helps, such as I would really appreciate your guidance on what is appropriate to wear to this interview.
As for bringing beverages to an interview? Recruiters say don’t do it. “I hate iced coffee,” says Cohen. “And if I loved it, I’d be wishing I had my own. Why bring something divisive or distracting to an interview?”
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