A growing generational divide on TikTok has sparked a heated debate over interview etiquette, particularly regarding the practice of bringing coffee into job interviews. Many Gen Z job seekers argue that carrying a coffee, iced or otherwise, is completely normal, while hiring managers and older generations warn that bringing your own beverage can make a candidate appear overly casual, unprepared, or indifferent to the formal nature of a job interview. Some have even claimed that this practice may be contributing to Gen Z unemployment, with nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the United Kingdom not in education, employment or training. Recruiter Ashlea Fisher, with more than 20 years’ experience, says she does not automatically consider someone unprofessional for bringing coffee, but emphasizes that an interview is an opportunity to spend quality time with the hiring manager. She recounts an instance where a millennial candidate's hands were full with a coffee and a bag, making the initial handshake awkward. Fisher suggests that accepting a coffee offered by the interviewer can be a positive part of the interview process, making it feel less like a formal interrogation and more like a genuine discussion. Recruitment facilitator and author Katrina Collier notes that an iced coffee can be distracting and messy, while a regular coffee is less likely to create noise or spills. She suggests that the industry context matters, advising candidates to accept a drink offered at the beginning of an interview if they are being interviewed by a suit — such as in legal or banking sectors — and to consider the dress code of the company. Both Fisher and Collier note that the pandemic has shifted Gen Z's entry environment to the workplace, explaining some generational differences of opinion. Fisher says Gen Z candidates need to understand that they can be relaxed and authentic while still recognizing that an interview is a professional opportunity. Metro asked readers for their thoughts on Facebook, and responses varied. Some supported the practice, suggesting that it shows forward planning or that employers should also bring coffee. Others were critical, with one reader stating they would automatically reject anyone who entered the room carrying a cup. Both Fisher and Collier argue that employers may be overreacting, emphasizing that interviewees should be judged on their skills, experience, and potential for the role. However, they agree that the safest option is to avoid bringing coffee into the interview, given the current job market.