A debate has sparked over whether bringing an iced coffee to a job interview might affect a candidate's chances. The conversation began with a TikTok video by US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen, who warned that Gen Z job seekers bringing iced coffee to interviews might come off as unprofessional or dismissive of the process. She called the trend part of the "Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026," noting her concern was about avoiding distractions rather than judging candidates based on their drink choice. Some people, like Hanad, a 28-year-old working in the energy sector in London, believe that bringing an iced coffee could be seen as immature and too informal, emphasizing the importance of making a good first impression. He would not bring an energy drink for similar reasons but would consider water or hot coffee more appropriate. In contrast, Tsvetina, 24, argues that candidates shouldn't be judged by what they bring to an interview or their dress code, suggesting that the focus should be on how they communicate during the interview. Aisha, 28, would bring an iced coffee to an interview, believing it shows she arrived early enough and that employers often appreciate seeing personality in candidates. Katy, 25, a personal assistant in events, would not bring an iced coffee to an interview but views the controversy as potentially sexist. She notes that iced coffee is often associated with women, while hot coffee, considered more masculine, would not face similar scrutiny. Young job seekers are facing challenges in a competitive job market. In the UK, graduate vacancies have nearly halved in the past year, and around one in eight people aged 16-24 are not in education, employment, or training. In the US, young workers are also encountering a tight job market as hiring slows. Lucy Cooper, founder of Spark, a design and branding recruitment company in London, suggests that bringing an iced coffee could make a candidate appear too relaxed or flippant, potentially undermining their seriousness about the interview. She notes that junior-level candidates are typically very conscious about avoiding anything that could jeopardize their chances. Dan Craddock, director at Hays, advises employers not to rely on snap judgments about candidates based on items they bring to interviews, such as iced coffee, water, or a notebook. He emphasizes that employers should focus on assessing the skills, experience, and behaviors that contribute to success in a role. Chris Mason, co-founder of Intelligent People, a specialist recruitment agency for the tech industry, views the focus on iced coffee as an overreaction. He advises candidates to project the right image and attitude, warning that bringing snacks or specialist drinks might undermine the impression of being serious and focused on the interview. He highlights that the main issues with younger candidates often relate to a lack of preparation, punctuality, and insufficient research about the role, organization, or interviewer.