Asking for a Friend: Can You Take an Iced Latte to an Interview?

51% of people in a recent LinkedIn poll said they don't care if a candidate turns up to an interview holding an iced coffee. 37% said absolutely not, and the gap between those two numbers says a lot about how interview etiquette is changing.

If you've been anywhere near TikTok or LinkedIn this week, you'll have seen the debate. Younger candidates think being judged on a drink is ridiculous. Plenty of hiring managers think it's too casual. Both sides are fairly dug in.

We sit between candidates and hiring managers every day, so here's where we land.

Two things can be true

The rule is a bit ridiculous. A latte has nothing to do with whether you can run a fit-out programme, come up with an amazing concept, or look after a client account.

A second LinkedIn poll asked whether it's a deal breaker: 40% said it's fine, 31% said they'd never do it, 16% said it depends, and only 13% called it a minor red flag.

But a rule can be silly and still not be worth testing. No good hiring manager will reject a strong candidate over a coffee. And no interviewer has ever marked someone down for not bringing a coffee with them. If there's no upside, why take the risk?

Why iced coffee is the worst option going

• The ice rattles every time you move.

• Condensation pools on the table and leaves behind a mess for someone else to clean up.

• Your handshake arrives cold and wet.

• Caffeine on top of nerves rarely helps anyone.

*Side note: Similar thoughts on bringing along your Stanley. Sitting it on the interview table next to you and sipping away? That can look like you're settling in for the afternoon.

It's never really about the coffee

What interviewers are actually reading is judgement. Do you notice the setting you've walked into? Can you tell what's appropriate without being told? In client-facing roles especially, that's a big part of the job.

So the drink becomes a tiny piece of evidence. On its own it means nothing. Alongside turning up late or glancing at your phone, it starts to build a picture.

The wider etiquette list

Drinks. Finish your coffee outside. If you're offered something, take water. It's quiet, it won't spill on anyone's samples or portfolio, and a sip buys you a few seconds to think before you answer. We can think of one exception: if it's a second interview and you're grabbing a coffee beforehand, message the interviewer (if you have their number) to ask if they'd like one too. That would come across as considerate and thoughtful. Turning up with one just for yourself isn't.

Timing. Aim to arrive five to ten minutes early. Much earlier and you put pressure on someone to look after you in reception. If you're early, find a bench nearby (or finish that latte).

Bringing someone with you. Stories of parents turning up to interviews have been doing the rounds, and they get a laugh (and a cringe) every time. There's nothing wrong with a lift. But whoever comes with you waits outside, ideally out of sight of the building. Interviewers want to see how you handle things on your own, because that's what the job needs.

Phones. Silent and in your bag. Not face down on the table. A phone on the table tells the interviewer something else might need your attention.

Video interviews. Have a drink if you want one, just keep it out of frame. Test your camera, wifi, and sound beforehand. Sort out your background. Make sure to give it the same care as an in-person meeting.

What to wear. In the creative industries, a suit isn't usually right. Aim one step smarter than the team you'd be joining - smart casual is usually a great aim if you’re unsure. But if it’s really weighing on you, you can always ask us. It’s what we're here for. 🤍

Following up. A short thank-you email the same day or the next morning is plenty. Mention something specific from the conversation and leave it there.

A note for hiring managers

It works both ways. If your process marks people down for things that have nothing to do with the job, you may be losing good candidates for no reason. And candidates notice. A business that can't cope with someone bringing a drink might be telling them something about its culture too.

The best interviews focus on what actually predicts success in the role. The rest is noise.

The short version

Leave the latte outside, take the water, keep your phone away, and come on your own. None of it will win you the job, but it keeps the focus where it belongs: on you.

Got a question you'd rather not ask the hiring manager? Asking for a friend is fine. Send it our way and we'll take it from there. You’ll always find us at: hello@twentyonetwelve.net