AIBU to think takeaway iced coffee at interviews is unprofessional?

I’m a very senior solicitor and it wouldn’t bother me. But then I do enjoy a drink!

People don’t get tea and coffee breaks anymore ime. You get a lunch break and that’s it. So no.

No I wouldn't judge someone for eating before ir after an interview either.

I thought the discussion was about eating/having a snack during an interview , sorry if I missed something there.

No. You usually get offered a glass or bottle of water at all the interviews I’ve been too. When it was 35 degrees I downed two bottles 🤪

No and I’m not saying you should be eating in an interview definitely not, but I wouldn’t judge someone if I saw they were whilst waiting or it looked like they had grabbed a sandwich on route to eat after. It’s not bad for it to look like they were fitting the interview into a busy day rather than making it the only thing they had on that day

Really? That's strange. Not a judgement on you!

No, it would make me think that they're unable to go for a short while without self indulgence. That's what these takeaway drinks are. It'll be a big cup with a straw and rattling with ice. A bottle of water is fine, because that's about hydration.
It's habitual and they haven't changed a habit for an interview.

Of course. But I am still not convinced the answer to is to eat or drink your snack during the interview.

A cereal bar or quick sandwich in between keeps you professional for all your meetings that day.Obviously this isnt ideal either for that one day, but as you say, it is a way of life.

A lot of people do have to make an excuse to miss work to go to an interview though and have meetings directly before, they may effectively be missing lunch for it. Obviously this isn’t ideal but it’s a way of life

At least following this whole conversation, everyone now knows that there are some people who wouldn't like it if you take an iced coffee into an interview, so the professional thing to do is not to bring any drinks just in case the interviewer is one of those people?

I'm not an interviewer but if I was ....

It wouldnt make me reject the candidate entirely because of it, but it would raise an eyebrow, metaphorically speaking. And they'd then have to be a really good candidate to have me put that eyebrow back down if you know what I mean.

If I was torn between two candidates who were equally as good then I'd probably end up going with the one who caused me the least concern.

As an interviewee you just don't know what you're up against, and I'd want to ensure the smoothest cleanest possible running chance at the job.

Turning up with what is essentially a snack just suggests "this interview isn't a priority for me, I am squeezing you in in, I am a very busy person...."

It comes as the person isn't fully focussed on the interview and isn't that interested in the job?

But you can tell whether someone is focused on the interview or is interested in the job from the interview! How does whether they take a sip of coffee indicate that they don't want the job? How is it different to having a sip of water? How is it different to having a sip of coffee at any other meeting? Madness!

Don’t think I’ve ever burped

I think it's rude to eat and drink in company without offering it around. Thus, in a job interview it is lacking good manners. It is also not being focussed fully on the interview.

Allow enough time before hand to feed yourself. Show work places that you are good at time management.

This is my favourite thread ever. I’ve had a shit week and this has made me cry with laughter

I wouldn’t take one to an interview but if I was interviewing it wouldn’t bother me if someone had one

An interviewee is effectively a guest, and the interviewer is their host. A guest does not bring their own fancy drink. That’s just rude.

It’s either unprofessional for both or it’s not.

I've interviewed and hired many people over the decades it wouldn't bother me at all if they did

WTAF??

I can't believe so many people are saying they would or it's not an issue if someone else does.

Personally, I think it shows lack of respect for the interview process & the interviewing panel.

It comes as the person isn't fully focussed on the interview and isn't that interested in the job?

To me, it's beyond belief that people would even consider doing it

Hot cold, any kind of drink other than maybe a bottle of water.

🤣🤣🤣💕

I wouldn't, but wouldn't bother me at all if an interviewee did. We have many people in their 20's start their career with us. I love how they are setting new ideas in motion. They are smart, have good work boundaries, work hard but also know their limits. Not afraid to speak up and challenge "norms".I think my generation, born in the 80's, still put up with too much. What is the problem with bringing a drink, really? Unprofessional, how?

I have interviewed a lot in my time. If someone came in carrying a Costa cup (insert other independent coffee shop here) it would be an instant no from me. Bottle of water fine. It indicates a lack of professionalism and that you cannot exercise self control.

40+ - what’s wrong with it?!