Page 22 | AIBU to think takeaway iced coffee at interviews is unprofessional?

MasterBeth · 2026-09-23T18:45:03+00:00

Apparently, the world is debating this topic. Let's join in: Is it unprofessional to bring a takeaway iced coffee into a job interview? The answer to me is blindingly obvious, but not to everyone, it seems. Feel free to add your age and industry, in case that matters.

LuckyHazelFox · 23/09/2026 20:01

MasterBeth · 23/09/2026 19:59

Iced coffee because apparently that was the drink first mentioned on TikTok regarding this question.

Is it more unprofessional than taking in a hot coffee to an interview? I think marginally, yes, because it's a bit infantile/there is a straw involved etc.

Both are ridiculous.

Edited

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Well the straw does somewhat change things with the sucking sound etc!

Original poster

MasterBeth · 23/09/2026 20:00

5128gap · 23/09/2026 19:57

I think its professionally neutral, given it has no impact on the candidates ability to demonstrate their suitability for the role. It may be considered a breach of etiquette given we operate within a set of arbitrary rules about what is considered appropriate. But that's not the same as unprofessionalism.

You don't think disobeying the rules of etiquette is inherently unprofessional?

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LuckyHazelFox · 23/09/2026 20:00

Arlanymor · 23/09/2026 19:59

I usually take a picnic blanket with a selection of picky bits (know how much MN loves that term) and a bottle of chilled Picpoul de Pinet. I’ve aced every interview I’ve ever had.

😆 🤣

Backedoffhackedoff · 23/09/2026 20:00

seahorsessky · 23/09/2026 19:59

Don't some contain allergens which would be banned in some workplaces?

😂 are you taking the piss? What workplaces do you know where you can’t take in coffee?!

LuckyHazelFox · 23/09/2026 20:00

I was being interviewed where both interviewers brought a coffee in and didn't ask if I wanted anything. That should have set the scene for what cunts they were to work for.

Arlanymor · 23/09/2026 19:59

I usually take a picnic blanket with a selection of picky bits (know how much MN loves that term) and a bottle of chilled Picpoul de Pinet. I’ve aced every interview I’ve ever had.

seahorsessky · 23/09/2026 19:59

Don't some contain allergens which would be banned in some workplaces?

ColdAsAWitches · 23/09/2026 19:59

I'm a manager and regularly interview. I don't think I'd even notice if someone brought in a coffee. It would have no bearing in whether they can do the job, so why would it matter?

Original poster

MasterBeth · 23/09/2026 19:59

FourEyesGood · 23/09/2026 19:55

Why specifically iced coffee? Is an iced coffee more unprofessional than a hot coffee? (If so, why?)
I wouldn’t take any drink in with me (as long as there was water on offer) but if I were the interviewer, I wouldn’t think badly of a candidate taking a coffee in with them.

Iced coffee because apparently that was the drink first mentioned on TikTok regarding this question.

Is it more unprofessional than taking in a hot coffee to an interview? I think marginally, yes, because it's a bit infantile/there is a straw involved etc.

Both are ridiculous.

OP posts:

Askandyforcompo · 23/09/2026 19:58

I was once interviewing for a very senior civil service role and a woman with the most enormous breasts wore a satin shirt with no bra. I thought it was a very odd choice and made me question her judgement. The interview was completely competency based so it made no difference the outcome.

Coffee yes I would also judge.

LuckyHazelFox · 23/09/2026 19:57

ThatLoudCat · 23/09/2026 19:55

You don't know what an iced coffee is? Surely you could take a guess?

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Well if its a cold coffee, I don't see the problem, unless I'm being thick.

5128gap · 23/09/2026 19:57

I think its professionally neutral, given it has no impact on the candidates ability to demonstrate their suitability for the role. It may be considered a breach of etiquette given we operate within a set of arbitrary rules about what is considered appropriate. But that's not the same as unprofessionalism.

Backedoffhackedoff · 23/09/2026 19:56

I don’t think it’s very important- my priority is the right person for the role who can add value, not little things like that.

Honeypickle · 23/09/2026 19:56

God no. What’s next, bringing in a packed lunch if the interview falls between 12-2??

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 23/09/2026 19:56

I haven't been to an interview for quite sometime but I would always take in a small tray with a pot of tea, milk and sugar, and two cups, with a small selection of Rover biscuits.

(Actually, maybe that's why I have had an interview lately. Perhaps I should have been taking coffee or..., or Bubble Tea - whatever the fork that is.) 🤔

ThatLoudCat · 23/09/2026 19:55

Personally, I don't see the big deal. I don't like pointless rules though.

Original poster

MasterBeth · 23/09/2026 19:55

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 23/09/2026 19:51

Supporting other people.

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Supporting other people with what? Why so coy?

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ThatLoudCat · 23/09/2026 19:55

LuckyHazelFox · 23/09/2026 19:54

Couldn't even tell you what that drink is.

You don't know what an iced coffee is? Surely you could take a guess?

FourEyesGood · 23/09/2026 19:55

Why specifically iced coffee? Is an iced coffee more unprofessional than a hot coffee? (If so, why?)
I wouldn’t take any drink in with me (as long as there was water on offer) but if I were the interviewer, I wouldn’t think badly of a candidate taking a coffee in with them.

Original poster

MasterBeth · 23/09/2026 19:54

I work in the creative industries. In fact, we work with some of the biggest iced coffee brands in the world. Very casual work culture re: dress codes etc.

And if someone came for interview carrying an iced coffee I would think they completely lacked judgement. Why do they need to bring a drink in with them? Why not bring it a snack?

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LuckyHazelFox · 23/09/2026 19:54

Couldn't even tell you what that drink is.

EBearhug · 23/09/2026 19:52

Dweetfidilove · 23/09/2026 19:50

The water offered by the interviewer is sufficient. I'm unlikely to die of thirst in that hour.

Nothing like nerves to dry my throat out and start a coughing fit. But I would stick to water.

bozo123 · 23/09/2026 19:51

The last interview I had was in a coffee shop (not to work in the coffee shop just it was a convenient location) so it would have been rude to ask for tap water!

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 23/09/2026 19:51

MasterBeth · 23/09/2026 19:48

What's a support worker? Supporting what?

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Supporting other people.

Sparrowsandbudgies · 23/09/2026 19:50

Totally unprofessional. In any job interview really.