Page 18 | 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.

milkywayzz · 24/09/2026 12:04

Higher Education senior admin here: wouldn't bother me in the slightest, unless they'd be slurping their straw during the interview.

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:05

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:03

It wouldn’t matter what I thought of a high court judge. Their employer knows only a few people can do that job well.

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So what would you think if a high court judge brought a takeaway iced coffee into their job interview? Do you think it would suggest the right level of gravitas and seriousness?

OP posts:

WhatHappenedToYourFurnitureCuz · 24/09/2026 12:07

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:02

No, I can't compete with your laser-like logic.

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Are these childish responses displaying the gravitas and seriousness you admire?

I see you aren't capable of showing maturity in the thread but I hope that at least privately you'll acknowledge your hypocrisy and do some self-reflection before hiring again (if you are actually trusted to be involved in hiring).

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:11

WhatHappenedToYourFurnitureCuz · 24/09/2026 12:07

Are these childish responses displaying the gravitas and seriousness you admire?

I see you aren't capable of showing maturity in the thread but I hope that at least privately you'll acknowledge your hypocrisy and do some self-reflection before hiring again (if you are actually trusted to be involved in hiring).

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This is a Mumsnet thread, not a job interview for a high court judge.

My whole point on this thread is that people should match their tone to the situation they find themselves in.

A job interview is a serious interaction, even if it can appear informal and casual. So I expect candidates to take that into account.

There is nothing to be gained by bringing a takeaway iced coffee in so... don't?

OP posts:

maddiemookins16mum · 24/09/2026 12:14

It’s an interview, not a catch up with pals over a coffee. Whatever next, a McMuffin! If they need a drink they can ask for water, I always have water available when I interview people.

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:14

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:05

So what would you think if a high court judge brought a takeaway iced coffee into their job interview? Do you think it would suggest the right level of gravitas and seriousness?

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For that to matter you need power or authority over the judge. Which no one has (that’s a great example tbf) so it doesn’t matter what we think about their professionalism or gravaitas.

thats the point- you are using your bit of power or authority over the candidate to install your standards- arguably overstepping the mark- but there is a whole world of people, including potential candidates, where they hold the power, not you.

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 24/09/2026 12:19

The industry is irrelevant - it's unprofessional for any workplace interview. If you are offered a drink, that is different. But you don't walk in with your sippy cup full of takeway coffee.

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:19

What a strange answer, @Backedoffhackedoff. Judges are subject to professional standards bodies, peer review, a Judicial Appointments Commission and the court of public opinion.

They don't just appear fully-formed at the Old Bailey clutching a vanilla sweet cream cold brew.

OP posts:

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:19

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:19

What a strange answer, @Backedoffhackedoff. Judges are subject to professional standards bodies, peer review, a Judicial Appointments Commission and the court of public opinion.

They don't just appear fully-formed at the Old Bailey clutching a vanilla sweet cream cold brew.

Edited

How do you know?

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:20

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:19

How do you know?

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Sorry?

OP posts:

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:21

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:20

Sorry?

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How do you know a high court judge doesn’t take an iced latte into the old Bailey?

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:25

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:21

How do you know a high court judge doesn’t take an iced latte into the old Bailey?

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Is this a serious question?

OP posts:

WhatHappenedToYourFurnitureCuz · 24/09/2026 12:25

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:11

This is a Mumsnet thread, not a job interview for a high court judge.

My whole point on this thread is that people should match their tone to the situation they find themselves in.

A job interview is a serious interaction, even if it can appear informal and casual. So I expect candidates to take that into account.

There is nothing to be gained by bringing a takeaway iced coffee in so... don't?

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And my point is that plenty of perfectly normal and reasonable people don't see bringing a coffee to a job interview as a problem, and that doesn't say anything about their general behaviour or understanding of work.

Just as you had no idea that there's a very commonly accepted use of "support worker" to mean a certain role. Your repeated questions about what a support worker means would make you look pretty dim to some prospective employers, which no doubt you'd think is unfair and ridiculous (while deflecting admitting it with a childish quip). You are in the same position as the people who wouldn't even think about bringing a normal workplace drink into a workplace interview.

You might think everyone knows that coffee isn't professional in a job interview. Others think everyone knows that "support worker" doesn't mean someone working in IT.

That's the bit to reflect on.

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:25

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:25

Is this a serious question?

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Yes. What do you know about what judges do?

Butchyrestingface · 24/09/2026 12:26

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:21

How do you know a high court judge doesn’t take an iced latte into the old Bailey?

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I used to work courts frequently as part of my job (Scottish Sheriff and High courts, not the old Bailey). Never saw anyone with a latte but did see a few judges with non-water drinks, eg, bottle or clear cup of orange squash.

Never thought anything of it.

There was that one time a punter was escorted from the public gallery for trying to use a vape whilst court was in session. Good times.

TheFishFish · 24/09/2026 12:27

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:00

What would you think of a high court judge who brought a takeaway iced coffee into the courtroom as they sentenced a murderer?

What would you think of a newsreader who had a takeaway iced coffee on their desk as they announced a tragedy?

What would you think of a priest who had a takeaway iced coffee on the pulpit as they carried out a funeral?

There are clearly circumstances where bringing a drink in marks you out as not being the best person for a job. The way you present yourself in a job interview is one of these.

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Yes, that is exactly my point.

Obviously, in some professions you need to turn up super formal and present as such.

In other jobs, not so much. If you get it wrong in either direction you show to the interviewer that you have misjudged things.

Turning up to a casual job for a trade in full business attire would be just as weird as turning up for a job at a big 4 in jeans. In some places coming in with a coffee would be fine, in others not.

Well done for getting there.

Lakeyloo · 24/09/2026 12:28

Unprofessional .... Early 50's, long time recruiter/Head hunter in a professional services sector.

TheFishFish · 24/09/2026 12:28

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 24/09/2026 12:19

The industry is irrelevant - it's unprofessional for any workplace interview. If you are offered a drink, that is different. But you don't walk in with your sippy cup full of takeway coffee.

Of course the industry is relevant. It's about finding the best fit for the job. Culture is a big part of that. If you turn up for an interview for every single job in an ultra formal suit regardless, you are doing it wrong.

ScholesPanda · 24/09/2026 12:29

Why would judges at the Old Bailey need an iced coffee? They drink wine at lunch in the private dining rooms.

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:35

TheFishFish · 24/09/2026 12:27

Yes, that is exactly my point.

Obviously, in some professions you need to turn up super formal and present as such.

In other jobs, not so much. If you get it wrong in either direction you show to the interviewer that you have misjudged things.

Turning up to a casual job for a trade in full business attire would be just as weird as turning up for a job at a big 4 in jeans. In some places coming in with a coffee would be fine, in others not.

Well done for getting there.

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The whoosh you hear is the point flying over your head.

There are serious positions where everyone agrees carrying a takeaway iced coffee will form a negative impression, compared to someone not carrying a takeaway iced coffee.

There are less serious positions where not everyone agrees carrying a takeaway iced coffee will form a negative impression, compared to someone not carrying a takeaway iced coffee.

But there are no positions where carrying a takeaway iced coffee will form a positive impression, compared to someone not carrying a takeaway iced coffee.

You won't ever get rejected from a job interview because you didn't bring a takeaway iced coffee in with you. So not bringing one is the most rational position to take.

OP posts:

FiveEightNine · 24/09/2026 12:50

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:35

The whoosh you hear is the point flying over your head.

There are serious positions where everyone agrees carrying a takeaway iced coffee will form a negative impression, compared to someone not carrying a takeaway iced coffee.

There are less serious positions where not everyone agrees carrying a takeaway iced coffee will form a negative impression, compared to someone not carrying a takeaway iced coffee.

But there are no positions where carrying a takeaway iced coffee will form a positive impression, compared to someone not carrying a takeaway iced coffee.

You won't ever get rejected from a job interview because you didn't bring a takeaway iced coffee in with you. So not bringing one is the most rational position to take.

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You are still mixing most "rational" and "subservient".

Original poster

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:52

FiveEightNine · 24/09/2026 12:50

You are still mixing most "rational" and "subservient".

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How is it subservient to want the job you are interviewing for?

OP posts:

Backedoffhackedoff · 24/09/2026 12:55

MasterBeth · 24/09/2026 12:52

How is it subservient to want the job you are interviewing for?

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I’m an experienced and skilled professional. I’m not subservient to my employer. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement

WingnutSOS · 24/09/2026 12:57

MuchAdoAboutSomething26 · 23/09/2026 19:46

Interviewer - their perogative
Interviewee - no way!

100%

Crushed23 · 24/09/2026 12:58

Haven’t RTFT; but to the PP claiming that Gen Z are “as much assessing the interviewer as the interviewer is assessing them” - what a crock of shite.

The Gen Z I know are desperate for jobs - graduates who are months if not years into their search for a job, or teens at their wits end trying to find any part-time job to fit around studies.

In this job market, Gen Z do not have the luxury of turning down a job because the interviewer was a rigid, starchy Gen X-er.

I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous.