As job seekers prepare for interviews, they often wonder about the dos and don'ts of office etiquette. One question that has sparked debate is whether it's acceptable to carry a drink, such as water or coffee, into a job interview. According to HR and etiquette experts, while it may seem like a minor detail, it can contribute to the overall first impression a candidate makes. In fact, a recruiter recently expressed her dismay at GenZs showing up to interviews with a takeout drink on TikTok.
Tuesday Chege, a global HR and leadership coach, notes that the interview starts from the moment a candidate enters the room. While recruiters may notice a candidate carrying a beverage, it would not influence their assessment of one's qualifications and attributes such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. However, Chege advises candidates not to carry a drink into an interview to avoid any distraction or misinterpretation. He suggests that an interviewer could choose to assess the candidate again without the beverage to remove any doubt.
Nthenya Macharia, an etiquette and personal branding consultant, believes that the drink may signal how seriously a candidate has approached the interview. She notes that candidates should consider whether they have thought about the setting or simply carried their everyday routine into an important meeting. According to Macharia, etiquette is about making choices that fit the occasion and put others at ease. The question is not whether drinks are allowed, but whether it feels appropriate in the given situation.
Holding a cup throughout the conversation can make a candidate appear preoccupied, while placing it on an interviewer's desk without invitation can come across as presumptuous and creates the risk of a spill. Macharia advises candidates to keep the drink discreet and out of the way if it's necessary to have one. The conversation should have the candidate's full attention. Context matters, and a candidate meeting a prospective employer in a café is in a different situation from one attending a panel interview in a boardroom.
A creative workplace where colleagues routinely meet over coffee may have different expectations from a traditional corporate office. However, a relaxed workplace does not necessarily mean a relaxed interview. Macharia notes that a casual dress code is not automatically an invitation to treat the interview casually. Candidates still need to show that they understand the occasion and dress accordingly.
Chege adds that despite workplace cultures becoming more relaxed, candidates should research the organisation and present themselves appropriately rather than assume that every interview follows the same conventions. Candidates should pay attention to other small behaviours that can shape an interaction, including checking a phone while waiting, wearing sunglasses while indoors, or speaking dismissively to reception staff.
Ultimately, Macharia suggests that candidates ask themselves whether a drink will help them be present for the conversation or compete for attention. If the answer is the latter, it's best to leave the coffee or water bottle outside. By bringing preparation, curiosity, and courtesy, candidates can make a good impression and show that they are serious about the opportunity.
Key points
- Carrying a drink to a job interview may not be a good idea as it can be a distraction.
- Context matters, and the type of workplace and interview may influence the decision to carry a drink.
- Candidates should research the organisation and present themselves professionally.
