#JobInterview : Job Interview Etiquette Is Changing. These Rules Still Matters. Is it Appropriate to Bring an Iced Coffee to a Job iIterview?

That’s the debate that’s been making the rounds on the internet after a recruiter criticized Gen Z candidates for arriving to interviews with one in hand, prompting a wider argument about whether the drinks look unprofessional.

In a recent piece for Forbes, senior contributor Benjamin Laker, who serves as professor of leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading, in the U.K., breaks down why the debate is about more than just coffee. According to Laker, the discussion “shows how quickly an interviewer’s preferences about dress, greetings and body language can harden into standards candidates were never told about.”

While job interview etiquette can vary depending on industry and setting—a remote interview may not be as formal as an in-person panel interview—Laker acknowledges that coming to an interview prepared, on time, and with honest answers are the standard rules to follow. But he admits that in recent years, rules around appearance and manners have become a little less clear-cut, leading to blurred lines between what interviewees think is appropriate and what interviewers actually expect.

“Remote interviews and less formal offices have made some old cues harder to interpret,” Laker writes. “Employers should be able to explain which expectations relate to the work. Candidates should notice when the answer is simply, ‘That’s how we do things here.’”

Below are a few of Laker’s tips on how to decide which job interview rules you should follow depending on the format, industry and location of your interview.

Deciding What To Wear: Laker advises candidates to use the role they are interviewing for as a reference point. “Clean, understated sneakers may fit a casual technology or creative workplace; polished shoes may be safer in a conservative or client-facing setting,” he writes. “If you’re unsure, ask the recruiter what candidates typically wear. Choose something appropriate that lets you concentrate on the conversation.”

Deciding To Bring Coffee Or Water: “Water offered by the host is easy to accept or decline,” writes Laker. “If you bring coffee, finish it before entering if practical. If not, ask whether it’s all right to carry it in. The aim is to keep the drink from interrupting the exchange.”

Read here for more of Laker’s tips on how to read between the lines when it comes to other unwritten job interview rules, as well as his advice on how to effectively navigate the hiring process without overthinking it.

Forbes.com | September 29, 2026 | Courtney Connley-Hampton,