Unpacking the Viral Iced-Coffee Discourse (And How It Can Affect Multifamily)

The biggest debate on social media right now?

Is it OK for job candidates to bring an iced coffee to their job interviews?

We all know iced coffee is superior to hot coffee. Duh. That’s not what’s up for debate. The question is, is it acceptable for the job candidates (and it’s mostly Gen Z being accused of this) to have an iced coffee with them when they sit down with a hiring manager.

Opponents say that if someone comes in with one, it feels interviewee is just doing errands with the job interview plopped in the middle. It’s too casual. They find it distracting. Unprofessional. Rude.

Defenders say, “Who cares? It’s just a drink.”

I fall on the anti-iced-coffee-during-an-interview side, for a couple of reasons. I remember once when I was interviewing for a job, I arrived early to find out where I would need to go. But after I found the office, I didn’t want to creepily sit there until it was my interview time (I was really, really early). So, I left to get myself a coffee from Starbucks, and ended up dribbling some down my interview outfit. Then I had to sit through the whole interview with a stain that I’m sure they were staring at the whole time. Now imagine doing that in front of the person you want to impress enough to give you a job? Or what if you knock the coffee all over the interviewer’s desk by accident? Job interviews are stressful enough already.

I’ve also been on the other side, conducting interviews and trying to find the best candidate who would not only do great work but fit in with the vibe of the team. Once I had a candidate who came in early for his interview (but at a respectable time, not an hour early like I had back in the day). The person at the front desk asked him to sit and wait, and she asked him if she could get him anything. A normal response would be, “No, thank you,” right? Or maybe “I’ll have some water, thank you.” Or even, “Sure, I’ll have a coffee.” This job candidate asked for a croissant. We…didn’t have croissants. It’s a normal office. I don’t think many would? He didn’t get the position. Was it because of the weird (and in my mind, entitled) ask? No, he wasn’t a good fit for other, professional reasons. But, to be honest, I can’t say that that didn’t play a part in the decision. What would he be like if we hired him? Would he be able to act appropriately in the office? I still think about him. You want to be memorable. Just not that memorable.

In my mind, people should be professional in an interview. You should want to put your best foot forward. Should Millennials, Gen X and Boomers maybe chill out a little? Probably. But also, Gen Z has to remember who’s most likely doing the interviews right now, and what they expect during one.

And I think the question extends beyond interviews as well. What about in positions where you’re interacting with people outside of your team? For those in multifamily, what about leasing agents, property managers and other resident-facing positions? As a manger, would you mind if someone on your team was showing a potential renter a unit while shaking an iced coffee in their hand? Do you think residents care—or notice? (And don’t get me started on the huge Stanley and other water bottles that are easy to knock over and spill everywhere. Sigh. At this point, just get off my lawn.)

Where do you fall on the iced-coffee debate? Is it OK for interviews? Should leasing agents leave it on their desks when they’re touring with potential residents? Is this a non-issue that we’re already wasting too many brain cells on? What do you think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send a tweet to @MHNOnline, or send me a message on LinkedIn.