Bringing outside coffee or water to an interview

I think it's great that we're seeing hiring decision-makers share that they don't mind if a candidate brings coffee or water to an interview. These decision-makers often emphasize in their posts and videos that their focus is on the human. They care more about the candidate's skills than what the candidate is drinking. Outside coffee/water isn't an issue.

It reminds me a bit of the conversation we all had several years back about wearing jeans and a T-shirt to an interview. Some hiring decision-makers expressed that it didn't bother them at all if a candidate dressed casually. Their emphasis back then was also on the human. Skills mattered more than the candidate's attire. Casual dress wasn't an issue.

What's difficult with these conversations is that they get so much support, with so many likes and approving comments, that they come across as examples of a new normal. That the world has evolved to be more empathetic to the employee. And if they dress how they like or bring in outside beverages, everyone will be fine with it. So, candidates adopt these trends, and they think that their actions are completely innocent.

But the unfortunate reality is that these posts and videos represent the opinions of a very small number of hiring decision-makers. Sure, they're getting a lot of attention. Sure, they sound confident and assuring and very, very idealized. But we're still talking about a small group of people giving controversial and possibly damaging takes.

The overwhelming majority of your decision-makers want you to wear appropriate attire at your interview, which often ranges from business casual to business formal, and usually reflects how the industry or profession presents itself.

The overwhelming majority of your decision-makers want you to come in with materials appropriate for an interview, whether that means a paper copy of your resume, samples from your portfolio, or any items you might need for a presentation.

Bringing an outside beverage can accidentally set the wrong tone. We never want to give your interviewer a single reason to think that you're not taking your interview hour seriously.

One brief, quiet moment where the interviewer asks themselves, "Does this person want to be here?" is all it will take for you to miss out on an opportunity. Is that outside coffee or water worth putting that doubt into their head?

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