Science

An iced coffee won't predict job performance—but it might reveal hiring bias

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 05/10/2026, 22:10:25 UTC.

Briefings

A 2026 study suggests that the beverage a candidate brings to an interview may influence hiring decisions, potentially revealing unconscious bias rather than predicting job performance. The research indicates that candidates with iced coffee may be perceived as more confident or capable, while water-carrying candidates might be viewed as less prepared. This finding challenges the assumption that identical qualifications lead to identical outcomes in hiring processes.

Key points

• Candidates carrying iced coffee were perceived as more confident and capable compared to those carrying water, potentially influencing hiring decisions.
• The study was published in 2026 and highlights the possibility that beverage choices during interviews reflect unconscious biases rather than actual job performance.

Context and limitations

The study relies on self-reported perceptions rather than objective performance metrics, limiting the ability to confirm if the beverage choice actually predicts job success.

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