10 Tips on How to Be a Barista at Starbucks

At Barista Training Academy, we often focus on being a barista at independent coffee shops or cafes. However, we know that your immediate goal is to work for Starbucks or perhaps another big coffee chain for many of you.

And that's okay!

The truth is that you can be a barista anywhere – and work for whomever you choose. Starbucks is an excellent option to get started in this exciting industry – even if you have no experience as a barista.

We’ve gathered 10 tips on how to be a barista at Starbucks.

Benefits of Working at Starbucks

There are undoubtedly a lot of perks to working at Starbucks. No wonder a lot of starting baristas try to get their first job at this coffee giant.

Free items and discounts

Starbucks is known for allowing its baristas to get a lot of free stuff. Every week employees are allowed to bring a pound of coffee or a package of tea home. There is free food and drink items that a barista can take each shift. Besides, as a Starbucks employee, you get a 30% discount on all Starbucks items. You can save a lot on food and coffee just by working at Starbucks.

Benefits package

Both full-time and part-time Starbucks employees are eligible for certain benefits and get a personalized benefits package. This can cover your health and life insurance, short or long-term disability, counseling, parental leave, and even adoption assistance. One of the greatest benefits of working at Starbucks is Starbucks College Achievement Plan. The company is ready to reimburse your tuition fee if you are pursuing your first Bachelor’s degree. You can also get a partial scholarship or tuition aid if you are already enrolled in the university.

After you get your degree, you are not obliged to stay with Starbucks. The company is ready to invest in its baristas – this is how it develops each Starbucks partner's loyalty.

Savings program

Starbucks savings plan allows you to grow your savings through pretax or after-tax payroll deductions. You can also contribute from 1% to 75% of their pay each pay period. Next, Starbucks will match your contributions.

Starbucks Stock Investment Plan allows you to purchase company stock shares at a discount through your payroll deductions. If you choose to enroll in a Bean Stock program, you’ll have an opportunity to get company shares for free. This is how Starbucks rewards baristas for all the contributions they make to Starbucks' financial success.

Free barista training

Barista at Starbucks gets a week of formal training. The major focus is on practical training with an assigned barista-educator. Most Starbucks baristas say that they feel totally comfortable with drink building after a month at a store. The team is very supportive, so you can always rely on your fellow baristas.

How to become a barista at Starbucks

Be ready for a barista job interview.

When you apply for a barista job at Starbucks, you need to start getting ready for a barista job interview. Remember that for Starbucks, the corporate culture is of utmost importance. So, you’ll get many questions about why you want to work at Starbucks and what you value the most in this company. Sample Starbucks barista interview questions include:

• What is your favorite Starbucks drink?
• Why do you want to work for the company?
• Would you be a good fit for the Starbucks family?
• How would you deal with a customer complaint?
• Give me an example of the great customer service that you provided.

It’s always good to mention your passion for coffee and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Bring your resume and references.

Even if you were not asked to bring anything with you at a job interview, it’s a good idea to have a folder with your resume, cover letter, list of references, and any certificates or food handler’s card that you might have. Being organized will present you in a good light for a potential employer.

Do your research

As we mentioned above, there will be questions about your favorite food and drink at Starbucks. Try different drinks and foods to decide what you like the most and why. You should be able to describe it to your interviewer.

Read online about Starbucks values and corporate culture. If asked why you want to work here, say that you share the company's values and name some of them (no discrimination, culture of belonging and inclusion, commitment to quality, sustainable coffee, and support to local communities). Try to give examples of how you follow adhere to these values in real life.

 

How to Be a Starbucks Barista – Things to watch out for

If you decide to apply for s Starbucks barista position, you need to keep a few things in mind. Starting your barista career from zero can sometimes be challenging. It would help if you were realistic and ready for some possible difficulties, no matter where you decide to apply for work.  Soon, you'll develop the barista skills you need to be successful!

 

Little or no tipping

Although it’s typical in the United States to tip baristas, some customers might think that barista at Starbucks has plenty of benefits, so there’s no need to tip him or her. Unfortunately, it’s still the case that some customers are rude and arrogant. Yes, customers can be very, very, very difficult sometimes. You will be trained to react to their demands and arguments. Normally, your manager will step in if things get out of control. But most importantly, you need to stay cool and polite no matter what happens. Don’t lose your temper.

 

Physically demanding job

Being a barista at Starbucks requires standing long shifts. Some baristas complain that they have no chance to sit down for long hours. It can be really overwhelming to work during rush hours when you are already tired and your legs hurt. It’s beneficial to use anti-fatigue mats. If there’s no anti-fatigue mat at your coffee shop, you have a right to ask your manager to provide one.

 

Complicated menu and lots of cleaning

Some baristas also complain that the Starbucks menu is extensive and obnoxiously complicated. It might take you up to 6 months to memorize all the drinks (that are always changing too!). It’s beneficial to use flashcards when learning Starbucks drinks.

If you are a starting barista at Starbucks, you will have many cleaning tasks that you need to perform super-fast. Starbucks is a very fast-paced coffee shop that requires a barista to multitask. It would be best if you were stress-resistant to fit into this community.

Be ready, get our barista training e-guide – a comprehensive guide to get you started on your new barista career.

Brought to you by Barista Training Academy, “The Beginning Barista” Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Barista.” It is an ultimate resource that is available online. It is affordable for anybody who is looking to start a career in the coffee industry. For more information, visit our blog.