10 Ways to Stand Out in Your Barista Job Interview

Nail your barista job interview with these 10 useful tips!

Being a barista is a wonderful opportunity for those who love coffee and think about starting a coffee business career. More and more young people today are pursuing a barista job. Well, it comes as no big surprise as a barista job allows flexibility, freedom to be creative, and good pay. Your first barista job interview opens up various professional choices within the coffee industry: from a roaster to a coffee shop owner or even a barista champion.

Like in any other job, your barista career needs to start somewhere. And usually, it’s a barista job interview. This is your first step to success. Your barista interview is a place for you to shine and show your advantages over all other candidates. It doesn’t matter whether you have any barista experience or not. Just spend some time preparing for your barista job interview, do your due diligence – and you’ll get the job of your dreams.

We have prepared 10 useful tips for you to stand out in your barista job interview. If you follow them all, you have very high chances of becoming a barista.

10 best tips to prepare for a barista job interview

• Research about coffee.

You might already think that you know a lot about coffee. Often, it’s a very deceptive perception. Drinking coffee every day doesn’t necessarily mean knowing about coffee. It would be a mistake to bluntly state that you know everything about coffee at a barista job interview. Employers don’t like boasters. Moreover, it’s impossible to know everything. What you need to stress is your love for coffee. Be truly passionate about your coffee. Underline your willingness to learn more.

• Answer sample questions.

Barista job interview questions might vary depending on what coffee shop you are applying to. For example, if you apply to a chain coffee shop, be prepared to answer questions like “Are you ready to clean restrooms?” or “Are you ready to work overtime?” If you apply to an independent third-wave café, be ready to hear questions, “What does fair trade mean to you?” or “Coffee from what region do you prefer?” Some general questions might cover your customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and personality. Think about the answers in advance.

• Be ready for surprising questions.

Questions like “Who is your favorite superhero in the Marvel universe?” might come totally out of the blue. There’s no right or wrong answer. These days employers often ask such questions aimed at seeing how you act in unforeseen circumstances.

1. • Get your references together.

Go through your barista resume once again and print out your references from your previous working places if you have any. Be ready to give examples or situations to back up the personality traits and skills you outlined in your barista resume.

1. • Learn about the company.

It’s essential to do your research about the coffee shop you are applying to. Your expectations must be similar to the vision and philosophy of your potential employer. If you can learn when the company was established, what is a coffee shop's culture and who its target audience is? Consider going through the menu, try a couple of their coffee drinks, and think how this coffee shop stands out among others. In the end, you will be their face and main promoter.

1. • Arrive on time.

When getting ready for your barista job interview, it’s a good idea to plan your trip. Check out the most convenient route and make sure you don’t get stuck in traffic. It’s also helpful to think about what you’ll wear to your barista interview. You might want to wear something casual or smart casual.

1. • Be authentic.

While barista skills can be taught, your personality is what your employer is really interested in. Be natural, be confident, be yourself. You definitely had some achievements at school or your previous jobs, be proud to tell about them. If you dealt with difficult customers before, don’t be shy, to tell the truth. If you don’t know something, just admit it. This will make you a real and honest person in the eyes of the employer.

1. • Ask your own questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions that are important to you. For example, you might want to specify barista duties in this coffee shop, or you might want to know how the schedule is being made (since you have to attend college), etc.

1. • Follow-up after your barista job interview.

Normally, you won’t be told whether you are accepted or not during your barista job interview. Your potential employer might need some time to meet with all candidates and process the information. We advise you to write a short email to the coffee shop manager/owner you just met with, thanking them for their time and the opportunity to meet with you. Tell them that you will be looking forward to hearing about their decision.

1. • Read The Beginning Barista Guide.

The biggest challenge you might face before your barista job interview is your confidence. There’s a great way to boost both your confidence and knowledge with The Beginning Barista Guide. This affordable resource is packed with information about coffee, barista duties, and drink-building. But what’s more important is that it allows you to prepare to be a barista with no experience.

The barista guide covers such topics as:

1. • how to prepare for a barista job search,
   • writing a barista resume and cover letter,
   • how to nail your barista job interview and many, many more!

Working in the coffee industry has its perks! From being a barista, a coffee roaster, or even opening a coffee shop, coffee offers you a new world of opportunity. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.

Brought to you by Barista Training Academy, “The Beginning Barista,” Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Barista” 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.