Barista Job Interview Questions:
How to Prepare for a Starbucks Barista Interview

In this online barista training class, we will focus on how to nail a barista interview. In previous articles, we talked about looking for a barista job and writing your first barista resume. But if you have already passed these first two stages and were invited to your barista job interview, congratulations! That’s half the battle!

Why Preparing for your Barista Interview Matters

You can do several things before your barista interview to make a great impression on your future employer. Here, we’ll give you a few barista tips on how to prepare for your barista interview at your local coffee shop.

Analyze the job

First, go back to the original barista job description and analyze it – what qualities are they looking for in a barista? What skills are required? Is any previous barista or customer service experience required?

Make a list of previous work experience

Think about what your assets are and how you fit in this job description. Write down examples from your previous working experience if you have any. Make a list of the skills you have which can be beneficial for your work as a barista.

Learn about the company

Do your research and check out as much as you can about the coffee shop, which invited you for a barista interview. Learn how and when they started, what the company’s values are if they roast their own coffee if their company culture is good for you. Most coffee shops, huge coffee chains, have their mission statement online. Read their latest news too. It’ll help you find out what the latest coffee trends are and which of them are already introduced in this coffee shop.

Boost Your Coffee Knowledge Before Your Barista Interview

Before you step into a coffee shop, try to learn as much as you can about coffee. Any previous knowledge of the coffee industry will be a great advantage at a barista interview. If you haven’t had any relevant experience with coffee, don’t forget to mention the online barista training you received with Barista Training Academy.

If you have a chance, watch barista training videos and visit a coffee cupping at any coffee shop around you. It’s a great way to test the waters and learn about coffee.

Barista Job Interview Questions & Answers

Let’s look at basic barista questions and answers that are common during Starbucks barista interview. We have talked to Starbucks insiders who know how to nail a barista job interview and agreed to share their experience with us. Here are some of the common questions and decent answers:

Q: Customer connection is vital at Starbucks. Tell me about a time where you displayed strong skills in customer connection?

A: At my previous job in restaurant delivery, I had an agitated customer focused on her lost cat. After I delivered the food and was free, I agreed to help her find her pet – and it was found on the same day. Eventually, the lady became our regular and ordered food at least twice a week from our restaurant.

Q: What's your favorite Starbucks menu item?

A: Cinnamon Dolce Latte, I have always been happy with this order.

Q: What is your greatest strength?

A: I learn new things quickly, and I’m always attentive and enthusiastic about my job.

Q: If a customer complained about their drink, what do you do?

A: I would ask him or her what was wrong, smile at them, and offer to replace a drink if that’s allowed by the manager.

 

Read more about Starbucks barista interview questions and answers in the next article.

Be ready for unexpected, barista interview questions. They are meant to see how you react to a stressful or uncomfortable situation. Be confident. And always stay yourself, don’t act like someone you are not.

Quick Tips for Your Barista Interview

• Know Your Availability

Before your barista interview, think about how much time you can dedicate to your barista training and barista job. Make sure your barista working hours don’t interfere with your college schedule or other responsibilities.

• Bring Copies of Your Resume

Be sure to print out and bring your barista resume to the job interview. You can also bring a pen and a notebook to write down important information or if you already have any questions about your barista job.

• Bring References

If you have any work references and certificates, bring them with you to your barista interview. Bring at least one reference from your previous job. If you apply to be a barista with no experience, bring a reference from your high school teacher or a college professor.

Barista job interview DON’Ts:

• Don’t arrive at your barista interview chewing gum or eating anything.
• Arrive in time for your barista job interview.
• Don’t enter a coffee shop while talking on the phone or writing an instant message. Turn your phone off before entering the café.
• Don’t use an excessive amount of perfume. You will work in customer service and serve food, so strong perfume might distract customers and cause headaches.
• Don’t bring your friends or relatives. Show that you are independent and responsible.

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.