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Baristas need a few special skills to be successful; they need attention to detail, the ability to take on repetitive tasks, and the ability to work efficiently.
If you are interviewing for a barista position, you will want to try and show off that you have these skills. To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of questions that you may be asked during the interview and listed example answers.
Key Takeaways
Common barista interview questions cover customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills, so be prepared to highlight your abilities in those areas.
Employers should get a feel for candidates' work ethic and interpersonal skills, since those are more difficult to teach on the job.
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Whether you are interviewing with Starbucks or you are looking to join a locally-owned coffee shop, there are certain questions that you can expect to hear. Here is a list of a few questions that you may be asked during your interview and examples of what your answer should look like.
Describe your experience in customer service.
Baristas need to be adept at providing excellent customer service. Because of this, employers want to know you have experience serving people professionally and efficiently. When you answer, give as many specific examples as you can.
Example Answer:
I have previously worked in several customer service roles, including waitressing at a local restaurant and as a customer service representative at a local clothing store. In both roles, I was responsible for handling customer complaints and fixing issues with our service.
As a waitress, I had to think quickly on my feet and maintain accuracy and efficiency. As a customer service representative, I handled complex transactions, including returns, sales, and reimbursements.
What is good customer service to you?
Coffee shops are only successful when their customers are satisfied, so you can count on running into one or two of these questions in your interview. Explain what your goals are in your customer service efforts to show what kind of an employee you'd be in this role.
Example Answer:
Good customer service is giving each customer the best experience possible and fixing problems should they arise. Even if the problem cannot be entirely solved, I believe putting in the effort to mend the situation goes a long way toward helping the customer feel better about the situation.
What are the easiest and hardest specialty drinks for you to make?
If you've been a barista before, you'll probably encounter job-specific questions like this one. Just remember to focus on your willingness and ability to learn new things rather than complaining about the tricky parts of your job.
Example Answer:
The easiest drinks for me to make are those I make at home daily, such as lattes and cold brews. I could benefit from a little more practice with frappuccinos, as I have difficulties getting the correct consistency.
What qualities do you believe make a good barista?
This question is usually designed to give interviewers a better idea of your work ethic, priorities, and values. They want to know you'll align with the company's values, so highlight how yours align with the organization's as much as you can.
Example Answer:
I believe a good barista is a cheerful, positive person who is great at customer service. Customers expect fast, reliable service that is friendly and accurate. A good barista must be able to handle stressful situations, busy work environments, and several customers’ orders at once.
How do you handle repetitive work?
Interviewers ask questions like this to get a feel for your self-discipline and initiative. Frame your answer so that you can highlight your love for the job as well as your key skills or qualifications.
Example Answer:
I enjoy repetitive work, as I know what I can expect daily. However, I do not believe this work is entirely repetitive, and I am interested in making each customer’s unique order exactly to their specifications.
What is the key to providing excellent customer service?
This question is meant to get to know more about your personal drive and skills regarding customer service. Be specific about the steps you take to ensure you provide good customer service.
Example Answer:
The key to providing excellent customer service is to have the right attitude. Approaching problems with a can-do spirit helps the customer have faith in your abilities and helps you go about solving issues.
Having the correct attitude also makes it easier for you to go above and beyond for your customers, letting them know how much we appreciate their business.
How would you go about helping a dissatisfied customer?
This is a type of barista behavioral interview question, which means it's asking for a specific example of how you've solved this problem in the past to give interviewers an idea of how you'd handle it in the future. So, be as detailed as you can in your answer.
Example Answer:
Mistakes happen, and unfortunately, some of them are unavoidable. When it comes to helping dissatisfied customers, I look at what I can do to make their experience better.
For example, if they were given an incorrect order, I would offer to remake it for free. If they are upset about the time they spent waiting to receive their order, I would offer them a coupon to use on their next visit.
Any time a customer is dissatisfied, there is a possibility that we will lose their business, so I would do anything in my power to make sure they return to us again.
Why would you like to work with us specifically?
Companies want to hire employees who are dedicated to their organization, not just looking for a paycheck. Prepare for this question by researching the company's mission and values and then explain which ones you resonate with the most.
Example Answer:
I was attracted to your coffee shop specifically because I enjoy your drinks myself. I was particularly impressed by the quality of your service, and I am attracted to the atmosphere you have created within your shop.
What would you do if you saw a coworker stealing from the register?
Baristas need to be able to work as a team with their coworkers, but they also need to be trusted with making sure the company's ethics are protected and upheld.
Example Answer:
If I saw one of my coworkers stealing from the register, I would immediately alert my supervisor and let them know what I saw.
Not only is it morally wrong and illegal, but it is also unfair to those responsible for the register. I would hate to create a rift between myself and my coworkers, but it would be necessary for this situation.
Tell me about a time your attention to detail prevented a mistake.
Barista behavioral interview questions like this one are intended to give employers a better picture of you in action. So, when you answer, give a specific example of when you did this, making sure to highlight the results of your actions.
Example Answer:
I was working as a customer service representative at a local clothing store when a customer came in to return an item. I began processing the return, noting the price he paid for the item, and beginning to fill out the appropriate paperwork.
However, upon closer look at his receipt, I noticed that the original transaction was over thirty days ago, and therefore the return could not be completed.
I alerted the customer to this policy, and he expressed his disappointment. After receiving permission from my manager, I was able to offer him store credit in lieu of a cash return, which was to his satisfaction.
Because of my attention to detail in this situation, I adhered to company policy and prevented potential losses.
Have you ever worked in a busy environment before?
Don't just answer yes or no to this question, give an example of when you've worked in a busy environment. Employers need to know you can handle the more chaotic aspects of being a barista, so assure them that you can and have in the past.
Example Answer:
When working as a waitress, I was often given the busier lunch and dinner shifts, which required me to handle several tables at once. I created a numbering system for the tables I was assigned to ensure that each table got the correct order, and I also made sure the tickets I wrote out for the kitchen were correct by confirming the order with the customer.
As a result, I rarely made mistakes with customer’s orders, and they always got their food as quickly as possible.
Describe a few of your strengths and weaknesses.
This sounds like a trick question, but it isn't. Employers know that you aren't perfect, so they just want to know that you're aware of that as well and are intentional about overcoming your weaknesses. When you answer, talk about your strengths, and then spend more time talking about how you compensate for your weaknesses than the weaknesses themselves.
Example Answer:
My strengths include my ability to multitask, my attention to detail, and my work speed. I can keep up with and stay organized in a fast-paced work environment. I am also quick to adapt to new situations, and I am resilient and not easily frustrated.
My weaknesses are that I tend to be a perfectionist, which can be both frustrating and, at times, time-wasting. However, my perfectionism also results in me giving the best service I possibly can. I also could work on my stubbornness, as I am not one to give up on tasks easily. While this can mean that I put in the extra effort on problems, I also take up time that could be valuable elsewhere.
How would you handle a situation with a rude customer?
Unfortunately, coffee shop customers aren't always pleasant to work with, so interviewers want to know that you'll be able to handle that professionally. If you have an example of when you did this in the past, share that. Otherwise, walk them through what you would do.
Example Answer:
I would try to avoid taking the confrontation personally, and I would attempt to understand why the customer may be acting in such a manner.
I find that coming from the point of understanding can give you valuable insight into the potential problems the customer has faced during their experience with you and how you can fix these issues.
How do you keep your workspace clean while busy?
Baristas need to be able to move quickly while keeping their supplies clean and workspace neat. Showcase your organization skills as you answer this question.
Example Answer:
For me, especially in a fast-paced work environment, I try to clean as I go. This prevents the build-up of clutter and mess while also preventing me from slowing down. Having a clean workspace is essential to remain efficient and productive, and I believe that taking a few seconds here and there helps me more than waiting until the mess has become overwhelming.
How well do you work in a team environment?
As a barista, you need to be adept at getting your work done while also supporting your coworkers in getting theirs completed. As you answer this question, highlight your teamwork skills as well as which parts you enjoy most about working as a part of a team.
Example Answer:
I enjoy working on teams, as I find that closely-knit teams help us all to remain accountable. When you depend on others, and others depend on you, you are far more likely to put your best foot forward and complete tasks as best as you can to avoid disappointing your fellow team members or hindering their performance.
I also find that working in a team environment helps me to stay motivated, as team members can feed off of one another’s energy and keep the work moving.
Tell me about yourself.
This is a common question to ask in a barista interview, as it helps set the stage for who you are and what you bring to the table as a potential employee. Use the opportunity to mention your work history and your top skills.
Example Answer:
I've been a barista for two years, and I'm passionate about giving customers a delightful experience from being cheerful, polite, and helpful when they're ordering to giving them the best-tasting coffee I can.
I enjoy the fast-paced environment of a coffee shop, and I thrive when I get to work with a team and help make people's day a little brighter.
Why should we hire you?
When you answer this question, don't be afraid to be honest about what makes you great as a barista and employee. You won't sound braggy if you're factual.
Example Answer:
You should hire me because my experience working as a bartender and in retail has given me the customer service and organization skills required to be a highly effective barista. In addition, my love of making people feel welcomed and cared for would also make me a great addition to your organization, since I know you value helping customers feel at home.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Interviewers ask this question to find out more about what your professional goals are. Plus, since working as a barista is often a temporary job, it's also a practical question to find out if you're planning on staying for a while or not. Be honest in your answer, but make sure you highlight your dedication to growing your skills and furthering the organization as well.
Example Answer:
In five years, I see myself taking on more responsibilities, such as training and mentoring new baristas or even being in a management role. Either way, I see myself as having grown my skills so that I can contribute excellent work and new ideas to the coffee shop and its customers.
Are you comfortable with flexible working hours, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays?
Coffee shops are often open at odd hours of the day, and they need people to work those shifts. Be honest about any limitations you may have when answering this question, but make sure your willingness to be a team player shines through the brightest.
Example Answer:
Yes, I am comfortable with flexible hours. My only limitation is that I'm also taking a college class, so I typically won't be able to work during the times I'm in class, but I'm happy to take whatever other hours you would need me to work.
How would you handle a situation where a customer has a special dietary requirement or food allergy?
Your employer and customers alike need to know they can trust you to honor and handle dietary requirements and allergies. Explain how you'd handle this issue. If you aren't sure, say so, highlighting your understanding of its importance and your desire to learn.
Example Answer:
When encountering a customer with a specific dietary requirement, I'd listen carefully to their needs, asking clarifying questions as needed. I'd then inform them of the ingredients in whatever beverage or food item they're interested in and suggest alternative options if necessary. I'd then complete the order myself to ensure that everything is followed closely and that nothing gets lost in translation between me and my team members.
Why are you interested in working as a barista?
What previous experience do you have in the food and beverage industry, particularly in a coffee shop or café setting?
What steps would you take to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the coffee preparation area?
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in coffee making?
Can you describe your knowledge of different types of coffee beans, brewing methods, and espresso-based beverages?
How do you handle multitasking and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment?
Tell us about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline or handle a high volume of customers.
How do you ensure consistency in the quality and taste of coffee drinks you prepare?
Do you have any experience with latte art or creating visually appealing coffee beverages?
How do you handle cash transactions and maintain accuracy in cash handling?
Describe a time when you had to deal with an upset or dissatisfied customer. How did you resolve the situation?
Can you explain the process of calibrating and adjusting espresso machines?
What do you consider the most important factors in creating an excellent customer experience in a coffee shop?
Do you have any knowledge or experience in alternative brewing methods such as pour-over, French press, or AeroPress?
How do you handle and track inventory, including monitoring coffee bean levels, milk, and other supplies?
What do you enjoy most about being a barista, and how do you see yourself growing in this role?
As a Candidate:
Highlight your customer service skills. Many common barista interview questions revolve around customer service, so think of examples where you've used these in the past and incorporate them into your interview answers.
Showcase your time management and organization skills. Being a barista means you need to be good at moving through your work quickly and accurately while keeping your workspace clean and organized. So, be ready to show off your skills in this area with examples from your past work.
Demonstrate your passion for working with people. Baristas need to do well working in close quarters with coworkers and customers. As you answer interview questions, look for opportunities to mention how you love this part of the job, whether that's being on a team or serving customers.
As an Interviewer:
Ask questions about candidates' customer service skills. While you can teach many customer service skills, it's important to make sure the barista you hire has a good foundation in this area.
Find out about candiates' organization skills. Even if candidates don't have any experience working as baristas, they should still have solid organization skills.
Get an idea of how much the candidate likes working with people. Your interview questions for a barista should include plenty of questions about the candidates' ability to be a part of a team and to work with difficult people. Otherwise, you'll end up dealing with far more customer complaints and employee disagreements than you likely want.
Being a barista can be a high-stress, rigorous workplace that keeps you on your toes, and there are certainly benefits to this sort of position, especially if you enjoy this type of work.
If this is one of your dream jobs you have wanted for years or one of your first jobs, you will need proper interview skills to land the highly coveted position.
If you use our list of questions and example answers as practice, you will be as prepared as possible for whatever the interviewer throws at you, and you will give the best answers you can.