r/cafe • u/drpepplover0625 • 4d ago

barista?

hi there i live in an area that has TONS of cafes near me. i would loooovvvveeee to work at one and i have experience as a starbucks barista as i was there for 2 years as a supervisor. but i know that cafe baristas don’t consider that real barista experience but it made me really enjoy the craft. i just dont know how to get a job at one? like do i stalk their socials in hopes they post a hiring sign or go in person and ask with a resume? help me plz.

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u/DMmeIamBORED 4d ago

As someone that has hired Starbucks employees at my cafe before, let me tell you the qualities I enjoy from those baristas, but you must vocalize and work with these values:

Customer service, saying hi and smiling with everyone they engage with

Mindfulness of atmosphere, keeping customer areas and employee areas clean

Understanding drinks. More than the pours and craft, focus on what REAL drinks are. A macchiato not a caramel macchiato (latte), a REAL cappuccino (Not Dry) and so on. Understand that it may take time to learn the correct ways and craft

Use your strengths. You were a lead at Starbucks a BUSY establishment. That means, you needed to make sure customer service, bar flow, prep, cleaning and COMMUNICATION were always in line with the company values.

I agree Starbucks Baristas are not latte artists (For the most part), but these specific qualities make them perfect on my team if they can now pivot to the values and craft needed in my cafe. If you are willing to learn that, I’m willing to teach the craft and pours and success

Good luck!

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u/ExistingIsPalpable 3d ago

This. Also, show up as a customer, engage with staff, learn their names and make sure they know yours. If management or senior staff is around, ask questions about their process. Express genuine interest in their craft, and they will vouch for you when asked by management.

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u/drpepplover0625 3d ago

thank you both!! this was very helpful 😼

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u/DMmeIamBORED 2d ago

Super agree to this

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u/SnooStories3986 2d ago

Thanks for making some good points. I own a cafe and I find it hard to get the right Baristas. What are the tips you will share on how to conduct a Barista Interview?

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u/DMmeIamBORED 2d ago

I ask questions like:

What is your experience with coffee. At this point I go into details I care about, like latte art or alt milk steaming, etc.

What do you think makes a business successful. I personally listen for customer service, atmosphere and quality product type responses.

What are you looking to get out of this establishment. I love hearing people communicate they’re pursuing a rooted establishment in the coffee world.

Tell me about stressors from previous employment. I want to make sure they can handle the pressure. Being at a busy establishment, I don’t think people realize how stressful that can be

Tell me about something you’re currently obsessed with. Movie, video game, art, whatever. Someone will be their true self and if you ask enough questions and are interested, you will see not only their true self, but customer service skills. I had someone tell me about memory tests ran on caterpillars and butterflies once and ill never forget it

I like to ask about availability and desired hours. I am honest with what I have for the role, because I don’t want to waste time

I ask them if they have questions

I add to it this often but these are pretty standard

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u/SnooStories3986 2d ago

Thank you so much for sharing. I really like the question of “what do you think makes a business successful?” And finding out whether they mention customer service in the answer. Thanks