Land Your First Job as a Barista

No experience – no problem! Your barista job is waiting for you!

If you are a teenager or have just enrolled in a college, finding a job might seem like a challenging task. But challenging doesn't mean impossible! Even if you have zero working experience and have never had a job interview, you have an opportunity to start building your career today. And make some extra money too. The sooner, the better!

As a new barista, you might work in a number of different settings including working in a cafe, drive-thru coffee stand, or even a food truck that happens to serve coffee.

We have prepared this easy guide to help you land your first job as a barista.

Basic steps to start your first barista job:

1. Get training

You might want to take a specialized barista training course taught by real-world baristas and coffee professionals. But keep in mind that these courses usually cost a fortune, that's why you should consider taking an online course, like ours.

We have specially collected all information you need to start your barista job in our barista training course. We will cover such essential topics as coffee equipment, barista functions, and brewing techniques. Additionally, we will talk about writing a perfect barista resume, preparing for the barista job interview, and what coffee shop owners expect from their future employees.

2. Learn about coffee

There are plenty of books and downloadable online resources dedicated to coffee and barista techniques. Besides taking our barista training course, you can also read free barista training articles on our blog and learn about fundamental coffee origins, roasting, and brewing.

Be curious and talk to local baristas every time you pick up a coffee on the go. Pick up a book from the library or do some online research. If coffee is your passion, you won't have any problems finding the correct information about specialty coffee.

3. Network is the key to success

Expand your coffee network by attending a few coffee cuppings or tastings. It's a great way to educate yourself about coffee and meet other coffee enthusiasts. In addition, networking is the perfect way to find your first coffee job. Many people are willing to refer you to someone they know is looking for a barista.

During coffee cuppings, you will learn how to appreciate subtle coffee notes better and develop an understanding of the coffee taste wheel. Write down new coffee tasting terms to elaborate your coffee vocabulary. This will be very beneficial when you arrive at your first barista job interview and start working.

4. Prepare a simple resume

Many young people believe that they don't need a resume, mainly applying for a part-time job. The truth is that you need to learn how to build your resume, so why don't you start writing your first resume now. Highlight your skills and strengths. Are you sociable and friendly? Write that down. Have you organized an event in your high school or volunteered for social work? Excellent! Don't forget to mention that.

Besides, a well-written barista resume will be a good sign to your future employer – you put any effort into finding this job, which means you are ready to do your best behind the counter as a barista.

Your resume will help you step out of the crowd of potential baristas and make you a real candidate for a barista job.

5. How to approach a coffee shop for a job

We believe that there are probably many coffee shop jobs near you, though you might need to step out and do a little research. First, check local online job boards, such as craigslist. Then explore the area looking for “Barista needed” signs. Even if they don't have any job openings, order a coffee and chat with the staff. Some coffee shops will have a better ambiance and seem nicer to you than the others. You can also search for jobs in a local newspaper or ask baristas at your local coffee shop.

Get a list of coffee shops you like and where you think it will be fun to work. Then, try to understand what your coffee shop owner or manager is looking for when hiring baristas. There are two ways you can approach a coffee shop – either talk to the manager personally and hand them your resume; or send an email with a short presentation and a resume attached.

6. Prepare for your interview

Your appearance matters, especially if you plan to be a barista and serve coffee and food for the customers. So be sure that you look presentable, well-groomed, and well-dressed. There's no need to wear a suit, just be yourself. Confidence is one of the essential factors if you want to be hired for any job. Don't be shy and show that you are eager to get this barista job.

A few days after your barista job interview, follow up with the employer – it shows that you are responsible and serious about the job. Always be psychologically ready to hear ‘No”. This shouldn't undermine your self-confidence – reply that they may give you a call if they need someone in the future.

7. How to get experience

If you have trouble finding a barista job, try looking for a part-time job in the customer service or food industry: work at a restaurant, retail outlet, or help in a small café or coffee truck first. This will allow you to acquire the customer service and food preparation skills needed to work in a coffee shop.

Helping in a restaurant or a coffee shop will give you knowledge of how this business works inside and what you have to be prepared for. Besides, it increases your chances of getting hired for a full-time job in a coffee shop later.

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 looking to start a career in the coffee industry. For more information, visit our blog.