Job Interview Questions for Baristas

Beyond having trust in your employees, it's crucial to ensure they can do the job according to your expectations. A barista should be dedicated to their profession, someone who values and embodies coffee culture. Defining what makes a good barista varies depending on whom you ask. However, we've considered the key aspects we find most important to know before working with a barista.

#1 What’s your favorite thing about making coffee? 

The objective of this inquiry is to gauge the individual's passion for their work. Ideally, you're seeking someone deeply invested in the process, someone who will invest the time and dedication necessary to consistently deliver high-quality coffee.

#2 Do you make your own coffee at home? 

You need to discern if the interviewee still holds a passion for the craft of coffee-making or if they have become indifferent to it. While some baristas may contentedly indulge in espresso exclusively, our preference is for someone with diverse tastes, someone capable of recommending a different drink each day of the week.

#3 Convince me to try a coffee drink that I’ve never had.

To test both the selling abilities and coffee knowledge of a potential barista, you be asking “sell me X” questions. 

#4 Can you strike up a conversation with strangers? 

Interpersonal skills are undeniable the most important quality for a barista. Coffee-brewing, grinding - these are all teachable skills. However, coaching someone to have a pleasant personality and an ability to connect with people is not easily taught. Find out how good your potential employee is at interacting with people they don’t know. 

#5 What tasks do you expect to be performing as a barista? 

Above all, you want someone to work at your shop, not just make coffee. You need to know whether they’re experienced - and willing to wash dishes, clean counters, the whole package that comes with maintaining a clean workspace. If not experienced, this can be easily taught, but it’s important to sense their willingness to go beyond simple tasks, and be prepared to do things out of their comfort zone. 

These questions will function as a tool to separate the less promising interviewees from the favorable ones. Being a barista involves more than just making coffee. We'll take care of your beverage program, allowing you to focus on managing your employees and shop.