Once upon a time, people balked at the idea of a $5 cup of coffee. Several people said, “No way will people pay that, since you can get a coffee for $1 or less.” ” Well, they may have seemed true, but it turned out it wasn’t. Starbucks took the nation by storm.
You need to do well on your Starbucks interview questions if you want to work for the company that proved $5 is a fair price for a great cup of coffee. When you do, you can join the 346,000 team members, potentially in about a week.
That’s right. The company that’s powered by java has a speedy (caffeine-powered?) hiring process if they have a current opening. You won’t have a lot of time to prepare once you submit an application. That’s why it’s smart to start preparing for your Starbucks interview now.
But what if you already applied? Are you doomed? No, of course not. We have your back. Here is everything you need to know to make sure you shine when you answer the Starbucks interview questions.
Get our “Job Interview Questions” here.
So you’ve set your sights on becoming a barista at the iconic coffee giant, Starbucks. You’ve probably already imagined yourself crafting intricate latte art and whipping up delicious Frappuccinos, but before you can don the green apron, you’ll need to ace the interview
Fear not, aspiring barista! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate the interview process and land your dream job at Starbucks.
What to Expect in a Starbucks Interview
Starbucks interviews are usually structured and include both behavioral and situational questions to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Get ready to talk about how much you love coffee, how much experience you have with customer service, and how well you can work in a fast-paced environment.
Common Starbucks Barista Interview Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked Starbucks barista interview questions along with tips on how to answer them effectively
1. Why do you want to work at Starbucks?
Here’s your chance to show that you really care about the company and its values. Show how much you love coffee, how much you appreciate Starbucks’ commitment to fair trade and community involvement, or how much you want to improve your customer service skills.
Example Answer
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Starbucks, not just for the delicious coffee, but also for the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. I’m passionate about coffee and enjoy interacting with people, and I believe that working as a barista at Starbucks would allow me to combine both of these passions.”
2. What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?
This question might seem casual, but it allows the interviewer to gauge your knowledge of the menu and your ability to connect with customers.
Example Answer:
“My favorite Starbucks drink is the Caramel Macchiato. I love the combination of sweet caramel and creamy vanilla, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. However, I’m always eager to try new things and explore the diverse range of options on the menu.”
3. How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their drink?
This question assesses your customer service skills and ability to handle conflict resolution.
Example Answer:
“I would first apologize for the inconvenience and actively listen to the customer’s concerns. I would then offer to remake the drink according to their preferences or suggest alternative options if the issue cannot be resolved. My goal is to ensure that every customer leaves satisfied and has a positive experience.”
4. Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service?
This is your opportunity to showcase a specific instance where you demonstrated exceptional customer service skills.
Example Answer:
“In my previous role as a server, I once had a customer who was celebrating a special occasion. I went the extra mile by decorating their table with balloons and writing a personalized message on their dessert plate. They were incredibly touched by the gesture and left a glowing review praising my attentiveness and thoughtfulness.”
5. How would you describe your teamwork skills?
Working as a barista requires strong teamwork and collaboration. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively, support your colleagues, and contribute to a positive team environment.
Example Answer:
“I’m a strong team player who thrives in collaborative environments. In my previous experience, I’ve always been able to build rapport with my colleagues, communicate effectively, and work together to achieve common goals. I believe that teamwork is essential for success, especially in a fast-paced environment like Starbucks.”
Additional Tips for Acing Your Starbucks Interview
- Research Starbucks’ company culture and values. Familiarize yourself with their mission statement, core values, and commitment to social responsibility. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its values.
- Practice the STAR method. When answering behavioral interview questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you provide clear and concise examples of your past experiences and how they relate to the job requirements.
- Dress professionally and arrive on time. First impressions matter. Dress appropriately for the interview and arrive on time to show that you are respectful and take the opportunity seriously.
- Be enthusiastic and positive. Show your genuine passion for coffee, customer service, and the Starbucks brand. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
- Ask thoughtful questions. Asking insightful questions at the end of the interview demonstrates your interest in the company and your desire to learn more about the role.
Bonus: Starbucks Interview Questions FAQs
- What kind of questions do they ask in a Starbucks interview?
Starbucks interview questions typically focus on your customer service experience, teamwork skills, ability to handle pressure, and passion for coffee. They may also ask behavioral questions to assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific situations.
- How do I prepare for a Starbucks interview?
Research the company culture, practice the STAR method, prepare answers to common interview questions, and dress professionally. You can also visit a Starbucks store to observe the operation and get a feel for the environment.
- Are Starbucks interviews easy?
While Starbucks interviews are not necessarily difficult, they require thorough preparation and a genuine interest in the company. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.
- How long is Starbucks training?
Starbucks training typically lasts for two days to two weeks, depending on the store location and manager. However, the company aims to get you self-sufficient in your position as quickly as possible.
Landing a job as a Starbucks barista requires preparation, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for coffee and customer service. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your interview and land your dream job at the world’s most iconic coffeehouse.
How would you handle a customer who claims their drink order is wrong?
Everyone who works at Starbucks has to deal with customers who say their drinks are wrong from time to time. In some cases, they’ll be metered about it. In others, they’ll go from zero to shouting in no time flat.
Since the situation is bound to arise, the hiring manager wants to know you can handle it. This question lets them assess whether you’d naturally take the right approach.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
If a customer picked up their drink, took a sip, and became visibly unhappy, but didn’t approach an employee about it, what would you do?
While some customers will confront employees immediately if they don’t think their beverage is perfect, many won’t. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be fallout. You can’t be sure that a customer won’t complain just because they didn’t ask for a new drink in this day and age of Yelp reviews and social media rants.
Plus, businesses thrive when customers come back. A single bad experience might be enough to chase some people away, at least from that location.
The hiring manager wants to know if you’ll take action if you see a possible problem with this question.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
