A Banging Barista Resume Example (+Writing Tips)

Barista’s do much more than pull mugs of premixed coffee beverages. The art of making and pouring the perfect latte or cappuccino is something people work years on. A good barista often works full-time, commands a decent salary with tips, and is privileged to work with premium ingredients.

Baristas also enjoy friendly work environments with customers who appreciate their service. To land a great job as a barista, you’ll need a stellar resume. Keep reading for resume writing tips, and a sample barista resume.

What to Put on Resume for Barista?

A good resume for a barista should detail any relevant experience you have in the food industry, plus highlight your brewing skills. Be sure to highlight your knowledge of different brewing techniques, bean roasting, and complimentary experiences with tea or pastry preparation. If you have any relevant training, certifications, or accolades, place them in the limelight too. 

Barista Resume Samples

General Resume Sample For A Barista (Word Version)

Download resume example (.docx)

Barista Resume Example (text version)

Here is a brief example resume for a barista with a few years of industry experience.

Starbucks Barista Resume Example

How Long are Starbucks Barista Shifts?

Barista shifts at Starbucks are usually 4, 6, or 8 hours long. Starbucks will work with baristas to accommodate scheduling needs within reason. Baristas who open may have to be available as early as 4:30 in the morning. Closing Baristas are often expected to be on the clock 30 minutes to an hour after Starbucks is closed. Workdays can vary depending on the needs of the particular store.

What are the Minimum Hours You Can Work at Starbucks?

In the US, you must work 20 hours per week at Starbucks to qualify for benefits. However, this is calculated as an average over a six-month period. This is a total of 520 hours per six-month period.

Is Starbucks a Good First Job?

Yes, Starbucks is an excellent first job for high school and college students. They offer a great work environment, benefits, and many perks. This includes paid college tuition. Additionally, students appreciate working at Starbucks with other young people with a company that has values that are often in line with their own.

How to Write a Resume for a Barista Job: Essential Tips

To write an impressive resume for a barista position you should focus on describing your front and backhouse experience. Highlight your main skills in food prep and also mention the administrative and customer service skills you have. Then detail your work experience.

Below tips will further instruct you on resume writing. 

Talk About Front and Back Of House Experience

Barista is a peak position. In a high-end coffee house, a good barista can expect to earn more than $100 in tips per day. Many people will be vying for that position. The hiring manager will want to see that you have a well-rounded experience. If you can’t show that you understand the business thoroughly, you’ll be started in a back-of-house position. 

Your resume should show the following capabilities:

• The ability to maintain a clean work environment
• Speed and efficiency
• Understanding of restaurant opening and closing procedures
• The ability to memorize ingredients and specialties
• Willingness and ability to upsell items
• Customer-facing experience
• An understanding of premium ingredients and techniques

These are the skills you will need to be put ‘on the bar’ on a full-time basis. If you lack these skills, expect to start in BOH position, or as a part-time barista.

Choose A Functional Resume Format If You Have Less Experience

If you don’t have much experience, don’t lead off with your work history. That will only make that shortcoming stand out more. Instead, start with your skills – something you do in a functional resume. By doing this, you cause the hiring manager to focus on what you can do, rather than how long you’ve been doing this.

What skills are needed for a barista?

Here are some good to include skills for a barista resume: 

• Grinding and roasting coffee
• Using a POS system
• Operating a dish machine
• Cleaning and using an espresso machine, French press, etc.
• Having a food sanitation certificate
• The ability to make a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks
• Coffee art 

Show A True Passion For Coffee

Anyone can get a cup of coffee at their local fast food place. They go to coffee shops for an elevated experience with a barista who loves the product they sell. Think about it. You wouldn’t eat at a restaurant if the chef didn’t care about food, would you?

Use your resume to demonstrate that you love coffee, and are passionate about product quality. For example, if you blog about coffee, add that to the hobbies and interests section of your resume. If you’ve taken the time to become a certified barista, add that information to the education section of your resume.

Mention Your “Mentions”

A good barista will develop a following, somewhat like a well-respected chef. If you’ve been serving coffee in a larger city, you may have captured the attention of local media and bloggers. Let hiring managers know if you’ve been featured in a local magazine, mentioned in a notable blog, or won any awards.

Address Resume Gaps In Your Interview

Don’t worry if you have gaps in your work history. These won’t necessarily keep you from getting a job. Just know that you will have to provide a reasonable explanation for them when you interview.

What you want to avoid is attempting to awkwardly explain the gap on your resume. If the gap isn’t due to schooling or volunteer work, just don’t mention it in your resume at all. Instead, cover the matter briefly in your cover letter, and offer to provide more info in the interview.

Keep An Eye On The Future!

Two years ago, nobody would have predicted that oat milk or nitro cold brew would be as popular as they are today. Go back another 5 years, and the same could be said about kombucha. What do you think coffee lovers will order in the next year or two? If you’ve learned to create what you believe is an up-and-coming coffee drink, mention that skill in your resume.

FAQs about Barista Jobs 

Below are several frequently asked questions and answers about barista jobs. 

Is barista a hard job?

If you are fine with working in a fast-paced environment and spending most of your workday on your feet, then barista jobs won’t seem that hard to you. Learning the art and science of coffee preparation takes some practice, but most employers provide essential training and you can easily figure out your personal approach later on. 

What qualities make a good barista?

Overall, to be a good barista you need to have strong interpersonal skills and great attention to detail since you’d probably have to handle some grumpy customers or mixed-up orders. Being enthusiastic about different coffee roasting and brewing techniques is a plus too since many customers will chat you up on this. 

What should I say in a barista interview?

During a barista interview, focus on describing your past experiences in the food industry. If it’s your first position, showcase your passion and knowledge of the coffee industry and highlight your aptitude for learning the art of coffee prep. 

How many hours does a barista work?

Depends on the location. But most baristas can choose to work 4, 6, or 8 hour shifts, either daily or on a rotating basis. Some coffee shops may ask you to take on longer 10-12 hour shifts for several days a week if you are working part-time. But think if this is really something you could pull off before agreeing.