Starbucks Barista Job Description

Barista is one of the most popular positions at Starbucks.

They are responsible for a lot more than only preparing beverages.

Baristas work directly with customers and help keep the store looking at its best.

Before applying to the position, it’s a good idea to get more information about the job.

In the article below, we will cover the main duties of a barista along with other details such as salary, schedule, and benefits.

What Does a Starbucks Barista Do

A Starbucks barista is responsible for multiple tasks in their everyday interactions with customers.

While you’re recommending new products and taking custom orders, your routing can change instantly.

In the sections below, you will find detailed information about this position.

Responsibilities

In a fast-paced environment at Starbucks, you will have to adapt to changing needs in the store quickly.

You can start off by making beverages at the espresso bar then swap spots with a fellow employee at the Frappuccino station.

The primary responsibilities of a Starbucks barista include:

• Prepare beverages for the customers, such as tea and coffee.
• Recommend the products to the customers who didn’t decide on their orders.
• Maintain and clean the store when needed.
• Adhere to food safety procedures.
• Handle cash and record customers’ orders information accurately.
• Resolve customer complaints efficiently and quickly as they come up.

Working Hours

There is a wide range of shifts among which baristas at Starbucks can choose.

The hours are based on the staffing needs of each store.

Your shifts may include late nights and early mornings.

The position of a barista can be both part- and full-time, so the working hours will range between 20 and 40 hours per week.

Sometimes, in busy periods, some overtime work may be required.

Working Environment

Working as a barista, you will have to stay on your feet for long periods as well as walk around quickly.

You should be comfortable working in an area with limited space and many people around you.

Depending on the station, you will work with hot temperatures when operating various equipment.

You will also be crouching a lot when moving equipment or stocking.

Salary

The starting pay depends on various factors, including your work experience.

Typically, baristas make from $9 to $16 per hour.

Full-time employees are also eligible for additional benefits such as paid time off, health insurance and a 401k plan.

Besides, all Starbucks employees can benefit from exclusive discounts for the store’s products and can also receive weekly tips.

Benefits and Perks

Starbucks offers multiple benefits to both part-time and full-time employees.

They depend on your employment status as well.

Benefits:

Stock and Savings:

401k plan with a company match (up to 4-6% of the salary), together with the discounted company stock and engagement in their equity reward program, Bean Stock.

Health coverage:

Starbucks offers various coverage for health, vision, and dental care.

Also, dependent care reimbursement and health care plans are available, together with health insurance and accident and disability coverage.

Parental leave:

Eligible employees who became new parents get paid time off through the parental leave program.

There is also adoption-expense reimbursement available up to $10,000 per child.

Paid time off:

Employees can get paid vacation days and family and partner sick time.

Starbucks also has 7 paid holidays when employees are getting paid time and a half for working on those holidays.

Commuter benefits:

Employees get the means to take care of work-related commuting expenses, for example, transit pass.

Education:

Eligible employees can earn a Bachelor’s degree with 100% tuition coverage, counseling, and coaching through the online program of Arizona State University.

Partner assistance:

Starbucks offers its employees assistance with the financial crises coming from illnesses, natural disasters, family death, or other circumstances.

Perks:

• Employee discount: 30% off on the in-store products.
• Coffee and tea mark out: a free pound of coffee or a box of tea every week.
• Partner networks: Network for employees with common interests.
• Recognition programs: Both formal and informal to recognize employees.
• Care@Work by Care.com: up to 10 backup care days per year for kids and adults.
• Elite athlete program.
• Affiliate discounts.
• Gym discounts (at GlobalFit, Curves, and Gold’s Gym).
• Free Spotify Premium (typically, the service is $9.99 per month).
• On-site daycare, dry-cleaning, and gym (available only for Starbucks Support Center employees).
• Matching Gifts program: Up to $1,500 per fiscal year for eligible nonprofits.

Experience and Skills

To become a barista at Starbucks, you need to possess a certain set of skills and experience.

• Strong communication skills.
• Working well under pressure.
• Punctuality.
• Strong planning skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Multi-tasking.
• Foodservice experience.
• Customer service experience.

However, you still can apply for the job even if you don’t have these skills.

You can become an excellent barista with proper training.

The hiring manager can recognize your potential by only looking at your application.

What to Expect at the Interview

So, you applied for the job and got an interview? Great!

It’s a common thing that job interviews can be nerve-racking, so you should know what to expect.

Below, we have gathered some sample questions you may be asked at the interview, and you’ll also find some tips on how to answer each of them in the best way.

Question: “What do you know about Starbucks?”

Ways to answer:

• Starbucks first started in Seattle in 1971.
• Starbucks sells high-quality coffee, espresso, Frappuccino, smoothies, tea, and bakery.
• Starbucks has a loyalty program called My Starbucks Rewards for regular customers who can receive perks like free drinks or food.

Question: “Tell us a little about yourself and your work experience.”

Sometimes, it can be a tough question to answer.

Some people find it difficult to talk about themselves, especially when it comes to their accomplishments.

Here are some things to focus on:

• Mention how your work experience relates to the position of a barista, especially if you don’t have coffee or food service experience.
• Unrelated experience can include customer service, retail, cash handling, or working with people (even projects in class).

Question: “What is your greatest strength?”

This can be a difficult question for many people, so here are some well-thought answers you could use.

However, one of the most important things is don’t lie! Don’t tell them what they want to hear if it doesn’t apply to you.

It can make things more difficult in the long run, and they will be able to recognize that you’ve lied.

• I’m a quick learner – you will demonstrate that it will be easy to train you.
• I’m a great multi-tasker – this is extremely important for the job of a barista, so you will show that you’re qualified.
• I can work under pressure – this is another essential thing to be able to work at Starbucks.

Question: “Why do you want to work at Starbucks?”

• You can tell that you love Starbucks products and would like to represent them to the public.
• Talk about how Starbucks treats staff and employees.
  Point out to the great customer service and the benefits the company offers to its employees.

Other questions at the interview will likely concern the dress code.

Be sure to research them before the interview.

Conclusion

If you enjoy working in a rapidly changing and challenging work environment, the job of a barista at Starbucks will be well-fitted for you.

With a wide range of responsibilities throughout the store, this position is the best for people who are comfortable in an active environment.