Barista Interview Questions

The goal for a successful interview for a Barista is to assess their ability to provide excellent customer service, demonstrate their knowledge of coffee and other beverages, and showcase their skills in making delicious and visually appealing drinks.

Situational interview questions

• Scenario: One of your customers has requested a unique customized beverage, but unfortunately, you are out of one of the key ingredients required to make it. How would you handle this situation?
• Scenario: A customer has complained that their hot coffee is too cold. However, you know that you made it at the right temperature. What steps would you take to handle this situation and ensure the customer is satisfied?
• Scenario: You notice that the coffee machine is malfunctioning and no longer produces the same quality coffee as it used to. How would you diagnose the problem and solve it?
• Scenario: You have noticed an increase in the number of customers experiencing allergies from consuming some of the coffees made by the machine. What measures would you take to investigate and prevent the problem?
• Scenario: The store has received complaints from multiple customers about late orders and long waiting times. How would you identify the cause of the problem and find an effective solution?

Soft skills interview questions

• How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple orders to fulfill and a customer asks for assistance with something else?
• Describe a situation where you had to resolve a customer complaint. How did you handle it?
• How do you gauge a customer’s mood and adjust your communication style accordingly?
• Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with team members to complete a task or project. How did you contribute to the team’s success?
• How do you stay organized during busy periods? Can you walk me through your approach to time management and what methods you use to stay focused?

Role-specific interview questions

• Can you walk us through the espresso-making process and explain the importance of certain variables, such as grind size and tamping pressure?
• How do you troubleshoot a faulty espresso shot, such as one that is too bitter or too sour, and what adjustments would you make to the variables in the process to rectify it?
• How do you prepare and store milk for use in drinks, and what are the differences in techniques and temperature ranges between steaming milk for a latte versus a cappuccino?
• Can you describe your knowledge of various brewing methods, such as pour-over or cold brew, and explain how to adjust parameters to achieve desired flavor profiles?
• How do you handle customer complaints and ensure that their issues are resolved while still maintaining a positive attitude and representing the company?

STAR interview questions

1. Can you walk me through a situation where you had to deal with a difficult customer at the coffee shop? What was your task in that situation, what steps did you take to handle the situation, and what result did you achieve?

2. Tell me about a specific time when you had to handle a high-volume rush at the coffee shop. What was your task during that time, what steps did you take to keep up with the demand, and what results did you achieve?

3. Have you ever had to deal with a coworker who wasn’t pulling their weight at the coffee shop? What was the situation like, what was your task in resolving the issue, and what result did you achieve?

4. Describe a time when you made a mistake while preparing a drink for a customer. What was your task in that situation, what steps did you take to rectify the mistake, and what was the result of your actions?

5. Have you ever had to train a new barista at the coffee shop? What was your task in that situation, what steps did you take to ensure proper training, and what was the result of your efforts?