Gaining experience as a barista

[bj210269]

Hi...
I've been trying to get a job as a barista. i have my barista certificate but i have no experience. all barista job, you need to have experience. How do i gain experience? Any help?

Thank you

 

[PinkRose]

Hi...
I've been trying to get a job as a barista. i have my barista certificate but i have no experience. all barista job, you need to have experience. How do i gain experience? Any help?

Thank you

Hello bj,

Welcome!

You mention that you have a barista certificate. Where did you go to get the training?

I'm pretty sure there are plenty of shop owners who would love to hire someone who already has barista training and understands the world of coffee. You are one step up in the hiring process already.

The fact that you don't have experience yet, is also a plus.

Most managers prefer to train a new barista in their own way, and you've demonstrated that you're trainable and willing to learn. Plus, you obviously haven't acquired any bad work habits yet.

When you apply for a barista job, present yourself in a professional manner, speak well, have good eye contact, respond to questions intelligently, but don't present yourself as a "know it all," because that usually turns people off. Demonstrate that you're willing to learn, and definitely let them know that you're willing to work hard and be flexible in your scheduling needs.

Everyone starts out with no experience. Even Starbucks hires people with no experience so they can train them the Starbucks way. I'm sure you would rather start out in a privately owned cafe, but if you need to start out in a place like Starbucks, go for it. You 'gotta start out somewhere.

Best wishes,
Rose

 

[John P]

Rose is right, most owners prefer no experience, and the reality is that a "Barista Certificate" is not a credential of any sort. Now it does show you were willing to spend some money to learn, and that's what's important.

The way to get in somewhere is to A) take the chain store route OR
B) Narrow your selection to one or two shops that you want to work at.

1. Be a customer first.
2. Know who the manager is, when they work, and become recognizable. (it's a process)
3. Know specifically why you want to work at that shop.
4. Perhaps a basic resume specifically tailored to that shop with a short essay attached on why you love coffee/espresso, and what you've done to begin your journey.
5. Don't ask for or inquire about work without approaching it in a professional manner. How you dress (even when asking if they are hiring) says exactly how much respect you have for yourself, and more importantly, how much respect you have for that shop.

Also, for most owners, what you order is a clear sign of whether you actually like coffee or if you just "want to work as a barista"
Know who and what you are dealing with and show the proper respect.

Good luck!:coffee1:

 

[bj210269]

I've got my training here in Melbourne. Cof*** Sch+++.

Will start from the independent coffee shop.
Thank you guys.

 

[PinkRose]

The Melbourne Coffee School website says that they have job referral services. Have they been of any help to you?

 

[bj210269]

I couldn't find it on their website.

 

[PinkRose]

I couldn't find it on their website.

I don't have time to look for it again. I Googled Melbourne Coffee School, and that's how I found the information.

Did you get any paperwork or brochures from them when you signed up for the course?

You can always give them a call and find out about their job referral service.

 

[retroroast]

There are so many barista jobs out there now so although on the one hand it means greater competition, as someone who has a certificate from a highly reputable place you should be able to find a job fairly easily!! That being said, attitude and approach is everything. And I think showing passion for the industry goes a long way.

The fact you have a certificate is obviously great. I on the other hand have no certification, only experience/ some training so I would be intrigued to see how this would effect my chances of getting a job in comparison to yours..... Anyway, Good Luck!

 

[retroroast]

Oh and you could volunteer? Maybe at a coffee event/ fair. You would then be able to gain experience in a few different areas as well as speak to industry specialists!

 

[bj210269]

Thank you guys for the advice.