"Coffee is a language in itself."

Jackie Chan

A barista has to be friendly and knowledgeable to succeed in the job. With a well-written barista resume example, you can make a positive first impression on potential employers, showing that later you will be delivering the best service to their clients.

The term "barista" originates from Italian and Spanish origins, denoting a male or female "bartender" specializing in serving a variety of hot drinks like espresso, along with cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks, often from behind a counter. (Wikipedia)

This article provides a comprehensive guide on composing a barista resume to help you highlight your skills and experience and distinguish yourself from other candidates.

Accompanied with resume examples, it will give you a clear idea of what it takes to build a great barista resume .

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Barista resume examples

Justin Snyder

Lexington, NE | 308-324-1558 | justin-snyder@email.com

Objective:

A motivated and skilled barista with 3 years of experience in delivering exceptional customer service, crafting various coffee beverages, and maintaining a welcoming café environment. Seeking to leverage expertise and passion for coffee to contribute to a dynamic coffee shop team.

Work experience:

Barista at Sunrise Brews (Lexington, NE) | January 2020 - March 2023

  • Prepared and served a diverse range of coffee drinks, ensuring consistency in quality and taste.
  • Managed peak hours effectively, handling multiple orders and reducing customer wait times.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of café areas, adhering to health and safety standards.
  • Developed and introduced new seasonal beverages, resulting in increased sales and positive feedback.

Education:

Barista Certification Course | Bean Brilliance Academy (Lexington, NE) | Completed in December 2019

High School Diploma | Senior High School (Lexington, NE) | Graduated in May 2019

Skills:

  • Proficient in various coffee brewing methods (espresso, pour-over, etc.).
  • Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Cash handling and inventory management expertise.
  • Creative in crafting and presenting coffee beverages.

Contact information

Your resume must begin with the information that will help potential employers identify you among other applicants. Personal and contact details in a resume should remain concise and organized.

For a barista resume, this should include:

  • Your full name;
  • Address (location);
  • Email address;
  • Phone number;
  • Any other relevant fact you wish to share, like your middle name, affiliation, etc.

Your name should be at the top of the page, followed by the contact details.

Resume summary

To create a compelling resume summary for a barista job application, emphasize relevant skills, experiences, and qualities that distinguish you as an ideal candidate.

The median wage for baristas in the U.S. in 2022 was $13.43 per hour or $27,930 annually. Almost 3,5 million people had that job title. (O*Net OnLine)

Talk about your key barista skills such as proficiency in making various coffee beverages, knowledge of different brewing methods, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Tailor the summary to the specific job description, showcasing how your abilities align with the needs of the position while keeping the summary concise, ideally within 3-4 sentences, to make a strong and memorable impression.

Barista resume summary examples:

Example 1: Experienced barista with 5 years of experience in offering top-notch customer service, preparing specialty coffee drinks, and managing all aspects of the cafe. Skilled in operating espresso machines and cash registers, and maintaining a clean workspace. Dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences with every cup of coffee.

Example 2: Enthusiastic barista with a year of experience providing friendly, knowledgeable service to customers. Skilled in coffee brewing, food prep, and cash handling. Passionate about creating memorable experiences for each customer.

Example 3: An accomplished barista with 3 years of experience in fast-paced coffee shops. Proficient in crafting individualized coffee beverages, collaborating with customers to fulfill their preferences, and cultivating relationships with regular patrons. Commended by supervisors for providing exceptional customer service and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

A standout summary of a barista's resume example should give an overview of their qualifications and capabilities in the industry. It should also provide a snapshot of their personality and enthusiasm for the job.

Work experience

As you begin composing your barista resume, emphasize your expertise in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Display your experience and organize it in a way that is easy for HR to read. To do this, the job history should be listed chronologically, starting with the latest role you held. For each position, list the name of the company, the dates of employment, and a brief summary of the job duties.

Use language that conveys your knowledge in customer service, task management, etc. Describe your background by incorporating field-specific terminology and action words to make your resume distinctive.

For example:

  • Barista at Ethereal Oasis Retreat | Acton, MA (March 2021 - June 2023)

    • Welcomed customers and extended friendly assistance.
    • Prepared various coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.
    • Operated cash registers and point-of-sale systems accurately and efficiently
    • Followed sanitation protocols when preparing beverages and food items.

    Barista at Aroma Arcadia Lounge | Acton, MA (May 2019 - January 2021)

    • Served customers quickly and efficiently during peak hours.
    • Prepared a variety of hot and cold drinks, including espresso-based coffees, tea, and smoothies.
    • Followed health codes to serve sandwiches, muffins, donuts, etc.
    • Maintained cleanliness throughout the store by sweeping floors and wiping down counters.

By providing examples of successes achieved while employed as a barista, you can demonstrate to hiring managers that you are well suited to the role.

Think about what abilities you want to highlight. Employers are looking for a combination of customer service, brewing knowledge, and food handling skills. Include specialized training and certifications.

Education

Women make up 69.7% of the barista workforce, whereas men represent 30.3%. On average, baristas are around 23 years old. (Zippia)

You should list any education you have received up to this day. State the school or organization name, degree or certification received, the field of study, and dates attended.

Begin with your most recent academic experience first. If you are still in school, add the degree name, your current GPA, and the extracurricular activities you are a part of.

Here is a sample of how a barista can list their educational history:

  • GateWay Community College | Phoenix, AZ (2022 - Present)

    • BS in Hospitality Management
    • Current GPA: 3.50
    • Resident assistant, member of the Speech and Debate team

    Barista Training Course, Barista Artistry School | Phoenix, AZ (September 2023 - Present)

If you have awards or honors that are related to your education, you may incorporate those too.

Highlighting engagements that you have participated in during your academic career. This can consist of volunteering clubs, student organizations, or other activities that exemplify your leadership skills and commitment to learning outside the classroom.

Use a resume builder

Are you trying to write a resume but have no idea where to start? You are not alone! Many job seekers struggle with the daunting task of constructing a captivating resume.

Not to worry! An online service can help you get started quickly and easily. Using a ready-made resume template is a great way to create an effective resume without spending hours crafting each element.

Compared to writing from scratch, using a template offers several advantages:

  • Ease of use. Templates are designed to be user-friendly. Even a person who has never created a resume before will be able to get a great document.
  • Sections organization. You don't need to worry about properly organizing your resume. All the hard work has already been done for you.
  • Time-saving. Pre-made layouts already come with all the formatting and sections that need to be included. So, you'll be sure you won't forget the important details.
  • Integrated AI. The AI assistant will help you come up with text ideas when you're not sure how to phrase certain ideas.
  • Professional look. A template gives your resume the polished look to impress your prospective employers.

The bottom line is that using an online resume building service can save you time and help you create a professional-looking document that meets all employer requirements and gets the attention of hiring managers.

So don't put off creating your barista resume example any longer - get started today!

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Skills

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard."

Anna Spencer

Your barista resume's main goal is to reveal your skills, both hard and soft. Listing your special skills helps stand out in the job market and illustrates your ability to succeed in this role.

Soft skills:

  • Sociable and personable attitude.
  • Capability to collaborate well in a team environment.
  • Remarkable customer service talents.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to multi-task and stay organized.
  • Adaptability to changing situations.
  • Good problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Hard skills:

  • Proficiency with cash registers and POS systems.
  • Ability to learn new recipes fast.
  • Experience running coffee machines, grinders, and other barista tools.
  • Understanding of food safety regulations and standards.
  • Knowledge of coffee origins, brewing methods, and beverage preparation techniques.
  • Ability to accurately measure ingredients and follow recipes precisely.
  • Expertise in different types of drinks (latte, cappuccino, macchiato, mocha, etc.).
  • Strong attention to detail when taking and assembling orders.
  • Respect for confidentiality when handling customer data.
  • Knowledge of health and safety requirements in the workplace.

If your barista resume highlights exceptional skills, you will surely get noticed by potential employers.

Other sections

Your resume is not limited to the standard sections. If the resume template you are using does not offer an element you want to include, you still can choose to share it. For instance, the following information will strengthen your barista's resume:

CategoryDescriptionExample
HobbiesHobbies on the resume tell about your life outside of work, showing what interests you have and what you enjoy doing.Practicing calligraphy techniques, creating beautiful lettering, and designing personalized artwork.
CoursesBarista-related courses on a resume signal commitment to learning and improving skills. These could be online classes or training at past workplaces.Completed the "Advanced Espresso Techniques" online course, and attended the "Customer Service Excellence in Hospitality" workshop.
LanguagesSpeaking multiple languages can benefit a barista, showing good communication skills for customer interaction. It also suggests an open-mindedness and willingness to learn, which can appeal to employers.Fluent in English and Spanish, conversational proficiency in French.
AwardsListing achievements on a barista resume example demonstrates that you succeed in what you do and it's noted by others.Won "Best Latte Art" competition at the regional coffee festival, recognized as "Most Enthusiastic Barista" by previous employer.
ReferencesIncluding references provides employers with an impartial view of your proficiency and reliability in the role. It also offers insight into teamwork and customer service skills, crucial for this job.The recommendation letter from my previous supervisor is attached.
CertificatesCertifications display qualifications like food safety or customer service, often required by certain employers or states.Possess Food Handler's Certificate, certified in Safe Food Handling by the state health department.

Including this information on a resume provides employers with more insight into your professional background and interests outside of the job history.

By sharing details about these areas on your resume, you will also manifest your creative approach when putting together your resume.

Should I include social media?

"Every contact we have with a customer influences whether or not they’ll come back. We have to be great every time or we’ll lose them."

Kevin Stirtz

Integrating social media links on a barista's resume is becoming increasingly popular. Adding social media profiles to a resume gives recruiters a better idea of the job seeker's personality. Yet, there are both pros and cons to consider before deciding to share them.

Pros:

  • If you are active on Twitter or Instagram and share posts about your work, then this type of media presence can signal your enthusiasm for the position.
  • In case you have a blog or website associated with the field, this will show initiative and dedication to the profession.

Cons:

  • If you have posts that could be interpreted as inappropriate, then including social media accounts could reflect negatively on your candidacy.

The individual job seeker is free to decide if they elect to share links to their social media on the resume. When done correctly, this can be beneficial for demonstrating personality and dedication. However, It is imperative to ensure that all content posted online is appropriate and professional.

Barista's cover letter

Writing a cover letter for a barista position can differentiate between getting an interview and being overlooked. Great resume accompanying materials will illustrate your experience and skills concisely and persuasively.

Here are a few suggestions to help you create a flawless document:

  • Start with a professional greeting. Begin writing with "To whom it may concern," "Dear Sir/Madam," and mention the HR specialist's name if you know it.
  • Exhibit your qualifications. Showcase your experience as a barista and the relevant knowledge you have that makes you unique. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skillset has helped you in previous positions.
  • Explain your interest. State why do you want to work there and why you would become an excellent barista. Specify what makes this job attractive to you.
  • End with a prompt. Add a call to action after your resume, like expressing availability for further discussion. Also, ensure to thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Good barista cover letter example:

  • Dear Kate Mirams,

    I am writing to express my interest in the Barista position at your café. With just over two years of experience working as a barista, I am confident that I am well-suited for this role.

    I have worked in several coffee shops throughout my career. My most recent position was at Starlight Café, where I was praised for my ability to multitask and manage multiple orders at once. My experience also includes taking customer orders, preparing coffee drinks, and keeping both the front and back of the café clean and tidy. In addition, I have a knack for creating unique drinks for customers with innovative recipes.

    My biggest achievement as a barista was when I made a record sale in one week; this included selling over 500 cups of coffee. This success was due to my strong communication skills and exceptional customer service.

    Furthermore, I possess excellent problem-solving abilities and can react quickly to unexpected situations. Throughout my career, I have also gained knowledge of various coffee brewing techniques as well as the ability to manage cash registers and other machines used in the café. Moreover, I am very passionate about the craft of making coffee drinks which has helped me stay motivated in my current role.

    I believe that my experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to customer service make me an ideal fit for your team. I would be delighted to discuss further why my skills and qualifications match your needs during an interview. Thank you for your consideration!

    Sincerely,

    James Smith

The above cover letter example provides a clear expression of interest and shares genuine passion for making coffee. Overall, it effectively communicates the applicant's experience, skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for the barista position, making a compelling case for consideration.

Bad barista cover letter example:

  • Dear Recruiter,

    I'm applying for the barista role at your cafe. Being a barista would be great because it pays well and has flexible hours – so I thought I'd give it a shot! My previous experience includes working at a coffee shop, but not as a barista. However, I'm sure that doesn't matter much since all jobs require fundamental customer relations skills!

    I'd love to join your team as soon as possible so please let me know if I can come in for an interview. Thanks!

    Sam

This is a poor cover letter because it fails to convey why the applicant is qualified for or why they are interested in the position. It also does not evidence of knowledge of what baristas do and does not show any pertinent work history related to the position.

Cover letter sample for someone with no prior barista experience:

Dear Mr. Parker,

I am reaching out to apply for the barista role at Brewscape Junction, as advertised on your website. While I may not have formal experience in the field, I am enthusiastic about contributing my passion for coffee, customer service skills, and eagerness to learn to your esteemed café.

My passion for coffee began as a personal interest, exploring various brewing methods, experimenting with flavor profiles, and attending workshops to deepen my understanding. I am drawn to the idea of translating this passion into a professional setting where I can cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

I recently completed my Barista Certification course from the Bean Brilliance Academy with top marks. There, I became proficient in working with espresso machines like La Marzocco Linea Mini 3. Furthermore, I have honed abilities such as multitasking, and responding to customer concerns quickly.

Though new to the professional barista environment, I bring dedication, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to learn and grow in this role. I have honed customer service skills through volunteering at local events, where I interacted with diverse individuals and developed an attentive and personable approach.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute my enthusiasm for creating exceptional coffee experiences. I am confident in my ability to quickly learn the necessary skills and adapt to the high standards of your establishment.

Thank you for considering my application. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview or further questions.

Warm regards,

Amanda Brown

This cover letter emphasizes enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and transferable skills applicable to a barista role, despite the absence of direct work experience. It also expresses dedication, strong work ethic, and confidence in quickly adapting to meet the high standards of the company.

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Proofread

"Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the client or customer gets out of it."

Peter Drucker

It is highly important to reread and spellcheck your resume and cover letter when applying for a barista role. Poor grammar and typos can be off-putting to recruiters and hiring managers and could result in them disregarding your candidacy.

Using proper punctuation and words shows that you are capable of communicating in a professional manner, which is essential for customer service roles. Additionally, taking the time to proofread your materials demonstrates meticulousness and a commitment to presenting yourself in the best light possible.

Here are some tips on polishing your barista resume:

    1. Read it out loud - this will allow you to identify errors that you may have missed while reading it silently.
    2. Have a friend or colleague read it - they may spot something that you missed.
    3. Take breaks - reading the same text over and over again can get tiring, so rest in between working sessions to clear your head.
    4. Use checklists - make sure you double-check contact details, spelling, etc.
    5. Utilize online tools - there are many services available that can help with checking grammar and spelling mistakes.

Adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your documents are free of errors or typos before submitting them to employers or recruiters.

Conclusion

A barista's resume must be well-crafted and contain relevant information to stand out amongst the competition. Several elements should be taken into consideration when constructing a barista resume.

With the above tips, you will be able to create an effective resume putting yourself ahead of other applicants.