How hard is it to get a barista job at Starbucks? (Can you be a barista at Starbucks with no experience? + Here is what you need to know)

Recently, my niece, who is 21, applied for a barista position at Starbucks and was called in for an interview. I was curious about the whole process, from application to interview and getting hired. My niece was lucky to get hired since getting a barista job at Starbucks is challenging. If you are planning to apply for any position at Starbucks and wonder what to expect, this review will guide you. Read on to find out whether it is hard to get a barista job at Starbucks, Starbucks barista training, and much more information.

Is it difficult to get hired at Starbucks?

Yes, it is hard to get hired at Starbucks. The company is one of the best, if not the best, in the coffee industry. Therefore, it is no surprise that it receives millions of job applications across all its stores. In the U.S., for example, by the end of the year, it welcomes up to 4 million job applicants while only 80,000 of that margin are given jobs. Hence, when you have applied for a job at their store, do not have that as the only option; spread to other related stores, especially if you are from an area with high numbers of interested applicants.

How hard is it to work as a barista at Starbucks?

Once you pass the interview, get hired, begin training and start working as a barista at Starbucks, there is a lot to expect. At first, it will be challenging, but over time you will get the hang of it. There are things to expect for a first-timer, like facing overwhelming customers. Customers at Starbucks can be very demanding, rude, uncompromising, and frustrating.

Some customers once called fail to pick up their orders, are rude to baristas, make demands that compromise the barista, and some take too long to make an order. All this can be very frustrating to handle, especially if you lack the skills to keep calm in aggravating situations. One attribute Starbucks looks out for when hiring is customer relation skills; the company values its customers.

The working experience at Starbucks depends on the management. Each store has a different manager; therefore, you will have a hard time if they are challenging to work with. One thing you will appreciate when working at Starbucks is the teamwork among employees. It will have you going even on the most frustrating days.

Starbucks workers admit to having a lot of tasks to be done at once. Some stores are understaffed; this causes employees to perform several duties simultaneously, which leads to a lot of confusion. The upside of working at Starbucks is the benefits that come with the job. Starbucks has health coverage, leaves, free drinks, and tuition cover for its employees. You get to do this under flexible hours.

How long does it take to become a Starbucks barista?

Mostly, it depends on the store you get hired in; however, it typically takes two weeks of training. After that, you can make drinks on your own. However, it may take months to be comfortable at your job. Having good knowledge about coffee will take you a short time to get absorbed into the Starbucks system. The training period could be longer or shorter depending on the supervisor and the traffic at the store. During the training period, you will get paid and also receive tips as other employees do, according to the hours you work.

Can you be a barista at Starbucks with no experience?

Yes. One of the good things about Starbucks is that you can get hired as a barista without experience. However, having previous experience is an added advantage. Starbucks offers training to all new hires. Therefore, Starbucks will train you to be a good barista once you get the job. Despite not having any experience, you must have good communication skills, good customer service, are easy to learn, and can work under pressure. These skills will help you as you work at Starbucks. You get two weeks of training for a barista position. You’ll be observed, guided, and mentored by a supervisor and other baristas.

Is it hard to memorize Starbucks drinks?

For a new hire, memorizing Starbucks drinks is quite a task. There are many Starbucks drinks, not forgetting those on the secret menu. If you are planning to apply for the barista position, you should familiarize yourself with the drinks offered at Starbucks. Stop by their stores, see what is on their menu, order a drink and learn what you can understand.

You get familiar with the drinks and what they taste like. It will be hard at first, but along the way, you will memorize how to make them and notice the process being effortless. If you have experience being a barista, you will have an easier time learning how to make Starbucks drinks.

How hard is Starbucks barista training?

Starbucks barista training can be overwhelming. There is a lot of information that you need to grasp within a short period. Apart from that, you get to deal with customers who might give you a hard time. If you have not familiarized yourself with all the drinks at Starbucks, you will get overwhelmed by learning how to make them. The hardest part during training is the physical activities you get to do.

Once you memorize how to make the drinks, the rest wears on you. How you view the training will determine whether it is easy or hard; some quit before completing training. Make sure you are mentally prepared for the training. Starbucks offers training on customer service, inventory management, drive-thru, making drinks, safety procedures, using the cash register, and skills on punctuality, consistency, and customer relation.

How long is barista training at Starbucks?

Starbucks barista training takes two weeks. However, it can take longer or shorter depending on the store you get hired in. The time can limit to have everything covered. Therefore you may be trained on other aspects at later set dates making the training period longer. Also, depending on how fast you absorb what is required, it will take a shorter training period.

FAQ Section

How hard is it to get a job at Starbucks?

Getting a job at Starbucks is very competitive. The company receives millions of job applications annually and only hires a small fraction of the applicants. In the U.S., for example, by the end of the year, it receives up to 4 million job applicants while only 80,000 of that margin are given jobs.

Do you need the experience to work at Starbucks as a barista?

No, you don’t need any experience to work at Starbucks as a barista. Starbucks trains all its new hires; therefore, you get to learn how to be a barista despite lacking the experience.

Does Starbucks pay less during training?

No. During training, you will receive payment in full according to the number of hours worked. You are also eligible to receive tips.