Top 30+ Starbucks Interview Questions (Example Answers Included + more information)
It takes more than just being a coffee lover to qualify for a job position at Starbucks. But knowing answers to some Starbucks Interview questions might come in handy.
Last Christmas, my aunt asked me to talk my cousin out of his unhealthy obsession with Starbucks. I happily offered to help since I knew my aunt was dramatic, and it was probably not that big of a deal. During our talk, I found out that he wanted to apply for a job at Starbucks but wasn’t sure if he’d get in since he had stage fright. That is when I thought to look for possible questions that he would be asked. Long story short, he got the job, and I found a couple of mock Starbucks Interview questions that you’ll find in this article. Read on!
Table of Contents
INFORMATIVE SECTION Starbucks Interview Questions (Example Answers Included)
Do you have any customer service experience?
You need to show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable in customer service. Mention where you worked and the position you held, your achievements, expertise, and skill sets.
What are your strengths?
Mention the strengths that align with the company’s needs but do not overpraise yourself. The strengths should prove that you are the best for the job.
What are some of the things you know about Starbucks Company?
Before the interview, you must learn about the company’s history and recent events. Cover all details since the interviewer might ask you other questions about the company as well.
What do you like about coffee?
Say something positive about coffee, like it brings people together or is a healthy and sweet stimulant.
How much do you know about coffee?
Mention the basic things you know about coffee, like that it is the most consumed beverage worldwide, and also state some unpopular coffee facts that you are familiar with.
How would you handle a difficult customer?
The interviewer is trying to see if you are patient. Say that you will treat the situation calmly and diligently to make the customer return despite the difficulty.
How do you handle stress?
The answer should be positive and show you can cope in a stressful environment. Note that ‘I don’t get stressed’ is not a valid answer since everybody gets stressed. Instead, say, I work better when under stress.
What do you consider good customer service?
Put yourself in the position of the customer to answer this. You can say; the barista’s voice should be friendly, and they should make the customer feel valued.
Where do you see yourself in two years?
Mention a position or a situation within the job you are applying for. Show the interviewer that you are willing to take the position for the long term.
Have you worked in a coffee shop before?
Give an honest answer. If yes, mention the good experiences, and if no, show that you are enthusiastic about gaining fresh experience.
How do you know your customer is highly satisfied?
Mention things that will hint that the customer is happy with your services. They can include;
- When they ask for clarifications on challenges, they have faced before
- When they are willing to provide feedback
What are you passionate about?
Tell the interviewer your passions in and out of work. Say, like making good coffee, traveling, hiking, bawling, singing, etcetera.
Why do you think you are worthy of this job?
Say that;
- You have the skills and experience for the job
- You will be a great addition to the team
What do you think your colleagues’ perception of you is?
This question tries to identify your relationship with your colleagues, so focus on that. Say you had a respectful, friendly, and excellent relationship with them.
Why do you want to leave your job?
Stay truthful and ensure your answer shows how the job will impact you. For example, you can say that you left to seek better opportunities and step out of your comfort zone.
What areas do you think you need to improve?
This question brings to light your faults but ensures that you continuously improve yourself. Mention a fault because no one is faultless.
What are some challenges that you have faced?
Tell the interviewer the challenges you have faced in your professional life and state if you failed or succeeded. If you failed, mention how you overcame the failure and focused on the positive.
What differences would you make at Starbucks?
The interviewer isn’t interested in hearing the details. Instead, they want to see that you are passionate about working at Starbucks and have thought of positively impacting the company. Ensure that your answer reflects the contribution you will bring to the company.
What lesson have you learned from your mistakes?
You can say that you have learned that your mistakes make you a better person in that you learn from experience. The key is to show that you can identify your mistake and accept corrections.
What is your salary expectation?
Research well and stay within the figures of your research. Look at reputable sites to determine the pay range of the category you are applying for.
What is your source of motivation?
Do not say that you are motivated by your salary; instead, express your willingness to work and passion-driven.
Are you a team player?
The interviewer wants to know an instance when you have shown your teamwork abilities.
How do you handle conflict with your co-workers?
Mention that you handle everything calmly and consult your bosses if it gets out of hand.
How is your work schedule?
Ensure your schedule coincides with the time needed to be available to work.
What skill is required to make a good coffee?
You can answer that a barista needs to have an eye for detail, making their coffee taste unique and better.
When did you decide you wanted to work at Starbucks?
State something associated with the company that inspired you to apply there. It could be the taste of coffee or the company’s reputable name.
What do you understand by great teamwork?
Tell the interviewer your take on teamwork, its benefits and challenges, and how to avoid them.
How would you describe your working style?
Ensure your style accommodates teamwork and is one that can earn you a position in the company.
In what way have you demonstrated teamwork?
Give an instance when you worked in a team, the challenges you faced, and how you worked through them.
How would you handle an unsatisfied customer?
Show your willingness to correct the mistake to satisfy them.
Do you have any questions for us?
Ask relevant questions to show your engagement. Like, what do you expect from an employee?
FAQ SECTION
Are Starbucks interview questions the same for all positions?
No, they aren’t. The most important questions differ from one position to another, but the basic questions cut across all positions.
Can you ask questions at the end of an interview at Starbucks?
Yes, you can. Ask questions at the end of an interview since it will show that you are attentive and enthusiastic about the job.
Is there a time limit when answering interview questions at Starbucks?
No, there isn’t. However, this depends on the Starbucks location where you are being interviewed; some may put a time limit.