You’re a barista.
You serve delicious cups of coffee to crowds of keen customers.
But it’s not easy to create a resume that “hits the spot” just like your coffee.
What do you include in a barista resume, anyway?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re about to answer.
Simply follow the steps in this guide for a job-winning barista resume.
Specifically, we will cover:
- An example of a finished barista resume that works
- How to write a barista resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
- How to make your barista resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]
Before you can show off your attributes, you can check the barista resume example at the beginning of the article, created with our very own resume builder:
If you're applying for a different job in the service industry, here's some more resume examples that might interest you:
- Server Resume
- Waiter Resume
- Bartender Resume
- Cashier Resume
- Customer Service Resume
- Receptionist Resume
- Event Planner Resume
- Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume
Follow the steps below to create a job-winning barista resume, just like the example above.
How to Format a Barista Resume
Before you can treat the hiring manager to a piping-hot resume, you need to prepare!
But what does this mean?
Well, you need a format that makes your resume easy to digest.
The most common resume format is “reverse-chronological”, and it is for good reason. This format puts your best achievements up-top, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see why you’re the best barista.
Baristas could also use the following formats, depending on their experience:
- Functional Resume – If you’re confident in your barista skills, but lack the coffee shop experience, the functional resume format is recommended. This type of resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for coffee-lovers who lack work experience or who have gaps in their employment history.
- Combination Resume – Combining both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”, those baristas with the required skills and experience may want to use this format.
Now that you’ve picked the correct format for your situation, you need to arrange your resume layout.
For a barista resume that looks the part, we recommend:
- Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
- Font - Use a professional font that stands out, but not too much
- Font Size - Stick to 11-12pt font size for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
- Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
- Resume Length - Maintain a 1-page limit. For guidance, view these one-page resume templates
Use a Barista Resume Template
Nearly everyone will agree that Word is fantastic for creating simple documents.
But when you need a well-formatted barista resume, you may want to look elsewhere.
Why do we say this?
Well, Word isn’t the best for holding structure.
To avoid an afternoon of frustration, use a barista resume template.
What to Include in a Barista Resume
The main sections in a barista resume are:
- Work Experience
- Contact Information
- Skills
- Education
To really make an impact, you can also add these optional sections:
- Awards & Certification
- Languages
- Interests & Hobbies
So those are the essential sections for a barista resume, but what content should you add to each of them? Let’s find out!
For a full rundown on each section, view our guide on What to Put on a Resume.
How to Correctly Display your Contact Information
Now, this isn’t the section for creative writing.
The only requirement is factually-correct content.
Imagine that the hiring manager is keen to invite you for an interview.
But there’s a problem…
Your phone number is incorrect.
As you can see, getting this section wrong is no laughing matter!
The contact information section must include:
- Full Name
- Title - Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Barista”
- Phone Number - Check this for mistakes
- Email Address - Keep your email professional (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- (Optional) Location - Applying for a barista job abroad? Mention your location.
- (Optional) Relevant Social Media Profiles - e.g.: LinkedIn
Correct Example:
- Rebecca Biggins, Barista. 101-358-6095. rbeggins@gmail.com
Incorrect Example:
- Rebecca Biggins, Coffee Queen. 101-358-6095. rebeccatherunner@gmail.com
How to Write a Barista Resume Summary or Objective
Cafes and coffee shops are always hunting for more staff.
However, they also have a HUGE pool of applicants to choose from.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that most hiring managers spend less than 6 seconds on each resume.
Yep, that’s right!
Although worrying, this fact highlights the importance of a resume that commands attention.
Simply put, you have just a matter of seconds to hook the reader.
But HOW can you do this?
Use a resume summary or objective.
As a barista, you’re aware that an introductory “hello” is vital.
Similarly, both summaries and objectives are vital introductions to your resume.
But what is the difference between a summary and an objective?
A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence paragraph that summarizes your most notable café experiences and achievements.
Barista Resume Summary Example
- Fast-working and friendly barista with five years of experience working at a busy coffee shop in Boston, with an overall customer satisfaction score of 97%. Skilled in coffee brewing, table setting, stock management, and more. Seeking to leverage interpersonal skills and a commitment to great coffee to become a barista at CAFÉ XYZ.
A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence paragraph of what you want to achieve.
Barista Resume Objective Example
- Enthusiastic and friendly coffee lover looking for a barista role at CAFÉ XYZ. Passionate about keeping customers happy and satisfied. Relevant experience includes serving customers at GYM XYZ. Skilled in POS and communication, with a vast knowledge of 40+ types of coffee.
So, should barista hopefuls use a summary or an objective?
Generally, people with relevant café work experience should choose a resume summary. A resume objective is ideal for those with the required skills, but lack specific café experience.
How to Make Your Barista Work Experience Stand Out
Recruiters love nothing more than a barista with work experience.
A solid work history instils confidence and reduces the perceived risk in hiring someone new.
As such, you’ll want to use this section to impress.
Here’s the best way to structure your work experience section:
- Position name
- Company Name
- Dates
- Responsibilities & Achievements
Here’s an example:
BaristaUltimate Cafe06/2018 – 03/2020- Based on receipt surveying, I achieved a 99.8% satisfaction score during my two years at Ultimate Café
- Prepared and delivered a range of beverages for 100+ customers a day
- Educated customers on the different beverages, while offering my personal opinions based on their feedback
Instead of simply listing your daily tasks, you should display how you were a valuable asset at your previous/current place of work. Doing so will allow the recruiter to immediately see the benefits to bringing you in as the new barista.
Instead of saying:
“Kept customers happy”.
Say:
“Based on receipt surveying, I achieved a 99.8% satisfaction score during my two years at Ultimate Café”.
Apart from the second statement being longer, what’s the difference?
Well, the first statement has little validity. It’s very vague.
On the other hand, the second statement uses hard figures to back-up your skills. It’s easy to see why you would make a great barista!
What if You Don’t Have Any Relevant Work Experience?
Maybe you’re studying and looking for your first barista job?
Or maybe, you have experience in customer service, but never in a coffee shop?
Whatever the case may be, there are options you can take.
Here are several ways you can gain some extra experience to impress the hiring manager:
- Volunteer for a local food shelter
- Get a food handling license
- Sign up for a culinary arts course
Are you recent university graduate? You may want to view our student resume guide!
Use Action Words to Make Your Barista Resume POP!
Hiring managers are faced with the same generic words in every resume they read.
But this is a good thing.
Well, for you it is.
This is because you can easily make your resume stand out by using some power words:
- Conceptualized
- Determined
- Created
- Formulated
- Initiated
How to Correctly List your Education
Next, it’s time to talk about your education.
Now, having a higher education doesn’t make you a good barista, so there’s no need to be intimidated by this section.
Just keep things simple by entering your education history in the follow format:
- Qualification Type
- Institution Name
- Years Studied
- GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add
In practise, it should look like this:
Majoring in Culinary ArtsOhio State University2017 - Present- Relevant Courses: Food and Beverage Operations, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Kitchen Techniques, and Pastry Techniques]
Still have a few questions? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from barista-hopefuls:
- What if I haven’t completed education yet?
Doesn’t matter. Skills and experience come first and foremost
- Should I include my high school education?
Generally, only list highest education. However, if you’ve completed a course relating to being a barista, include that
- What goes first, my education or experience?
An experienced barista wins, every time. However, those with no experience should start with their education
For in-depth answers, check out our guide on how to list education on a resume.
Top 13 Skills for a Barista Resume
Whether you have the skills to carry three coffees at once, or posses a friendly smile that makes customers feel at home, the hiring manager will want to know.
With that said… there’s not enough space to list every skill in your arsenal.
So, what do café owners want from employees?
Here’s a trick: look at the job ad to identify which skills the café is looking for.
And if you need more inspiration, here are some of the most common barista skills:
Hard Skills:
- Math (basic calculations)
- POS & cash register
- Latte art / milk steaming
- Coffee bean grinding
- Manual and automatic coffee brewing
- Adept with Espresso machines
- Table setting / food preparation
- Inventory management
Soft Skills:
- Personable and friendly
- Endurance (long hours)
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Team player
Pro Tip:
- It is worth nothing that interviewers will typically ask interviewees to explain more about the skills listed. As such, only list skills that you actually posses.
Here’s a more comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills this year.
What Else Can You Include in Your Barista Resume?
Remember, you need a resume that stands out!
So even though you have completed the essential sections, you shouldn’t call it a day just yet.
Including the following sections in your resume could be the deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the barista job or not!
Awards & Certifications
Have you ever been employee of the month?
Have you completed any third-party courses that are relevant to the role?
Whatever the award is, be sure to include it in your resume!
Here’s an example:
Awards & Certificates
- “Employee of the Month” - Ultimate Cafe
- “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate
Languages
Applying to an Italian coffee shop?
Then knowing some Italian is sure to help your chances.
Whether it’s specified in the job description or not, the ability to be able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and who can argue with that!?
Rank your languages by proficiency:
- Native
- Fluent
- Proficient
- Intermediate
- Basic
Interests & Hobbies
Now, you’re likely wondering, “how is my art class related to my work as a barista?”
Well, this section allows the hiring manager to get to know you on a personal level.
The café wants an employee that will make a good addition to the team.
The best way to do this is by talking about your hobbies, especially those hobbies which involve social interaction.
Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.
Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume
Want to really impress your future employer?
Then match your resume with a convincing cover letter.
You see, a resume is the perfect tool for delivering vital information, but nothing speaks to the hiring manager like a well-written cover letter.
Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager – imagine having to read through 50 resumes, one after the other.
That would be both boring and confusing, which is why it’s not uncommon for the hiring manager to become confused between multiple applications!
A cover letter makes a personal connection, while ensuring you’ll be remembered.
Oh, and writing a specific cover letter shows the hiring manager that you care about working for their café.
Here’s how to create a structure that works:
Complete the following sections for a job-winning cover letter:
Personal Contact Information
Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address.
Hiring Manager’s Contact Information
Include their full name, position, location, email.
Opening Paragraph
To capture the hiring manager’s attention, your resume needs an opening paragraph that packs a punch. Briefly mention:
- The barista position you’re applying for
- Your experience summary and best achievement to date
The Body
Once you’ve got the hiring manager’s attention, you can delve further into the following specifics:
- Why you chose this specific café
- What you know about their culture and company goals
- How your skills will be beneficial to the café
- Whether you’ve worked in similar positions before
Closing Paragraph
Finish with a closing paragraph that:
- Concludes the main points of your cover letter
- Thanks the reader for their time and for the opportunity
- Ends with a call to action. For example, “At your earliest convenience, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help Café X” will work.
Formal Salutations
While remaining personal, the letter should end in a professional manner. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”
For extra cover letter advice, view our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.
Key Takeaways
Well, that’s the winning recipe!
Let’s total up everything we’ve consumed:
- Pick the correct format for your specific situation and level of experience. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the recommended layout
- Use a short, snappy resume summary or objective to catch the recruiters attention
- For your work experience, highlight your most relevant and best achievements, rather than your daily duties
- For a personal and highly-specific application, include a convincing cover letter
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