Why do you want to be a Starbucks barista?

Answer: I love coffee. I’ve enjoyed coffee for almost my entire life. And the art of it is something I appreciate. There are subtle differences in the way that coffee can be prepared. And this is what makes every single cup special.

What part of our core values do you resonate with?

Answer: Nurturing the human spirit. This is certainly what I felt when I first visited a store. It was the smell, the environment, the music, everything that came with the customer experience.

Why do you love coffee?

Answer: I start my day with a cup every morning. I appreciate the art of how every single cup can have an identity of its own. From the foam down to the amount of milk that’s put into the cup. I appreciate how it takes life, and that’s the reason why each cup can be cherished.

What does customer service mean to you?

Answer: Customer service is empathy and active-listening. When I think of dealing with customers, I want to listen to them, try to address their needs, and deliver an incredible experience. I want them to come back, remember me by name, and look for me. I want them to remember the quality of care I can provide to them.

What would you do if you made a customer’s drink incorrectly?

Answer: The first thing we would do is immediately remake the drink and then apologize to the customer. If we can, try to have a short conversation with the customer to break the ice. And then apologize once more for the mistake.

How would you coordinate with another Starbucks employee?

Answer: With clear, polite, considerate, and quality communication between one another. There isn’t much space behind the espresso machine. We need to be working together, coordinating like a football team or like we’re dancing!

Learn more about Starbucks interview questions here.

About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Ladders, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.