If you are a coffee lover, who’d love to take the love to the next level, then a Barista Job might be perfect for you.
Turning one’s passion into a money-making venture isn’t always easy. However, we have step-by-step guides to help you land great jobs as a Barista, with or without any experience.
Who is a Barista
A barista is a person who prepares and also generally serves espresso-based coffee drinks. In the United States, the term barista is also often applied to coffee shop employees who prepare both espresso and regular coffee drinks.
Although the term barista technically refers to someone who has been professionally trained in preparing espresso, it may also be used to describe anyone with a high level of skill in making espresso shots and espresso drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
Origin of the Word Barista
The word barista originated in Italy, where it means a “bartender” who serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including coffee and espresso drinks. The Italian term is gender-neutral when singular.
In English, it is gender-neutral when singular or plural (baristas), but in Italian, it is gender-specific when plural, either the masculine “baristi,” which means “barmen” or “bartenders,” or the feminine “bariste,” which means “barmaids.”
In the United States, this term is limited to servers of coffee-based beverages and does not include those that prepare and serve alcoholic beverages.
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What Does Jobs as a Barista Look Like?
Barista jobs can mean many different things. A barista in a hotel coffee bar may only make and serve basic coffee and espresso drinks while a barista in a full coffee house will often serve other beverages like tea, spritzers, and frozen drinks too.
A barista in a coffee shop or café may also serve light food like sandwiches, bagels, cake, or breakfast items. Barista jobs involve working with the public on an almost non-stop basis.
Career Prospects as a Barista
Career prospects as a barista are varied and exciting. It may be possible to work in a restaurant, café, coffee shop, or hotel. Plus, in many large cities, there are gourmet coffee carts that need skilled workers too.
This is a job that can be done from anywhere around the world including huge cities and small towns.
Outlooks for the Industry
As part of the food and beverage industry, the outlook for this career is much the same as other jobs in this field. The future of the industry is positive and will grow in proportion with the economy as a whole.
As you can see, a career as a barista can be quite interesting and holds prospects for today and in the future.
Why Barista Jobs Seems Promising in 2022
The following statistics provide dramatic insights into the benefits of conducting business in the coffee and/or tea industry. This is a coffee and tea industry stats and growth projections in 2022.
1. Coffee Shop Popularity
According to http://myfriendcoffee.com, about 60 percent of U.S. coffee drinkers visit a chain coffee shop at least once a month.
2. Drive-through Remain Immensely Popular
Statistics show that 50 percent of Americans get their coffee from drive-through operations.
3. Global Demand for Coffee
Despite the demand for coffee in the United States, the country only ranks 25th in per capita coffee consumption. That means 24 countries have higher consumption rates that are worth targeting.
4. Millennial Tea Drinking Stats
Tea continues to gain market share in surprising areas. For example, according to Welcome, about half of U.K. tea brands are purchased by millennials in the 24- to 35-year-old demographic group.
5. Tea Industry Stats
The tea industry generates $52.1 billion annually, and the revenue is predicted to grow to $81.6 billion by 2026.
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How to Become a Barista
There are a few paths you can take to obtain a job as a barista. Here’s how to become a barista, even if you have no previous experience working as one:
1. Research Coffee Terms and Their Meanings
Before you obtain education or seek employment, be sure to refresh your knowledge of common terminology related to coffee and barista responsibilities.
For example, learn about the different types of coffee and what they mean, including cappuccino, Americano, espresso, macchiato, or latte.
2. Purchase Equipment to Practice at Home
If you’re passionate about coffee and enjoy drinking coffee, you should purchase one or more pieces of professional equipment to practice in your own home. This may include an espresso machine, coffee grinder, or milk frother.
3. Take an Online Barista Course
There is a range of online courses and tutorial videos available to prospective baristas that allow them to hone their skills and learn how to make a variety of coffee beverages.
You can take a course on your own time to receive a barista certification that gives you professional credibility.
4. Practice Taking Orders for Friends and Family
Using what you’ve learned about preparing coffee beverages, get family or friends to test your skills.
You can take their orders, receive special instructions, and make beverages for them to review. Their feedback can help you refine your technique and customer service skills.
5. Review Barista Requirements for Different Coffee Shops
Different coffee shops have different requirements for baristas. That’s why it’s important that you research locally owned or chain cafes in your area.
While one employer requires previous barista experience, another may want someone with no prior experience that they can train to prepare their menu.
Learn the Job Basics
1. Learn the Terms
Don’t know the difference between a Latte Macchiato and a Flat White? Study up on the barista terminology. Treat it like SAT prep and create flashcards to help you memorize the recipes.
2. Watch Videos
There’s no need to enroll in an expensive course to learn how to use an espresso machine. With YouTube, the world of baristas, education is now at your fingertips.
Learn how to make the perfect cappuccino from the 2010 World Barista Champion and find out how to make some awe-inspiring David Bowie latte art.
3. Practice at Home
You know what they say, practice makes perfect. Search Craigslist and eBay to find a cheap or used espresso machine and then practice, practice, practice!
If you are truly ready to become a coffee connoisseur, you’ll want to have one of these around, anyway.
Average Salary for Baristas
A Barista’s pay scale typically depends on the company they work for.
For example, Baristas working for national or international chains may receive higher pay than those working in small or local cafes.
Also, a Barista’s pay scale may depend on whether they work full-time or part-time.
Common salary in the U.S.: $11.52 per hour or $26,947 per year
Ability to earn an additional $17.00 in tips per shift
Skills and Characteristics Baristas Need
Baristas need a wide variety of hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills to complete their job duties effectively. Here are common skills and characteristics paired with examples of why they’re important to baristas:
1. Detail-oriented
Being detail-oriented is important for baristas as they need to adjust measurements for coffee, flavoring syrup, whip cream or milk depending on the size or type of coffee drink.
Baristas also need to be detail-oriented as it allows them to make slight adjustments to menu items depending on a customer’s request or dietary restrictions.
For example, if a customer asks for a cinnamon latte with almond milk due to their dairy allergy, a barista’s ability to remember and apply those adjustments ensures they fulfill their customer’s health needs.
2. Able to Multitask
Multitasking is the process by which an individual oversees more than one task at a time.
This is particularly important for baristas as they need to be able to prepare multiple orders at a time. A barista’s ability to multitask can have an impact on wait time and customer satisfaction.
3. Patient
Baristas need to have patience, especially when a customer has a specific preference on how to prepare their drink. Their ability to be patient with customers allows them to deliver excellent customer service.
For example, a barista demonstrates patience with a customer when they return to the bar for a second time claiming their drink is incorrect.
4. Calm Under Pressure
During peak service hours, baristas need to be able to remain calm under pressure. This is important as it allows them to maintain a consistent flow of orders despite heightened demands from customers.
For example, a barista’s ability to stay calm can allow them to make quick repairs to an espresso machine, which prevents orders from piling up.
5. Friendly
Baristas interact with a variety of people on a daily basis. The way they present themselves to customers can have an effect on customer satisfaction.
For example, a barista can take the time to ask customers for their names and always have an inviting, positive attitude. Because of this, the cafe they work for can maintain a consistent stream of regular customers.
Friendliness also implies that a barista can have positive interactions with their coworkers to uphold a healthy work environment.
You can absolutely become a Barista in any local coffee shop with or without prior experience so long as you seem confident, knowledgeable, and eager to work. Just print out your resume, put on that winning smile, and good luck!
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