- Complete a short TAFE course to learn the basics of coffee-making and using a coffee machine, such as Prepare and serve espresso coffee. …
- Alternatively, many cafes will offer one-the-job training to new baristas.
In Star Wars, Yoda said the ominous words, “Fear is the path to the dark side.” Like mastering the Jedi arts, becoming a barista calls for the ideal fusion of aptitude, instruction, and self-assurance. If you lack self-assurance, your technique will suffer as a result of your anxiety and fear, and you risk succumbing to the dark side of the force—or, more specifically, the dark side of coffee.
Making a delicious cup of coffee is not an easy task, so if you want to become a fully qualified barista, you must be willing to learn the necessary skills and have a personality that can handle pressure. With our guide, find out how to become a master barista right away.
You must adore the brown stuff if you want to become a master barista. Being a barista is not the job for you if you detest coffee. Successful baristas have a palate that can distinguish between a bad cup of coffee and a good cup of coffee because they love coffee. Be willing to share your love and passion for coffee. Your customers will respect your passion, which will always be evident in your work.
Tips To Land Your First Barista Job
Average salary for baristas
The pay scale for a barista typically depends on the business they work for. For instance, baristas employed by large, international chains may earn more money than those employed by small, neighborhood cafes. Additionally, a barista’s pay rate may vary according to whether they work full- or part-time.
What does a barista do?
In cafes, coffee shops, or coffee houses, a barista prepares and serves food alongside other baristas and serving personnel. A baristas responsibilities might include the following:
Skills and characteristics baristas need
To effectively perform their job duties, baristas need a wide range of hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills. Here are some typical traits and abilities along with instances of why they matter to baristas:
Detail-oriented
Baristas must adjust measurements for coffee, flavoring syrup, whip cream, and milk depending on the size or type of coffee drink, so they must be meticulous. Baristas must also have an eye for detail because it enables them to make minor changes to menu items in response to customer requests or dietary restrictions.
For instance, a barista’s capacity to remember and implement those adjustments ensures they meet their customers’ health needs if a customer requests a cinnamon latte with almond milk due to their dairy allergy.
Able to multitask
The practice of multitasking involves managing multiple tasks at once. Since baristas must be able to prepare multiple orders at once, this is especially crucial. Wait times and customer satisfaction may be impacted by a barista’s multitasking skills.
Patient
Baristas must be patient, particularly when a customer has specific preferences for how their beverage should be made. They are able to provide excellent customer service because of their patience with customers. For instance, a barista shows patience with a customer when they come back to the bar a second time and complain that their drink isn’t right.
Calm under pressure
Baristas must be able to maintain their composure under pressure during busy service times. This is crucial because it enables them to keep a steady flow of orders in spite of the increased customer demands. For instance, a barista’s ability to maintain composure may enable them to quickly fix an espresso machine, preventing a backlog of orders.
Friendly
Every day, baristas engage in a variety of interactions with customers. The way they conduct themselves in front of customers may influence how satisfied those customers are. For instance, a barista can take the time to ask clients for their names and maintain a friendly disposition at all times. As a result, the cafe where they work can maintain a steady flow of regular customers. Additionally, friendliness suggests that a barista can interact positively with their coworkers to maintain a positive work environment.
Passionate about coffee
Baristas should be passionate about coffee and should be motivated to learn about various brewing techniques and tools. A barista, for instance, can use their love of coffee to hone their latte art abilities.
Creative
Baristas should be innovative and come up with tasty new coffee drinks to add to their employers’ menu. For instance, a barista could experiment with various flavoring syrups and coffee roasts during downtime to come up with novel beverage concepts for the upcoming seasonal menu.
Team-oriented
To provide their customers with excellent service, baristas collaborate closely with other baristas and cafe employees. For this reason, baristas need to have a team-oriented mindset. To ensure that their other coworkers have enough assistance to perform their duties during the morning rush, a barista might, for instance, fill in for a sick coworker.
How to become a barista
You can go down a few different avenues to become a barista. Even if you have never worked as a barista before, here is how to do it:
1. Research coffee terms and their meanings
Be sure to brush up on your knowledge of common terminology related to coffee and barista responsibilities before you pursue education or job opportunities. For instance, become familiar with the meanings of the various coffee varieties, such as cappuccino, Americano, espresso, macchiato, or latte.
2. Purchase equipment to practice at home
You should buy one or more pieces of professional equipment to practice in your own home if you’re passionate about coffee and enjoy drinking it. An espresso machine, coffee grinder, or milk frother may be used.
3. Take an online barista course
To hone their skills and learn how to make a variety of coffee beverages, aspiring baristas have access to a range of online courses and tutorial videos. You can enroll in a course on your own schedule to earn a barista certification that enhances your credibility in the workplace.
4. Practice taking orders for friends and family
Invite family or friends to try out your coffee beverage preparation skills using what you’ve learned. You can take their orders, pay attention to their special requests, and prepare drinks for them to sample. You can improve your technique and customer service skills by using their advice.
5. Review barista requirements for different coffee shops
Different coffee shops have different requirements for baristas. You should therefore research any locally owned or chain cafes in your area. While one employer demands prior barista experience, a different employer might prefer hiring a new employee they can train to prepare their menu.
6. Obtain a job as a cashier or busser in a coffee shop
Consider starting work as a table busser, server, or cashier to demonstrate your skills if the cafes in your area require prior experience working in cafes. In this position, you might also be able to learn how to make specific drinks from baristas.
7. Apply to work at well-known cafe chains
Those who haven’t previously worked as a barista may find more entry-level opportunities with well-known cafe chains. This is so because they frequently have extensive training programs, the funds to hire new employees, and the time to train them.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to be a barista?
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience in food and beverage preparation or customer service preferred.
- Training in food and beverage preparation and a desire to learn more
- Exceptional listening and communication skills.
- Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods.
How do I become a barista with no experience?
Taking an online barista training course is the quickest way to become a barista without any prior experience. An online barista training course will teach you the terminology you’ll need, as well as some of the duties and requirements of the position.
How long does it take to become barista?
You can train through a hospitality team member intermediate apprenticeship. This will usually take 12 months to complete. You’ll attend a college or training facility, as well as receive on-the-job training.
Do baristas make good money?
The average salary for a barista is $16. 16 per hour in California and $20. 00 tips per day. 6. 8k salaries reported, updated at July 3, 2022.
