Hire Baristas

Hire Baristas

Hiring a barista for your coffee shop can make or break your business. After all, the coffee is really only as good as the skilled hands that brew it. Not to mention the personality of said barista to bring in and keep your customer base happy. But hiring the right person can be a challenge.

How to hire baristas more efficiently

Unless you’re a big chain like Starbucks or Dunkin, applicants won’t really know what they’re getting into. A big part of attracting the right barista talent is to convey your coffee shop’s business, philosophy, and other selling points. Are you located in an arts district? What are your specialties? Do you serve food as well? What sort of equipment do you have? The more you can sell your store, the higher the number of applicants you can expect to receive.

Barista salaries

Typical hourly wages for baristas run between $8 to $14 an hour, not including tips which can make a significant difference. If your establishment serves food as well, they can expect tips to be higher, which can be a big selling point for your business. Many managers also structure bonuses for employee referrals, meeting sales goals, and longevity.

Evaluate their personality

Unless your store is a glorified conveyor belt of caffeine, the barista will inevitably be the face of your business to your customers. An amiable personality is key to dealing with crowds, especially during the morning rush. During your interview, ask questions that show their character: how do you deal with stress? Tell me about a time you problem-solved on your feet. Also, asking them to tell a story can help you see just the type of character they are.