Starbucks is the world’s best-known coffee company. They hire more than 80,000 employees every year for part-time, full-time, temporary, and permanent placements. 

Is it hard to get hired at Starbucks?

On average, they select the best candidates from a total of more than 1 million applicants. This evidently specifies that less than 10% of applicants who apply for a job actually get the job. Undoubtedly it’s quite challenging to get a job at Starbucks but not impossible. This article will guide you towards the tricks and procedures necessary to secure your position in Starbucks.

How to apply for a job at Starbucks?

The Starbucks application process isn’t necessarily complicated, but you need to get through the process and beat out lots of competition to secure your spot for further evaluation. Years ago, getting a job at Starbucks did not take much effort. It could be accomplished with a few references or direct interactions with Managers who could get you a job. But nowadays, due to the massive popularity of Starbucks, working at their stores has become a dream for a lot of people.

Here’ a step-by-step guide to secure your spot at Starbucks.

1.Online Application

You can’t get the job directly at Starbucks now, so you have to register online and submit your application for the specified job posts. 

Follow these tips to increase your chances of selection: 

• First and foremost, never add fake information or experience. Companies like Starbucks would evaluate you through several steps and could also verify your identity and expertise. If you are caught with the phony information after the appointment, they will charge you for that according to the laws and regulations.

• Don’t add irrelevant details. Be concise and only include relevant information to look more professional and interesting. Moreover, it makes it easy for them to choose the right candidate that suits the post.

• Only apply for a position if you are qualified. First, read the eligibility criteria and then apply for the post. Otherwise, your application will be automatically rejected.

• Starbucks has 31,256 stores globally. So, apply for different nearby locations. If you can relocate to another city or state, apply there as well, and mention that you are ready to relocate. Small towns offer a higher chance for selection, as they have fewer candidates.

• Don’t leave any field empty in the online form. Please give as much related information as they demand. It will show your seriousness for the job position.

  2.Prepare well for the Test

Starbucks has now launched a Virtual Job Tryout Assessment Test for the online screening of their applicants. Don’t take this test lightly, and prepare well to secure your spot.

Tips to prepare for the test:

• Practice for the related position to which you have applied. If you are applying for a higher post, prepare accordingly. This could include thoroughly studying books or online material.

• Practice some general tests, including numerical, personality, reasoning, situational, and profiling tests. Try to solve sample tests available online and practice as much as you can. It will help you think fast and solve problems quickly on the actual test.

• Check Starbuck’s previous test samples to understand better what type of questions to expect and the difficulty level. 

• Connect with their employers already doing jobs and get their reviews and suggestions about the test.

  3.Personal References

Sometimes it helps to know people already working there. Build a friendly relationship with some of the baristas and mention your interest in getting a job. It could even make the Interviews easier if the Management already knows you since trusting a person with personal referrals is easier than relying on online databases of applications.

Personal references can be especially helpful when trying to get a job at Starbucks without experience. Sometimes such references could get you a chance to join Starbucks in an entry-level position, allowing you to gain the training and experience to move up within the company.

Tip: Create a professional cover letter for a barista in Starbucks and forward that with your referrals whenever they manage to call you for an interview. Bring extra copies of your cover letter to the interview to show how deserving you are for the position. A professional cover letter is a great way to sell your skills and motivation to the hiring manager, increasing your chances of getting a job at Starbucks.

4.Be profession at the Interview

Now that you cleared the application or screening phase, you will be called for the face to face interview. Try to be professional in your interview, even if you know the manager or the manager is friendly.

Here a few tips that would help you in the interview:

• Don’t plead for the job. Instead, show your enthusiasm, determination, and passion for the job post.

• Don’t act overly-smart or start explaining unnecessary points and incidents. Stay on your point and highlight only those skills and experiences related to the open position. Your purpose should be to convince the Manager or Interviewer that you can do the very job they need you for.

• Take your time and answer intelligently. Smart answers and solutions are better than instant and stupid answers.

• If the interviewer asks for suggestions or faults you have noticed in-store, mention them. But decently and respectfully when proposing the solution. Your intention should be their progress, not to humiliate the system.

Interview Questions at Starbucks

To impress the hiring manager and score the high marks needed to earn a position at Starbucks, you should prepare for some general interview questions in advance.

1. Why would you like to join Starbucks and not somewhere else?

2. Why should we hire you for this position?

3. Would you mind spending extra hours at work, like weekends and nights?

4. What’s your plan for five years from now?

5. Tell me a little about yourself or your working experience.

6. What are your weaknesses and strengths at work?

7. What motivates you for the job at Starbucks?

These are just a few general interview questions. They might also ask some situational, numerical, or strategic reasoning questions. And they might evaluate you based on your spontaneity, understanding, and problem-solving abilities.

Here are a few tips more tips on how to focus your answers during the interview:

• Talking about a company’s advantages is good, but don’t just talk about the job’s benefits like favorable working hours, job security, good pay, relaxed environment, etc. It sometimes sounds too cheesy, plus the interviewer is more interested in learning about you as an employee. So put some focus on what you will bring to the job. Explain why the job is good for you and why you prefer to work at Starbucks over other companies.

• Try to focus on the values and culture of the company that distinguishes them from their competitors.

• You can focus on the points and positives you can bring to their company while connecting with them. Focus on things you know you can do well, not on any missing skills or experience.

• Don’t try to appeal for the position by offering to work hours you are unable to work. Be clear about your availability and expected salary.

Now that you know how to get a job at Starbucks, and understand the value of a job position, arm yourself with confidence. Approach the job comprehensively by following these tips, and the job is as good as yours.