How To Write a Starbucks Resume
As an aspiring Starbucks partner, you need a resume that shows your dedication to teamwork, customer service, and high-quality coffee. This guide will help you write a resume that captures the attention of hiring managers and gets you interviews for your desired Starbucks job.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
In a brief paragraph at the top of your resume, list your job title, years of experience, and three to four key strengths. Position yourself as a customer-focused professional who provides memorable guest experiences.
If you have barista experience, mention your understanding of coffee equipment and proficiency in preparing espresso-based beverages and latte art. Also, mention your knowledge of Starbucks products, including coffee blends, brewing methods, and seasonal offerings. If you don’t have a background in coffee service, consider how you can feature transferable skills and achievements in this section. Highlight past service roles that show your ability to create a positive customer experience.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Lead barista with over 10 years experience creating quality bespoke beverages in popular coffee spots. Strategically deploy a team based on each person’s strengths, helping maximize productivity and customer service. Skilled at putting complex preparation protocols in clear terms for new employees. Thrive in collaborative, fast-paced work environments. Bilingual: fluent in English and Spanish.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
College graduate with strong recent experience in customer service and cash management roles.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Transform your tasks into a collection of professional accomplishments. Prove to Starbucks management that you can achieve results by performing your daily duties at a high level. Use data and metrics to show your tangible contributions as you describe your past work.
The Starbucks experience is a collective effort (hence why it calls employees partners), so underscore your ability to collaborate with a diverse team. Mention the size of your previous crew, the number of customers you helped, or a time you worked as a team to raise customer satisfaction scores.
Also, consider including details on any volunteer or community service experience, as this can help show your alignment with the company’s mission and values. (Note: If you do add volunteer experience to your resume, keep it in a separate section or rename this section “Related Experience.”)
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Lead Barista
Tatte Bakery & Café, Boston, MA | January 2018 to present
- Oversee a team of 10 baristas at this popular franchise location
- Deliver annual professional development courses on various topics, from latte art to customer service
- Perform stock takes and maintain accurate records, placing replenishment orders promptly
Highlight:
- Motivated team to more actively promote the chain’s special offers, helping increase annual store sales by 30%
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Sandwich Specialist
North Carolina State University’s Fountain Dining Hall, Raleigh, NC | September 2019 to May 2022
- Provided friendly, professional service to patrons
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of ingredients and allergens and offered suggestions to diners following specific medical, cultural, or socially conscious diets
- Won two Service Star awards for earning a guest satisfaction rating of more than 90%
3. Include relevant education and certifications
In addition to basic details on your education, include any coursework, concentrations, or school activities that show your knowledge base or relevant soft skills. For instance, maybe you took courses on hospitality, or gained a strong sense of teamwork playing football.
Also list any related credentials you’ve earned. Depending on where you live, you’ll need a food handler’s permit to work in food and beverage service. If you have any other coffee or customer service certifications, include them as well. Special certifications aren’t usually required for store-level roles at Starbucks, but they can give you an edge by showing your commitment to professional development and knowledge of industry trends and standards.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (BS) – Management
University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA | 2011
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
ServSafe Food Handler, National Restaurant Association | 2020
4. List pertinent key skills
Develop a key skills section to show the various ways you’d contribute as a Starbucks partner. Important areas to cover include teamwork, efficiency, customer relations, and any coffee knowledge you already have. The list below can help you brainstorm terms for this section on your resume.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Cash handling | Coffee preparation core standards |
| Coffee roasts and blends | Customer relations and service |
| Efficiency improvement | Equipment operation |
| Food and beverage sanitation | Food safety and hygiene |
| Inventory management | Latte art |
| Milk texturing | Point-of-sale (POS) systems |
| Problem resolution | Process improvement |
| Promotional upselling | Quality control |
| Staff training and development | Stress management |
| Task prioritization | Team collaboration |
| Time management | |
How To Pick the Best Starbucks Resume Template
A template will help you lay a foundation for your writing and draw readers to your best information. Look for one that neatly organizes your details and aligns with your personal brand. Remember, Starbucks hiring managers are more interested in your skills and achievements than your resume’s visual style. So opt for a format that lets your strengths and experience shine through.
Starbucks Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Kellen Clarke
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 123 Address Rd, Raleigh, NC 12345
Profile
College graduate with strong recent experience in customer service and cash management roles.
Key Skills
- Cash Handling & Management
- Customer Relations & Service
- Task Prioritization
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Time Management
Work Experience
Sandwich Specialist, North Carolina State University’s Fountain Dining Hall, Raleigh, NC | September 2019 to May 2022
- Provided friendly, professional service to patrons
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of ingredients and allergens, and offered suggestions to diners following specific medical, cultural, or socially conscious diets
- Won two Service Star awards for earning a 90%+ satisfaction rating on guest surveys
Cashier, Wegmans, Raleigh, NC | June 2016 to August 2018
- Assisted customers in a courteous and pleasant manner during checkout
- Processed customer payments by cash, EBT, Apple Pay, credit card, and debit card
- Maintained a balanced drawer throughout each shift to ensure no loss of revenue for the store
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Economics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC | 2022
3.8 GPA | magna cum laude | President, Emerging Economics Leaders Society
Select Coursework:
- Communication Theory
- Food Policy and Public Finance
- Social Change
Shay Allen
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 123 Address Rd, Nashville, TN 12345
Profile
Barista with 3+ years of experience. Strong collaborator who builds positive relationships with diverse team members. Recognized for finding new ways to enhance both efficiency and service quality. Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Key Skills
- Cash Handling & Management
- Coffee Bean & Grounds Quality Control
- Customer Relations & Service
- French Press Operation
- Process Improvement
- Team Collaboration
Professional Experience
Barista, Perfect Pitch Coffeeshop, Nashville, TN | May 2019 to August 2022
- Member of a close-knit team making high-quality and often-customized coffee drinks for customers
- Greeted new and returning guests in a friendly and professional manner
- Maintained a spotless beverage preparation area
Highlights:
- Created a new, specialty vegan latte line that accounted for 5% of sales
- Achieved a 5-star rating for customer service in 2021
Intern, Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Nashville, TN | September 2018 to May 2019
- One of 3 applicants from a pool of 50 selected for the Emerging Leaders in Hospitality internship
- Gained experience in various hotel operations, from front desk to food and beverage
Cashier, Target, Nashville, TN | June 2018 to September 2018
- Provided efficient, courteous service to customers at checkout
- Processed customer payments by cash, EBT, credit card, and debit card
- Maintained a balanced drawer throughout each shift to ensure no loss of revenue for the store
Education
BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN | 2019
Member, Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society
Select Coursework:
- Event Planning
- Food Service Management
- Fundamentals of Communication
Quinn Flores
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 123 Address Rd, Boston, MA 12345
Profile
Lead Barista with 10+ years’ experience creating quality bespoke beverages in popular coffee spots. Strategically deploy team based on each person’s strengths, helping maximize both productivity and customer service. Skilled at putting complex preparation protocols in clear terms for new employees. Thrive in fast-paced work environments. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
Professional Experience
Lead Barista, Tatte Bakery & Café, Boston, MA | January 2018 to Present
- Oversee a team of 10 baristas at this popular franchise location
- Deliver annual professional development courses on various topics, from latte art to customer service
- Perform stock takes and maintain accurate records, placing replenishment orders promptly
Highlight:
- Motivated team to more actively promote chain’s special offers, helping increase annual store sales by 30%
Barista, Uptown Expresso, Boston, MA | September 2011 to January 2018
- Greeted patrons and recommended beverages based on their preferences and diet restrictions
- Processed cash and card transactions promptly and accurately
- Performed regular coffee machine maintenance and cleaning
Intern, Lenox Hotel Boston, Boston, MA | September 2010 to May 2011
- Oversaw all aspects of hotel’s coffee cart operations in main lobby
Education
Bachelor of Science (BS) – Management, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA | 2011
Key Skills
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Efficiency Improvement
- Food Hygiene Standards
- Performance Evaluation & Management
- Promotional Upselling
- Staff Training & Development
- Task Prioritization
- Team Collaboration
Language
Fluency in Spanish
Advice From a Recruiter: Chris Shatto
1. What are the most in-demand skills for Starbucks that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? +
The most desired hard skills at Starbucks include proficiency in cash handling, familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) systems, and basic food and beverage preparation abilities. As for soft skills, excellent customer service, strong communication, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and teamwork are crucial. An understanding of Starbucks' unique beverage recipes and their commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility can also be advantageous.
2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in a Starbucks?+
Hiring managers at Starbucks place a high value on prior experience in the hospitality or retail sector, specifically roles that involve direct interaction with customers. A track record of strong customer service, demonstrated leadership, or awards for service excellence can be beneficial. Volunteer work showing community involvement or efforts in environmental sustainability can also be a plus, as these reflect the values of the company.
3. What else in addition to a resume should a Starbucks candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? +
Along with a resume, candidates should be prepared to provide a cover letter detailing their passion for customer service and their alignment with Starbucks' mission and values. While not mandatory, any certifications in food handling or barista training could be beneficial. It's also recommended to provide references from past roles in the customer service sector.
4. What advice would you give a Starbucks candidate about their job search? +
Networking is key - whether that's through current employees or attending Starbucks career events. I also recommend spending time in Starbucks locations to understand the culture and pace of the work environment. Lastly, show your passion for customer service, teamwork, and especially for Starbucks' commitment to both community and environment in your application and interview.
Frequently Asked Questions: Starbucks Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for Starbucks resumes?+
One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s attention and show the varied nature of your experience. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your Starbucks resume.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Adapted | Assisted |
| Brewed | Collaborated |
| Connected | Created |
| Customized | Designed |
| Engaged | Expedited |
| Explained | Facilitated |
| Greeted | Improved |
| Mentored | Partnered |
| Prevented | Prioritized |
| Processed | Ranked |
| Recommended | Sanitized |
| Sold | Streamlined |
| Suggested | Trained |
| Welcomed | Won |
How do you align your resume with a Starbucks job posting?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that food preparation and serving jobs will increase by about 11% between 2021 and 2031. This growth will be faster than average and potentially account for more than 1.3 million new jobs over the decade.
Although opportunities will be abundant, you'll need a solid resume to get your desired job. Customization will be key to stand out from the crowd of applicants competing for new Starbucks positions. If you align your resume with the job posting well, you'll boost your chances of an interview. For instance, if Starbucks seeks baristas who can craft specialty beverages, emphasize your skills in creating artisanal coffee drinks and latte art. This will demonstrate your coffee expertise and present you as a valuable addition to the store team.
What is the best Starbucks resume format?+
Most job applicants should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section.
A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two sections. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. The resulting resume is straightforward yet strategic. It gives hiring managers the clearest possible view of your background and relevant skills, so they can decide to move ahead with your candidacy.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
To boost your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to a good cover letter is tailoring it to each job opening. Learn how in our comprehensive cover letter guide. For more examples, check out our related guides for bartenders and servers.
