Log InSign Up

15 Barista Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various barista interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Barista Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Barista Interview Questions

How did you get interested in coffee?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a barista how they got interested in coffee. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the barista's story and why they decided to pursue a career in coffee. This can help the interviewer get to know the barista better and understand their motivations. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer gauge the barista's level of knowledge and passion for coffee. Finally, this question can also help the interviewer determine if the barista is a good fit for the company.

Example: “I got interested in coffee when I was in college. A friend of mine used to work at a coffee shop, and she would always bring me back free samples. I started to become more interested in the different types of coffee and how they were made. After college, I decided to start my own coffee business. I now have my own coffee shop and roastery, and I continue to learn more about coffee every day.”

What are your favorite coffee drinks?

An interviewer might ask a barista what their favorite coffee drinks are in order to get a sense of what they know about coffee and what they like to make. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the barista is a good fit for the position.

Example: “My favorite coffee drinks are cappuccinos and lattes. I love the creamy texture and the rich flavor of espresso combined with steamed milk. I also enjoy trying different variations of these drinks, like adding flavored syrups or spices.”

What is your favorite coffee bean?

An interviewer might ask a barista what their favorite coffee bean is to get an idea of the barista's taste and preferences. This can be important because it can help the interviewer understand what kind of coffee the barista is likely to make and how they might approach making coffee for customers.

Example: “There are so many different types of coffee beans out there that it's hard to choose just one favorite. However, if I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite coffee bean is the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. This coffee bean has a really unique flavor profile that is both fruity and floral, with a touch of acidity that makes it really stand out. It's also one of the more versatile coffee beans, so you can use it for a variety of different brewing methods and still get great results.”

How do you like your coffee?

The interviewer is asking how the barista likes their coffee in order to gauge their coffee knowledge and expertise. It is important to know how the barista likes their coffee because it shows that they are willing to try different coffees and are open to new experiences.

Example: “I like my coffee black, strong, and with a bit of sweetness. I usually add a splash of milk or cream, and sometimes a bit of sugar. I find that this combination brings out the best flavors in the coffee and makes it more enjoyable to drink.”

What is your favorite coffee brewing method?

An interviewer might ask a barista what their favorite coffee brewing method is to get an idea of the barista's coffee brewing knowledge and preferences. It is important to know the different coffee brewing methods because each one produces a different type of coffee. Different brewing methods can be used to highlight different flavors in coffee.

Example: “There are many different ways to brew coffee, and each one can produce a unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular brewing methods include drip coffee, pour over, French press, and cold brew.

Drip coffee is the most common method of brewing in the United States. This method involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans that are contained in a filter. The hot water extracts the coffee’s flavor and aroma, and the resulting liquid is then collected in a carafe or mug.

Pour over is a manual brewing method that involves slowly pouring hot water over ground coffee beans that are contained in a filter. This method allows for more control over the extraction process, which can result in a more flavorful cup of coffee.

French press is another manual brewing method that involves steeping ground coffee beans in hot water before pressing the plunger down to filter out the grounds. This method typically produces a fuller-bodied cup of coffee.

Cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period of time (usually 12 hours or more). This brewing method results in a less acidic cup of coffee that has a smoother flavor profile.”

What is your favorite coffee roaster?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a barista about their favorite coffee roaster. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the barista's opinion on coffee. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is willing to listen to the barista's opinion and take it into consideration. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the barista's knowledge of coffee. This is important because it shows that the barista is knowledgeable about the subject and is able to speak intelligently about it. Finally, it gives the interviewer a chance to ask the barista about their favorite coffee. This is important because it allows the interviewer to get to know the barista on a personal level and learn more about their taste in coffee.

Example: “There are many great coffee roasters out there, but my personal favorite is Intelligentsia Coffee. They roast some of the most amazing coffees I have ever tasted and their beans always seem to be perfectly roasted. I also love their commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices.”

What are your favorite coffee shops?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a barista about their favorite coffee shops. First, it can help the interviewer get to know the barista on a personal level and learn more about their coffee preferences. This can be important because it can help the interviewer determine whether or not the barista would be a good fit for the company. Second, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the barista's knowledge about different coffee shops and their coffee offerings. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine whether or not the barista is knowledgeable about the coffee industry and trends. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the barista's customer service skills. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine whether or not the barista is able to provide excellent customer service.

Example: “My favorite coffee shops are the ones that have a great atmosphere and a good selection of coffee. I also like coffee shops that are close to my house or work so I can easily get there when I need a caffeine fix. Some of my favorite coffee shops in the area are The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks, and Dunkin' Donuts.”

What is your favorite coffee book?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the barista's knowledge of coffee and their interest in the subject. This is important because it shows whether the barista is passionate about coffee and is willing to learn more about it. It also shows whether the barista is able to talk knowledgeably about coffee, which is important for customer service.

Example: “My favorite coffee book is "The Coffee Lover's Handbook" by J.R. Durenberger. It's a great resource for learning about different types of coffee, how to brew the perfect cup, and troubleshooting tips for when things go wrong.”

What is your favorite coffee blog?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the barista's interest in coffee and their knowledge of the coffee industry. This is important because it shows whether the barista is passionate about coffee and is up-to-date on the latest trends. It also allows the interviewer to get a sense of the barista's personality and whether they would be a good fit for the cafe.

Example: “My favorite coffee blog is called "The Coffee Concierge." It's written by a coffee enthusiast named Matt who really knows his stuff. He covers everything from coffee news and reviews to brewing tips and tutorials. I always learn something new when I read his blog, and it's just a lot of fun to follow.”

How did you learn to make coffee?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the level of experience and training the barista has. It is important to know how the barista was trained in order to know how well they can make coffee.

Example: “I learned to make coffee by watching videos and reading articles online. I also experimented a lot with different brewing methods and beans to find what I liked best.”

Who taught you how to make coffee?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the barista's experience and expertise. It is important to know how much experience the barista has and what kind of training they have received. This will help the interviewer determine if the barista is a good fit for the position.

Example: “My first coffee making experience was in a small cafe where the owner took the time to show me how to make a variety of coffee drinks. I learned the basics of operating the espresso machine, frothing milk, and making pour-overs. I also picked up some tips on how to create latte art. After that, I experimented at home and watched a lot of online tutorials to further hone my skills.”

What are your barista skills?

An interviewer might ask a barista about their skills to get a sense of their experience and expertise making coffee drinks. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the barista is a good fit for the position they are interviewing for. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer learn more about the barista's customer service skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “I am a highly skilled barista with many years of experience. I have extensive knowledge of coffee brewing methods and espresso preparation, and I am able to create a wide variety of coffee-based drinks. I am also knowledgeable about different types of coffee beans and how to grind them for the best results. In addition, I have a strong customer service background and am passionate about providing an excellent experience for every customer.”

What is your favorite espresso machine?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite espresso machine?" to a barista to get a sense of what kind of coffee-making equipment they are familiar with and what they prefer to use. This question can be important because it can give the interviewer insight into the barista's level of experience and expertise. Additionally, it can help the interviewer understand the barista's taste preferences and whether they align with the cafe's style.

Example: “My favorite espresso machine is the Rancilio Silvia. It's a great machine for home use and it produces excellent results. It's also very easy to use and maintain, which is important to me since I'm not a professional barista.”

What is your favorite espresso drink?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the barista's knowledge of espresso drinks and their level of experience making them. This is important because it will help determine whether the barista is able to make the drinks that the customer wants. If the barista does not know how to make a certain drink, the customer may be disappointed and may not come back.

Example: “My favorite espresso drink is a cappuccino. I love the way the espresso pairs with the milk and foam to create a rich, creamy drink. The cappuccino is my go-to drink when I need an energy boost or a pick-me-up.”

How did you get interested in making espresso drinks?

An interviewer might ask "How did you get interested in making espresso drinks?" to a barista in order to gauge the level of experience and passion the barista has for making espresso drinks. It is important to know how much experience and passion a barista has for making espresso drinks because it can be a difficult and challenging task to make espresso drinks well. If a barista does not have a strong interest or passion for making espresso drinks, they are likely to make poor quality espresso drinks.

Example: “I became interested in making espresso drinks after working as a barista for a few years. I started to notice the different ways that people would order their drinks, and I began to experiment with different ways to make them. I also began to learn about the different types of espresso machines and how to use them.”