A lot has changed since the days when a simple cafetiere dripped coffee into a pot before pouring. We’ve moved way beyond the percolator that began bubbling and gurgling just before Granny Ina served pudding.
Yes today’s coffee machines are simpler and faster: pop in the wee pot and wait.
That is unless you want to work in a real coffee shop. Here the gargantuan assemblies of pipes and pots resemble a steam punk contraption from a Willy Wonka nightmare.
But if coffee shop cool mixed with the aroma of freshly brewed beans and cheerful chatter appeals, it’s not just machine know-how but soft skills that will win the job.
So here are our top tips to help you become a barista.
Stir it up
Unlike the chocolate dusting on a cappuccino, you can’t start at the top. Search for catering and hospitality opportunities on s1jobs that don’t require experience but can ultimately lead to that prized barista role. Remember, too, some coffee shops offer on-the-job training.
Full steam ahead
Flexibility is going to be key in this job as evening and weekend working hours can mean variable shift patterns. At your interview, impress upon your boss that you’re super-cool with early starts or late finishes – and don’t be shy about showing your enthusiasm.
Sweeten the deal
When the coffee you make is sublime but your scowl could curdle the milk in a skinny latte, we’re in trouble. Every barista has to deal with customers and a genuine smile can make all the difference to repeat business. People skills are just as important as the taste of your beans.
Café society
Even the finest barista must be a team player, liaising with colleagues to make the customer experience the best it can be. This means working closely with fellow coffee wizards, as well as bean counters: the manager, cashier and stockist.
Mug up on your trade
Everyday is a school day. Even when you know the difference between your affogato and your doppio, there’s always more to learn. As coffee shops can be busy and fast-paced, one way to boost your knowledge is to watch free online training videos at home. Or do some busman holiday research by visiting rival cafes and watching how they do things.
Now relax with a freshly brewed cup of the good stuff as you browse the latest Hospitality and Catering vacancies on s1jobs.