As America’s love affair with coffee deepens—marked by the rise in specialty espresso drinks and an increasing demand for expert baristas—the role of crafting a barista resume that’s as refined as your favorite pour-over has never been more important.
In a world where barista champions are crowned and iconic spots like Portland’s Stumptown Coffee define the culture, your resume should be as carefully brewed as that perfect cup of coffee.
This is your step-by-step guide to building a resume that not only highlights your skills but also mirrors the precision and passion you bring to every cup.
Key takeaways
- Focus on both hard and soft skills to show you're ready for any barista challenge.
- Keep your resume simple and organized, just like a well-kept coffee station.
- Customize your resume for each job to make sure it’s the perfect blend for the role.
- Include any unique experiences or hobbies that demonstrate your love for coffee.
- List any training or certifications to prove your commitment to the craft.
- Use creative touches that reflect your personality while maintaining a polished, professional tone.
So, let’s jump right in!
Barista resume sample
This Starbucks resume example is perfect for those looking to hone their skills at an international coffee chain. There’s plenty of opportunity! New York has the most Starbucks shops in the US—191!
Kora Patel
Barista
email@enhancv.com @LinkedIn New York, NY
Objective
Friendly and enthusiastic individual with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service, seeking a barista position at Starbucks. Eager to contribute to a team environment, learn new skills, and deliver an exceptional Starbucks Experience to every customer.
Skills
- Customer service excellence: Skilled in engaging with customers and creating a welcoming environment.
- Team collaboration: Enjoy working as part of a team and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
- Adaptability: Quick learner, able to adapt to new recipes and procedures.
- Attention to detail: Focused on quality and committed to maintaining high standards of service and product quality.
- Cash handling: Comfortable with cash-handling responsibilities and maintaining store safety.
- Multitasking: Able to remain calm and organized in fast-paced environments.
Experience
Customer Service Assistant
Duane Reade New York, NY
June 2022 - Present
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers, answering questions, and assisting with product selection.
- Operated cash register, processed transactions accurately, and handled cash with precision.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the store to create a welcoming shopping environment.
- Worked collaboratively with team members to achieve daily sales goals and ensure smooth store operations.
Education
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
New York, NY
Graduated: June 2022
Certifications
- Food Handler's Certification
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Issued: April 2023
Languages
- English: Fluent
- Spanish: Conversational
If you want to achieve a similar result with your resume, let’s break down the formatting essentials.
How to format a barista resume
First, you'll want to choose a resume format that highlights both your skills and work history. The hybrid resume format is like the perfect cappuccino—it combines the rich depth of a chronological resume with the smooth focus on skills from a functional resume. This blend allows you to showcase your strengths, whether you're a seasoned barista or just getting started in the coffee world, giving you the best of both worlds.
The hybrid structure offers you flexibility when organizing your resume sections.
Here’s the suggested order:
- Contact information
- Resume objective or summary
- Coffee-making or customer service skills
- Work experience
- Certifications and education
- Optional: languages, interests, or volunteer work
Resume design tips
- Set your margins between 0.5 and 1 inch. Just like a perfectly poured latte, your resume needs the right balance of white space and texture to be enjoyed without caution.
- Stick to a modern template that offers a timeless and reliable feel. If you want to add a splash of color, keep it subtle to maintain a polished appearance
- Choose a legible font that’s as easy to read as the menu board above the counter. Opt for something clear like Exo2, Rubik, or Lato, in sizes 10-12 pt.
- Use lines or columns to keep everything in its place. Without proper organization, a hybrid resume can quickly become cluttered, making it hard for hiring managers to easily see your skills and accomplishments.
- Keep your resume to one page. A great resume, like a shot of espresso, should be short and strong.
Contact details for baristas
- Start your resume header with your full name, professional email, and city and state. If you're currently employed by a premium coffeehouse, include its name and your role.
- Add links to relevant profiles, such as an Instagram showcasing your caffeinated creations or a portfolio highlighting your brewing skills.
- Including a small, professional photo at the top of your resume can also be a nice touch. If you're an award-winning barista, adding a photo of your latte art can be a creative way to impress hiring managers.
File formatting
- Name your resume with a straightforward file name like "KoraPatelBarista_Resume.pdf" to ensure recruiters can easily find it.
- Save your resume as a PDF to keep all your carefully arranged information intact and prevent any unexpected changes in formatting when opened on different devices.
PRO TIP
Barista resumes may be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) when applying to large coffee chains or companies that receive a high volume of applications. Basically, an ATS scans resumes for specific keywords and keeps applications organized. It's less common for small, independent cafés to use an ATS, as they often review resumes manually. To ensure your resume is parsed correctly, use simple formatting and include relevant keywords from the job description.
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Now that we've highlighted the importance of making your resume both ATS-friendly and job-relevant, let’s dive deeper into the writing process, starting with the experience section.
How to write your barista resume experience
Your experience section tells the story of your journey in the coffee world. While big chains often allow you to apply without prior experience due to their extensive on-the-job training, highlighting your experience is especially important for those looking to build a career in coffee making or even compete in championships.
For big chains, hiring managers and ATS systems will look for relevant experience right away. For niche cafés, showcasing your experience up front helps emphasize your hands-on skills and passion for specialty coffee.
When building this section, don’t miss these details:
- Job title and café name
- Location and dates
- Key responsibilities and achievements
Tailor your experience to a barista job description
Just like selecting the perfect blend for a customer's favorite drink, you need to tailor your experience to the job description of the position you’re applying for. This means picking out keywords and skills mentioned in the job ad and making sure your work history reflects them. This way, you’re showing that you have exactly what they’re looking for.
Now, let’s look at a real-world job description and see how you can target your resume for it.
Job title’s component title
About Hotel 1928
In the heart of Waco, TX, sits the newly opened Hotel 1928, an inspired hospitality experience designed and developed by Chip and Joanna Gaines, and transformative hospitality company AJ Capital Partners.
Responsibilities
- Coffee preparation: Grind coffee beans, brew coffee, and prepare espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos to order.
- Customer service: Provide friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable service to customers, taking their orders, answering questions, and making recommendations.
- Menu knowledge: Understand and be able to explain the menu and offerings, including coffee varieties, flavors, syrups, and milk alternatives.
- Equipment maintenance: Maintain and clean coffee machines, grinders, and other equipment to ensure they function properly.
- Milk steaming: Expertly steam and froth milk to create the perfect microfoam for specialty coffee drinks.
- Latte art: Create designs on the surface of beverages using steamed milk.
- Cash handling: Handle cash and electronic payments accurately and provide change or receipts as needed.
- Cleanliness: Keep the shop clean and organized.
- Inventory management: Monitor and restock coffee beans, syrups, milk, and other supplies.
- Quality control: Maintain high-quality standards for coffee preparation, taste, and presentation to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Qualifications
- At least one year of working experience as a barista
- Deep understanding of coffee beans, brewing methods, and the art of espresso extraction
- Friendly and welcoming demeanor with a passion for guest satisfaction
- High level of attention to detail
- Team player
- Ability to efficiently manage time to meet customer demands
- Ability to handle a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- Excellent verbal communication skills in order to take customer orders and explain menu options
Now, check out the tailored experience section:
2022 - 2023 
- •Prepared and served a variety of espresso-based beverages, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rating.
- •Provided friendly and efficient customer service by taking orders, answering questions, and making personalized drink recommendations.
- •Crafted intricate latte art to elevate the customer experience and received positive feedback for creativity and presentation.
- •Handled cash and electronic payments accurately, managing an average of $1,500 in daily transactions with zero discrepancies.
- •Monitored and restocked inventory, including coffee beans, syrups, milk, and other supplies, to ensure consistent product availability.
Just like a well-brewed espresso shot, this experience section packs a lot of punch in a small space. It effortlessly aligns with the job description without overstuffing keywords. It clearly outlines essential barista skills such as coffee preparation, customer service, and equipment maintenance, but what makes it really stand out are the specific, measurable achievements.
Let us show you how to do that on your own resume.
How to quantify your experience on a resume
Using numbers and results on a resume helps the boldest flavors of your work stand out. Quantified achievements turn generic tasks into proven ones, making the difference between a seasonal barista and someone who's truly passionate about the craft.
Here’s what you can consider for your application:
- Include the average number of drinks you prepare per shift to show efficiency and speed.
- Mention the percentage increase in customer satisfaction scores during your tenure to highlight your service impact.
- Specify the waste reduction achieved by implementing better inventory management practices.
- Underline the number of regular customers you serve daily to demonstrate customer loyalty and rapport.
- Note the percentage decrease in order errors after you trained new staff, demonstrating your ability to teach and maintain quality.
Next, let’s focus on those of you who wondering how to craft your first resume.
How do I write a barista resume with no experience
Traditionally seen as an entry-level role, becoming a barista isn't always easy, especially with specialty coffee shops leading industry trends and growth. Reddit users suggest starting with a larger chain that offers training to learn the basics.
However, if you're serious about becoming a skilled barista, consider interning or volunteering at a specialty coffee place to demonstrate your dedication and willingness to learn beyond just earning a paycheck.
When it comes to your resume, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Emphasize transferable skills that are important for baristas, such as customer service, attention to detail, multitasking, and communication. Even if you haven't worked in a coffee shop before, experience in retail, food service, or any customer-facing role is valuable.
- Use the functional format to focus on your skills. It’s perfect for candidates with no prior experience.
- Even if you haven’t been a barista before, list any experience that shows you’re capable of working in a fast-paced environment, handling cash, or managing stock. This could include previous jobs in retail, restaurants, or volunteering.
- Tailor your resume to the job and use keywords that match the required skills and qualifications.
- Make sure your resume is well-organized with clearly defined sections, such as contact information, skills, experience, and education. This makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly find the information they need.
- Use action verbs like "assisted," "managed," or "provided” to show initiative and autonomy.
- Include an objective statement at the top of your resume that briefly describes who you are, your skills, and why you're interested in becoming a barista. This helps to immediately grab the employer’s attention.
I got into coffee while I was studying in Melbourne, Australia, in 2012. I was working in retail and was bored of how it was. Then I decided to drop my resume to my daily coffee shop called Manchester Press. They took me in as a floor staff. I spent about six months working the floor and doing everything from washing dishes to cutting oranges. After constantly bugging the senior baristas to teach me how to make coffee for six months, they finally let me be on the machine for 30 minutes a day before closing time.
Mikael Jasin, World Barista Champion’24
A barista resume objective
If you're just starting out as a barista, don't underestimate the power of applying in person and handing in your resume directly. Dropping it off at your favorite coffee shop can show your enthusiasm and make a great first impression. The latter can be seamlessly distilled into your objective statement.
Here's what these 3 sentences should include:
- Mention your relevant experience or skills, even if they’re not directly in the coffee industry.
- Underscore your enthusiasm for learning about coffee and providing excellent customer service.
- Clearly state your desire to grow in the coffee industry and become a skilled barista, especially if you’re aiming to work in a specialty coffee shop.
And now, here’s a good example.
As you might have noticed, skills can sometimes speak louder than experience on a barista resume—and they might even come first. In the next section, we’ll explore how to showcase your skill set for maximum impact.
Key barista skills and the right way to list them
For those looking to build a career in coffee making, prominently displaying your skills on your resume shows that you have the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to excel behind the bar.
Hard skills are the practical abilities every barista needs to learn, like grinding coffee beans, brewing espresso, steaming milk, and creating latte art. These skills are super important because they directly affect the quality of the drinks you make and the overall experience for the customers.
Here’s what employers will expect you to be knowledgeable about:
Best hard skills for your barista resume
- Espresso machines
- Coffee grinders
- Milk frothers
- Drip coffee makers
- Pour-over equipment
- Cold brew systems
- Aeropress
- French press
- Nitro coffee systems
- Coffee bean roasters
- Steam wands
- POS (point of sale) systems
- Temperature control kettles
- Coffee scales
- Water filtration systems
- Tamping tools
- Thermometers
- Shot timers
- Cleaning and maintenance tools
- Digital inventory management systems
Soft skills are equally important for baristas, especially in creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers. The ability to engage with people and work well with your team are essential qualities for anyone serious about a career behind the coffee counter.
Most appreciated soft skills for baristas
Still wondering how to spotlight your skills without sounding flat and vague? Check out the example below for a well-crafted skills section that does justice to a barista’s top strengths.
Now that you know how to display your skills on a resume, let’s move on to your educational background and its place when applying for a barista position.
How to list your barista training and certifications on a resume
If you’re just starting or have completed relevant training, you’ll need to add an education section to your resume. While a formal education isn’t always required for barista roles, showing that you’ve taken courses or workshops related to coffee, hospitality, or customer service can set you apart.
Here’s what to include in this section:
- Clearly state your school or training program name.
- Mention any degrees, diplomas, or certifications you’ve earned.
- Include the time period during which you attended the school or program.
- (Optional) Briefly list coursework or skills that are directly applicable to being a barista, like coffee preparation or customer service.
Below is an educational section tailored to the job description we provided earlier.
03/2021 - 06/2021 - •Completed courses on coffee preparation, espresso extraction, and milk steaming techniques.
- •Trained in equipment maintenance and cleanliness standards.
- •Learned advanced latte art and quality control measures.
This education section focuses specifically on the skills and training essential for a barista role. Leaving out high-school or college education is a smart choice since they aren't as relevant to the job. Highlighting certifications and practical abilities adds far more value to the application.
Speaking of certifications, here are some that can be great assets to your resume.
Best certifications for your barista resume
Lastly, let us show you how to craft a well-balanced professional profile.
How to write your barista resume summary
Your resume profile can be the perfect way to distinguish yourself, especially if you're applying for higher-level positions like lead barista, café manager, or Q Grader roles. It’s useful when you want to quickly convey your experience, passion, and unique skills to potential employers, giving them a taste of what you bring to the table.
Here are the elements of a good summary:
- Mention how many years you’ve been in the coffee industry or specific roles you've held.
- Include your unique talents, like latte art, specialty coffee knowledge, or equipment maintenance.
- Highlight any relevant certifications.
- Express your enthusiasm for the craft, whether it's about creating the perfect pour-over or educating customers about different coffee beans.
- State what you're looking for next and how you can contribute to the role.
Here, too, tailoring your summary to the job you’re targeting is essential. Try to catch the employer’s attention by including some keywords from the job posting.
Here’s how:
This summary is skillfully tailored to the job ad by highlighting key skills and qualifications such as coffee preparation, customer service, and inventory management. It directly reflects what the employer is seeking. Still, don’t shy away from adding your own touch and creativity to make your resume unique and truly reflect who you are as a barista.
Looking for more ways to add a personal touch to your resume? You can do that with the help of some additional sections.
Additional sections for a barista resume
Adding extra sections to your barista resume can be a great way to stand out, especially if you don’t have much direct experience to support your application. These sections help present a well-rounded profile and your dedication to the craft.
Check out our recommendations:
- Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as awards or customer satisfaction scores, to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
- Volunteer experience: List any volunteer work in coffee-related events or community programs to show your passion for the industry and community involvement.
- Foreign languages: Add any additional languages you speak fluently, especially if applying to a café with a diverse clientele, to enhance customer service.
- Hobbies and interests: Include coffee-related hobbies, like home brewing or coffee blogging, to highlight your enthusiasm and personal connection to the craft.
- Leverage social media: Managing coffee-related content can shine a light on your creativity and passion for the craft. Just look at Morgan Eckroth, who has gained over 6 million followers on TikTok by sharing their barista skills.
In conclusion
As you perfect your barista resume, remember that crafting it with care is just like brewing the perfect cup of coffee—it requires attention to detail and a dash of creativity. By highlighting your skills, certifications, and unique experiences, you can create a resume that’s both impressive and satisfying.
