A warm and friendly cafe is a refuge for many, offering delicious pastries, savory drinks, and often a sense of community. Knowing the different roles involved is imperative if you’ve ever dreamed of working in this exciting industry.
Having been a job seeker myself, I understand your desire to learn more about the industry, how to secure a position, and the basic requirements.
As you read this article, I will provide valuable and actionable information regarding the various cafe jobs available, the necessary skills and qualifications, how to find job postings, how to apply successfully, and improving your skills to increase your chances of securing one.
Café Job Opportunities
Baristas
First off, what is a barista? A barista is a trained individual who prepares and serves a variety of tea and coffee beverages, such as fresh-brewed black coffee and espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.
In addition to a comprehensive understanding of coffee, this position demands the artistry of meticulously crafting beverages and a high level of customer service.
Café Managers
If recruiting new baristas, scheduling shifts, ordering supplies, and ensuring that the café meets health and safety standards is more your cup of tea (or coffee, in this case), a leadership role may be perfect for you.
Managing team members, overseeing operations, and ensuring customer satisfaction are just a few of the tasks you will be facing as part of this role.
Cooks and Bakers
Cafés nowadays provide more than mere beverages; they also offer diverse culinary delights. From delectable pastries to savory sandwiches and even complete meals, these establishments require the expertise of skilled cooks and bakers.
If you were to assume the role of a cook or baker in a café like Panera Bread, your responsibilities would encompass preparing fresh food items daily. This could entail a range of tasks, such as baking scrumptious scones and flaky croissants, crafting nourishing soups and satisfying sandwiches.
Hosts and Servers
Certain spacious cafés, especially those providing complete meals, often hire hosts and servers. As a host, your primary responsibility entails welcoming customers, organizing seating arrangements, and managing waitlists. On the other hand, as a server, you would be responsible for taking orders, serving meals and beverages, and ensuring customer contentment.
Café Work Skills and Qualifications
No laundry list of qualifications one needs to work in a cafe exists. However, a few things could make you a more viable contender.
- Knowledge of various coffees and beverages – Do you know the difference between a cappuccino and a latte? Could you whip up an espresso? Having a fundamental knowledge of popular café beverages is beneficial. Enhancing your application by conducting research or enrolling in a free online course on coffee varieties is highly recommended.
- Food safety – Getting your food handler’s certificate is usually affordable and is available online. Food safety is paramount in any food service establishment.
- Handling cash and providing customer service – In most café positions, you will manage cash transactions and engage customers. Possessing the skill of accurately giving change and efficiently processing electronic payments is crucial. Additionally, providing exceptional customer service is of utmost importance. Remember that a simple smile can significantly brighten a customer’s day!
- Physical stamina – Being physically fit is important in cafes, especially during peak times when many orders come back-to-back. Do you have the endurance to stand for long periods?
- Cooking and baking abilities – If you’re considering a café position that involves cooking or baking, possessing culinary skills will work to your advantage. For instance, the ability to craft and bake alluring pastries or prepare mouthwatering sandwiches can prove valuable.
- Adaptability to pressure – Stay calm and composed in the vibrant café atmosphere, especially during bustling mornings and lunchtime rushes. Your ability to gracefully manage various responsibilities is crucial. Multitasking is key, from swiftly handling orders to crafting delicious beverages and ensuring smooth transactions. Navigating these situations can greatly impact your performance and contribute to an exceptional customer experience at the café.
- Communicate clearly and effectively – Communicating with team members and customers is essential. Customers expect you to understand their orders, and your co-workers must understand your instructions clearly.
- Be an effective team player – Work closely with your colleagues, help where you can, share knowledge, and learn from one another to improve your team’s skill set and performance.
- Detailed-Oriented – Paying close attention to detail can have a substantial impact, whether it involves meticulously preparing each meal or drink to match the customer’s specific preferences or upholding high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the café at all times.
Café Job Postings
- Searching for jobs online – Platforms like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn often list various café jobs, from baristas to café managers. When browsing these websites, use appropriate keywords matching your desired role, such as ‘Café,’ ‘Barista,’ and ‘Cafeteria.’
Additionally, it’s smart to create job alerts for the specific café positions you are interested in. This will ensure that you receive immediate notifications whenever a new job that matches your criteria is posted.
- Classified ads in local areas – Never underestimate the power of your local newspaper. For those cafes with a smaller budget and less digital presence, advertising open positions in print can be the way to go. You never know what golden nuggets may appear!
- Networking – Don’t forget about the tried and true method of networking. Visit local coffee meet-ups and events related to coffee culture, and talk to your friends, family, and anyone you know who works in hospitality. The benefits of networking often go unnoticed by the general public.
- Visiting local cafes – How about some good old fashion visits to your local cafes? There is nothing like showing initiative by engaging with the cafe manager. This way, you can demonstrate your charm, talents, and personality face-to-face.
Irrespective of the strategies employed, adopting a proactive, consistent, and patient approach to your job search will greatly enhance your chances of success. Rather than passively waiting for an opportunity to present itself, actively pursue opportunities and seize them!
Applying for a Job at a Café
Identifying Job Requirements
Carefully read the job description you wish to apply for. Ensure you closely match the skills they request and demonstrate this to them during the interview.
Resume Preparation
Bring to light in your resume the skills and experience you have that match the position you are applying for. Don’t forget to mention any courses you have taken or certifications you have received in coffee making, customer service, or hospitality.
Expand on your job skills and not just list them. For instance, say something like “created and served a variety of coffee drinks at a high-volume café.” Be descriptive.
Compelling Cover Letters
This is your chance to show why you are the right candidate for the job and to convey your passion for the role. Share your love of a bustling coffee shop and how you want to contribute.
Interviewing Skills
Before your interview, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. Familiarize yourself with the café, its menu, atmosphere, and core principles. Anticipate questions about your experience, customer service expertise, handling challenging scenarios, and familiarity with coffee. You will probably be asked about your customer service skills, so bone up in this area by providing concrete examples. Click on this link for some sample interview guidance at Panera Bread.
Be confident, be authentic, and don’t forget to smile!
If there is one thought to remember from this article: you should develop your skills constantly, regardless of your job.
Armed with the right blend of skills, a passion for customer service, and dedication to learning, you’ve got everything necessary to get a cafe job.
To sum up, equipped with the perfect combination of abilities, a strong commitment to customer service, and a thirst for knowledge, you possess all the essential elements to secure employment at a cafe.
Nest Steps
Contact one of our career coaches if you need help polishing your resume and tailoring it to be the best fit for your cafe job. They can help you highlight your unique abilities and experiences to make you stand out as a candidate.
