When writing a CV, it’s important to know how to make it stand out to an employer and make it desirable with the right skills, qualifications and tone of voice. We have some CV writing guidance to help with correct layout, but here we’ll talk about the finer details of writing a Barista CV.
1. Start with a personal statement and talk about why you’re suitable for the job.
2. Follow with your work experience, listing previous roles in reverse chronological order.
3. Include a section for key skills and qualifications relevant to the role.
4. You can also include additional information such as hobbies or references, but they’re not as important.
How to Write a Personal Statement for a Barista
A cover letter should be between 100-150 words and contain only the important information that would encourage an employer to read the rest of your CV. Include brief descriptions of your previous relevant work experience and skills you acquired during that time. It is also useful to mention any notable achievements.
Barista Personal Statement Example
“At my job as a [current/previous profession], I have spent [number of years in previous profession] learning how to effectively hone my customer service skills, dealing regularly with customer enquiries and providing the best assistance I could offer. My time management and organisation skills have increased significantly as I became accustomed to working under pressure, which has given me the opportunity to develop new ways to increase my productivity and organise tasks from highest to lowest priority.
During my time working as a [current/previous profession] my mentors and leaders have praised my ability to learn and adapt quickly, as such I have been trusted to lead new employees through training, and I confidently answer their questions about the jobs they need to perform.
With the intention of branching into a new line of work, I have taken it upon myself to gain a Level 2 qualification in Barista Skills, which enforced my desire to work in this sector.”
Ideal Work Experience for a Barista CV
There are a few avenues that can offer the skills needed to become a Barista including food service roles, customer service roles and retail roles. These roles will help with cash handling and POS systems, multitasking, and offer fast-paced environments to improve your ability to work under pressure.
Which Jobs to Include
Take the opportunity to talk about jobs that helped you acquire relevant skills and/or qualifications for the job you’re applying for. Useful jobs can be roles in catering or restaurants working as waiting staff or bar staff, other cafe jobs where you’ve gained knowledge of coffee, or retail work as a shopfloor assistant.
Try to mention your last 5-6 relevant jobs, or your past 10 years of work experience if you have not worked that many jobs.
Barista CV Work Experience Example
The most efficient way to describe your work experience is by using bullet points to outline your job title, company and amount of time you were employed. Include jobs that expand on the necessary skills:
-
Waiter/Waitress at [insert company name] from [start date] to [end date]
-
As a Waiter/Waitress I have learned how to communicate with customers by taking their orders with precision. I am capable of prioritising tasks, and I can identify when a customer may need extra help or if they are dissatisfied.
-
I was often tasked with serving and making drinks for customers which included tea and coffee, because of this I have some basic knowledge of coffee machines and how they work.
Key Skills & Qualifications for a Barista CV
You should have some key skills and basic qualifications when applying for a Barista job, though some establishments will offer full training, it is important to have the right skill set and passion for the job. Focus on writing down your relevant skills and qualifications when writing your Barista CV.
Important Skills for a Barista
There are some important skills that a Barista should have, including interpersonal skills to provide good customer service and the ability to multitask, it is also useful to have good time management skills. If you have had similar jobs before, talk about your knowledge of coffee and brewing methods.
Qualifications Needed to Be a Barista
There are no specific qualifications needed to become a Barista, but it is essential to have basic maths skills for calculating prices and managing cash.
There are also other qualifications you can acquire to improve your CV such as online courses or a Level 2 in Barista Skills. To know more about what qualifications you might need, you can find more information on how to become a Barista.
Additional Content to Boost Your Barista CV
When writing a CV, it is common to include some interests and hobbies that have helped you learn valuable life skills. It is also helpful to include references in your CV to help an employer find out more about you from other sources.
Hobbies & Interests
When talking about your hobbies and interests, mention how they have helped you improve your soft skills. If you have a coffee machine at home or practise latte art in your spare time, talk about that. It is good to have hobbies and interests that encourage creativity or show that you are capable of problem-solving.
References
When including references in your CV make sure you have permission from the person you’re using as a referee before including them. If necessary, make sure you reach out to them to confirm their information.
A referee should be someone who has seen your skills improve while you worked for them, and who can speak confidently about your abilities.
How to Make a Barista CV Stand Out
Show enthusiasm in your writing and talk about your positive experiences, including times when you have gone above and beyond to provide good service or show off your skills.
Remember to show how you would benefit the company with your skill set and willingness to learn. Talk about any notable achievements or obstacles you have overcome while working through a difficult situation.
If you have any additional qualifications that are useful for the job you’re applying for, make sure to mention them, as they can show a willingness to learn and make your CV more desirable.
Mistakes to Avoid
It is best to avoid using cliche language or words that don’t show confidence. Saying that you are a “team player” will not be as impactful as saying you have “displayed strong leadership and follower capabilities by working closely with the team and helping wherever possible to make a task more manageable”.
It is also very important to check for any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, don’t overlook the importance of proofreading your CV before sending it anywhere.
Barista CV Example
We have a CV template to help you with the layout and overall structure of your CV. Download our free CV template as a reference and write your CV with confidence using the information you have learned about becoming a Barista and writing a CV.
