Baristas: Career & Application Guide

What do baristas do?

Prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Serve food such as baked goods or sandwiches to patrons.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Clean or sanitize work areas, utensils, or equipment.
Receive and process customer payments.
Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas.
Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation.
Clean service or seating areas.
Prepare or serve menu items, such as sandwiches or salads.
Wrap, label, or date food items for sale.
Check temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, or heating equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Take out garbage.
Describe menu items to customers, or suggest products that might appeal to them.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Start with baristas as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.