Moving into a new position in the coffee industry, especially that of the barista, requires a well documented CV, so to speak. Hiring managers are more likely to notice your application regardless of whether you are well versed in latte art or just starting out with a milk steamer.
This post will outline steps necessary to create an exceptional barista curriculum vitae and provides access to a free downloadable sample as well. When you’re done with the steps of this guide, you should be ready to find a café or a coffee shop that will hire you.
Also see: Barista Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills & Qualifications)
What should a Barista CV include?
Barista positions attract a lot of attention and thus a good number of applications. So, an outstanding curriculum vitae is the one that captures your important skills, previous experience, and love for coffee at first glance.Â
Keep in mind these basic rules as you write your CV:
Focus on one page: Your CV should fit onto one page. Baristas need to get the job done quickly, and your CV should show you’re efficient and to the point.
Target the specific position you are applying for: Emphasize the style of the curriculum vitae that you will be sending by explaining how that particular café looks like. Is it a modern third wave coffee shop or a small local café for something different?Â
Your skills should come first: Barista skills do consist of both soft and hard ones. You will not pass unnoticed with excellent communication, customer support, and the ability to make coffee.
Use clean formatting: A clear layout that’s easy to read goes a long way. Avoid unnecessarily flashy designs.
Now, let’s break down your CV step-by-step.
How To Write a Standout Barista CV
1. Start with Contact Information
On the top of your curriculum vitae, provide your contact information:Â Â
• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Linkedin professional account (if available)
• A link to your portfolio (optional) like an Instagram page of latte art.
Do not overload this section! Make it as neat and formal as possible, the objective would be to allow the hiring managers to easily reach you.
2. Make a Strong Personal Statement
In two to four sentences, use your personal statement to say something about yourself. You should focus on selling your skills, experience and love for coffee. Here is a sample:
“An amicable barista with over three years of experience working in the fast-paced café environment. I possess advanced coffee brewing, and customer service skills and can also make latte art. I look forward to sharing my coffee expertise with [Name of Café].”
This can of course be considered a very minimal section, however it is quite important and will of course put up an impact for the remainder of your curriculum vitae and assist in selling you to the employer.    Â
3. Focus on Your Barista Experience
Why do hiring managers care about your previous jobs? It shows them how well you are qualified for the post. Provide your working history from the most recent to the oldest. Then for each position, include:
- Position of Work
- Name of café or employer, location
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities
For example:
Barista
Coffee Culture Café, Austin, TX
June 2021 – Present
- Prepared high-quality espresso beverages quickly during peak periods.
- Maintained consistent coffee flavor by calibrating machinery each shift.
- Built strong customer relationships, increasing returning clientele by 20%.
- Created latte art for over 100 drinks per day, receiving positive customer feedback.
If you don’t have barista experience yet, don’t worry! Highlight transferable skills and include any voluntary or training experience related to coffee.
4. Highlight Your Key Skills
Dedicate a section to your most relevant skills to the job of a barista. Divide these into technical skills (specific to coffee preparation) and soft skills (related to customer service).
Technical Skills
- Espresso machine operation
- Pour-over brewing
- Bean grinding and calibration
- Latte art
- Menu customization
Soft Skills
- Outstanding customer service
- Time management
- Multi-tasking under pressure
- Listening and communication
- Teamwork
A list like this makes it easy for employers to see you have what they’re looking for.
5. Include Relevant Certifications
If you’ve completed barista training or workshops, include them here. Certifications like the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) accreditation can set you apart from other candidates.
6. Showcase Your Interests (Optional)
Adding a section for interests can be beneficial, especially if you’re passionate about coffee culture. For instance, highlight that you explore new brewing methods or enjoy attending coffee cupping events. However, only include interests that align with the job you’re applying for.
7. References
You can choose to include references or simply state “References available upon request.” If you’re applying to multiple cafés, the latter will save space.
Free Barista CV Sample Download
Why start from scratch when you can download our free barista CV sample? This professionally designed template is easy to customize and includes all the key sections discussed above.
[Download Barista CV Sample (Word)]
Use the template to kickstart your application and stand out from the competition effortlessly!
Conclusion: Barista CV Sample (Download For Free)
Creating a remarkable barista curriculum vitae is the first step toward getting a job in the coffee industry. You may create a CV that stands out from the crowd by highlighting your coffee-related talents, expertise, and passion.Â
Don’t forget to download the sample CV above to get started, and then personalize it to highlight your specific strengths. Good luck with your career search!