What essential skills should every Barista have before applying?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Barista Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a specialty coffee shop serving 300+ customers daily with focus on artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and exceptional customer experiences in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Our Baristas are central to our coffee culture, crafting expertly prepared espresso drinks while providing friendly hospitality, detailed coffee knowledge, and efficient service that creates loyal customers and memorable café experiences. The atmosphere balances professional coffee craft with relaxed community feel, serving diverse clientele from morning commuters to afternoon students and weekend families, requiring adaptability, technical skill, and genuine passion for coffee excellence.
• Prepare and serve high-quality espresso drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and specialty beverages according to established recipes and standards • Operate espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment with precision to ensure consistent extraction and optimal flavor profiles • Provide knowledgeable recommendations on coffee selections, brewing methods, and flavor profiles based on customer preferences • Maintain comprehensive understanding of coffee origins, processing methods, and tasting notes for menu education and customer engagement • Handle cash and card transactions accurately using POS system while managing efficient order flow during peak periods • Prepare fresh food items including pastries, sandwiches, and light meals while maintaining food safety and presentation standards • Maintain coffee bar cleanliness including equipment maintenance, surface sanitizing, and proper milk steaming techniques • Manage inventory including coffee bean rotation, supply monitoring, and daily preparation of syrups and specialty ingredients • Engage with customers professionally, creating welcoming atmosphere through friendly conversation and attentive service • Handle customer feedback and special requests with positivity while escalating complex issues to management • Complete opening duties including equipment setup, coffee grinding, and station preparation for service • Execute closing responsibilities including deep cleaning, cash reconciliation, and equipment shutdown procedures
Essential Skills: Proficiency with espresso machine operation, milk steaming, and latte art techniques; strong customer service abilities with friendly, engaging communication style; attention to detail for coffee preparation accuracy and consistency; efficient multitasking during busy periods while maintaining quality standards; cash handling accuracy and POS system competency; physical stamina for extended standing and repetitive motions; team collaboration skills for coordinating with other staff. Preferred Qualifications: Previous barista experience in specialty coffee shops or cafés; formal coffee training or certification from recognized institutions; knowledge of coffee origins, processing methods, and brewing techniques; experience with various brewing methods including pour-over, French press, and cold brew; food safety certification and understanding of hygiene protocols; multilingual capabilities for diverse customer demographics; passion for coffee culture and continuous learning.
We welcome both experienced baristas and coffee enthusiasts eager to develop their skills in specialty coffee preparation. While previous coffee shop experience is valuable, we prioritize passion for coffee, positive attitude, and willingness to learn over extensive background. Comprehensive training covers espresso techniques, milk steaming, latte art, coffee knowledge, and customer service standards, with experienced baristas providing mentorship and hands-on guidance. Ongoing development opportunities include advanced coffee education, brewing workshops, and potential progression to senior barista or shift supervisor roles for dedicated team members.
We're seeking someone who genuinely enjoys coffee craft and connecting with customers while maintaining efficiency and quality during busy periods. The ideal candidate demonstrates natural warmth and friendliness, stays calm and organized under pressure, and takes pride in creating excellent coffee experiences for every customer. You should be detail-oriented with strong work ethic, able to learn and remember customer preferences, and excited about sharing coffee knowledge and recommendations. Reliability, punctuality, and positive team attitude are essential for success in our community-focused café environment.
Competitive hourly rate of £10.50-£13.00 based on experience, plus tips distribution and performance incentives (typically £15-30 per shift depending on service period). Comprehensive benefits package includes: staff beverages and meals during shifts; 24 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance and study commitments; staff discounts on coffee and retail products. Professional development opportunities include advanced coffee training and certification programs; latte art workshops and brewing technique education; clear progression pathways to senior barista, shift supervisor, and management roles; participation in coffee competitions and industry events. Additional benefits include free coffee education and tasting sessions; access to specialty coffee events and workshops; recognition programs for outstanding customer service and coffee quality; supportive team environment with regular skills development and product knowledge training.

When you're hiring a barista, it's important they come with certain skills to ensure they can start effectively from day one. Essential skills include basic espresso making, milk steaming, and maintaining a clean and organised workspace. These skills are crucial for any barista to perform daily tasks efficiently and maintain the quality of service expected in a busy café environment.

Common misunderstanding: All barista skills can be trained on the job, so initial skills aren't important.

While many skills can be developed while working, having a foundation in espresso preparation and milk texturing is essential. This ensures the barista can handle basic coffee orders from the start, which is crucial during busy periods.

Common misunderstanding: Advanced coffee knowledge is a must for all baristas.

While a deep understanding of coffee can be beneficial, the essential skills required are more practical and focused on drink preparation and customer service. Advanced knowledge like bean origins or processing methods is usually not necessary for day-to-day operations unless specified by the café's niche.

How do I identify which barista skills are nice-to-have versus required?

To distinguish between essential and nice-to-have skills, consider your café's specific needs and customer expectations. Essential skills are those necessary for daily operations, such as making espresso and using the POS system. Nice-to-have skills might include latte art or knowledge of specialty coffees, which can enhance customer experience but aren't critical for basic service delivery.

Common misunderstanding: All listed skills in a job description are critical.

Not all skills listed are mandatory; some are just preferred. It's important to clearly differentiate in your job postings which skills are required to perform the job effectively and which would be beneficial but not necessary.

Common misunderstanding: More skills listed means a better candidate.

While a wide range of skills can be appealing, focus on the core skills that directly impact your café's operation. Overemphasizing less relevant skills can lead to overlooking candidates who are strong in essential areas but may lack in less critical skills.

What bar-specific tasks help me figure out the right skill requirements?

Consider the specific tasks that need to be performed at your bar. For instance, if your barista needs to operate a manual espresso machine, then skills in dialling in a grinder and espresso calibration are necessary. If the role involves customer interaction, strong communication skills are essential. Analyze the daily responsibilities and base your skill requirements on these practical needs.

Common misunderstanding: All baristas perform the same tasks, so skills are interchangeable.

Tasks can vary significantly between different types of coffee shops, such as high-volume takeaway spots versus sit-down cafés. It's important to tailor the skill requirements based on the specific tasks and service style of your venue.

Common misunderstanding: Generic skills cover all necessary tasks.

Generic skills might not adequately cover specific tasks critical to your operation. For example, a barista in a specialty coffee shop might need precise skills in brewing methods that wouldn't be necessary in a more standard café setting.