How can I explain the level of experience needed in a Barista job description?

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.

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 writing a job description for a Barista, it's important to clearly state the level of experience required. This helps to attract candidates who are a good fit for the role. Specify whether you need an entry-level, mid-level, or senior Barista, and describe the kind of environment or equipment they should have experience with.

Common misunderstanding: Experience always means years worked.

Experience isn't just about the number of years someone has worked. It's more about what they've done during that time. For example, six months in a busy specialty coffee shop might be more relevant than two years at a slow-paced café with limited coffee offerings.

Common misunderstanding: All experience is the same.

Not all barista jobs are alike. Specify the type of experience that matters most for your café, such as working with high-volume sales, specialty coffee, or manual espresso machines. This ensures you get applicants who are prepared for your specific environment.

Should we list time-based experience or situational familiarity in job descriptions?

It's best to combine both time-based experience and situational familiarity in your job descriptions. While it's useful to know how long someone has worked as a Barista, it's equally important to understand the settings they've worked in. Describe the type of café, the pace, and the equipment they should be familiar with.

Common misunderstanding: Time-based experience is enough to gauge skill level.

Just knowing how long someone has been a Barista doesn't tell you if they can handle the specific demands of your café. It's crucial to know if they've thrived in similar environments to yours.

Common misunderstanding: Situational familiarity can be vague.

Be specific when describing the situational experience. Instead of saying "experience in a busy café," specify what 'busy' means for your café, such as the number of covers per day or the style of service (e.g., high-volume takeaway orders).

How do I prevent excluding good candidates by demanding too much experience?

To avoid excluding potentially good candidates, be realistic and flexible about the experience requirements. Clearly differentiate between 'must-have' and 'nice-to-have' skills and experience. This allows candidates who may lack certain specifics but are capable and willing to learn quickly to still apply.

Common misunderstanding: More experience always equals better performance.

While experience is valuable, a candidate's ability to learn, adapt, and fit into your team culture can be just as important. Sometimes, less experienced candidates bring fresh perspectives and a strong willingness to learn.

Common misunderstanding: Setting high experience requirements will ensure only the best candidates apply.

Setting the bar too high can deter talented individuals who might excel in the role but don't precisely meet the stringent criteria. It's better to focus on core competencies and the ability to perform well in your specific environment.