Acing Your Starbucks Interview Questions (Tips + Strategies)

April 25, 2023

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5 min read

Two Starbucks baristas work together taking orders and crafting drinks

If you’re a coffee lover who wants to work at Starbucks, you’re probably wondering how to ace your Starbucks interview questions. 

Starbucks is one of the world’s most recognizable coffee chains, and it’s not surprising that many people want to work there. However, landing a job at Starbucks can be challenging, especially if you’re not prepared.

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to practice for your Starbucks interview, as well as some common Starbucks interview questions and what percentage of applicants get interviews. We’ll also discuss how hard the interview is and how many interview rounds you can expect.

What Is Starbucks?

Aside from being one of the most well-known brands in the world, Starbucks is also the largest coffeehouse chain. The company sells hot and cold drinks, like coffee and tea, as well as instant and whole-bean coffee.

The first store — located near Seattle’s Pike Place Market — opened in the early ’70s. The brand was founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker.

Starbucks got its name from the first mate character of the same name in “Moby Dick,” Starbuck. 

FAQs: What to Know About the Starbucks Interview

When it comes to a Starbucks interview, chances are, you have lots of questions. We’ll go over some of the most frequently asked questions about this interview process. 

How many interview rounds at Starbucks?

The number of interview rounds at Starbucks also varies depending on the location and the position. However, most candidates can expect to go through at least two interview rounds before being offered a job.

The first interview is typically a one-on-one interview with a hiring manager or supervisor, where you will be asked a variety of questions about your experience and skills. If you pass the first round, you may be invited back for a second interview, which may be a group interview or a panel interview with multiple managers.

During the second interview, you may be asked more in-depth questions about your experience and skills, as well as questions about how you would handle specific situations.

Does Starbucks drug test?

No, Starbucks doesn’t drug test. To put it differently, you won’t have to participate in a pre-employment drug test screening. You also won’t be tested regularly on the job, either. 

Still, because Starbucks is a drug-free work environment, there’s a chance you could be drug tested if you’re suspected of being under the influence during work. 

How hard is the Starbucks interview?

The difficulty level of this interview varies from person to person, depending on their experience and confidence. However, most candidates find the Starbucks interview to be relatively easy, as it is more focused on customer service skills and personality traits than technical knowledge.

That being said, the Starbucks interview process is highly competitive, and the company only hires the best candidates. Therefore, you should be well-prepared and confident if you want to land a job at Starbucks.

What percentage of Starbucks applicants get interviews?

The percentage of applicants who get interviews at Starbucks varies depending on the location and the number of open positions. However, according to Glassdoor, Starbucks receives thousands of applications for each position, and only a small percentage of applicants are selected for an interview.

Therefore, if you want to get an interview, you need to stand out from the crowd. Make sure your resume and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and skills, and prepare for your interview thoroughly.

How to Practice Starbucks Interview Questions

If you want to improve your chances of acing your Starbucks interview questions, you should practice your interviewing skills beforehand. One way to do this is by using Yoodli, an AI-powered interview interview coach app that helps you improve your interviewing skills in a judgment-free environment.

It’s one of the most realistic interview simulators out there. Part of what makes it so realistic is how customizable the experience is. For example, you can choose not only which Starbucks interview questions you want to answer but also:

  • What role you want to apply for
  • Which company you’re applying to
  • The type of interviewer personality (for example, friendly, professional, technical, etc.)
A man with short brown hair, a tight beard, and a mustache practices Starbucks interview questions via Yoodli.
Personalizing the experience gives you the most realistic way to practice Starbucks interview questions.

Once you answer the Starbucks interview questions, Yoodli provides AI-powered feedback on your points, filler words, rambling, body language, and much more.

You can get started for free at www.yoodli.ai. You can learn more about how this interview coach can help you prepare for Starbucks interview questions in our helpful explainer overview:

Practicing Starbucks interview questions is easy using an interview simulator like Yoodli.

Common Starbucks Interview Questions

During your Starbucks interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions. Here are some of the most common Starbucks interview questions:

  • What do you know about Starbucks?
  • Why do you want to work at Starbucks?
  • How would you handle a difficult customer?
  • How would you handle a scenario where an upset customer told you their drink was made incorrectly?
  • What do you know about the history of Starbucks?
  • What experience do you have in customer service?
  • What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks?
  • Can you work in a fast-paced environment?
  • How do you stay organized?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Can you tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer?
  • How do you handle stress?
  • Are you able to stand for long periods of time?

To prepare for your Starbucks interview, you should research the company and its values, as well as practice answering these common questions.

Starbucks interview questions to ask afterward

You should also prepare to ask some interview questions for interviewers, if time allows. This can demonstrate how interested you are in the role. Starbucks interview questions to ask your interviewers could include: 

  • What’s your favorite thing about working at Starbucks?
  • If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you’d give yourself on your first day working here?
  • How does Starbucks measure success?
  • Which part of working at Starbucks has the steepest learning curve?

The Key Takeaway

In conclusion, if you want to work at Starbucks, it’s important to be well-prepared for your interview. Make sure you research the company and its values, practice answering common Starbucks interview questions, and consider using an AI-powered interview coach like Yoodli to improve your skills.

Remember, the Starbucks interview process is competitive, and only the best candidates are selected for a job. However, if you follow these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of acing your interview and landing your dream job. Good luck!

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