Congratulations on completing your first cover letter. However, as you look back, you realise it’s simply a copy-paste of your CV.
Repeating your curriculum vitae is a common pitfall that many candidates encounter, making the cover letter redundant.
Your cover letter should provide fresh insights, adding more value to your application. It’s also the ideal space to address career gaps or major transitions that might not be covered in your CV.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your cover letter to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the role, while confidently addressing your career history and key achievements.
Cover letter examples for barista
Explore additional barista cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Lead Barista
- Highlighting relevant experience with significant accomplishments, such as leading café operations to achieve high client satisfaction scores, exemplifies effective leadership and customer-centric focus.
- Emphasising specific training and certifications, like the "Advanced Barista Skills" accredited by the Specialty Coffee Association, underscores expert knowledge in the field of specialty coffee.
- Showcasing leadership in sustainability initiatives, such as transitioning the café to an eco-friendly operation, positions the candidate as forward-thinking and committed to environmental responsibility, which is appealing in roles where sustainability is valued.
- Including a passion for coffee culture and sustainable living suggests a personal alignment with the industry, which can be advantageous in fostering genuine customer connections and promoting brand loyalty.
Barista Apprentice
- Quantifiable Achievements: Highlighting specific percentages such as a 20% increase in sales and a 15% reduction in coffee waste provides tangible evidence of the applicant's impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning the "Advanced Barista Skills" course from the Specialty Coffee Association underscores expertise essential for a barista role.
- Customer Service Excellence: Emphasising a consistent customer satisfaction rating of 95% demonstrates the applicant's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Leadership Experience: Showcasing experience as a Barista Supervisor, where the applicant achieved a 15% improvement in team efficiency, adds value by highlighting leadership capabilities.
Barista Team Leader
- Highlighting Industry-Specific Skills: The cover letter effectively emphasises Ruby's mastery in organising high-performance teams and delivering exceptional customer service, which is crucial for success in a team leader role within the coffee industry.
- Showcasing Measurable Achievements: Ruby provides quantifiable achievements, such as the 30% increase in customer retention and the 25% reduction in food waste, which convey her impact and value to prospective employers.
- Emphasising Relevant Certifications and Training: The cover letter proficiently lists certifications like the "Advanced Barista Skills" and the "Leadership and Management Certificate," showcasing Ruby's commitment to developing her expertise and leadership skills.
- Aligning Experience with Industry Needs: Ruby's experience in roles across renowned coffee brands, combined with strategic initiatives such as the local marketing strategy and order process streamlining, displays her ability to drive business outcomes relevant to potential employers in the sector.
Senior Barista
- Emphasising relevant experience and demonstrable impact, such as the 30% increase in repeat business through a customer loyalty programme, showcases tangible contributions to previous employers.
- Highlighting certifications like the Professional Barista Skills Certification by the Specialty Coffee Association underscores specialised knowledge in coffee preparation techniques and equipment handling, which is crucial for a barista role.
- Showcasing leadership in initiatives such as the Eco-Initiative Leader in reducing paper cup usage by 30% aligns with contemporary sustainability goals that many companies are aiming to achieve.
- Listing skills like 'Coffee extraction', 'Latte art', and 'Customer service' prominently links directly to core aspects of the barista role, thereby tailoring the application to the job requirements.
Junior Barista
- Highlighting Achievements: Lily effectively showcases quantifiable achievements, such as increasing customer satisfaction by 25% and sales by 35%, which provide concrete evidence of her impact and suitability for a managerial role.
- Specialised Skills: Emphasising skills like "Training Development" and "Market Trend Analysis" underlines her capability to not only manage but also innovate and improve processes, which is crucial for advancing in the hospitality sector.
- Relevant Experience: By detailing past roles and responsibilities, such as managing maintenance schedules and reducing operational costs, Lily demonstrates her comprehensive understanding of both operational and customer-facing aspects of a barista management role.
- Passion and Continuous Learning: Her passion for coffee culture and additional certifications in customer service and brewing techniques reinforce her dedication and ongoing commitment to personal and professional development.
Full-Time Barista
- Emphasising Proven Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights a strong background in the café industry, noting a 3-year tenure with demonstrated success in increasing sales and customer satisfaction.
- Skills and Achievements: The letter outlines specific achievements such as increasing beverage sales by 20% and reducing waste costs, underscoring an ability to positively impact business results.
- Leadership and Team Management: Experience leading a team and implementing team meetings showcases leadership qualities and a proactive approach, which are essential for senior barista roles.
- Education and Professional Development: The mention of relevant degrees and certified courses provides evidence of commitment to professional growth in the hospitality and coffee sectors, enhancing credibility for the role.
Part-Time Barista
- Highlighting the "Advanced Espresso Techniques" certification showcases specialised skills in espresso preparation, which directly relates to a Barista Specialist role.
- Emphasising the 95% customer satisfaction rate achieved by leading a team of baristas underlines strong leadership and customer service skills, relevant for positions requiring supervisory experience.
- Showcasing the introduction of a new coffee flavour range that increased sales by 20% points to innovation and an ability to impact business growth positively, an asset in any competitive retail environment.
- Mentioning the "Highest Sales Quarter" achievement demonstrates a proven track record in driving sales, which is essential for retail and customer-centric roles like a Barista.
By Role
Barista Trainer
- Highlighting Certifications: The cover letter effectively showcases relevant certifications such as "SCA Barista Skills Professional" and "SCA Sensory Skills Intermediate," essential for a specialised role in the coffee training industry.
- Focus on Achievements: Quantifiable achievements like a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and a 25% increase in certification pass rates are emphasised, illustrating impact and expertise in the role.
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: Experience in conducting barista training and coaching for competitions is highlighted, showcasing specialised skills and alignment with industry demands.
- Showcasing Industry Passion: A passion for coffee innovation and sustainable practices demonstrates a commitment to staying current and contributing positively to the field.
Speciality Coffee Barista
- Highlighting Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Alexander's extensive experience in the hospitality and coffee industries, showcasing positions such as Senior Barista, Barista, and Coffee Specialist, complemented by quantitative achievements to demonstrate competence and value.
- Showcasing Education and Skills: Incorporating academic credentials like an MBA and a Bachelor's degree relevant to the field signifies a strong foundation in business and hospitality, while specialised skills such as coffee brewing, operational efficiency, and customer service underscore suitability for the role.
- Achievements and Certifications: Notably, the cover letter highlights significant accomplishments such as 'Best Employee of the Year' and a recognised achievement in 'Excellence in Customer Satisfaction', as well as pertinent certifications in Advanced Coffee Brewing Techniques and Customer Engagement Strategies, reinforcing expertise and dedication.
- Passion and Engagement: By mentioning passions in coffee culture, sustainable practices, and community engagement, the cover letter demonstrates alignment with the values and vision of potential employers in the coffee and customer engagement sectors.
Mobile Barista
- Highlighted Certifications: The cover letter effectively showcases relevant certifications, such as the Specialty Coffee Association Barista Intermediate, which would be valued in a role centred around coffee preparation and techniques.
- Emphasis on Customer Service Skills: The candidate highlights their strong customer service abilities, evidenced by high satisfaction ratings and a focus on creating memorable experiences, essential for a barista role.
- Demonstrates Leadership and Training: The candidate outlines their experience in training and leading teams, showcasing their capability to improve efficiency and maintain service standards, pertinent for growth in a barista role.
- Focus on Continuous Learning and Improvement: By mentioning the implementation of new systems and ongoing efforts to enhance coffee knowledge, the candidate displays a commitment to professional development and operational excellence.
Barista Manager
- Emphasise Leadership and Teamwork: The cover letter highlights experience in leading a team and improving efficiency, essential for roles that require managing staff and ensuring smooth operations.
- Detail Proven Results: The candidate provides specific metrics, such as a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and a 15% improvement in service time, demonstrating the impact of their contributions.
- Highlight Relevant Certifications: Mentioning the "Advanced Coffee Making Techniques" course certified by the Speciality Coffee Association underscores expertise in coffee preparation, a critical skill for a barista role.
- Showcase Customer Engagement Skills: The cover letter focuses on building customer relationships and enhancing their experiences, vital for roles focused on driving customer loyalty and sales.
Barista Artist
- Industry-Specific Achievements: Highlighting accomplishments, such as increasing customer satisfaction scores and sales, showcases the ability to generate positive impacts specific to the cafe industry.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning the "Advanced Barista Skills" certification from the Speciality Coffee Association reflects a specialised prowess in essential barista skills like espresso techniques and milk texturing.
- Leadership Experience: Describing the management and training of a team, alongside process improvements at Starbucks, underscores leadership abilities vital for senior barista roles.
- Passion and Enthusiasm: Expressing an affinity for "Coffee Culture" and "Creative Gastronomy" aligns personal interests with professional roles, signalling a genuine dedication to the field.
Barista and Food Service Worker
- Highlighting the Food Safety and Hygiene Certification demonstrates a professional commitment to maintaining high sanitation standards, which is crucial in a food service role.
- The emphasis on increasing customer satisfaction by 25% showcases achievements in enhancing the customer experience, a key aspect in the hospitality industry.
- Mentioning the ability to lead a team and drive significant improvements (e.g., staff efficiency and labour cost reduction) informs potential employers of strong managerial and leadership skills.
- Showcasing the development and implementation of a loyalty programme illustrates innovative thinking and success in increasing repeat business, which is highly valued in the food service sector.
Barista and Cashier
- Highlight the Food Safety Level 2 Certification, which underscores a commitment to high standards in food preparation and compliance with health regulations.
- Emphasise the ability to lead and improve team performance, backed by experience in conducting workshops and achieving a 30% improvement in staff performance.
- Mention the Advanced Barista Skills gained through formal training, ensuring an impressive grasp of specialty coffee preparation and presentation.
- Underline the experience with inventory management systems that led to waste reduction and increased product availability, demonstrating efficiency and cost-saving abilities.
Barista and Kitchen Assistant
- Highlighted the "Barista Skills Professional" course, enhancing credibility with advanced coffee-making skills essential for the role.
- Emphasised experience in managing customer feedback and increasing satisfaction, crucial for improving customer service in a coffee shop.
- Showcased teamwork skills, crucial for fostering an efficient and harmonious work environment, as seen in training and mentoring roles at Costa Coffee.
- Illustrated ongoing commitment to professional development through specific achievements, such as the "Employee of the Month" award for reducing customer complaints at Pret A Manger.
Barista and Waiter
- Relevant Experience: The letter effectively highlights the candidate's extensive 5+ years of barista experience across well-known coffee chains, demonstrating a strong background in customer service and café operations.
- Achievements and Impact: The inclusion of specific achievements, such as increasing customer satisfaction scores by 30% and reducing waste by 15%, showcases the candidate's ability to positively affect business operations and customer experiences.
- Skill Highlights: Focus is given to key skills such as latte art and team leadership, aligning with the expectations for an experienced barista role and underscoring the applicant's proficiency in creating quality coffee experiences and managing staff.
- Education and Passion for the Industry: The educational background in Hospitality Management and Gastronomy, combined with a passion for coffee culture, adds depth to the candidate's commitment and expertise in the coffee industry.
Barista and Bartender
- Highlighting the Advanced Mixology Specialist course demonstrates specialised skills in cocktail crafting essential for a bartender role.
- Emphasising achievements such as developing a successful cocktail menu and increasing drink sales by 25% showcases the candidate's ability to innovate and contribute to a venue's profitability.
- Including specific metrics such as a 30% reduction in wait times through team training highlights the candidate's impact on operational efficiency and service quality.
- Showcasing strong Customer Service skills with a consistent customer satisfaction score above 95% demonstrates the candidate's dedication to creating positive guest experiences.
Barista and Baker
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Samuel's cover letter effectively showcases his extensive experience in the food service industry, highlighting his previous roles at Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Pret A Manger, as well as detailing specific achievements and improvements made in each position.
- Cite Educational Background and Certifications: The inclusion of a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management and a Master of Science in Food Safety, along with certifications like the Advanced Food Safety Certificate, reinforces Samuel's qualifications and specialised knowledge in food safety—a key requirement for a Cafe Assistant role.
- Emphasise Skills and Results: Samuel's skills such as customer service, inventory management, and baking are underscored alongside quantifiable results, such as a 15% improvement in customer satisfaction and a 20% boost in dessert sales, establishing a link between his skills and tangible business outcomes.
- Incorporate Passions: Samuel's passions for Culinary Arts and Sustainable Practices provide a personal touch, indicating a genuine interest in the field and a commitment to environmental sustainability, which can appeal to potential employers focused on ethical practices.
Barista and Sandwich Maker
- Emphasise your specific experience in food and beverage settings, such as previous roles at Pret A Manger and Starbucks, showcasing your versatility in both sandwich making and coffee preparation.
- Highlight your success in increasing customer satisfaction and sales figures through initiatives like sandwich display strategies and promotional events, which demonstrate your impact on business growth.
- Mention any relevant certifications, like the Level 2 Food Hygiene Certification, emphasising your commitment to high standards of food safety and quality.
- Showcase language skills and customer service proficiency, particularly in a multicultural city like London, where multilingual capabilities can enhance customer interaction and satisfaction.
Barista and Cafe Worker
- Highlight Industry Experience: The cover letter effectively leverages over 3 years of experience in the hospitality sector, showcasing a strong background in customer service and team collaboration which is essential for a cafe assistant role.
- Emphasise Achievements: Specific achievements, such as increasing customer satisfaction scores by 20% and reducing wait times by 15%, are highlighted to demonstrate tangible contributions and an ability to improve business operations.
- Relevant Education & Certifications: The candidate includes relevant education and certifications like a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management and an Advanced Barista Skills Certification, underscoring their formal training and commitment to professional development within the cafe industry.
- Significant Skills and Competencies: Skills such as customer service, inventory management, and team collaboration are emphasised, aligning well with the expectations for a cafe assistant and showcasing the candidate's readiness for the role.
Barista cover letter example
James Lewis
Southampton
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
James Lewis
12 High Street
Southampton, Hampshire
SO14 1AA
help@enhancv.com
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in joining your team, having long admired your dedication to creating memorable experiences for coffee lovers. I appreciate your commitment to quality and community engagement, which aligns closely with my professional values and experience.
At Starbucks, I spearheaded the introduction of a new seasonal menu, resulting in a 20% sales increase within the first quarter. This experience strengthened my abilities in team leadership and sales strategy, highlighting my aptitude for meeting customer preferences while supporting business growth.
I am eager to bring my skills and knowledge to your organization and would be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to your continued success. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the possibility of scheduling an interview.
James Lewis
Skilled Barista
How this cover letter gets it right:
- Emphasize Relevant Experience: Highlight previous roles and achievements, such as spearheading initiatives that directly relate to the job you're applying for, like introducing new menus or products that led to increased sales.
- Align with Company Values: Demonstrating an understanding and appreciation for the company's mission and values, such as their dedication to quality and community, can make your application stand out.
- Showcase Leadership and Strategic Skills: Mention specific examples of leadership or strategic successes, such as leading a team to achieve a sales target, to illustrate your capability to contribute to business growth.
- Express Enthusiasm and Willingness to Contribute: Clearly communicate your eagerness to join the company and how you envision utilizing your skills to benefit their objectives.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a barista cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your barista cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your barista cover letter intro
Employers do want someone who not only delivers results but does so with enthusiasm.
Thus, a great way to start your cover letter is by showing how your personal passions align with the role.
Highlight one or two aspects of the job description that resonate with you, and explain why this makes you a perfect fit for the company and its culture.
Cover Letter Intro
Having long admired Brew & Co.'s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to such an inspiring environment as a barista. My expertise in creating bespoke coffee experiences is eager to complement your team's passion for excellent service and authentic connections.
RIGHT
How to write your barista cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
In my previous role at Brew & Bean Café, I spearheaded an initiative to enhance the customer experience by introducing a loyalty programme that increased customer retention by 25% over six months. Leveraging my skills in data analysis and customer relationship management, I meticulously analysed customer feedback and trends, which enabled me to tailor the programme effectively. This initiative not only attracted more repeat customers but also boosted daily sales by 15%, demonstrating my ability to drive significant results through thoughtful and strategic customer engagement. My experience in creating a welcoming atmosphere and delivering exemplary service with efficiency and a smile has honed my ability to contribute positively to any café environment.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the Barista position. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion for coffee to your esteemed establishment. I would be thrilled to discuss how my experience and enthusiasm for delivering exceptional customer service can benefit your team. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your convenience. I look forward to the opportunity and am genuinely excited about the prospect of joining your team. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your job application and set you apart from other candidates. Begin by personalising your message to the hiring manager and connecting your experiences to the company's values.
Emphasise your key accomplishments that reflect your skills and passion for the role, while maintaining a professional tone throughout. Ensure that your cover letter and CV present a unified and polished image to maximise your chances of success.
