Navigating customer variations, such as personalised orders or allergy requirements, presents a significant challenge for your coffee shop's efficiency. Our guide offers practical solutions and systems to streamline your service, ensuring each cup is perfectly tailored to your patron's needs.
Land the job of your dreams with our bespoke guide on how to:
- Design and format your professional coffee shop CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading coffee shop CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your coffee shop CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
Resume examples for coffee shop
Explore additional coffee shop cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Coffee Shop Assistant
- Structured and Concise Presentation - Elsie Murray's CV is well-organized, presenting information clearly and succinctly. Each section is distinct and easy to navigate, with her professional journey and skills articulated concisely, allowing potential employers to quickly understand her capabilities and experience.
- Remarkable Career Growth - Elsie's career trajectory shows significant growth within the coffee industry. Starting as a Barista Intern and advancing to an Experienced Barista, she has held increasingly responsible roles, reflecting her dedication and ability to excel in her field over a short period of time.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV emphasizes achievements that directly impacted business performance, such as increasing sales by 20% through innovative techniques and improving team performance by implementing a motivational rewards program. These accomplishments not only highlight her skills but also her ability to contribute to an organization’s financial success.
Senior Coffee Shop Supervisor
- Effective Layout and Structure - The CV is well-organized, with a clear and concise structure that efficiently communicates Ella Bennett's professional expertise, experience, and qualifications. Each section is logically outlined, allowing for easy navigation and quick access to key information, which is crucial for retaining the reader's attention.
- Dynamic Career Growth - Ella Bennett's career trajectory demonstrates a steady climb through the hospitality sector, transitioning from a Team Leader at Costa Coffee to a Senior Supervisor at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. This progression reflects her increasing responsibilities, enhanced skill set, and a consistent drive for leadership and excellence within the industry.
- Innovative Industry Approaches - The CV highlights Ella’s distinctive approach to hospitality management, such as her reduction of waste by 20% through an inventory management system and her collaboration with local farmers. These initiatives not only emphasize her commitment to sustainability but also illustrate a proactive approach to integrating local resources, enhancing the customer experience, and boosting revenue.
Coffee Shop General Assistant
- Structure and Clarity in Presentation - Lucas Adams' CV is meticulously organized, presenting each section clearly to provide a cohesive narrative. It is concise and easy to navigate, allowing the reader to quickly grasp his professional journey and accomplishments, which is crucial for communicating his strong fit for a customer-facing role.
- Demonstrated Leadership and Team Management - The CV highlights Lucas's leadership capabilities through roles that progressively advance from Barista to Cafe Supervisor. His experience leading teams, enhancing service processes, and conducting staff training at Costa Coffee demonstrates his ability to motivate and manage employees effectively, making him an asset in any supervisory capacity.
- Achieving Business Impact through Innovation - Lucas's achievements reflect substantial business impacts with quantifiable results, such as a 20% increase in customer satisfaction at Costa Coffee. His initiatives in developing loyalty programs and improving operational efficiency not only enhanced customer experience but also contributed to significant financial benefits, like increased repeat customers and reduced waste, showcasing his strategic thinking and impact on business growth.
Coffee Shop Shift Leader
- Clear and Effective Content Presentation - The CV is structured in a manner that clearly and concisely outlines Theodore Green’s professional journey, leveraging bullet points for easy readability. The use of specific dates and quantified achievements ensures that the reader quickly understands the candidate's demonstrated impact in each role.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Displaying a steady progression from Assistant Barista to Senior Barista, Theodore’s career graph indicates successful upward mobility and acquisition of strategies that underline their capacity for growth within the hospitality industry. Each role showcases increased responsibilities, reflecting personal and professional development.
- Impactful Achievements and Industry Relevance - The CV goes beyond mere numerical achievements by providing context to their business relevance. For instance, implementing loyalty programs not only enhanced customer retention but also contributed measurably to revenue growth, demonstrating business acumen and the ability to positively influence company metrics.
By Role
Coffee Shop Manager
- Effective Content Structure - The CV is impressively organized with clear sections that make navigation and comprehension easy for the reader. The use of headings and subheadings provides clarity and ensures that each aspect of James's professional experience and skill set is highlighted appropriately.
- Progressive Career Development - James's career trajectory showcases significant growth within the hospitality industry, advancing from a Senior Barista to a Hospitality Manager. Each role transition signifies an increase in responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and recognition of leadership capabilities.
- Strong Focus on Compliance and Safety - A distinct emphasis is placed on compliance and safety, critical components in the hospitality sector. James has effectively employed rigorous compliance checks and food safety management to reduce incidents, reflecting a strong dedication to maintaining high regulatory standards and safe customer environments.
Coffee Shop Barista
- Effective Presentation and Structure - This CV is succinctly structured, beginning with a header that clearly displays personal information and a summary that provides a comprehensive overview of Ava's skills and passion for coffee. The sections are logically ordered, allowing for an easy flow of information from personal data to work experience, education, and skills. This architecture facilitates quick navigation and understanding, which is crucial for busy recruiters.
- Impressive Career Growth - Ava's career trajectory showcases significant upward mobility, moving from a Barista role to a Head Barista in a relatively short period. This upward movement signifies her growth in leadership and mastery in her field, reflecting her capability to not only perform her duties well but also to lead and train others effectively. Her promotions imply respect and recognition from her peers and employers.
- In-depth Coffee Industry Knowledge and Engagement - Ava's CV highlights her deep engagement with the coffee industry through her emphasis on specialty brewing techniques, training, and new brew methods. Her involvement in advanced courses and contributions to developing new drink recipes underscores her commitment to industry-specific skills and her enthusiasm for continuously expanding her expertise.
Coffee Shop Operations Manager
- Impressive career progression in the café industry - Alice Barnes' CV details a clear upward trajectory within the café sector, illustrating her growth from a Barista to an Assistant Manager role at Costa Coffee. This progression demonstrates her ability to take on increased responsibilities and excel in leadership positions within the same industry, indicating a deep understanding and passion for her field.
- Noteworthy achievements with significant business impact - Rather than just presenting raw numbers, the CV highlights Alice's achievements and their direct influence on business metrics. Initiatives like reducing waste by 15% and boosting sales by 18% illustrate her ability to implement strategies that have measurable effects on both cost efficiency and revenue generation.
- Comprehensive inclusion of essential CV elements - The CV is structured to cover critical areas such as experience, education, skills, achievements, and personal passions, all relevant to her role as an Assistant Manager. Each section is thoughtfully curated to underscore her expertise in customer experience, team leadership, and her dedication to the café industry.
Coffee Shop Customer Service Representative
- Clear Structure and Organization - The CV clearly organizes information into specific sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements. Each section is concise and uses bullet points to effectively communicate key responsibilities and accomplishments, making it easy for employers to quickly assess qualifications.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Eva's career path demonstrates steady growth within the customer service and claims management industry. Starting from a Customer Care Coordinator and advancing to a Claims Advisor, she has shown the ability to take on more complex roles and responsibilities over time, reflecting her professional development.
- Strong Emphasis on Metrics and Achievements - The CV highlights significant achievements with quantifiable results, such as improving client satisfaction scores by 20% and reducing processing time by 15%. These accomplishments not only showcase Eva's ability to deliver measurable impact but also underline her contribution to business success and team enhancement.
Coffee Shop Marketing Specialist
- Structured narrative of career growth - Isabella Watson’s CV clearly outlines her ascent from a Marketing Assistant to a Communications Specialist within major UK retailers. This trajectory not only highlights a consistent commitment to marketing but showcases her ability to adapt and grow within the industry, reflecting her increasing responsibilities and the trust placed in her strategic capabilities.
- Emphasizes leadership and strategic planning - The array of soft skills detailed, such as project management and relationship building, underline Isabella's leadership qualities and her ability to navigate complex marketing landscapes. Her involvement in cross-departmental collaborations and budget management speaks to her strategic oversight and the impactful direction she provides in campaign work.
- Significant, quantifiable achievements reinforcing business impact - The CV effectively uses measurable outcomes, illustrating Isabella’s successful marketing campaigns and their direct influence on brand recognition, customer engagement, and budget efficiency. These numbers are tied to larger business goals, particularly highlighting her role in achieving cost savings and increased sales, vital for validating her effectiveness and value in a communications role.
Coffee Shop Sales Associate
- Clarity and Conciseness in Presentation - The CV is structured with clear sections, each dedicated to distinct professional aspects like experience and education. This clarity allows employers to quickly find relevant information. Bullet points are used effectively to present key responsibilities and achievements concisely without overwhelming detail.
- Dynamic Career Trajectory - There is a noticeable progression in William Hall's career, from a Sales Coordinator at Microsoft, advancing to Business Development Executive at IBM, and later a Sales Associate at Oracle. This trajectory highlights his upward movement in roles with increasing responsibility and influence, reflecting substantial professional growth.
- Emphasis on Achievements and Business Impact - The CV doesn't just list duties but focuses on achievements with quantitative metrics illustrating business benefits. Examples like surpassing sales targets by 20% and optimizing a CRM system underscore not only accomplishments but their direct positive impact on business outcomes.
Coffee Shop Supply Chain Coordinator
- Clear and concise content presentation - The CV is well-structured with clearly defined sections, making it easy for hiring managers to navigate. It presents information concisely, emphasizing key achievements and core competencies that directly relate to the facilities coordination role.
- Progressive career trajectory - Poppy Griffiths showcases a strong career trajectory, moving from a Facilities Assistant to a Senior Facilities Coordinator. This progression hints at a consistent growth in responsibilities and expertise, reflecting a well-planned career path in the facilities management sector.
- Leveraging CAFM systems for operational efficiency - The CV highlights the candidate's technical proficiency with CAFM systems, illustrating how she leveraged this tool to reduce maintenance task resolution times significantly. This underscores her technical depth and advanced capabilities in facilities operations.
Coffee Shop Human Resources Manager
- Strategic Structuring and Conciseness - The CV is presented with a clear and logical structure, making it easy to navigate. Each section provides relevant, concise information, such as detailed bullet points under the experience section that illustrate specific responsibilities and achievements. This enables the reader to quickly assess the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role.
- Progressive Career Growth and Industry Experience - The candidate demonstrates a steady upward trajectory in the hospitality industry, moving from a Human Resources Administrator to a Cluster Human Resources Officer. This progression showcases her capacity to take on more responsibility and her drive for professional development within the industry.
- Robust HR Achievements with Business Impact - The CV highlights significant achievements with clear business relevance, such as reducing employee turnover by 20% and improving recruitment efficiency. These accomplishments are not just numbers but reflect strategic improvements that contribute positively to the overall business environment, demonstrating the candidate's ability to align HR initiatives with organizational goals.
Coffee Shop Quality Assurance Specialist
- Clear and Structured Presentation - Emily Cox's CV is presented with clarity and an easy-to-follow structure. The sections are well-organized, covering personal information, professional experience, skills, education, and additional courses. This concise format ensures readers can quickly understand her career background and capabilities without unnecessary details.
- Progressive Career Path - The career trajectory of Emily Cox demonstrates consistent growth with increasing responsibilities. Starting as waitstaff, she progressed to a catering assistant, and now holds a senior barista position. Each role showcases advancement in responsibilities and industry knowledge, indicating her dedication and passion for the hospitality sector.
- Adaptability and Versatility - Emily's experience reflects adaptability and cross-functional skills across various hospitality roles. Her ability to move seamlessly from food preparation to customer service and event coordination demonstrates her versatile skill set, making her valuable in dynamic environments that require diverse expertise.
Coffee Shop Financial Analyst
- Strategic Career Growth - Ruby Gibson's career trajectory demonstrates a clear advancement through key roles in the gas and energy sector. Her steady progression from a Capacity Planning Analyst to an Access Development Analyst reflects a deepening of expertise and responsibilities, showcasing her growing impact in system optimisation and stakeholder management over the years.
- Effective Presentation and Structure - The CV is meticulously organized, with each section concisely conveying Ruby's skills, experience, and achievements. The use of bullet points ensures that key accomplishments and responsibilities are presented clearly, allowing the reader to quickly understand her contributions and the value she brings to her roles.
- Cross-Functional Expertise - Ruby's ability to adapt and collaborate with diverse teams is evident throughout her experience. Her work involved collaboration across various functions, contributing to system integration and process improvements, highlighting her ability to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams effectively.
Coffee Shop Training Manager
- Structure and Clarity - The CV is meticulously structured with clear headings and bullet points that enhance readability. Each section is thoughtfully organized, ensuring that key qualifications and experiences are easily accessible to the reader. The concise language used throughout helps distill complex achievements and responsibilities into easily digestible highlights.
- Career Progression and Industry Growth - Oscar Evans demonstrates a well-rounded career trajectory within the hospitality industry, illustrating a steady progression from Barista to Supervisor. Each role showcases a new level of responsibility and expertise, reflecting his capacity to grow and adapt within well-known establishments like Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Pret A Manger. This upward movement signals his readiness for leadership roles and his ambition within the industry.
- Leadership and Customer Interaction Techniques - The CV highlights Oscar's substantial leadership skills, such as boosting team efficiency by 20% and enhancing customer satisfaction by 25%. His ability to mentor and train staff in customer engagement strategies underscores his competence in cultivating high-performing teams. The focus on upskilling employees and refining service delivery protocols aligns with effective, modern managerial practices in the service sector.
Coffee Shop IT Support Specialist
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV's presentation is both clear and well-organized, ensuring that information is easily digestible. Key sections such as experience, education, and skills are neatly delineated with bulleted lists, ensuring that even complex technical details are understood at a glance. This concise formatting enhances readability and keeps the focus on the candidate's relevant qualifications.
- Strategic Career Growth and Leadership - Ava Phillips demonstrates a clear trajectory of professional growth from a mechanical technician to a specialized commercial coffee equipment repair technician. This progression highlights the candidate's ability to leverage foundational skills in broader contexts, evidenced by rising responsibilities such as training junior technicians and implementing service improvements, showcasing leadership capability in technical environments.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Tools - The CV uniquely emphasizes industry-specific tools and methodologies, such as diagnostic tools for commercial espresso machines and preventive maintenance strategies. The inclusion of courses in advanced machine servicing techniques points to a strong commitment to continual learning and honing niche expertise, which is crucial for a repair technician specializing in complex machinery.
Coffee Shop Health and Safety Officer
- Structured and Clear Content Presentation - The CV is well-organized, beginning with an informative header and a succinct summary, followed by clearly delineated sections detailing experience, education, skills, and achievements. Each job role is accompanied by precise bullet points that communicate key contributions and accomplishments concisely, ensuring the reader can quickly grasp the applicant’s professional journey and impact.
- Demonstrates a Robust Career Trajectory - The candidate shows a strong upward trajectory, transitioning from roles like Environmental Health Officer to Food Safety Officer, reflecting both growth in responsibility and a deepening expertise within the environmental health and compliance sectors. Each position builds on the previous, showcasing an increasing complexity of tasks and influence, which aligns with their current title of Port Health Support Officer.
- Highlights Key Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - The CV incorporates detailed references to specialized tools and methodologies, such as implementing software tools that increased data accuracy and using advanced food safety procedures. This reflects a deep technical proficiency and understanding of industry-specific requirements, essential for roles focused on compliance and regulatory standards in the health and safety domain.
Coffee Shop Catering Manager
- Structured and Consistent Formatting - The CV is well-organized, with clearly defined sections and bullet points that provide a comprehensive overview of Charlotte Powell's qualifications and experience. This structure aids in quick navigation and ensures that key information is accessible at a glance, which is crucial for hiring managers who may review numerous applications.
- Diverse Career Growth - Charlotte's career trajectory demonstrates significant growth and versatility, moving from a Food and Beverage Supervisor to an Assistant Manager. Her journey across different roles within prominent companies like Costa Coffee, Compass Group, and Pret A Manger illustrates not only her career advancement but also her ability to adapt and excel in various facets of the hospitality industry.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV highlights Charlotte’s proficiency in coffee management and food and beverage operations, emphasizing her specialized skills, such as inventory management, team leadership, and sales forecasting. Her experience with implementing a new point-of-sale system and restructuring menus suggests a keen understanding of both operational and strategic aspects crucial to the industry.
Coffee Shop Pastry Chef
- Structured and Tailored Presentation - The CV is structured effectively, providing a clear and concise overview of Samuel's background. It covers all essential sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements, catering specifically to his role as a Pastry Chef. Each section is logically organized, allowing potential employers to easily navigate and understand his capabilities and journey.
- Consistent Career Progression in Culinary Arts - Samuel's career trajectory showcases a consistent growth in the pastry chef domain. Starting as a Pastry Chef de Partie and progressing to Senior Pastry Chef, his promotions reflect his dedication and expanding expertise. His journey through reputable establishments like The Balmoral Hotel and Waldorf Astoria indicates his strong industry recognition and commitment to sharing his culinary skills.
- Focus on Cost Efficiency and Innovation - A standout feature is his focus on both innovation in menu offerings and cost-efficient operations. Samuel's ability to reduce ingredient wastage by 20% and save significant amounts annually demonstrates a blend of practical and creative skills, emphasizing his technical depth and contribution to business success in high-volume culinary settings.
Coffee Shop Maintenance Worker
- Clarity and Structured Information - The CV is presented with clear headings and sections, making it easy to navigate. Each section is concise yet comprehensive, delivering necessary information without overwhelming the reader, ensuring a quick grasp of Harper's qualifications.
- Progressive Career Growth - Harper's career trajectory illustrates clear growth from a Barista to a Lead Barista, with increasing responsibilities and achievements at each level. This progression highlights their capacity for professional development and leadership within the hospitality sector.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - Demonstrates strong barista skills and knowledge of coffee trends, proven by the Advanced Barista Skills Certification and comprehensive experience in different coffee shop environments, which is critical for high-quality customer service delivery in this industry.
Structuring and formatting your coffee shop CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your coffee shop CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:
- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
PRO TIP
Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a coffee shop CV
- Previous Barista Experience demonstrates hands-on skills with coffee making, customer service, and café work.
- Customer Service Skills showcase your ability to engage with customers and create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Knowledge of Coffee and Beverages indicates familiarity with various coffee types, preparation techniques, and beverage products.
- Cash Handling and POS Operation detail experience with transactions, register management, and point of sale systems.
- Food Safety and Hygiene Certifications underline a commitment to health standards and safe food handling practices.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight any previous experience in customer service or hospitality, indicating your ability to handle busy environments with a friendly, calm demeanour.
- Emphasise your knowledge of coffee and other café products, showcasing any expertise or training in barista skills, latte art, or beverage preparation.
- Include any soft skills such as communication, flexibility, and teamwork, which are essential in a coffee shop for both dealing with customers and working with colleagues.
- State your availability clearly, as coffee shops often require staff to work varying shifts, weekends, and holidays, demonstrating your willingness to adapt to the shop's needs.
- Mention your abilities in up-selling additional products and any experience in handling transactions, highlighting your competence in increasing sales and managing payments accurately.
Recommended reads:
Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning coffee shop CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for coffee shop:
- Senior Barista & Coffee Specialist | Latte Art Enthusiast | SCA Certified | 8+ Years Experience
- Assistant Café Manager | Inventory Control Expert | P&L Management | 5 Years in Coffee Industry
- Head Roaster | Quality Assurance Leader | Cupping Professional | Sustainability Advocate | 10 Years Mastery
- Junior Coffee Shop Supervisor | Customer Service Excellence | Team Training | Health & Safety Aware
- Experienced Coffee Buyer | Ethical Sourcing Proponent | Direct Trade Partner | 7+ Years Field Expertise
- Lead Barista Trainer | Advanced Brewing Techniques | Staff Development | Customer Engagement Expert | 6 Years Dedication
Opting between a coffee shop CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your coffee shop CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a coffee shop job:
- With 7 years of barista expertise, I have honed a deep understanding of coffee brewing techniques, achieving the accolade of Regional Barista Champion. My dedication to providing exceptional customer service is manifest in a 20% sales increase in my current role, driven by repeat patronage and excellent feedback.
- As a seasoned cafe manager with a decade of experience, my leadership has been pivotal in transforming a struggling local cafe into a profitable community gem with a 35% revenue increase over three years. Expertise in supply chain management and staff training ensures a consistently high-quality customer experience.
- Experienced software developer and coffee enthusiast seeking a dynamic shift into the coffee industry with a strong foundation in customer relations and process optimization, eager to apply my project management skills and technical background to enhance the operational efficiency of a bustling coffee establishment.
- A creative marketer with a passion for artisan coffee and community engagement, ready to transition skills in brand building and campaign management to create memorable experiences for coffee aficionados. Committed to leveraging social media platforms to increase the visibility of a coffee brand.
- Eager to embark on a career in the coffee industry, I am committed to mastering the art of espresso-making and the subtleties of customer service. My objective is to contribute to a dynamic team, absorb industry knowledge, and become a valued member by providing an unparalleled cafe experience.
- As a fresh graduate with a vibrant passion for coffee culture, I aim to immerse myself in the coffee shop environment, learning every aspect from ground beans to customer smiles. My objective is to grow within a company that prides itself on quality and to make every cup an encounter to remember.
How to meet job requirements with your coffee shop CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Expertly crafted a wide range of coffee drinks using an espresso machine, consistently delivering the highest quality to meet customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory and restocked coffee beans, milk, and other supplies, ensuring the smooth operation of the shop without any shortages or excess waste.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment by adhering to health and safety regulations, providing a safe space for both employees and customers.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers by remembering their preferences and making recommendations, enhancing their loyalty and repeat business.
- Efficiently handled cash and processed transactions using point-of-sale systems, maintaining accuracy in all financial operations.
- Assisted in the training of new staff, sharing expertise in coffee-making techniques and customer service best practices.
- Participated in the planning and execution of promotional events, contributing to an increase in customer engagement and shop revenue.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of various coffee beans and brewing methods, educating customers and helping them make informed decisions.
- Successfully managed peak hour rush without compromising service quality, through effective prioritisation and multitasking skills.
Barista Team Leader
Barista Team Leader
Costa Coffee
09/2018-Ongoing
- Supervised a team of 8 baristas, enhancing team performance and customer service through targeted training initiatives, leading to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.
- Implemented a new inventory management system that reduced waste by 15% and improved efficiency in stock handling processes across the coffee shop.
- Lead the development of a seasonal drinks menu that boosted sales by 25% during festive periods, becoming a hallmark feature for the establishment.
Senior Coffee Specialist & Trainer
Senior Coffee Specialist & Trainer
Pret A Manger
01/2016-08/2021
- Orchestrated the coffee training program for new recruits, elevating the overall quality of coffee preparation and ensuring consistency in product delivery.
- Collaborated with local suppliers to source high-quality coffee beans, introducing three new single-origin options to the menu that increased sales by 18%.
- Implemented a customer feedback loop that helped tailor the coffee shop's offerings to customer preferences, directly resulting in a 30% repeat customer rate.
Head Barista & Coffee Quality Supervisor
Head Barista & Coffee Quality Supervisor
Starbucks
05/2013-12/2015
- Oversaw a rigorous quality control process on a daily basis for espresso and other coffee drinks, significantly reducing inconsistencies and upholding high standards.
- Conceptualised and executed promotional events that increased foot traffic by an average of 40%, notably during non-peak hours.
- Championed the use of a new latte art technique that enhanced presentation and customer experience, subsequently improving the shop's social media presence and attracting a younger demographic.
Lead Barista & Customer Relations Manager
Lead Barista & Customer Relations Manager
Caffè Nero
03/2011-04/2013
- Managed customer complaints and feedback with a resolution rate of 95%, fostering a trustworthy and customer-centric brand image for the coffee shop.
- Curated a 'Coffee of the Month' feature that educated customers on different coffee varieties and origins, increasing coffee sales by 22%.
- Spearheaded a latte art competition that engaged both staff and clients, creating a community around the coffee shop and boosting social media engagement by 50%.
Assistant Barista & Sales Promoter
Assistant Barista & Sales Promoter
Greggs
06/2009-02/2011
- Assisted in the preparation of high-quality coffee drinks, consistently meeting the daily target of serving 150+ beverages with commendable customer reviews.
- Participated in the development and launch of a loyalty card program, which played a crucial role in a 20% increase in returning customers.
- Engaged in weekly coffee-tasting events that educated customers about bean origins and preparation techniques, enhancing overall brand reputation.
Coffee Shop Assistant Manager
Coffee Shop Assistant Manager
McCafé
11/2016-01/2020
- Oversaw supplier negotiations, reducing annual supply costs by 12% while maintaining the quality of coffee and associated products.
- Led a digital marketing campaign that targeted local demographics, resulting in a 35% increase in followers on social platforms and correlating to a 20% rise in store visits.
- Implemented cross-training programs for employees, ensuring staff flexibility and a 10% reduction in workforce turnover annually.
Specialty Coffee Brewer & Product Development Analyst
Specialty Coffee Brewer & Product Development Analyst
Harris + Hoole
07/2012-10/2016
- Crafted unique coffee blends specific to the shop which became top-selling items, contributing to a 25% increase in overall sales.
- Analysed market trends to adapt the product line to consumer preferences, resulting in the introduction of a successful non-dairy milk alternative range.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to organise thematic coffee workshops, leading to heightened brand visibility and a fortified community presence.
Expert Barista and Beverage Innovation Lead
Expert Barista and Beverage Innovation Lead
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
04/2014-06/2018
- Masterminded a sustainable in-house coffee roasting program, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enhancing the shop's unique selling proposition.
- Elevated customer service by introducing a specialised beverage customization option, which contributed to a 15% increase in average customer spend.
- Piloted a 'barista trainee' program for aspiring coffee professionals, ultimately refining the talent pool and bringing in fresh expertise to the establishment.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Include examples of how you adapted to new tools, environments, or work cultures, showing your flexibility.
Key coffee shop CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your coffee shop CV:
HARD SKILLS
Espresso machine operation
Coffee brewing techniques
Latte art
Food safety and hygiene
Inventory management
Cash handling and POS systems
Customer service
Milk steaming and frothing
Coffee bean grinding
Knowledge of coffee varieties and flavours
SOFT SKILLS
Communication
Attention to detail
Teamwork
Adaptability
Time Management
Customer Focus
Problem-solving
Multitasking
Patience
Work Ethic
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Further professional qualifications for your coffee shop CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your coffee shop CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your coffee shop CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
