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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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%.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
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
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.
Recommended reads:
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.
