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1. slinkydink
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   I see lots of barista jobs but they all say "experience a must" so how do you get in the door?

   Posted 2 years ago #         

2. celeste17
   Member Profile

   

   I would just keep applying to espresso places and eventually you will get on. I would go to your favorite place and ask.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

3. SarahScoot
   Member Profile

   

   You have to start pretty low. I'm no longer a barista, but in high school I worked at a brand-new ice skating rink, usually in the concessions area. We had an espresso machine; not serious barista fodder at all, but I learned what the difference between the drinks was. Then I worked at a health-food store's espresso bar, then an incredibly busy Starbucks, then Tully's, and finally Cupcake Royale/Verite. At each step I gained different experience.
   The best places want experienced baristas, but also personable people with great customer service skills and cleanliness/attention to detail.
   I worked with one guy who was an amazing barista but was apathetic toward customers and thought he was above cleaning up after himself, both of which are big parts of the job - he didn't last long. Keep that in mind, and good luck! If you work at an independent place and have the right combination of personality and skills, you can make decent money after tips.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

4. JenV
   Member Profile

   

   how I became a barista is that I had a friend who was one, and she agreed to teach me how to pull shots and steam milk to get experience. then I applied for a job, and claimed I had experience. :) I really enjoyed doing it, and was a full-time barista for about 2 years.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

5. The Velvet Bulldog
   Member Profile

   You can learn on your own what the different drinks are, then I'd at least try to find a friend with an espresso machine and pull some shots at their home. Granted, this is very different from a commercial machine, but you get a sense for steaming milk and putting the ingredients together. Are you a regular at any local independent coffee shops? I bet they'd let you hang out and watch how it's done. You probably need a food handler's license--if you get one, maybe a barista will let you duck behind the counter and pull some shots. I worked at a cart in Bellevue for one summer and it was plenty! Good luck!

   Posted 2 years ago #         

6. Irukandji
   Member Profile

   

   Maybe you could talk with Tricia at Red Cup to see if she'd schedule a Barista Class. I bet if you got a couple friends together, she' could probably set us a class and tasting... I better call her and tell her she's being set up!

   Posted 2 years ago #         

7. itneverrainsinwestseattle
   Member Profile

   A barista needs to do more than just make drinks. Service is a must. Most times when people are going to get a caffeinated drink, they are in a big hurry and often in a bad mood (hence the need for caffeine).

   Maybe you could get experience with high pressure, high stress environments.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

8. slinkydink
   Member Profile

   Thanks for all the tips guys!

   Posted 2 years ago #         

9. girltracey
   Member Profile

   There is a barista training academy in Renton:
   http://www.seattlebaristaacademy.com/

   Also, ABC in Portland.
   http://coffeeschool.org/

   Posted 2 years ago #         

10. Sue
    Member Profile

    

    Wow ... that school in Renton essentially charges $500 per day for training!

    Posted 2 years ago #         

11. GenHillOne
    Member Profile

    eegads...and it takes THREE HOURS (and $195) to teach me how to make my own coffee (not even espresso!) at home? *snort*

    Posted 2 years ago #         

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