Costa Coffee Interview
Costa Coffee Interview

Congratulations on securing a Costa Coffee Interview.

We can all agree that interviews are stressful, and competition is fierce.

However, with a small amount of preparation, you can ace the job interview.

Below you will find how to successfully answer frequently asked Costa Coffee Interview Questions.

Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

Costa Coffee Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell us about yourself?

  • It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests; but, keep it brief. Try to focus on relevant work experience. Remember that having relevant work experience will put you ahead of the competition.

2. Why do you want to work for Costa Coffee?

  • State why Costa Coffee is better than its competitors. For example, tell them why you think it is better than Starbucks.
  • Show enthusiasm when answering this question and tell them you love the products and customer service you get when going there.
  • Say you feel you could learn a lot about the hospitality industry as Costa Coffee is the second-largest coffee chain in the world and the largest in Britain.
  • State you like the fact that all their beans are 100% rainforest certified.
  • Say you would be proud to work for a company that has the Costa Foundation (40 schools in some of the world’s poorest areas to teach health, literacy, and income management)

3. Can you tell us about your previous work history?

  • What they want to hear is how your previous work experience matches the experience required to work at Costa Coffee. If you have experience working with customers, handling cash, or working in a restaurant say that first.
    Remember all work experience is great, but related work experience is better.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • If you say you want a job in restaurant management you will sound like a good fit for Costa.
  • If going to college state what you would like to be doing when you finish.

Costa Coffee Company Information

5. What can you tell us about Costa Coffee?

  • Costa Coffee offers coffee, mocha & Hot Chocolate, Specialty Drinks, Tea, Costa Ice, and food.
  • Costa Coffee has a rewards app called The Coffee Club App.
  • Customers can make Costa Coffee at Home with Tassimo.
  • Costa Express allows customers to visit one of the 3400 Costa Express bars and get a coffee by using a touch screen machine.
  • They are a subsidiary of Whitebread.
  • Bruno Costa founded Costa Coffee in 1971 in London, UK.
Costa Coffee Ready to Drink
Costa Coffee Ready to Drink

6. Who are our competitors?

  • Costa Coffee competitors include Starbucks, Mcdonald’s, Dunkin’, and Peets Coffee

Customer Service Interview Questions

7. How would you define excellent customer service?

  • The customer is not waiting long for their order.
  • Customers receive friendly service.
  • The restaurant is clean both inside and outside.
  • The product is made to order.

8. How would you deal with a difficult customer?

  1. Listen and let the customer vent.
  2. Show the customer you care.
  3. Don’t blame the customer or the company.
  4. Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
  5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
  6. Finally, it is important not to take it personally.  If you get upset you will take it on future customers.

Strengths and Weaknesses

9. What is your greatest strength?

This question is an invitation to explain why you are the best-qualified candidate for this job!

The answer should be broken down into three parts

  1. The Strength – state the strength
  2. Proof of the strength – an example of how you have used this strength.
  3. The strength’s relevance to THIS job.

10. What is your greatest weakness?

Don’t Say

  • You don’t have a weakness
  • You can’t think of a weakness
  • Something unrelated to the job
  • Do not state a weakness that is critical for the job

Do Say

  • Something related to the job
  • Steps to improve your weakness
Example

My greatest weakness is I take criticism too personally. I have learned to resist overreacting and to reflect on what someone said. I have found that I have become a better employee when I learn from feedback.

Previous Work History

11. Why did you leave your last job?

Let’s first discuss what not to say!

  • Do not say anything negative about your previous employer
  • Do not say for money.
  • The commute was too long.
Example

“I enjoyed my time at my last job, but, I have outgrown my current role and I am looking for new challenges.”

12. Why is there a gap in your resume?

  • The best approach when answering this question is to be honest because being truthful about your situation gives the employer a sense of your integrity and confidence.

13. How was your attendance at your last job?

  • Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
  • Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

Additional Interview Questions

14. What are your salary expectations?

  • This is a stressful question because if you ask for too much, you will not get the job, and if you ask for too little, they will happily underpay you.
  • Be sure to research salary expectations for your role before you go into the interview. There are plenty of sites that discuss salary ranges.
  • Ask about the salary range if you don’t know what to say.  You can then counter with the high end of the range.
  • Note most entry-level jobs will pay minimum wage.

15. What hours can you work?

  • The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
  • Let the interviewer know you can work on weekends and/or holidays if possible.

16. How do you feel about standing for long periods?

  • Most restaurant jobs will require you to work on your feet for long periods. If possible, let the interviewer know that you do not have a problem with this. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with low heels, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.

17. Why should we hire you?

  • Look at the job description and find the key skills and experience required to do the job. Reassure the interviewer that you have the skills and experience required to do the position. Note your answer needs to show that you are the solution to the employer’s problem (a vacancy on their team) and that you are the best person for the role.

18. What motivates you?

Possible answers are:

Do Say

  • Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
  • Mentoring and coaching others
  • Learning new things
  • Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new
  • Working well as part of a team
  • Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge

Don’t Say

  • Money 
  • Employee Discounts

Questions to ask at the End of the Interview

19. Do you have any questions for us?

  • What do you like best about working here?
  • How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
  • What about this position is the most important?
  • How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
  • Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
  • What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

Costa Coffee Interview Tips

  • Arrive 10 minutes early
  • Turn off your smartphone.
  • Learn as much as you can about the company.
  • Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous.
  • Don’t speak too slowly as you will sound boring.
  • Make eye contact during the entire interview.

What should I wear to a Costa Coffee Interview?

Dress business casually on a Costa Coffee Interview. You will want to look like someone who can serve food and coffee so if you have long hair wear it back. Also, remember to hide any tattoos and remove any excessive piercings.


Costa Coffee Interview Process

  • Application: Apply online through their website or a job portal.
  • Initial Screening: HR may conduct a phone screening to discuss your qualifications and interests.
  • Interview Invitation: If you pass the initial screening, you’ll be invited for an in-person or virtual interview.
  • Interview Types: Interviews may include behavioral, situational, technical, or managerial questions, depending on the role.
  • Assessment: Some roles may require you to complete a job-related task or assessment.
  • Reference Checks: Costa Coffee may contact your references.
  • Offer: If successful, you’ll receive a job offer.
  • Onboarding: After accepting, you’ll go through training and orientation.

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