Starbucks Interview Questions

If you are looking for Starbucks Interview Questions, you have come to the right place.

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

However, with a bit of preparation, you can ace the interview at Starbucks

Here, we will discuss how to answer interview questions at Starbucks successfully.

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

Top Questions and Best Answers for a Starbucks Interview

1. Can you tell us about yourself?

• Discussing your hobbies and interests is okay, but keep it brief. 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 at Starbucks?

• I would proudly represent Starbucks because I enjoy its products and exceptional service.
• I also believe that the company genuinely cares about its employees, demonstrated by its provision of benefits such as health care, 401(k) plans, and stock options for staff who work more than twenty hours per week. This emphasis on employee well-being translates to the high level of customer service I consistently receive from Starbucks. Employees do their best work when they feel valued and supported.

3. What is your greatest strength?

• The best way to respond to this question is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. With this in mind, review the job description and reassure the interviewer that you have the expertise and skills to do the job.

4. What is your greatest weakness?

5. What is your favorite drink at Starbucks?

• This question is to learn about your love for Starbucks. Specify your favorite coffee, such as Pike Place or blonde roast.

Starbucks Company Information

6. What do you know about Starbucks?

About Starbucks

• Starbucks was started in Seattle in 1971.
• Starbucks is famous for selling high-quality coffee, tea, espresso, frappuccino, smoothies, and various food items.
• They acquired Seattle Best Coffee in 2003.
• They launched instant coffee VIA in 2009.
• Starbucks offers a loyalty program called My Starbucks Reward Card for frequent customers. This card allows loyal customers to get free drinks, food, etc.
• Their mission statement is to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
• Think you know a lot about Starbucks?  Take our Starbucks Trivia and see how you do!

Interview Questions about Customer Service

7. How would you deal with an upset customer?

• Listen and let the customer vent.
• Show the customer you care.
• Don’t blame the customer or the company.
• Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
• Finally, one must not take it personally.  If you get upset, you will take it out on future customers.

8. How do 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.

Additional Starbucks Interview Questions

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

• If you are attending college or university, state what you want to do after you finish.
• Look at other Starbucks jobs and find a career you can see yourself in five years. This way, you will not sound like a “job hopper.”

10. Why should I hire you?

11. 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 if you can work on weekends and holidays.

12. What motivates you?

Additional Interview Questions Continued

13. If you could be one animal, which one would it be?

Possible Answers are

• Dogs show loyalty.
• Ants are hard workers and team players.
• Dolphins are smart.
• Elephants are strong.
• Gorilla is gentle but powerful, a good parent, and a good leader.

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 the interview. Plenty of sites discuss salary ranges.
• Ask about the salary range if you don’t know what to say. Then, counter with the high end of the range.
• Note most entry-level jobs will pay minimum wage.

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

• Working at Starbucks typically involves standing on your feet for long periods. During the interview, make sure to let the interviewer know that you are comfortable with this requirement. To prepare for the job, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with low heels, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.

16. 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.

17. How would you handle a situation where customers said their drink was made incorrectly?

• During the interview, express your belief that the customer is always right and that you are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure their satisfaction. If a mistake is made, you will take the time to understand their concerns and then offer to remake the drink to their preference.

18. How well do you work in a fast-paced environment?

• Working at Starbucks can be demanding, with employees often facing pressure to meet customer demands. When discussing your skills during the interview, mention that you prioritize tasks effectively and are willing to ask for help when necessary.

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?

Starbucks Hiring Process

• After you apply online, Starbucks will call you for a quick phone screening. If they like you, you will have an in-person interview. The interview will consist of general questions and behavioral or scenario-based questions.  

How to Prepare for a Starbucks Interview

• Regarding providing you with interview tips, I can’t advise you better than the Starbucks Interview and Resume Tips page. The page recommends that you read the book Onward. In 2008, the company took a turn for the worse and began to expand too quickly, losing sight of what it was about. As a result, the stock began to tumble, and the mission statement was rewritten to focus on the customer and the coffee.
• In the book Onward, the CEO talks about when he was at a coffee shop in Italy, and the person pouring the coffee knew everybody’s name. He wanted to recreate that experience in Starbucks. During your Starbucks interview, make sure to talk about the excellent customer service you received during your visits and how it felt like you had a personal connection with the barista.
• The book also discusses how in 2008 the smell of burning cheese (not coffee) dominate the cafe.   This was due to their cheese sandwiches and melting cheese dripping on the grill (a problem that no longer exists).  During your Starbucks Interview Questions be sure you mention how you love walking into a Starbucks and smelling the aroma of high-quality coffee.

Starbucks Interview Outfit

• If you are interviewing for an entry-level position, it’s best to dress in business casual attire. Avoid wearing shorts and jeans.
• When interviewing for a management position, it’s best to dress formally or in business casual attire. Blazers and dark trousers are a safe choice for men, while women can opt for wrap dresses or similar attire. Avoid wearing athletic clothing, such as gym clothes or sportswear.

STARBUCKS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS BY JOB POSITION AND LOCATION

I visited various Starbucks locations across Canada and spoke with employees about the interview process. Based on their responses, here are some of the most commonly asked questions from actual applicants at multiple locations.

Applicant 1

• Job Position: Barista
• Location: 861 York Mills Rd, Toronto
• Source: Based on a 2025 applicant’s experience
• Dress Code: Casual attire

Question 1:

Why do you want to work here?

Question 2:

Do you work well as a team?

✅ Tip: The barista emphasized the importance of being outgoing. Show enthusiasm for Starbucks’ brand, customer service, and work environment.

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Applicant 2

• Job Position: Barista
• Location: 374 Evans Avenue, Etobicoke, ON
• Source: Based on a 2025 applicant’s experience
• Dress Code: Casual attire

Question 1:

What is your favorite Starbucks drink?

✅ Tip: The barista mentioned that personality is more important than experience. Be enthusiastic, engage in conversation, and use this question to showcase your knowledge of Starbucks’ menu.

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Applicant 3

• Job Position: Barista
• Location: 2575 St Clair Ave W, York, ON
• Source: Based on a 2025 applicant’s experience
• Dress Code: Casual attire
• Difficulty: Easy

Question 1

How well do you work in a fast-paced team environment?

Question 2

How do you demonstrate strong customer service skills?

Question 3

How do Starbucks’ mission and values align with you?

✅ Tip: Starbucks values teamwork, efficiency, and strong customer service. Emphasize multitasking, communication, and how you align with their mission to nurture the human spirit.

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Applicant 4

• Job Position: Barista
• Location: 374 Evans Avenue, Etobicoke, ON
• Source: Based on a 2025 applicant’s experience
• Dress Code: Casual attire
• Difficulty: Easy

Question 1

I was asked Customer Service questions.

✅ Tip: It depends on how well you click with the manager. Focus on being personable, friendly, and showing genuine interest in the role—building a connection can make a big difference in your interview outcome.

See Also:

• Starbucks Barista Interview
• Manager Interview at Starbucks