Baristas
What is a Barista?
A barista is a skilled professional who specializes in preparing and serving coffee beverages, particularly in specialty coffee shops and cafes. The term 'barista' originated from Italy, where it referred to a bartender who serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In modern contexts, however, it specifically denotes someone who is knowledgeable about coffee and espresso-based drinks. A barista combines culinary skills with customer service and artistic expression, crafting high-quality beverages while also engaging with customers to enhance their experience. This role encompasses various responsibilities including operating espresso machines, frothing milk, creating intricate designs in coffee drinks (latte art), maintaining cleanliness and organization in the coffee bar, and understanding different coffee beans and brewing methods. Baristas often develop a deep appreciation for coffee, learning about the origin of the beans, the roasting process, and the various brewing techniques that can highlight distinct flavor profiles. Additionally, they may be involved in managing inventory, training new staff, and sometimes even participating in coffee competitions to showcase their artistry and skills.
Tasks
- Receive and process customer payments.
- Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas.
- Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation.
- Clean or sanitize work areas, utensils, or equipment.
- Describe menu items to customers, or suggest products that might appeal to them.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
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Accounting software
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Point of sale POS software
Tools Used
- Commercial use coffee or iced tea makers
- Commercial use coffee grinders
- Commercial use blenders
- Commercial use cutlery
- Cappuccino or espresso machines
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Process customer bills or payments.
- Serve food or beverages.
- Prepare hot or cold beverages.
- Clean food service areas.
- Clean tableware.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$22190.0 - $36880.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years and will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.