The website allows you to apply to multiple stores at once, you should definitely do this! Also call the ones you are most interested and ask the manager if they have had a chance to look at your application. A follow-up call will help your chances of an interview.

As for the clientele, you talk to people BEFORE they are caffeinated, which can suck. But the regulars you see everyday make up for the snobby ones you see every once in a while. Always remember that if someone has nothing better to do than to yell at a barista, it says a lot more about them than it does about you.

The benefits, college program, and customer service experience definitely make the job worth it.

As this could potentially be your first job ever, don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to be amazing at this job within a week. Know your limitations, ask for help, and have a good attitude about it all. You’ll do great!

1. Yes, being a Starbucks barista is a great first job! There are a ton of nice little perks (like free coffee, food, Spotify subscription, etc.) as well as decent benefits. It’s fun, fast-paced and you will acquire multitude of skills there beyond customer service. Just be prepared for a relatively steep learning curve; it generally takes baristas at least 3 months on the job before they get the hang of things.

2. Eh, customers are good for the most part. This definitely varies depending on the store you work at, but in my experience there are some great customers, fewer awful ones, and the majority are neutral. If you can, try to work at a neighborhood store where you can develop relationships with regulars. They’re the best :)

3. Interviews generally consist of behavioral questions like “If such and such event happened, how would you respond?”.’ My best advice would be to portray yourself as a people-person as much as possible and to prioritize customers in your answers.

4. I heard back about an interview within a few days, but that isn’t necessarily the norm. Some of my coworkers didn’t hear back for weeks after they submitted their application. It depends on the manager and their schedule, if they’re hiring, etc. Don’t be afraid to make a follow-up call with the manager at your desired store! Sometimes just putting yourself out there makes a huge difference.

Overall, working at Starbucks is a good job. Yes, there are downsides and stressful moments like any other job, but as far as corporations go, Starbucks treats their employees well. Good luck!