Starbucks is an American coffee chain that has grown to be a global brand. The company has more than 30,000 locations and more than 380,000 employees worldwide. Starbucks was founded in Seattle in 1971 and, from the beginning, has set out to be a different kind of company. They celebrate not only the rich coffee that they serve but also the connection that coffee facilitates between people. Each location offers exquisite coffee, an inviting atmosphere, and excellent customer service.
The company’s mission embodies this sense of community and togetherness. Its mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time. Starbucks also has several values that help them achieve its overall mission:
Creating a culture where everyone is welcome
Holding themselves accountable for their results and delivering their best at all times
Challenging the status quo, finding new ways to grow the company and each other, and to always act with courage
Connecting with dignity, respect, transparency, and being present
In addition to the values mentioned, Starbucks also prides itself on creating a culture of inclusion and acting with corporate and social responsibility. The company also strives for sustainability and aims to minimize its environmental footprint.
Working at Starbucks
Employees who work at Starbucks can expect more than just coffee perks; they receive several other benefits as well, including:
Health Coverage: The company offers multiple coverage levels to fit each employee’s needs, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement Savings: Starbucks offers their employees a competitive 401k plan, including a match.
Stock Options: Employees at Starbucks can invest in company stock at a discounted rate.
Paid Time Off: All partners are eligible for vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Parental Leave. Starbucks offers parental leave and family expansion reimbursement of up to $10,000 to help with adoption, surrogacy, or insemination.
Online Tuition Reimbursement. Starbucks will pay for their employees’ bachelor’s degrees at participating online universities.
In addition to these benefits, employees also enjoy perks, such as:
30% in-store discount on all items
Free pound of coffee or box of tea each week
Employee recognition programs
Affiliate discounts
Spotify premium
What Is Starbucks’ Hiring Process?
Starbucks’ Online Application
To begin the application process at Starbucks, you must first use their careers page to find a position near you that fits your skill set. Starbucks has roles ranging from retail to corporate, so you are sure to find one that works for you.
After you have found the job you want to apply for, you will need to fill out an online application. This form will ask for basic demographic information, past work experience, and education history. It will allow you to upload a resume, so you do not have to input all of your information manually. The application will also ask for your availability and allow you to upload a cover letter or personal statement.
Your application may also ask questions regarding your motivation behind wanting to work at Starbucks. Use this time to show that you have done your research on the company, that you are qualified for the position, and that you are enthusiastic about joining the team.
Note that you can apply for multiple locations at a time to increase your chances of getting selected for the next stage of the process.
Phone Interview
If the hiring manager feels you would be a good fit for the role, they will ask you to complete a phone interview. This interview is typically about 30 minutes long and consists of personality and motivational questions. The assessor may also use this time to confirm the information on your application and ask any clarifying questions that they may have.
It is important to remember that customer service is vital to Starbucks. You need to be friendly and have an excellent personality for any customer-facing role. Be sure that your personality, confidence, and friendly demeanour shine through during this phone interview.
The phone interview is also a great time for you to ask the interviewer any questions that you may have about the role. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and ask questions such as position requirements, what a typical day in the role looks like, or how they will measure your success.
Virtual Job Tryout
The next stage of the Starbucks recruitment process is the Starbucks Virtual Job Tryout. This process will consist of several online assessments that will give you a better idea of what will be expected of you as a Starbucks employee and allow Starbucks to understand who you are as a worker and if you would be a good fit for the role.
Personality Test
Most candidates can expect to take some personality assessments during the virtual tryout. Because a friendly personality is vital for working with customers and creating the Starbucks atmosphere, an applicant needs to do well on these tests.
When taking the personality tests, keep in mind Starbucks’ values and the traits and skills they are looking for in an employee. While it is essential to answer all questions honestly, keeping these factors in mind will help you do better on these tests and guide you in the direction of what the hiring manager is looking for.
Situational Judgment Test
Candidates can also expect to take a situational judgment test (SJT). The SJT test will simulate workplace scenarios you may encounter in the role. These questions will give you a better understanding of what to expect in the position and how best to handle different situations.
These tests are also excellent for the hiring manager to assess how you perform in stressful situations and a simulated workplace. They want to hire applicants who can quickly complete the tasks required, make quick decisions on what needs to be done, and communicate with customers and co-workers in a polite and friendly manner.
Face-to-Face Interviews
The last stage of the hiring process is the face-to-face interview. This interview can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The hiring manager will likely ask competency and situational-based questions during this conversation. For example, they may give you a hypothetical situation with a customer and ask how you would handle the situation.
Be sure to do your research on the company and the role you are applying for before going on-site for the interview to tailor your responses to best suit the position. It is also essential to let your personality shine through and ask clarifying questions if there is anything that you do not understand. Starbucks is known for its laid-back, casual atmosphere, and they ensure that their interviews are relatively relaxed and conversational.
How to Prepare for Starbucks’ Assessment?
The best way to prepare for the Starbucks assessment is to take practice tests ahead of time. While there are no right or wrong answers to these assessments, Starbucks is looking for applicants who embody the company’s values and mission.
To understand how to best answer these questions, you must practice ahead of time. There are online resources, including practice tests and sample questions, that you can work through to help you prepare. Taking the time to prepare will significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
