How to Brew Up Your Barista Cover Letter to Success: Tips and Examples

As a barista, you craft delicious beverages, provide exceptional customer service, and create long-lasting memories. But do you need a cover letter to land a barista job in the UK? Absolutely. Your cover letter should display your passion for working with coffee, strong communication skills, and commitment to grow within your role.

Whether you are a student looking for a part-time job, a seasoned professional, or looking for a seasonal work opportunity, we’re here to help you! This step-by-step guide provides practical tips, valuable insights on design and format, and barista cover letter samples based on industry.

Explore our diverse cover letter examples and CV examples designed to align with your barista career objectives.

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Barista cover letter example 

In this CV example, Amelia has opted for the simple Edinburgh cover letter template, matching her barista CV. It effectively showcases her expertise in preparing and serving coffee or other beverages. It has a clear and well-structured layout, and concise content tailored to the specific job, making an excellent application letter for her barista role.

Explore our matching barista CV example for more inspiration and examples.

What to include in a barista cover letter? 

A well-written barista cover letter should be brief, concise, and tailored to the specific job and industry you're applying for, whether a coffee shop assistant, espresso bartender, or speciality coffee barista. It should highlight your skills in creating quality beverages, handling customer requests, and contributing to the organisation’s success. Additionally, you could also mention that you are skilled in remembering people's names. For more information about the length of each section, refer to our blog article on how long should a cover letter be.

The structure of a barista cover letter is simpler than you think. Make sure to add the must-have sections below:

• Contact Information

• Salutation

• Opening Paragraph

• Body Paragraph(s)

• Closing Paragraph

• Sign-off.

For more information, see our writing guide on how to structure your cover letter and apply our tips to your barista cover letter model.

How to write a barista cover letter

See how to write each section of a barista cover letter in three simple steps below:

1. How to start a barista cover letter 

Begin your cover letter introduction by clearly stating the position you're applying for and the company name, followed by a concise overview of your relevant skills and experiences. As a barista, these could include your exceptional customer service while handling high-volume orders or how you effectively managed a team of 5 baristas, ensuring smooth operations during peak hours.

Similar to a personal profile on a CV, this section aims to pique the hiring manager’s attention and establish a solid first impression. Ensure to refer to the specific job post or phone conversation you’ve had to avoid repetition or miscommunication.

For more guidance on who to address a cover letter to when writing an introduction, refer to our blog article on how to start a cover letter.

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2. How to write the body of a barista cover letter 

This section of your cover letter focuses on your qualifications and experiences, showing how they directly align with the job requirements. After outlining your main areas of expertise, prove your skills with tangible examples from your past positions. Tailor this section to the position's specific requirements, whether you're applying for a barista, café assistant, or coffee shop manager role.

Your skills could include equipment management, customer service, inventory management, time management, cash handling, and customer service.

• Highlight your barista skills in maintaining a clean and organised workspace and your keen attention to detail.

• Emphasise your strong customer service and teamwork abilities by giving examples of collaboration with colleagues to foster a positive and efficient work environment.

• Mention your proficiency in operating coffee equipment, such as espresso machines, grinders, or milk frothers, to demonstrate your technical skills.

• Highlight measurable achievements or awards from your related positions, such as increasing sales by 20% or improving positive reviews from 70% to 85%, to showcase your commitment to excellence.

Explore our related articles on how to add achievements and how to list work experience for a CV to help you match CV information with a cover letter,

Cover letter example for a lead barista:

In my previous role as Lead Barista at Brewtopia, I led daily operations and mentored staff. I introduced a training program, resulting in a notable 20% increase in sales within the first 5 months. My proactive attitude to team management also significantly reduced wait times for customers. For example, I have implemented a new order processing system that successfully helped the team serve 30% more customers during peak hours.

I'm looking forward to leveraging my leadership and barista expertise at Brewtopia. With a demonstrated track record of driving operational efficiency and elevating customer satisfaction, I am confident in my ability to contribute to Brew Brewtopia’s continued success in delivering exceptional coffee experiences.

3. How to end a barista cover letter 

Close off your barista cover letter by reiterating your excitement for the role and conveying confidence to contribute to the company's success. Secondly, show gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Lastly, end with a professional sign-off, expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further during an in-person or video interview.

Cover letter example for a coffee shop assistant 

I am thrilled about the opportunity to join CH&CO and contribute to its vibrant team. Your dedication to innovation and commitment to fostering a diverse work environment are genuinely inspiring. With my background in customer service and a passion for coffee, I am confident in my ability to excel as a Coffee Shop Assistant.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm for coffee align with the needs of CH&CO. Please find my CV attached for your reference.

Sincerely,

Katie Smith

For more details on sign-offs, consult our blog article on how to end a cover letter. Additionally, explore our collection of cover letter examples tailored to various roles such as customer service, sales, and retail.

How to write a barista cover letter with no experience

Writing a powerful barista cover letter with no experience requires a strategic approach. By highlighting transferable skills, showcasing relevant experiences, and expressing genuine enthusiasm for coffee, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the role. Lastly, show you’re devoted to continuous improvement and eager to learn and advance your career as a barista.

• Emphasise transferable skills such as multitasking and problem-solving gained from school projects or extracurricular activities.

• Highlight any relevant volunteer work, such as assisting at community events or fundraisers, to demonstrate your dedication to customer service.

• Showcase your passion for coffee by mentioning home brewing experiments or visits to local cafes.

• Express eagerness to learn about different brewing methods, demonstrating interest in attending barista training programmes or workshops.

• Emphasise numeracy skills and confidence in handling money, acquired from part-time jobs or volunteer work, to reassure potential employers of your capability to contribute positively to the team's success.

Refer to our blog articles on what soft skills to include in your CV and best CV skills for more valuable advice.

In this cover letter example, this graduate with a part-time job emphasises transferable skills such as customer service, communication skills, and passion for coffee products. The candidate expresses eagerness to learn and schedule a follow-up interview.

This cover letter highlights the student’s relevant background in hospitality, transferable skills, certification, and eagerness to learn the specific skills required for the barista role. It also shows that the applicant’s experience aligns well with the company's values.

For more examples, refer to the following step-by-step guides:

Cover letters:

• Customer service cover letter

• Short cover letter

CVs:

• Hospitality CV

• Waiter/Waitress CV

Key takeaways 

Following our tips and guidelines, you can craft a well-crafted barista cover letter, increasing your chances of securing your desired position. Go step by step, ensuring your cover letter aligns with the specific requirements of the role. Thorough proofreading ensures clarity while communicating your qualifications and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Next steps?

To help you create an outstanding cover letter, explore our services below:

• Cover letter builder: Utilise our professional templates to create a tailored and good cover letter.

• CV Builder: Explore our diverse CV templates to craft a professional CV that complements your cover letter.

• CV Writing Service: Get feedback and quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV and cover letter to a specific job.

• Blog: Access guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects.

See our blog page about different types of job interviews for more tips on presenting yourself confidently.

FAQ 

How do I write a cover letter for a coffee shop?

• Research the coffee shop and customise your cover letter.

• Highlight relevant customer service and coffee prep experience.

• Show enthusiasm for the job and the company.

• Emphasise your customer service skills and eagerness to make long-lasting memories.

• Share your passion or knowledge about coffee.

• Keep your cover letter short, professional, and without mistakes

• Express eagerness to learn and fit in with the coffee shop's company culture.

What skills do baristas need?

Ensure to incorporate the following must-have skills for your barista cover letter:

• Teamwork

• Customer service

• Espresso machine operation

• Coffee brewing techniques

• Milk frothing

• Menu knowledge 

• Cash handling

• Food safety and hygiene.

For more information about entry requirements, refer to the National Career Service website.

How do I write a barista cover letter for Starbucks?

• Personalise your cover letter to match Starbucks' values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.

• Highlight your customer service and coffee-making skills.

• Show enthusiasm for Starbucks and its company culture.

• Emphasise relevant skills like multitasking, communication, and attention to detail.

• Keep your cover letter short, ATS-friendly, and error-free.

What is the job description of a barista?

The typical duties for a barista job description include the following: 

• Serve customers, take orders, and prepare coffee to Starbucks' standards.

• Provide excellent customer service to ensure a positive experience.

• Keep the coffee bar and equipment clean and organised.

• Handle transactions accurately using the till.

• Work with colleagues to run the store efficiently.