1. Show up early. Try to be 15 minutes early for every shift. This gives you time to check in, get your stuff sorted in the back or whatever, tidy up or change into your uniform, greet your coworkers and otherwise prepare for the shift. It also gives you a buffer if anything happens to go wrong last minute such as: you get in your car and discover you need fuel, badly. Other car issues. You forgot something walking out the door and have to go back. Also, this habit will be noticed by everyone so if you are ever late, instead of being in trouble or dinged for it, most likely people will say, "This isn't like her! She's always early!"
2. Be courteous not just to guests, but to your coworkers. Make a point to know everyone's name and to use it when addressing them. Greet people by name, and treat your guests like welcome family. The care and attention you give to people makes the difference between mediocrity and excellence.
3. Don't stress out about problems, either work or personal. No matter where you work, it will rarely be perfect. There can be a problem with management, with coworkers, with the location, with customers, with policies, pay, scheduling, and many other things. Don't get into a habit of grumbling and griping and avoid participating with others who do this as it is a bad but easy habit to fall into. If you can, be the supportive light to people and if they have a problem ask or try to do what you can to help them fix it. If others are lazy and shirk work, you will need to do more. But remember, you are there to work anyway, so it's really no big deal.
4. When at work, work. Stay off the phone and keep yourself busy with the duties of the trade. There are always things to do such as cleaning, learning a new skill (like how to run the register, fine tuning your microfoam making for cappuccinos) or getting knowledge from a senior worker. Be the one who picks up that stray straw or napkin off the ground, or who takes the time to wipe the counter off and make sure the condiments are stocked, neat, and on a clean surface. Those little things give you great habits of paying attention to detail that will serve you wherever you end up.
I worked as a bartender at the Ritz Carlton, and they put an espresso machine behind the bar, so I learned how to use it. I know you said "not specific to this job" but I highly encourage you to do research as being a barista can be an incredible art form including the proper preparation of milk and latte art.
I include here a link to the 12 Ritz Carlton Service Values, which every new employee learns by heart at every Ritz Carlton. They are excellent tools to providing exceptional experiences to guests, which is why even though I no longer work there I can still say "I am proud to be Ritz Carlton" because even though I have moved on and am now entering nursing, I still intend to provide these core values as applicable to the medical field.
- don’t act like you know more than anywhere there. just don’t - work as hard as you can, don’t have a mindset that “minimum wage = minimum effort” that won’t get you anywhere and will just show your boss that you have a poor work ethic and you won’t have a good reference for future jobs - try to make friends with your coworkers soon after starting, they may tell you things about the workplace that you may not know and it’s also just nice to have someone to talk to - don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes, I’ve been working in retail for a year, I’m 17 and it’s my first job and I’m already a shift supervisor and with that comes mistakes in training. Just learn not to do it again, and even if you do, that’s okay - be on time and cover people’s shifts if you’re asked, if you’re actually unable to then obviously that’s not a problem but if you just don’t feel like it just push yourself to, it’ll show you’re a reliable worker and team player - if you need your shift covered, try to find someone first before telling your boss, it takes the pressure off them and they’ll appreciate it
Follow all the rules, show that you're open to learning, respect your coworkers and the customers. Don't be late, don't miss work and ignore rude or mean comments.
Show up for work on time and every day. I have had jobs where I got raises and promotions just because I had perfect attendance and not because I was especially good at my job. Learn everything about your job. Try to be the go to person at that location for training others. If you are the most knowledgeable you will put yourself in a better place for advancement. Try everything on the menu at least once so you can better make suggestions to your customers when they ask. Don't bring problems to work. Your customers don't care about your personal problems they have their own. They want their grub/coffee etc and they want it fast and to taste good. Pay attention to the details of your customer orders. I worked for a restaurant for a lot time and the number one complaint is that they got their order wrong. Pay attention to food safety. Keep things clean and coolers shut and watch for things like expiration dates. The worst thing you can do is make your customer sick because the cream was left at room temperature too long or you served expired cookies with green fur growing on the bottom. Learn to smile. That is actually the hardest part. Make your customer feel like they are the most important person in the world. The hospitality industry thrives on their employees treating everyone as they they are VIP visitors. This means treat everyone as though they just left you a $100 tip.
Well, I'd have a couple suggestions. First, customers will want to chat sometimes, and even though you won't care much about what they have to say you still have to be interested and open to chat. Naturally put some limits since inevitably some (male) customers will flirt with you, since you are a girl and cute. Second, take time to make their order or drink well. Most polite people are fine with waiting a reasonable time if their order will be taken care and done well. Don't rush it and give them a badly prepared drink or order. Third, leave every worry or anger you might have from home or other things out of the job. It's easier said than done, but customers walk in for a drink and a chat, maybe to even talk you about their problems, not listen to yours. It's harsh I know but that's how it is.
I think that with those tips you'll be able to accrue more tips - pardon the wordplay. Good luck and congrats!
Try not to be overwhelmed. In the beginning everything will seem difficult, I still remember my first job, I felt so stressed. Keep in mind that you will learn everything in less than a week, it will happen naturally. So no worries about that, just do your tasks step by step and you will be more than fine. Some clients will piss you off, try not to get upset by it. Also, if any of your co-workers tries to overstep some personal boundaries, be firm, polite, don't lose your cool, but never allow them to step on you. Always be on time and follow the dress code of the environment.
Protect yourself during these times. Nothing is worth more than health. Also, be responsible when it comes to protecting your customers and colleagues (generally, not only now). Be a good observer and listener. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to say you don't know how to do a certain thing. Be organized. If you exercise your observer skills, you'll be able to manage your time more efficiently. Rest. Relax. Don't forget it's only a job - so don't tire yourself, don't allow colleagues/supervisors to treat you badly. Don't get emotionally involved, unless you're excited to be a barista & want to learn as much about it as possible. If you have issues with your customers, address your superior and have him sort it out. If, at first, you're being told what to do or that you aren't doing things properly, don't get upset - it's your first job, take it as constructive criticism.
Be kind and friendly to your colleagues. Since it's your first job you probably don't have as many experience as them so be open to learn new things, be humble because you will eventually commit some mistakes but that's acceptable because you're a human being just like everyone else. In case you do something wrong apologize and correct it. Avoid gossip at all costs and always keep things professional. Keep in mind you're there to work and not to make friends however, if that happens that's a bonus.
Be ON TIME, don't call out to work unless you are violently ill, or have somehow lost a limb. Show your manager respect, and take direction, without giving attitude. I'm not a coffee guy, but I know being a barista is not easy. Good luck, when do you start?
Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't know something. The customer isn't always right but you'll probably have to grin and bear it. If you are going to take vacation time please give a couple weeks notice (had a coworker ask for a day off today for this Sunday 😪) Always pee on company time 😏
Congratulations. Best tip. Don't let the customers tell you what they want. Tell them what to order. If they try to argue with you. Throw hot coffee on them 🤪
1put money aside. if it's the first time that you make proper money, it seems to be compelling to just spend all of it, relying on future income or credit cards. it's best to only spend what you have and put money aside for when shit hits the fan.
2 always have your career path in mind and try to improve and further educate yourself as much as you can to stay ahead of competition. i don't know how that applies to a barista job xD but i'm assuming that's not your permanent career choice.
1. Be there on time. 2. Ask questions if you need help or don’t understand something. 3. Dress appropriate try to look a little bit professional. 4. Always we willing to learn something new and adapted to the situations when they change. 5. The customer is not always right and you have the right to refuse service, but crooked employers will try to push you into a situation where you could get screwed. 6. Remember it’s not a job it’s an adventure.
Wow congrats. First jobs are always exciting. Just remember don't get too comfortable cause you should always want better for yourself. Once you get enough experience start looking for better paying jobs. Then eventually try going to college. get a degree, and get a job with that.
Congratulations, try and be polite, I have actually done this job twice when I was a teen. What kind of cafe? For me I had to really know the product but if you work at a Starbucks it’s a lot different.
Congratulations lana! My tip would be that when things get really busy with customers or whatever just remember to breathe deep and focus on one thing at a time. You'll do great!
Congrats on your first job, Take your time when you do your job and you will do it good sometimes young people get nervous at first until they get the knack of what to do best wishes :) :)
Just relax and don't over do the job as if it's all that's there to life. Never forget to live your life and that lets you give your best in everything. All the very best dear.
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