Getting the Job
If you’re currently looking for a job or not, you’ll be surprised to know this fun fact. Starbucks is literally always hiring. You can apply to Starbucks whenever, there aren’t any job fairs or specific times they hire. Another fun fact, this was my third time applying to Starbucks. The first two times were at a location in Alabama and I accidentally answered a question wrong on my application… I know, stupid right? Applying the third time was my last time. I wasn’t too worried if I didn’t get the job, but it would’ve been nice if I did. Clearly, I got the job, WOOO, or I couldn’t be writing this article.
The Experience
When I first started working, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought, how am I going to learn all of these drinks and make them quickly! I was terribly worried. Starbucks has a stair step method to determine people’s positions. You start at the bottom, and eventually work your way up and end up in the spot that you’re the best at. For me, I started working on ovens. My Starbucks store is a drive thru store, so most of my orders come from the window. I’ve been at Starbucks for 6 months now, and I currently switch back and forth between doing ovens, drive thru order + bar 1. My journey is slightly different from other peoples though, because I’m only able to work the morning shifts. After 6 months, most people would be skilled enough to work bar 2, which is the café espresso machine. I’ve become more skilled in my ability to make drinks and take orders, but not enough to be by myself.
I love the fact that Starbucks is a very team-oriented environment. Being a drive thru store, we rely a lot on one another. Drive thru order is a three-step process. DTO, is the person at the counter taking orders over the headset. While the order is being taken it’s the jobs of oven and bar 1 people to prepare the food/drinks in a timely manner. These items are run to DTO who sets up the car’s orders in order for the person at the window who’s accepting payment and handing out orders. During all of this, we have to keep the amount of time people are waiting for their orders down. If one person falls behind, the time will go up. We all work very hard to ensure that you get your order in a timely manner.
The Perks
Being a Starbucks partner entitles you to a “few” benefits:
- Free drinks 30 minutes before/after your shift, and during your shift
- One free food item 30 minutes before/after your shift, and during your shift
- Partner discount of 40% off (can be used at all Starbucks retail stores)
- Instant gold status in the Starbucks app
- 4x stars earned on purchases
- Weekly markouts, which are free coffee items such as bags of coffee, Keurig pods, etc.
- The ability to buy Starbucks stocks at a discount, this is why we’re referred to as Starbucks partners and not employees
- Spotify premium account for free
- Free tuition through Arizona State University
- Commuter benefits program to pay for your commute to work if it’s through a bus, etc.
- Early access to new drinks or seasonal drinks, before they’re available to the public.
And these are just a few of the perks. I’m still learning about new ones each day, so the list goes on and on.
Starbucks “Secrets”
While working at Starbucks, I’ve realized that there are some things that people don’t realize. Here’s a list of “secrets” about Starbucks that you may not know.
- If the Starbucks you’re going to is a drive thru store…
- When a car pulls over the cord outside to order, we get notified over our headsets. As soon as you cross it, the sound turns on as well, so we can hear you before we begin talking to you. There’s also a camera in the order screen, so we can see you as well.
- When you order, we begin making it. If you change your order at the end, chances are either (1) your drink/food is already being made, so we have to start over or (2) your drink/food has been completed. Not a lot a people know this, and we constantly have people change their orders.
- There is a specific time frame during the day called peak. It’s the time of day when we are the busiest. At my Starbucks, that time is from 7am to about 12pm. If you’re ordering during the time, be aware that it may take longer than usual, especially with food. Being a drive thru store, we are also catering to the customers in the café as well.
- You can pick up mobile orders in the drive thru.
- It’s not advised to add to your order at the window. It puts us in an awkward position, because orders are made according to how they were received.
- You can’t order at the window if you passed the box. We will ask you to go back around to keep the orders in the correct order.
- Starbucks doesn’t except bills over $20…usually. It requires us to have a manager give you change sometimes.
- If you don’t like your drink or something was wrong, you can come back, and we’ll fix it for free. You can also email Starbucks and you will be compensated.
- You can bring your own cups for drinks, and we’ll give you a small discount.
- Starbucks drinks don’t come in small, medium, and large. The names of the sizes correlate to the amount of ounces they are (with the exception of the short, tall, grande size).
- Tall = 12 ounces
- Grandé = 16 ounces
- Venti = 20 ounces*
- Trenta = 30 ounces*
- The people making your drinks and food are usually two different people. If you’re wondering where your food is, the barista at the espresso machine usually won’t know. It’s best to ask the cashier questions about your food.
- We don’t make any of the food from hand. All of our food is sent to us premade, and we just heat it up in the oven for you.
- We are sent a specific number of items each day, so it’s first come first serve. Once we run out, we won’t have any until the next day.
- Starbucks will grind its own bags of coffee or other brands for you, for free!
- YOU DON’T HAVE TO ORDER ANYTHING TO USE THE BATHROOM. ANYONE CAN USE THE RESTROOM, NOT JUST STARBUCKS CUSTOMERS.
There are a bunch of other “secrets”, but it’s difficult to think about all of them at once to compile a list. These are probably the most general things people should know.
Should I work at Starbucks?
I really love working at Starbucks. The people and environment are great, especially for those starting off with a job. I think if you’re even considering, apply anyway, and try it out for yourself. I will say though, if you’re working during peak, it can get a bit hectic and be stressful. You’ll realize working at Starbucks that you’re capable of so much more than you probably thought. So, go ahead, try it out!
*Italian for 20 and 30.