Working as a Barista at Costa Coffee is more than just making a great cup of coffee. It’s about delivering a memorable customer experience, being part of a dynamic team, and showcasing passion for quality service. Baristas are at the heart of the Costa Coffee brand, responsible for preparing beverages, handling food, engaging with customers, and maintaining a clean, inviting environment. The average salary for a Costa Coffee Barista in the UK is around £10 to £12 per hour, with opportunities to advance into supervisory or managerial positions.
1. Why do you want to work at Costa Coffee? Express your passion for coffee, customer service, and Costa’s brand. Mention any personal experiences or admiration for their values.
Answer: I admire Costa Coffee for its strong focus on customer experience and quality. I love working in a fast-paced environment and enjoy making people’s day with a great coffee and a friendly smile.
2. What do you know about Costa Coffee? Show you’ve done your research.
Answer: Costa Coffee is one of the UK’s leading coffee chains, founded in 1971. It’s known for its handcrafted drinks and commitment to sustainability and community values.
3. How would you handle a difficult customer? Demonstrate patience and communication skills.
Answer: I would stay calm, listen to their concerns, empathise, and try to resolve the issue quickly and professionally. If needed, I would ask a supervisor for support.
4. What does great customer service mean to you? Link your definition to Costa’s standards.
Answer: It means making every customer feel welcome, heard, and appreciated. It’s about delivering not just a product, but a positive and memorable experience.
5. How do you handle busy shifts? Focus on multitasking and teamwork.
Answer: I stay focused, prioritise tasks, and work closely with the team to ensure everything flows smoothly, even under pressure.
6. Can you describe a time you worked as part of a team? Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Answer: At my previous job, we had a busy holiday rush. I coordinated with coworkers to divide responsibilities, and we managed to keep wait times low while maintaining quality service.
7. What would you do if you didn’t know how to make a drink? Show your willingness to learn and follow procedures.
Answer: I would check the preparation guide, ask a colleague or supervisor, and make sure to learn the correct method for next time.
8. How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks? Focus on mindset and customer interaction.
Answer: I find joy in the details and focus on each customer. Even repetitive tasks feel rewarding when I know I’m contributing to a great experience.
9. How would you maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards? Reflect Costa’s standards.
Answer: I follow the cleaning schedule, use the correct products, and make cleanliness part of my routine throughout the day.
10. What would you do if a coworker wasn’t pulling their weight? Show maturity and team spirit.
Answer: I’d try to support them and communicate openly. If the issue persisted, I’d raise it respectfully with a supervisor.
11. What experience do you have in food or beverage service? Be honest but confident.
Answer: I’ve worked in a fast-food environment where I prepared food and handled customer orders. It taught me speed, accuracy, and customer care.
12. Describe a time you delivered exceptional service. Use a specific example.
Answer: A customer had dietary restrictions, and I helped find suitable options, double-checked ingredients, and made them feel safe and valued.
13. How do you deal with stress in a fast-paced environment? Stay positive.
Answer: I take deep breaths, stay organised, and focus on one task at a time. I thrive on the energy and enjoy the challenge.
14. What are your strengths that would help you as a Barista? Mention soft skills.
Answer: I’m friendly, detail-oriented, and quick to learn. I love working with people and staying active throughout the day.
15. What are your weaknesses? Choose a safe weakness and show improvement.
Answer: I used to struggle with asking for help, but I’ve learned that teamwork and communication are essential, especially in busy settings.
16. Are you comfortable handling money and using tills? Be honest.
Answer: Yes, I’ve handled cash and card payments in previous roles, and I’m confident using till systems and giving correct change.
17. Why should we hire you? Sell yourself with confidence.
Answer: I bring energy, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic. I care about customers and thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments.
18. Are you flexible with shifts, weekends, and holidays? Employers love flexibility.
Answer: Yes, I understand the nature of the job and I’m happy to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
19. How do you prioritise tasks when it’s busy? Mention planning and teamwork.
Answer: I assess urgency, communicate with the team, and focus on tasks that directly impact customer experience first.
20. What would you do if a customer received the wrong drink? Customer-first mindset.
Answer: I’d apologise sincerely, correct the mistake promptly, and ensure they leave happy. I’d also check what went wrong to avoid repeating it.
Final Interview Tips and Encouragement
Going for a Costa Coffee Barista interview? Prepare with enthusiasm, learn about the company values, and practice your answers. Smile, be yourself, and show a genuine passion for customer service. Dress neatly, arrive early, and bring a positive attitude. Remember, they’re hiring people, not robots—so let your personality shine through. Good luck, you’ve got this!
