subject: Ideal Ways to Survive Your Time Taking a Job in a Coffee Chain [print this page] Working in a coffee shop is, for a lot of people, their very first job and is often a highly exhausting endeavour. Doing this same job can be quite repetitive due to a lack of mental stimulation, even with the implied ease of it that others believe.
I had used to work in a premium cafe for almost a year before taking a different job more appropriate for my career skills and future aims. However, in my time spent there, I had learnt the best ways to prepare coffee and how to deal with awkward customers, as well as how to get the cafe cleaned as quickly and effectively as possible.
At the end of the day, the job isnt really that bad - the pay might be quite poor, but the work is usually quite fun and as long as you enjoy customer service, can be highly fulfilling. Below are my top factors for optimising your experience working in a coffee shop.
Preparing for the day: Whilst this might seem incredibly obvious, it is sometimes disregarded by over-confident staff. Ensure that any and all food is cooked, that milk has been topped up, cakes have been cut, sandwiches stacked and fridges are well stocked. Every aspect should be thoroughly checked - whipped cream canisters, hot chocolate levels and that there are more than enough coffee beans for the day. You are generally going to go through at least one of these a day and it can be beneficial to bring another one to the bar from the stock room, rather than having to leave your position to go and get more.
You don't need to be robotic: Keep a smile on your face and stay personal; also checking that every single customer has what they have asked for. Small touches, such as keeping conversation whilst making coffee will help to bring customers back for further business; however if they are being rude or difficult, remain calm, polite and re-assure them that you will sort any problems they have out - a clever comeback is not the way to go.
Keep the till and bar organised: Make sure that all coins and notes are in the correct slot and put all notes face up on top of each other. This can reduce any potential mistakes when counting money and help to avoid mistakes. Organising the items kept behind the bar, such as cups, teaspoons and trays can make it quicker and easier to serve customers and help to keep full control of the shop.
Give each member of staff a role: Obviously a number of staff members will enjoy and excel in certain roles, but it is vital to assign tasks to individuals and stick to them. My first job was in a large, two-storey coffee shop underneath a Liverpool serviced office and it was really helpful to know your personal role as well as the others. This allowed me and others to focus our time on our individual roles and maximise my productivity.
Working in a coffee store can be a fun and exciting job and can help to guide you on your path towards new jobs, particularly within the customer service industry. Even though the position itself might not be glamorous or high-powered, it is definitely an enjoyable and useful career to enter.
Ideal Ways to Survive Your Time Taking a Job in a Coffee Chain
