Attn: Starbucks employees

Hey all, due to economic desperation I have a job interview this week for a barista position at Starbucks. I'd love to hear some horror stories (or any kind of stories) from those of you who already work there.

Don't burn yourself on any of the machines....I've heard some horror stories about third degree burns from coffee urns and capichino machines...

I've never worked there...but I think you could do better.

I don't know about horror stories, but Wreernt works at Starbucks, and everything I've heard her say makes them sound like a good company to work for They may be a 'big empire' and shut down 'mom & pop' stores, but they treat their employees very very well. Good luck with your application

I have a local friend who works for them in SF. She's been there for about 3 months now and has nothing but good things to say.

GOOD LUCK!

Word.

Anyone have a link to that thing about not having small sized drinks at the coffee shop?

Go for it.

People who hate Starbucks are just mean ol' haters. Starbucks moves into local communities and cleanses them from redneck shit-coffee from diners (which suck and have mostly dumbass hillbilly folk who look down on anyone not like them), providing enlightenment, good employment and a boost to the economy in return. I've traveled to many a place and always welcome the sight of bucko's if nothing else local will do.

there probably are some horror stories, but they're always ranked as one of the best companies in america to work for.

mmm toffee nut lattes, Id work there for those instead of cash

You would think so, what with the 5 years of university and all, but I've been looking for work for 4 months and this is apparently the best I can do. I will literally have no money sooner than I like to think about, so I'm pretty desparate.

Which would kick ass if I lived in America.

well it's true: for all I know, every company in canada is a better employer than any company in america. but I can only tell you what I know, right?

Right. But a lot of people around here assume that everybody is from wherever they are from, and I find it terribly irksome. If that's not what happened in your case, then I apologize for my level of snark.

as I'm an honest guy even on the internet, I'll admit I didn't look to see where you lived. I'm sorry. but I still think "best to work for in america" is a pretty good recommendation...

Aw.

Yeah, I suppose it should speak volumes about what kind of company Starbucks is. I'm surprised, actually, because the accounts I've been reading elsewhere online have been pretty evenly split between "It's an awesome place to work!" and "I hate my job!". I assumed the consensus would be much more towards the latter. It (not too surprisingly) seems to depend a lot on the individual managers at each store. I hope the one I get is sane and reasonable.

Your opinion of your corporate job will largely depend on perspective. Most corporations have a mandate helping protect themselves from workplace-based litigation, and so you will get *more or less* the same treatment and opportunity for advancement from all like companies, e.g., McDonald's, Starbucks, KFC, La Sinza or whatever corporate jungle you throw yourself into. That said, I'd like to think Starbucks probably treats Canadian employees better than most corporations there, most who take advantage of Canada's historically high unemployment and educated workforce. My girlfriend is a manager at Mickie Dickies in BC with 5 years experience, and she makes 2 bucks (cdn) above minimum wage.

I work at Starbucks.. and I love it! It has been the best working experienceEVER! They take such good care of their employees.. really.

The worst thing is getting burned.. which doesnt happen much, but when it does... it hurts.

If you want to know more.. I'll talk your ear off. haha just come to my journal.

Yeah, I know it's gonna suck, but I was just curious how it compares to other sucky service industry jobs... I've had 'em all, I've even worked at a corporate coffee shop before *cough*TimHorton's*cough*. The job is only part time and I'm trying to start my own home-based business, so I figue as long as I've got my own stuff going on and I'm not slinging coffee more than 25 hours a week, it should be at least tolerable.

Cool. I shall.

The one here? It's called small, medium, large.

I know Starbucks gives health benefits even to part-time employees. I don't know what they pay their employees....but I will tell you that I've worked 60 hour work weeks stocking trucks in a warehouse for $10 an hour and I didn't get health benefits. I'd certainly sling coffee for $7 an hour and benefits as opposed to the former any day.

I work for a starbucks in NJ. the starting pay here is kind of low ($6.50), but I'd imagine that I changes based on where the store is. You get a raise every 6 months. The job is pretty easy and the company isn't bad, either. If you average 20 hours a week you get full benefits. They offer paid vacations and give you stock options. Not too shabby for a part-time job.

editted to add:

you get used to the burns pretty quickly. plus they use nitrous oxcide to make the whip, if you're into that sorta thing

[Edited on Aug 22, 2004 by myNameIsJustin]

damn right... but in canada a heart transplant costs $10, right? what kind of benifits do you need? does starbucks offer dental?

I thought you hated Starbucks and you were trying to sue your manager or something? Or was that just the Barnes and Noble that you hated. I am confused.

I, too, worked at Starbucks for a stint after school. Clara's right about shoes - the initial investment might hurt, but you'll be thankful. You're on your feet a lot, and whoever thinks those rubber mats solve the problem is seriously delusional.

My biggest horror story... it involved a lot of gossiping between various stores and a particularly childish supervisor. It actually was really fucked up, and the situation contributed to a store manager getting demoted. But the short end of the stick is that the environment is, typically, high-stress and you work in close proximity to a lot of people... as a result, rumors fly like mad. I quit as a result of the experience I had...

I'm not sure how the healthcare benefits would come into play since you're in Canada, but I would be surprised if the other benefits are hugely different from Starbucks USA. (If I remember correctly, internally Sbux has divided itself between US partners and international partners, and there is likely a difference between benefits). This said, I don't know of many other companies that are as generous as Starbucks when it comes to elligibility for benefits and the benefits package.

As for advice for the interview - if you haven't already, go to their site and do a little bit of research. Learn what the company prides itself on, what types of things it does in your local community, and so on. Also, play up your customer service skills, as well as your ability to learn new things. An interest in coffee doesn't hurt. Mostly, be enthusiastic and show that you aren't just another person that's looking for a job... make them believe you're someone looking for a job at Starbucks and that they'll be fools for not hiring you. I know, it's a lot of BS, but it'll get you hired.

Trust me... I interviewed with the busiest store in the district, and I ended up getting hired on the spot. I felt dirty for it at the time, and went home and took a shower as soon as I could... but, I got the job.