r/AskSeattle • u/renugayd • 1d ago
Looking for advice. ☕️
I’m going through a huge career change. I left my job with the support of my amazing spouse to pursue a career in coffee. I found an amazing program through Goodwill, met some incredible people, and had a teacher who genuinely poured into our little cohort. Now I’ve got some foundational knowledge, mock café experience, and an updated resume. In the words of our savior SpongeBob "I'm Ready!"
The problem? I’ve submitted countless applications through Indeed and Poached, and I’ve only heard back from two different places, three times total. I’ve answered questions, responded to recruiting teams, and tried my best to get my foot in the door, but I can’t seem to make it to the interview stage. Most of the responses I get are essentially, “We decided to move forward with another candidate,” without ever having the opportunity to meet me.
So, I’m genuinely asking: Is it REALLY possible to get a barista job in Seattle right now if you can’t even get an interview? Are coffee shops primarily hiring through referrals and word of mouth, or am I missing something? Is it just this competitive, or are some shops a little cliquey?
One shop actually reached out to ME twice, only to turn me down without even offering an in-person interview. 🥲 I’m trying not to take it personally, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t discouraging.
A little about me: I moved to Seattle about 10 months ago from the South (the Deep South, heh heh 😈 iykyk) with my spouse and pets, and we absolutely love it here! I have over 10 years of experience in operations, customer service, and customer retention. I’ve also taken the initiative to get my Food Worker Card and MAST permit on my own, in addition to completing my barista training program.
I’m kind, genuinely funny (at least I think so 😂), and passionate about creating unique, welcoming experiences for customers. I know I’m new to the coffee industry, and I’m not expecting anyone to hand me a job. I’m just looking for an opportunity to learn, grow, and prove myself.
For those of you working in Seattle cafés, how did you get your foot in the door? Should I be walking into shops with my resume, focusing on smaller independent cafés, networking, or doing something else entirely?
I’m genuinely open to advice because I really want to make this career change work. Any tips, leads, or words of wisdom are very much appreciated. ✌️
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u/Shrimmmmmpuh Local 1d ago
I don't have a ton of advice except just keep throwing applications in and showing face as much as possible. Seattle service industry is in a really weird spot right now without the economic downturn that's happening nationwide.
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u/renugayd 1d ago
Thank you so much! I appreciate the comment and will keep at it. I know its hard out there right now. Thankful for what I have and willing to be patient through the crisis!
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u/TwoMaleficent552 1d ago
These things are hugely vibes based. I got my first barista job bc I was in college and had weird availability that lined up opposite of another employee who I literally never met in my two years working there. If you’re getting interviews, you’re doing something right and likely just losing out to candidates who fit better, not who are more deserving. You’ll find a place! Have you tried looking for barista jobs around Shoreline, Lake City, or Lake Forest Park? Places that are right around the city but people don’t think of immediately when looking for coffee jobs!
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u/renugayd 1d ago
I live in Lake City actually! I am going out with résumés again today! Thank you for the advice ill keep hitting shops!
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u/Bubbly-Associate8570 1d ago
I heard a pretty compelling story about motivational fit but not a word about going in to the shops in person. If you see an advertisement go in person and ask to speak to the manager and hand them your resume. There are some jobs where the in person part is the difference
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u/Jasperblu Local 7h ago
Try some of the roasteries too, Caffé Umbria comes to mind (they still do small batch roasting in their original shop on Occidental & Jackson (Pio Sq), but their larger operation is in South Park on 16th Ave South (right across the Duwamish from Boeing).
Do you want to solely work as a barista, or do you want to learn the whole coffee culture/ops thing of roasting, beans, brewing, cupping, etc.?
Definitely most indie shops will prefer you match their vibe, and likely you’ll want to walk in with your resume. A lot of grocery stores also have cafes in them (that aren’t SBUX), and that’s another good place to get some barista experience without having to do the Corporate thing. Try Metropolitan Market, PCC, and Thriftway. My kid got a years worth of barista experience at the Thriftway here on Vashon, and then did further training at Umbria.
Good luck and keep at it! You’re obviously doing something right. :)
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u/No-Photograph1983 1d ago
you're trying to be a barista?
0
u/renugayd 1d ago
Did you read the post?
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u/No-Photograph1983 1d ago
go to starbucks. get your foot in the door, then you can move on to bette coffee shops.
i dont know why you had to write a story about it
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u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 1d ago
You are looking for a job at a time when everyone is struggling to find jobs. Getting interviews is a huge positive, so you do have an attractive background. It hurts. Be persistent. You aren’t doing anything wrong, except having bad timing.