how to write a cover letter for a barista job

Barista Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024

You brew the perfect cup of coffee and know your espressos from your lattes.

But when it comes to writing a cover letter, you feel like you're trying to make a cappuccino without milk. Yes, you're a pro behind the counter, but you just can’t seem to sell yourself on paper.

Don't worry, though — we've got you covered. This guide is your ultimate resource for writing a standout barista cover letter that'll get you noticed. 

Here's what we're going to cover:

• What a Great Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Great Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips

Let's dive in!

Barista Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Barista Cover Letter

You now know what a top-notch barista cover letter looks like, so you're all set to write your cover letter .

Just follow some simple steps, and you'll craft a letter that's as impressive as your latte art. 

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Kick off your barista cover letter by adding your contact information at the top, similar to what you'd do with your resume . Here's the rundown on what to include:

• Full Name: Your full name should go at the top of your resume.
• Job Title: Be specific about the barista role you're applying for. Hiring managers deal with loads of applications for various jobs, so clarity helps.
• Email Address: Stick to a straightforward email, like a combination of your first and last name. Forget about that quirky email you made years ago. So ditch [email protected] for something like [email protected].
• Phone Number: Double-check the number you list. If you're eyeing a job in another country, include the dial code.
• Location: Just your city and state, or country, is enough. But if you’re open to relocating, mention it.
• Relevant Links (Optional): Feel free to add useful links like your LinkedIn profile or even your Instagram if they showcase your coffee art.

Next, add the hiring manager's details:

• Company's Name: The name of the coffee shop or café you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager’s Name: Do a bit of digging to find this. Look at the job post, the café’s website, or their LinkedIn.
• Title of Hiring Manager: If they're the Café Manager, use that title. Otherwise, “Hiring Manager” works fine.
• Location: The city and state, or country, where the café is located is crucial. You can add the street info if you want to get specific.
• Email Address (Optional): If you can find it, add the hiring manager’s email.
• Date (Optional): Include the date you wrote the cover letter to wrap it up nicely.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After adding all the key contact information , you should tailor the greeting to the person who'll be reading it.

Just remember —- skip the old-fashioned "To Whom It May Concern." A personalized greeting sets a much more familiar tone.

First, do some digging. Look at the job ad, the cafe's website, or their LinkedIn to find the name and email of the person who’s hiring for the barista role. It's a good idea to use formal titles like "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, you can opt for their full name. For instance:

• Dear Mr. Smith,  
• Dear Emily Smith, 

If you hit a dead-end and can't find the bar manager's information, aim your letter at the department or the cafe as a whole. 

• Dear Barista Hiring Team, 
• Dear Human Resources,
• Dear Coffee Shop Staff,

This way, you're covering all bases while keeping it specific enough to show you did your homework.

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds scanning a job application before deciding if it's worth a full read. This means if you want to get their attention, you’ve got to do it from the get-go. 

Start by stating your name and why you're drawn to the barista role. A dash of enthusiasm for the cafe scene or the job itself can make the hiring manager curious to learn more about you.

Doing your homework about the cafe or coffee shop helps a lot. The more you know about the place, the better you can show you'd fit right in. This gives the hiring manager the idea that you're not just throwing your resume everywhere but that you're keen on this particular job.

If you've got some experience, kick off your cover letter with a standout achievement or a skill that makes you ideal for the job.

But keep it brief. Your goal here is to spark the hiring manager's interest, so they'll want to read more.

As you write your cover letter, remember to avoid these cover letter mistakes at all costs!

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your barista cover letter is where you get the chance to delve into your qualifications for the job. 

The key here is not to just echo your barista resume . Instead, use the space in your cover letter to elaborate on how you made specific achievements happen, or even explain an employment gap or how you gained a skill that’s key for the job. 

Use this space to talk about achievements that prove you're great for this role. Refer to the job ad for cues. For instance, if the job ad highlights the importance of "making personal connections with customers," you might mention how you've consistently received positive feedback for your customer interactions in a previous cafe job.

Tailoring your cover letter to the job ad is essential. If, for example, the cafe values speed and efficiency, talk about how you excel in busy environments and give an example. If they mention a "sense of urgency," tell them about the time you managed a sudden rush of orders without breaking a sweat.

Knowing about the cafe or coffee shop you're applying to can give you an edge. If you're already a fan of their particular coffee blend or you admire their commitment to sustainability, say so. This shows you align with their brand and mission.

And don't forget to show your enthusiasm. Make it clear that you're excited about the possibility of working there and that you’re confident that you bring the right skills to make a real impact.

If you want to get even more inspired, check out our cover letter examples in this article. 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Nailing the conclusion of your barista cover letter can seal the deal. This is your final shot at leaving the hiring manager with a good taste in their mouth. No pun intended. 

Finish your barista cover letter by summarizing your strong points. Maybe you excel at making complicated espresso drinks or you're great at connecting with customers in a busy cafe setting. Briefly remind them why you're the one for the job.

Finally, invite the hiring manager to take action, like setting up an interview to meet personally. This shows you're proactive and eager to move forward. A line like, "I'm excited to discuss how my barista skills could benefit your team" could get you a meeting.

End on a professional note. Sign off your cover letter with a simple but respectful line, followed by your full name. 

Feel free to reach out to me at the given email or phone number to arrange an interview. I'm eager to dive deeper into my application when it's good for you.

And, if "cheers" feels too casual for you, here are some alternatives:

• Best regards,
• Thanks for your time

Remember, the way you wrap things up can make a big difference. Make it count.

3 Essential Barista Cover Letter Tips

Now that you've got the basics of cover letters down, let's fine-tune yours with some must-know cover letter tips for aspiring baristas. These tips are real game-changers.

#1. Match Your Resume

Ready to brew up a career as a barista?

Make sure your cover letter vibes with your resume. If they don't match, you might come off as unorganized and not attentive to details.

Your information should be clear and crisp on the page, with matching fonts all the way through. And while you're sorting it out, adjust those edges and the space between lines. 

Your cover letter? Think of it like the perfect cup of coffee - best served in one neat pour. Good luck!

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling pressed for time? 

Use our free resume builder to create the perfect barista resume and grab one of our cover letter templates to save time and effort. 

All our templates are designed to fit your resume seamlessly. And guess what? Hiring pros from across the globe helped craft them. You'll be industry-ready and looking sharp. Easy peasy!

#2. Be Enthusiastic

Let's talk about vibes. 

A cover letter that radiates enthusiasm can set you apart. It sends a clear message: you're not just looking for any job, but you're excited about this one. Hiring managers can sense that. Confidence, passion for the coffee industry, and a positive outlook can make your application stand out in a sea of average letters.

But hold on; there's a fine line. You want to show enthusiasm, not come off as a fanboy or fangirl of the company. Excessive flattery can make you seem disingenuous. 

So, keep it balanced. Your enthusiasm should be about the role and how you fit into it, not just about how amazing the company is. 

Also, be mindful of coming off as overconfident. You want to express that you’re ready to take on the job, but you don't want to sound like you've already got the job. Keep your enthusiasm genuine and focused, and it'll serve you well in the hiring process.

#3. Keep It Relevant

Time is of the essence, especially for hiring managers swamped with applications. That's why your cover letter should get to the point - right away. 

It's not a platform to share your life story or every job you've ever had. Focus on the essentials that make you the right fit for the barista role.

Being concise shows you respect the hiring manager's time. It also suggests you can identify what's most important. That's a valuable skill, especially in a fast-paced café environment. So stick to relevant experience and skills. If you've got a knack for customer service or have barista training, highlight that. 

In short, a focused and concise cover letter signals to employers that you understand the job and its requirements. So keep it tight and relevant. It'll make a difference.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on the perfect barista cover letter! We hope our example will inspire you to create one that lands you your dream gig right away. 

Before you start writing, though, here are some key takeaways from the article: 

• You should kick off your barista cover letter by including your and the bar manager’s contact information. Make sure your information is factual; otherwise, the bar manager won’t be able to reach out for an interview. 
• Make sure the opening paragraph of your barista cover letter is captivating if you want the hiring manager to read the rest of your cover letter. 
• Use the body of your cover letter to elaborate on your top accomplishments and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. 
• Make sure to add a call to action at the end of your barista cover letter. This might motivate the hiring manager to give you a call or arrange an interview. 
• Last but not least, double-check that your barista resume and cover letter match in terms of style and visual appearance. If you don’t have time to align all those elements together, then simply pick one of our free resume templates and a cover letter template to match it perfectly.

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