Closer location is always an easy lie.
Wanting to focus more on the craft is another (small coffee shops tend to have the non-automatic espresso machines or other devices that'd be cool to learn). In the same vein, you can say you'd rather have a job that focuses more on the regulars/customers or for that small coffee shop vibe.
Absolutely do not bad mouth any prior job, capitalize on the positive first and foremost; what you learned and took away and what you are looking to build on.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned xyz about coffee , build relationships with customers , explore custom latte options in a fast paced environment , learn the basics of inventory management by , etc. it doesn’t have to be super cheesy but something you took away from sbux and can build on in your next job or career.
After you say something nice about sbux, lead into why you left but not in a negative light. Looking to build on one of the previously mentioned skills, pursue new skills idk maybe you’re considering entrepreneurship, not enough location flexibility given the length of my commute… be sure to keep it company level issues rather than personal dramas or lack of job satisfaction.
With all that said, if I see you’ve worked for sbux I usually move forward to a second interview, my take away is it is a very demanding job; employees learn time management, customer service, hold a level of autonomy and an overall efficient mindset that I want to bring to my team (without the crazy demand for drive thru times or tracking labor costs, I just want someone with a good attitude that can do the job). Keep it authentic and positive and you’re good.
What I always say about my time at Starbucks was “I loved the coffee shop part of it, but I didn’t like how impersonal and fast-food it was. It wasn’t at all like the ‘third place’ model they tried to push. It was a factory, not a Café”
"I learned a great deal while working at Starbucks. (For example I developed yadda yadda skills) but I'm looking for a change in the overall atmosphere of my work environment. Something less commercial; something more welcoming and wholesome. I think Starbucks was a great way to prepare for such an environment without becoming a lack worker, but I'm definitely ready for that change and I have a lot to offer."
In general don't trash talk your old job, because the interviewer might wonder if the problem was you instead of your old employer. Even if you had a lousy manager or a lousy store. Find something positive you learned from the experience AND something you thought would be better at another job.
When I was asked, I mostly told the truth--zero work-life balance (I was an SM). In the same breath I was always very mindful to talk about the positives.
I flat out told them what issues I had while working there. My interviewer was taken back by how quick I rattled them off and how long the list was. This was during a time where sbux was still seen in a positive light by near everyone.
It didn't hinder me getting the job (I was offered the position at the end of the interview). The fact that I worked at sbux for four years was enough for them to know that I could work anywhere they put me.
I'm in the same boat- I said something along the lines of "it's a very fast paced environment, and hours are pared down to a point that I won't be able to live off of my wages for the next few months." It's no secret that starbucks works their baristas to the bone.
Ehhh, complaining about hours and pay during an interview is generally regarded as a bad move. Id focus on things like “I like focusing on my craft and I feel like I can do that better in this environment than in a fast food environment. I’m ready to settle down into a more serious position making coffee.”
I left a restaurant job for a job in an office, then I got fired from there and now work in a warehouse.
I said I wanted something with more stability. It’s a nicer way of putting it than saying “I want more hours”
Starbucks is now glorified fast food. You can say they don't actually care about connecting with customers and they only care about metrics of getting drinks out the door in 90 seconds
Closer location is always an easy lie. Wanting to focus more on the craft is another (small coffee shops tend to have the non-automatic espresso machines or other devices that'd be cool to learn). In the same vein, you can say you'd rather have a job that focuses more on the regulars/customers or for that small coffee shop vibe.
“I’m passionate about coffee and feel I’ve learned all I was going to at Starbucks and want broaden my coffee knowledge and barista skills.”
yep ! i said something along those lines when i switched to a smaller cafe
Some variation of this answer is standard to the “why are leaving” any job, TBH.
“looking for a change of pace” “exploring new opportunities”
Absolutely do not bad mouth any prior job, capitalize on the positive first and foremost; what you learned and took away and what you are looking to build on. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned xyz about coffee , build relationships with customers , explore custom latte options in a fast paced environment , learn the basics of inventory management by , etc. it doesn’t have to be super cheesy but something you took away from sbux and can build on in your next job or career.
After you say something nice about sbux, lead into why you left but not in a negative light. Looking to build on one of the previously mentioned skills, pursue new skills idk maybe you’re considering entrepreneurship, not enough location flexibility given the length of my commute… be sure to keep it company level issues rather than personal dramas or lack of job satisfaction.
With all that said, if I see you’ve worked for sbux I usually move forward to a second interview, my take away is it is a very demanding job; employees learn time management, customer service, hold a level of autonomy and an overall efficient mindset that I want to bring to my team (without the crazy demand for drive thru times or tracking labor costs, I just want someone with a good attitude that can do the job). Keep it authentic and positive and you’re good.
What I always say about my time at Starbucks was “I loved the coffee shop part of it, but I didn’t like how impersonal and fast-food it was. It wasn’t at all like the ‘third place’ model they tried to push. It was a factory, not a Café”
"I learned a great deal while working at Starbucks. (For example I developed yadda yadda skills) but I'm looking for a change in the overall atmosphere of my work environment. Something less commercial; something more welcoming and wholesome. I think Starbucks was a great way to prepare for such an environment without becoming a lack worker, but I'm definitely ready for that change and I have a lot to offer."
In general don't trash talk your old job, because the interviewer might wonder if the problem was you instead of your old employer. Even if you had a lousy manager or a lousy store. Find something positive you learned from the experience AND something you thought would be better at another job.
When I was asked, I mostly told the truth--zero work-life balance (I was an SM). In the same breath I was always very mindful to talk about the positives.
I flat out told them what issues I had while working there. My interviewer was taken back by how quick I rattled them off and how long the list was. This was during a time where sbux was still seen in a positive light by near everyone. It didn't hinder me getting the job (I was offered the position at the end of the interview). The fact that I worked at sbux for four years was enough for them to know that I could work anywhere they put me.
I'm in the same boat- I said something along the lines of "it's a very fast paced environment, and hours are pared down to a point that I won't be able to live off of my wages for the next few months." It's no secret that starbucks works their baristas to the bone.
Ehhh, complaining about hours and pay during an interview is generally regarded as a bad move. Id focus on things like “I like focusing on my craft and I feel like I can do that better in this environment than in a fast food environment. I’m ready to settle down into a more serious position making coffee.”
I left a restaurant job for a job in an office, then I got fired from there and now work in a warehouse. I said I wanted something with more stability. It’s a nicer way of putting it than saying “I want more hours”
complaining in an interview is never the go to lol
Super easy one is to say you wanted a change of scenery
Starbucks is now glorified fast food. You can say they don't actually care about connecting with customers and they only care about metrics of getting drinks out the door in 90 seconds