✦ The Lounge — Hiring ✦

How to get hired at a café (even if other applicants have more experience)

Café managers don't always hire the most experienced person. They hire the person who looks like they'll show up, fit the team, and not embarrass them in front of regulars. Here's how to be that person.

Apply on the right day, at the right time

Walk in Tuesday–Thursday, 2–4pm. Avoid Monday (chaos), Friday afternoon (closing focus), and any time near a rush. The manager will actually have 5 minutes to talk to you.

Know the café before you walk in

• What roaster do they use? (Look at the bag on the shelf.)
• What's their signature drink?
• Do they do pour-over or only espresso?
• Who owns it? (Check their Instagram bio.)

Drop one of these into your conversation. It separates you from every other walk-in.

Dress like you already work there

Look at what the baristas wear. Match that vibe. Most US specialty cafés: dark jeans, plain t-shirt, clean sneakers. Hair tied back. No strong cologne.

The 24-hour follow-up rule

If they said 'we'll be in touch,' send a 2-line follow-up email or DM the next day:

Hi — really enjoyed meeting you yesterday and seeing the bar. Just wanted to say I'm still very interested and available to start whenever. Thanks!

Almost no one does this. It quietly puts you at the top of the pile.

Working interview wins

1. Wipe down constantly. Always be cleaning between drinks.
2. Ask before doing anything new — 'where do you want me to put dirty pitchers?'
3. Call drinks back to the customer to confirm before starting.
4. Don't touch the espresso machine unless invited.
5. When in doubt, smile at the next customer in line.

What kills offers

• Phone out during the trial shift
• Talking down a previous employer
• Vague availability ('I can do whenever, basically')
• Strong perfume / cologne
• Asking about pay before they offer the job (ask once they offer, not before)

After the offer: negotiate one thing

Once they offer the job, ask: 'Is there flexibility on starting hourly?' Most cafés will bump you $0.50–$1.00/hour just for asking respectfully. Worst case they say no — your offer stands.